Central America Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Central America tour packages
- What people love about Central America Tours
- Travel Central America your way
- Best tour companies for Central America tours
- Discover Central America tours for every budget
- Central America tours for every type of group
- Top Central America travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Central America
- Contact our Central America travel experts
- What our customers ask about Central America Tours & Trips
The best Central America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar
Central American Journey (19 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fascinating introduction to 5 countries, from Mayan to recent political history, ecological and culinary experiences.”
Joanna, traveled in February
The grand 17-day route spans 5 Central American nations, from Guatemala's colonial Antigua to Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano. Visit UNESCO-listed Copan ruins, master pupusa-making in Suchitoto, and watch sloths in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Includes 16 nights in hotels, traditional breakfast at Cafe de las Sonrisas in Granada, and wildlife encounters in Caño Negro Refuge.
Duration 16 days Destinations Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$3,695
Real Guatemala to Costa Rica (including Cerro Verde National Park)
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great experience and Gabo was amazing! Super helpful and he answered all of our questions.”
Ashlyn, traveled in July
The 17-day adventure through 4 Central American countries winds from Antigua's colonial streets to Monteverde's cloud forests. Activities include UNESCO sites, kayaking Lake Nicaragua, and spotting sloths in Costa Rica. Rated 4.4/5 from 15+ reviews, this Intrepid tour offers authentic experiences like pupusa-making in El Salvador and cooking classes in Los Ramos indigenous community.
Duration 17 days Destinations Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,720
10% Off- NZ$2,448You save $272
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour experiences, from volcanos to black sand beach, to sloths.”
MEI-FANG, traveled in March
This 17-day adventure covers 5 Central American countries, from UNESCO-listed Antigua to San José. Blend homestays in Ometepe Island with hotel stays, visit Copán's Mayan ruins, and catch waves in El Tunco. At approx. $90/day, immerse yourself in cloud forests in Monteverde and volcano views in La Fortuna.
Duration 17 days Destinations Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 18+ Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$2,579
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
Active Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala, surfing at El Tunco Beach, and volcano boarding at Cerro Negro in Leon highlight this adventure. Four countries in 14 days showcase Maya communities around Lake Atitlan and natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano. Comfortable hostels with shared dorms provide accommodation, with breakfast and local guides included.
Duration 14 days Destinations Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Marvelus Travel From
10% Off- NZ$3,289
This 14-day adventure across 4 Central American countries runs from San Jose to Guatemala City. Hike Arenal Volcano, soar through Monteverde Cloud Forest, and catch waves at San Juan del Sur beach. Accommodations include backpacker-friendly spots like La Fortuna Backpackers and Naked Tiger Hostel.
Duration 14 days Destinations Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Marvelus Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,644
What people love about Central America Tours
- Central American Journey (19 destinations)
A rather quick journey through these 5 countries to get a glimpse of central American life. Somehow it didn’t feel rushed as there are 2 nights in all the places visited ( except start and finish ) . Lots of optional activities for those who want it. Nice hotels, great food and comfortable transport. Even the numerous border crossings went smoothly.
- Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Great tour experiences, from volcanos to black sand beach, to sloths. The CEO, Esteban, was a standout.
- Central America Experience
Although our bus didn’t turn up the first day Olivia in the office was amazing at sorting everything out for us. Then our second driver from El Salvador to Leon in Nicaragua Melvin was amazing!! He kept us going and is genuinely the nicest person ever to be stuck in a bus with for 8 hours plus. What started as a bad experience turned out to be brilliant! Thanks Marvelus Travel!
Travel Central America your way
Head to Costa Rica for lush cloud forests, towering volcanoes like the Arenal, and abundant wildlife, or swing over to Guatemala and explore beautiful cities like Antigua, nature preserves, and ancient ruins.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursIn Central America, adventure awaits. Traverse Costa Rica's rainforests on zip lines, surf El Salvador's powerful waves, or snorkel Belize's vibrant barrier reef. Hike up Guatemala's active volcanoes and kayak through Panama's lush mangroves for a thrilling journey.
See all Active toursTake in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of Central America. There are 19 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 15 days. The most popular month for these tours is March.
For explorers wanting to really get into Central America, our most popular routes blend Nicaragua's volcanoes with Guatemala's ruins and also Costa Rica's wild places. People keep telling us they love climbing active volcanoes like Masaya to see actual bubbling lava as the sun sets, walking through León's historic streets with that amazing UNESCO cathedral and taking boats into Juan Venado reserve to spot turtles and caimans. The Nicaragua route works particularly well - you'll move from busy Managua to swimming in Lake Nicaragua by Ometepe Island, with its perfect volcanic cone right there. These explorer tours hit the sweet spot by mixing guided activities with plenty of time to discover places like Granada's old quarter or the isletas on your own.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Central America tours
G Adventures and Intrepid Travel stand out as solid choices for Central America trips, based on what our travelers tell us. They've built up a good track record for keeping things running smoothly - from transport logistics to activity timing. We often hear specific praise for guides like Fonzi Arce and Jurgen, who bring local knowledge and handle unexpected changes well. I should mention that Penguin Tours hasn't been meeting expectations lately. Several customers came back disappointed with their hotel quality, and quite a few mentioned disorganized schedules that left them waiting around or rushing between stops. Marvelous Travel sits somewhere in the middle. Their office staff are quick to respond and helpful, and some of their drivers get great feedback. But we've seen a pattern of booking mix-ups and also late buses. One customer spent two hours waiting for a transfer in San Jose because of unclear pickup instructions. From booking hundreds of Central America trips, I'd lean toward G Adventures or Intrepid if you want reliability. They cost a bit more than Penguin or Marvelous, but the extra expense typically means fewer headaches during your trip.
