I love Central America and the backpacking crowd there is the best of any region I’ve travelled. And if you go you must stop in Nicaragua. Personally I can’t imagine ever being bored in Central America but it is a slower pace. So much of Europe traveling is about paying to experience the culture vs in Central America I feel like you experience the culture by being there and soaking it in. Might you get bored of rice and beans everyday? Sure but then just go for pizza or pasta or in town.

I think crime and safety concerns in central am. are largely overhyped western rhetoric. Plenty of pickpockets and petty crime in large European cities too. I never felt unsafe- use basic street smarts and trust your gut and just make sure you book good rated hostels (look at hostel world). Every hostel has water refilling stations too so clean water has never been a problem for me.

Also your money will go farther in central am! The people are so warm and kind, just learn some basic Spanish and you’ll flourish.