Central America Small Group Tours
4.6 stars on(8,683 reviews)- Choose from 200+ Central America tours
- 1,100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Central America small group tours
Compiled by

MelissaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar
- Central America Experience
- Central American Highlights
- The Lure of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua)
- Central American Explorer (16 destinations)
- Maya Triangle : El Salvador, Copan Ruins & Guatemala 8 Days
- Guatemala to Measure - Private group of 6 or more
- Panama Small Group 7Days/6Nights
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
Central America Experience
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“What started as a bad experience turned out to be brilliant! Thanks Marvelus Travel!”
Tori, traveled in January
Small groups of 10-14 travelers unite across 4 Central American countries. Highlights include Pacaya Volcano trek in Guatemala and boat tours of Granada's isletas. Popular with solo travelers (50% of bookings) and couples, featuring hostel stays and included breakfast.
Duration 14 days Destinations Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Marvelus Travel From
- NZ$3,224
Central American Highlights
31 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Apart from two hotels they were leagues above our expectations and the whole trip was excellent.”
Angela, traveled in January
Fifteen travelers bond while exploring Copan's ruins and Monteverde's cloud forests. The intimate group size allows authentic experiences like local dining in Suchitoto and special access to Maya ceremonies at Lake Atitlan. Average age 62, with 56% solo travelers.
Duration 16 days Destinations Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From $6,650
10% Off- NZ$5,990You save $660
The Lure of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua)
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Diverse and well traveled group. Itinerary could use a little tweaking to break up the long travel days.”
Cathy, traveled in February
Ten to twelve people share experiences across 4 countries, visiting sites like Iximche ruins and Masaya Volcano. The small group enables meaningful cultural interactions in Tzutujil Maya villages around Lake Atitlan and easy exploration of colonial towns like Suchitoto and Granada.
Duration 13 days Destinations Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Penguin Travel From
10% Off- NZ$2,987+$388 upfront costs
Central American Explorer (16 destinations)
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Rincon de la Vieja National Park was amazing. Ometepe Island was a great experience.”
Kristin, traveled in January
The intimate groups wind through Central America from Panama City's Miraflores Locks to Antigua's cobblestone streets. Highly-rated guides (4.9/5) lead immersive activities at Monteverde Cloud Forest and Copan ruins. Small groups allow close-up encounters while hiking Cerro Negro volcano or snorkeling Bocas del Toro's reefs.
Duration 25 days Destinations Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From
10% Off- NZ$9,320
Maya Triangle : El Salvador, Copan Ruins & Guatemala 8 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip has it all: ruins, volcanos and the incredible city of Antigua. The hidden surprise for me is just how enchanting the small villages were.”
Stephen, traveled in June
Small groups of 8-10 travelers ensure focused attention at sites like Joya de Ceren and Copan's hieroglyphic staircase. Bilingual guides share rich cultural context at each location, from San Salvador's historic center to Antigua's colonial architecture. Local villages along Ruta de las Flores offer authentic interactions.
Duration 8 days Destinations El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Inter Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,389
Groups of 6+ traverse Central America's diverse terrain with personalized attention. The intimate setting allows special access to Candelaria Caves, private tours at Tikal's temples, and flexible hiking at Pacaya Volcano, while staying at boutique properties like Ram Tzul Eco-Hotel.
Duration 14 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Pacaya National Park, Purulhá, Coban, San Agustin Lanquin, Municipio de Chisec, Raxruhá, Flores, Yaxha National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator GTM Tour Guide and Travel Services From
10% Off- NZ$5,698
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
10% Off- NZ$6,050
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great nature, great travelling companions.”
Stewart, traveled in February
Limited to 16 participants (ages 40+), this tour provides individual attention at key Central American sites. The small group size creates perfect conditions for wildlife watching in Tortuguero's waterways and meaningful cultural exchanges in La Fortuna.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $4,399
25% Off- NZ$3,299You save $1,100
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a lovely way to see and experience different parts of Costa Rica.”
Denise, traveled in June
Groups averaging 14 travelers (ages 20-35) share unique experiences across Central America. The intimate setting enables authentic homestays at Coope San Juan and personal coffee tastings at Life Monteverde. Close attention during cloud forest hikes creates lasting connections with fellow adventurers.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,159
25% Off- NZ$1,619You save $540
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A very nice sampling of Costa Rica: cloud forest, volcano, Caribbean beach. Good for those looking for moderate physical activity.”
Maya, traveled in February
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% Off- NZ$2,805
Reviews of Small Group tours to Central America
- Central American Highlights
There was an optional (self-guided) bike ride on the afternoon of arrival. These arrangements were a bit chaotic. We had to wait an hour after to the ride in order to return the bikes.
- The Lure of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua)
Central America is a third world location with incredible scenery and great people. But be prepared for cold showers.
- Central American Explorer (16 destinations)
I shall be nominating the tour leader for an Explore Award.
What our customers ask about Central America Small Group Tours
What is the ideal small group size for touring Central America?
For Central America tours 8-16 travelers creates the right balance of intimacy and social interaction. Tours like the Costa Rica Active Adventure demonstrate how smaller numbers allow closer access to natural areas like Manuel Antonio National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest. The reduced size means more time exploring and less time waiting. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Having a smaller group made it easier to spot wildlife and really get to know our fellow travelers."
What unique experiences are offered on small group tours in Central America?
Limited numbers open doors to authentic local experiences throughout Central America. Groups can join homestays on Nicaragua's Ometepe Island participate in cooking classes in family homes and visit artisan workshops in Guatemala's San Juan La Laguna. Small numbers also mean access to intimate cultural activities at places like Hotel Los Almendros in Suchitoto El Salvador. As one TourRadar reviewer noted: "The homestay experience gave us incredible insight into local life that wouldn't be possible with larger groups."
How does accommodation differ on small group tours versus larger tours?
Smaller tours access boutique properties and eco-lodges that larger groups cannot use. Properties like the Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero and Arenal Paraiso Resort typically have just 20-30 rooms allowing for personalized attention and a closer connection to the surroundings. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "Staying at the intimate Drake Bay Wilderness Resort meant we could spot monkeys and toucans right from our balcony something impossible at bigger resorts."
How does the cost compare between small group tours and independent travel in Central America?
Small group tours in Central America range from $100-175 USD per day. The Guatemala Mayan Explorer costs around $100 daily while the Costa Rica Coastlines tour averages $150. These rates cover accommodations transportation guided activities and local expertise. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "The value was great since we didn't have to worry about arranging transport between destinations like Antigua and Lake Atitlan plus our guide's knowledge was worth the cost."
What makes small group tours in Central America more advantageous for wildlife viewing?
Limited numbers allow better access to wildlife spots like Tortuguero National Park home to over 350 bird species monkeys and sloths. Smaller groups move quietly through jungle paths and waterways increasing animal sighting opportunities. One traveler mentioned "our small group size meant we could quietly observe howler monkeys and scarlet macaws up close at Manuel Antonio National Park without disturbing them." Eco-lodges like Evergreen Lodge and Drake Bay Wilderness Resort offer ideal bases for wildlife observation.
What is the guide-to-traveler ratio on small group tours in Central America?
Tours maintain one guide for every 8-12 travelers ensuring everyone gets proper attention. At key sites like Manuel Antonio Park or the Tikal ruins local experts join to share specialized knowledge. One TourRadar traveler shared "Having one dedicated guide for our small group meant we could ask detailed questions about Costa Rica's wildlife and culture making the experience much more educational."
More about Central America
10 Best Solo Adventure Holidays 2025/202610 Best Luxury Honeymoon Tours & Packages 2025/2026