Have you heard of the Gringo trail? Put it this way, if you happen to be an American, Canadian, or European in origin, this trip is perfect for you!
Just as you can imagine, millions of tourists each year seek the wonders and sheer immensity of the Americas; south of the USA that is.
Get your map ready because there’s a vast indigenous history with many different factions of culture and heritage awaiting those who seek it!
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The Gringo Trail
This guide is designed to give you an introduction to the Gringo Trail, what it is, who it’s for and what you are likley to find on it along the way.
From the street vendors of Tijuana to the penguins of Cabo de Hornos almost 11,000km away, the vast expanse of the Latin world contains a lot to be explored, and the gringo trail serves as a compass to help guide us.
Think about it like this, by keeping the Gringo Trail in mind it offers guidance for safer, smoother cross-country backpacking trips.
This helps us as travelers plan efficient routes and budget-friendly stops in Latin America so we can maximize time, money and cultural experiences.
What is the Gringo Trail?
The Gringo Trail is a backpacking route through Central and South America famous for connecting must-see cities, beaches and landmarks.
The trail includes must-visit spots such as:
- 🇲🇽 Mexico: Oaxaca, Tulum, Mexico City
- 🇬🇹 Guatemala: Antigua, Lake Atitlán
- 🇨🇷 Costa Rica: Monteverde, Puerto Viejo
- 🇨🇴 Colombia: Cartagena, Medellín
- 🇵🇪 Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu
- 🇨🇱 Chile: Santiago, Patagonia
These destinations offer a mix of historical sites, natural beauty and vibrant cultures making it an unforgettable journey for adventurous travelers.
Over the years, I have visited the majorty of these destinations and managed to adopt my own travel style that focuses on my interests.
So, while not a formal path, it’s a loosely connected web of travel spots across those regions that are frequented by backpackers and travelers.
Here are some things to bare in mind:
- Safety: While the trail is generally safe, it’s essential to stay informed about local conditions and exercise caution.
- Budgeting: The trail is known for being budget-friendly, but costs can vary by country depending on season and location.
- Cultural Etiquette: Understanding and respecting local customs enhances the travel experience and builds cultural connections.
Is it possible to do the gringo trail without being a gringo? Yes! But Let’s start by looking at the term gringo and what it means to be one first.
What is a Gringo?
The definition of the term Gringo itself is very loose, as it basically means foreigner. It’s a slang term, and possibly a prejudicial term.
I’ve found that many use the word as a term of endearment, but in actual fact, for others, it sits on a knife-edge as to how it can be used.
If you watch a lot of movies, you may have heard of the term before, as it is often used in Hollywood by someone of Latin American ethnicity against someone of European origin, more than likely from the USA or Canada.
But you will find that the word can also be thrown at you as a Latino traveling from Europe too. No matter whether you are Spanish or Italian.
As a rule of thumb: if you are a person who resides outside of the Latin American world and find yourself in Mexico, Central America or South America, you are a gringo. And my best advice is, don’t take it personal.
The Gringo Trail in my eyes
Here’s the thing: there is no such thing as the ‘gringo trail.’ For example, it isn’t a literal route or road which specifically white people take.
Think of the gringo trail as ‘a hypothetical trail’ that passes through all the major tourist spots south of El paso in the United States.
Whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget that loves staying in cheap party hostels, or a well-to-do youth seeking the next grand tour; a journey through Latin America is one of the best experiences in the world.
Your Gringo Trail could be slightly different to mine and then a world apart from the next traveler, but the key similarity is finding the most popular tourism/heritage spots in the countries that you plan to travel to.
Going off the gringo trail is usually not recommended, why? Beacuse it is like reinventing the wheel. The places you find along the way have usually been tried and tested so you are reducing the risk of danger significantly.
However, this doesn’t mean that it is safe. Been on the gringo trail means talking to fellow backpackers and travelers and tapping into the weath of experience and traveler tales to find out what’s good and what to avoid.
Over time the places become oversaturated or less authetic. But for those who are starting out or traveling solo in Latin America it is helpful to know that these places exist and exactly what to expect when visiting them.
Central America Gringo Trail
Let’s now take a look at some of the countries in Central America which make up part of the gringo trail and what you can expect to find:
- 🇧🇿 Belize: is one of the most laid-back countries in North America and the world. Like a Caribbean island but bolted onto the side of Central America, this miniature country hugs the coast and sits between Mexico and Guatemala. Here you can discover the incredible forests, haunting Mayan ruins, lavish food and drink, world-class coral reef, and exotic wildlife on land and beneath the waves!