Discover Central America tours for every budget
Central America delivers real value without cutting corners on experiences. The best budget-friendly tour takes you across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua over 13 days - you'll walk through Antigua's Spanish colonial streets, explore the ancient Maya site at Copán and take boats out on Lake Atitlán. The accommodations are simple but clean, and our customers often tell us how much they learn from the local guides. Another solid option combines Nicaragua with Costa Rica where you can actually slide down Cerro Negro Volcano, soak in La Fortuna's hot springs and catch waves at San Juan del Sur. You get plenty for your money with volcano hikes, boat rides and cultural visits all rolled into the price.
Central America budget tours- Central America luxury tours
18 tours
Starting from
$114
per day
Central America tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
523 tours in Central AmericaTraveling with a group makes those tricky border crossings much easier, plus you'll meet people who love exploring just as much as you do. There's this great 10-day journey through Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras that blends colonial cities with volcanic landscapes. You'll spend time with mask makers in Monimbo, learn to cook pupusas in Suchitoto and wander through Copán's UNESCO World Heritage ruins. We also run a popular route from San Jose through Nicaragua where you'll stay with local families, zip through Monteverde's cloud forest and head out on night safaris to spot wildlife. Our travelers really like how these tours mix scheduled activities with free time to do their own thing.
Small Group
230 tours in Central AmericaSmall groups keep things personal while covering lots of ground. Our cycling tours through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama cap the numbers so everyone gets attention as you pedal about 30 miles each day. You'll ride around Ometepe Island with its perfect volcano cone, cycle past Lake Arenal and finally reach the impressive Panama Canal locks. We also do a small-group Costa Rica tour with just 10-15 people, mixing village homestays with real adventures - you'll rappel down canyons near Arenal Volcano and watch sea turtles nest on Caribbean beaches. With fewer people, it's easier to stop for photos, chat with locals and adjust the pace to fit everyone.
Private / Personalized
177 tours in Central AmericaEnjoy the exclusivity of our private Central America tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace
Top Central America travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 10-day route through Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador lets you really get to know three fascinating Central American cultures. In Granada, you'll walk the colonial streets and take boat trips through Lake Nicaragua's islets where jungle meets water. Local guides in Leon know exactly where to find the best street food tucked behind the cathedral. From there, you'll head to Suchitoto, El Salvador's cultural heart, where families who've made pupusas for generations will teach you their techniques. The Copán ruins in Honduras are remarkable - our guides explain the intricate carvings and help decode the hieroglyphic stairway at this UNESCO site. Our travelers often tell us how much they value having proper time in places like Antigua, whether they're exploring the cobbled streets or watching the sun go down from a volcanic viewpoint.
Demographics
Our solo-friendly route through Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador stretches over 15 days with plenty of time to soak in each destination. You'll climb active volcanoes, float through mangrove forests and wander colonial streets at your own pace. First-time visitors often choose the Guatemala-Costa Rica combination - it's a great mix of Mayan sites and also cloud forests. The homestays on Ometepe Island and around Lake Atitlan are particular highlights; you'll share authentic meals with local families while practicing your Spanish. For a deep dive into Nicaragua, our Highlights tour takes you boating through Las Isletas, visiting coffee regions and watching Masaya Volcano's lava lake glow as the sun sets.
Central America's routes are perfectly suited for couples looking to explore together. Our travelers tell us they love mixing romantic moments with cultural experiences, such as unwinding in La Fortuna's volcanic hot springs, complete with swim-up bars after exploring Arenal Volcano. The intimate homestays on Ometepe Island let couples share authentic meals with local families while practicing Spanish in a natural setting. Cycling tours through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama cover about 30 miles daily at an easy pace, letting partners support each other as they pedal from volcanic islands through misty cloud forests. The cultural paths through colonial Granada and Leon blend cooking classes with artisan workshops, plus plenty of free evenings to wander the historic plazas. Couples especially value having structured activities balanced with independent time, from canopy adventures in Monteverde to quiet sunset views near Antigua's volcanic peaks. Nature-focused itineraries covering Tortuguero's waterways and Manuel Antonio's coastline give partners space to spot wildlife and relax in secluded natural settings.
