Ben's Guidebook to Chica Chame

If you're backpacking through the taxis are cheap and the buses (chivas) are even cheaper. They even run up here into the mountains fairly regularly at 1 hour periods just be prepared for a local bus experience. That said, if you have the means renting a car out here opens up the accessibility for day trips and exploration! Rather than get ripped off by one of the company car rentals in the city which charges $1/night and then jacks up insurance I can connect you with some rental services out here near Coronado.

It's certainly safe but you have to be more worried about opportunistic thieves. Personally I leave expensive travel equipment that I travel in North America with at home. A backpack with basic travel accessories is fine. Bug Spray & Sun screen are key. Gear for hiking in the jungle.

They use USD down here and have adjusted to Ex-Pats and US travellers. It's still generally cheaper but if you're not afraid of embracing local spanish restaurants, markets, customs you can definitely save a lot more. Don't be afraid to barter.

They are a friendly people. As you walk by strangers or even into stores/shops it's common to say hello to everyone. Or as they say here "bueno(s)" like short for buenos dias but they have a soft s.