- 🇬🇹 Guatemala: is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America, without a doubt. Just like its bordering countries, it is steeped in ancient history and has expansive biodiversity. This is the country for you if you are a nature buff.
With less than 2% of urbanized landmass, it’s a farmland and jungle paradise. The home of Mayans hundreds of years ago and now the home to a proud nation, Guatemala is the pride of Central America. - 🇭🇳 Honduras: is a little country with so much to offer! The Copan Ruinas; a world-renowned UNESCO heritage site that’s home to a vast array of Mayan ruins. The Mesoamerican Reef system, one of the biggest underwater wildlife reserves in the western hemisphere. Threatened by complete deforestation after hurricane Mitch in 1998, the last remaining living coral is 14.4% of the coral reef mass.
- 🇳🇮 Nicaragua: is one of the most lovely countries in Central America, but this isn’t reflected in the number of visitors it receives, unfortunately. Still, it’s the largest country in the isthmus and has some incredible sights for those who choose to visit.
- 🇨🇷 Costa Rica: is one of the most popular tourist destinations in not just Central America but the North American continent. Just like its bordering countries, it is steeped in ancient history and has unbridled and expansive biodiversity. Home to a proud and socially diverse nation, Costa Rica has a lot to enjoy.
- 🇵🇦 Panama: is a truly beautiful country with an incredible location. The last stopping point of North America for any tourists traveling downwards toward South America, it features the most famous shipping canal in the world. Panama is often overlooked for its neighbor Costa Rica, due to its main function being the canal.
South America Gringo Trail
After Central America, the more adventurous head further south. Let’s look at some of the countries in South America that make up the gringo trail.
- 🇨🇴 Colombia: is the pride of South America. The most northern country within the continent, it’s home to 10% of the world’s biodiversity! It has a vibrance and virility that is unmatched in the world. Not to mention it has incredible beaches on the Caribbean Sea, mesmerizing zócalos (brightly colored decorative panels painted on the fronts of shops and houses), and the world’s best coffee on offer.
- 🇪🇨 Ecuador: most people who have ‘Galapagos’, ‘Amazon rainforest’ and ‘Andes mountain Range’ on their travel bucket lists won’t even consider the idea that the wonderful Ecuadorian nation has them all! This compact country, named after its location in accordance with the equator, features some of the world’s best ecological marvels.
- 🇵🇪 Peru: is one of the most popular and well-loved countries in South America. There are multiple reasons for visiting this incredible country, but on this page you can see just a few. It’s home to the world-famous Incan city of Machu Picchu and has an amazing history, plus, the most enchanting landscape in all of South America!
- 🇧🇴 Bolivia: is the most exhilarating country in South America. Whether you’re skimming stones across Lake Titicaca, taking incredible pictures at the Salar de Uyuni, or just admiring the many hiking trails. Bolivia has a lot to offer but sometimes falls by the wayside due to its illegal drugs reputation. But just like Colombia (one of my favorite nations), you’ll need to visit the country to experience it for yourself!
- 🇧🇷 Brazil: is the home to a whopping 60% of the Amazon Rainforest and the most iconic culture of South America. Favelas, beach football, Jiu Jitsu, Christ the Redeemer, City of God. Brazil has it all and then some. It’s difficult for anyone to name a South American country without naming Brazil. It is after all, the largest country in South America and one of the largest countries in the world.
- 🇺🇾 Uruguay: dunes, lagoons, and the perfect coastline. There’s so much that this little country has to offer other than just a cruise stop for South American voyages. This may be the most laid-back country in South America, with legalized cannabis and sleepy fishing villages.
- 🇦🇷 Argentina: has some of the world’s best landscapes as it is one of the larger countries in South America. Patagonia isn’t just a brand! Whether you’re looking for hiking adventures, on the search for wildlife, or visiting the statue of Eva Peron in the capital Buenos Aires.
- 🇨🇱 Chile: whether you’re chasing the Andes, on the search for incredible wildlife, or posing with Easte Island Moais. One of the most unique countries in the world, Chile has natural splendors such as the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and interesting history, to say the least. It is definitely suited for the fit and healthy; with its high altitudes, long-distance hiking, and surfing.
The Gringo Trail: My Last Words
The gringo trail is an amazing route to explore the Latin world.
Many people love to visit these countries, but as a cruise, or a country-hopping series of plane flights, rather than slow, immersive backpacking.
However, I always like to recommend that you stick to the traditional ground routes with automobiles, for a more authentic experience possible.
Buses and caches are everywhere in Central and South America, making the trips very accessible for those wanting to see all there is to see!
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