Our multi-country routes really deliver for younger travelers looking for active experiences. The San Jose to Guatemala journey packs in volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, zip-lining through Monteverde's canopy and kayaking around Lake Nicaragua's scattered islands. Another solid choice runs from Antigua through Honduras and El Salvador, where you'll explore Copan's ancient Mayan sites, master pupusa-making and catch waves at El Tunco's volcanic beaches. The Ometepe Island homestays add a cultural dimension, while activities like cloud forest hikes and volcanic crater swims keep the energy high. For those wanting more intensity, we've got routes featuring canyoning near Arenal, white water rafting and also nighttime wildlife spotting.
Our Heart of Central America tour works perfectly for seniors who appreciate a thoughtful pace and cultural depth. Starting in Nicaragua, you'll discover Granada's colonial gems, meet artisans in Monimbo and cruise across Lake Nicaragua. The Guatemala-Honduras route is equally popular, combining visits to Chichicastenango's markets, boat trips on Lake Atitlan and guided walks through Copan's UNESCO ruins. We've balanced guided activities with independent exploration time, and chosen centrally located hotels near restaurants and plazas. The transport includes regular comfort stops and quality vehicles for longer trips, which our older travelers consistently rate highly.
- Solo Travelers548 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples465 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)14 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)376 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Central America
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our winter tours through Central America blend cultural discovery with outdoor exploration. The main route connects Nicaragua's colonial heritage to Costa Rica's natural wonders - you'll watch active lava flows at Masaya Volcano and take refreshing swims in Lake Nicaragua near Ometepe Island. We've also got a great option mixing Guatemala's ancient landmarks with hands-on pupusa cooking in El Salvador and also visits to Honduras' Copán ruins. Our travelers tell us they love how these winter trips balance guided activities with free time to wander Granada's old quarter or try local street food in León.
- 401 tours
- 477 tours
- popular 485 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours flowing through Central America create a perfect blend of cultural depth and outdoor experiences when conditions are at their best. The well-traveled paths connect Nicaragua's volcanic terrain, Guatemala's rich heritage sites and also Costa Rica's diverse natural areas. Our tour guests tell us they love combining views of active lava at Masaya Volcano, cool dips in Lake Nicaragua by Ometepe Island, and traditional crafts like mask-making in Monimbo village. These in-depth journeys feature homestays where local families share meals and Spanish conversation, walks with expert guides through Copan's UNESCO ruins, and hands-on cooking sessions making pupusas in Suchitoto. Many travelers choose paths that include soaring through Monteverde's misty forest canopy and floating Tortuguero's waterways to spot native wildlife. The spring timing works especially well for mixing cultural connections with outdoor activities - you might find yourself learning traditional indigo dyeing techniques with local artisans between volcanic hikes and beach time at Manuel Antonio, where monkeys and sloths move through the forest above.
- popular 486 tours
- 479 tours
- 449 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer in Central America opens up some of our most varied experiences. The full journey begins in San Jose where you'll explore local life and sample regional foods at Central Market before heading to Manuel Antonio's pristine beaches - keep your eyes up for monkeys and sloths in the trees above. Another excellent route covers Nicaragua and Guatemala, letting you try traditional mask-making in Monimbo, slide down Cerro Negro volcano and stay with island families on Ometepe. Our guests particularly like how these summer trips mix cultural activities with cool breaks in places like Monteverde's misty forest and also La Fortuna's natural swimming holes.
- 443 tours
- popular 451 tours
- 451 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Based on the available tour data, there is no specific information about autumn tours or seasonal booking patterns for this time of year. Instead of making assumptions about autumn travel options without supporting evidence, this section has been intentionally left empty to maintain accuracy. The core tour information and year-round options are covered thoroughly in other sections of the article.
- 410 tours
- popular 460 tours
- 396 tours
Contact our Central America travel experts
Micaela
Expert in Central America at TourRadar
Micaela is one of our seasoned Central America Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Central America tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Central America Tours & Trips
How Do People Get Around in Central America?
Getting between countries in Central America is actually pretty varied. Chicken buses these colorful converted school buses are super cheap and give you a real local experience though yeah they can get packed. If you want more comfort shared shuttle vans are the way to go especially for longer trips. Island hopping or hitting coastal spots? Water taxis are your best friend particularly in Belize and Panama. Like if you're heading from Flores Guatemala to Caye Caulker Belize you'll need to piece together a few rides - taxi to the border another to Corozal Town local transport to Belize City then hop on a water taxi to the island.
What Local Cultural Experiences Can You Join In?
There's some really authentic stuff you can get involved with. In Suchitoto El Salvador you can learn to make pupusas right alongside locals and try your hand at indigo dying with local artisans it's actually one of the world's best places for indigo and helps support single moms. Over in Guatemala the Temple of San Simon in San Andres Itzapa offers a fascinating look at Mayan traditions mixed with Catholic beliefs. Nicaragua's got some cool cultural spots too like Monimbo where you can meet artists who make those traditional masks from the revolution days.
Where Are the Best Natural Areas to Visit?
The natural spots here are incredible. Mombacho Volcano Reserve near Granada Nicaragua needs a 4x4 to reach but rewards you with amazing cloud forest walks and crater views. Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica is a boat ride away and packed with wildlife including 350+ bird species. Then there's Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve also in Costa Rica easily reached by minibus where the biodiversity will blow your mind.