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Central America is the backpacker’s ultimate fantasy and ultimate challenge. The nascent tourist industry leaves room for exploring the road less traveled, and therein lies the catch—getting from place to place becomes an adventure in and of itself. Central America’s seven countries are only a quarter of Mexico’s size, but the diverse topography, culture, ecology, and activities coexist nowhere else in the world. Within the narrow isthmus, rainforest, volcanoes, coral reefs, and beaches await alongside Maya ruins. Largely marginalized and somewhat feared by travelers in past decades, Central American countries are finally emerging from years of violent political instability into a relatively peaceful period. All have democratic governments, and the wounds left by the once-prevalent civil wars are slowly healing. Once the destination only of bold (or foolhardy) adventurers, today’s Central America—inexpensive and compact—is the budget traveler’s new frontier.