Budget Tours & Trips to Central America
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10 best cheap Central America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar
- Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Adventure
- Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
- Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
- Cancun to San Jose Travel Pass
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- San Jose to Cancun Travel Pass
- Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
This 17-night adventure costs approx. $200 per day, covering accommodation and guided activities. Highlights include snorkeling Belize's reef, UNESCO sites, traditional homestays, local markets in Antigua and chicken bus transportation.
Duration 18 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $213 Operator TruTravels From $6,393
40% Off- NZ$3,836You save $2,557
Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The guide made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to every woman in the group; about 10/12 on the tour were women.”
Aoife, traveled in July
A cost-effective 32-day adventure costs around $150 per day with accommodations and select meals. A combination of 25 hotel nights, hostel stays, and camping maximizes value while keeping costs low. Transportation includes local options plus orientation walks in Tulum, Leon, and San Jose.
Duration 32 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $125 Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,460
10% Off- NZ$4,014You save $446
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
75 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Brilliant places and activities. Wonderful memories.”
Christine, traveled in September
This 7-country tour costs approx. $100 per day with simple hostels and authentic homestays in San Juan La Laguna. A guided Tikal tour, orientation walks, and transportation between 16 cities are included. Optional activities start at $20 for waterfall visits.
Duration 32 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $123 Operator G Adventures From $4,379
10% Off- NZ$3,941You save $438
This comprehensive tour costs approx. $70 per day, featuring homestays in San Jorge La Laguna, hiking trails in Manuel Antonio National Park, and transfers between 21 cities. The package includes transportation, select meals, volcano treks and snorkeling.
Duration 39 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Ecuador, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $130 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$5,060
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We got to see a lot of Costa Rica travelling all over and saw great wildlife. Really yummy food and lots of fun activities.”
Molly, traveled in April
Costa Rica's prime locations beckon at approx.$150 per day. The package features eco-lodges, guided activities, and most meals. From Poás Volcano to Manuel Antonio, highlights include wildlife sanctuary visits and cooking classes.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 18-59 Price Per Day $287 Operator One Life Adventures From $4,056
15% Off- NZ$3,447You save $608
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great guides and we especially loved the boat ride out to Tortuguero.”
Ingrid, traveled in January
This Central American tour costs approx. $140 daily, featuring stays at Turtle Beach Lodge and Arenal Montechiari. The package includes 9 breakfasts, transfers, and car insurance, with separate park entries.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $261 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,071
15% Off- NZ$2,610You save $461
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Sloths and wildlife. Zip lining.”
Fiona, traveled in March
This Central American adventure costs approx. $240 per day, including accommodations and guided experiences. Complimentary wildlife viewing, thermal springs access, and night walks highlight Costa Rica's premier spots from Arenal to Manuel Antonio.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $315 Operator Explore! From $3,940
20% Off- NZ$3,150You save $790
This Central American adventure runs approx. $70 per day, covering transfers between 10 major cities, Maya homestay experiences, and guided tours. The itinerary features UNESCO sites, natural wonders, volcano treks and snorkeling excursions.
Duration 33 days Destinations Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $133 Operator Bamba Travel From
20% Off- NZ$4,380
Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was well laid out, and we enjoyed every moment. The self drive part worked out very well.”
Mabel, traveled in December
This 14-night Central American journey costs approx. $140 per day, spanning accommodations from beach resorts to cloud forest lodges. The price includes most breakfasts, select meals, transportation, and core activities, with optional tours from $50.
Duration 15 days Destinations Liberia, Playa Tamarindo, Samara, Playa Santa Teresa, San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $259 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $4,576
15% Off- NZ$3,890You save $686
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
The Central American volcano circuit costs around $2,500 total, covering 8 nights' accommodation, multiple meals, and park entries. The tour showcases Arenal's lava landscapes, Las Pailas' geothermal features, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens' wildlife sanctuaries.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $334 Operator Green World Adventures From $3,533
15% Off- NZ$3,003You save $530
Budget Tours & Trips to Central America Reviews
- Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
I had a good opinion of Geckos until they didn't follow up on feedback that one of the guides was making highly inappropriate comments. I assumed they'd be horrified and get in touch to find out what happened but it's been 2 months now. The guide made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to every woman in the group; about 10/12 on the tour were women. The most sexually explicit comments were directed at me, even after I told him it was inappropriate. It made the last few days of the tour very uncomfortable because you can't really avoid your guide. It was especially stressful at meals, trying to make sure I didn't end up beside him. When he realised I wasn't happy with him he sulked for days and kept asking why I wasn't his friend anymore. Not fun... Geckos' lack of response suggests to me that this must not be uncommon behaviour for guides. Also the fact that the guide was so blatant and targeted literally every woman suggests that he didn't expect the company to take complaints seriously.
- Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
Let's start with what wasn't so good. Firstly there were a lot more girls on this trip than boys. So the dynamic of the group could have been better. I understand this is quite normal to happen - but there must be something the tour provider can do about this.. Maybe give small discounts to boys, or do more marketing towards men specifically, to improve the ratio?! Also this trip is actually two different trips back-to-back. So the groups change half way through. This was a bit of a surprise. Apart from that everything was amazing! Great leaders, accommodation, locations, activities, food, everything! A really good way to see a lot of of Central American in a short time, and get a flavour for each place.
The trip has been amazing. I would highly recommend the trip.
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
What our customers ask about Budget Tours & Trips to Central America
When is the most affordable time to visit Central America on a budget tour?
Visit Central America from May to November during the green season for the best deals. Tours to Costa Rica's Tortuguero National Park cost 20-30% less in these months. While Panama City and Antigua Guatemala stay relatively dry year-round hotels in popular spots like Manuel Antonio and Caye Caulker drop their prices significantly. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We saved hundreds by traveling in June - there were occasional afternoon showers but still plenty of sunshine and much smaller crowds at places like Tikal."
What are some wallet-friendly destinations in Central America that offer the best value?
Nicaragua stands out with cities like Granada and León where you can find rooms for under 30 USD nightly. Guatemala's Lake Atitlan and Antigua deliver rich cultural experiences at modest prices while Panama's Boquete region matches Costa Rica's hiking experiences at lower costs. Local markets including San Salvador's Mercado Central let you experience daily life without spending much. According to a TourRadar review: "Guatemala was incredibly affordable - we got amazing experiences like the Tikal ruins and Lake Atitlan homestays while spending much less than we expected."
What's the best way to save money on transportation during a Central America budget tour?
Local transport options help cut costs throughout the region. Chicken buses in Guatemala and water taxis in Belize cost far less than private options. The boat ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker runs about 15 USD and shared shuttles between popular Costa Rican destinations like La Fortuna to Monteverde cost around 25 USD. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "Using local transportation in Panama saved us a lot - the public bus from Panama City to Boquete was just 12 USD compared to 45 USD for private transfers."
How much should I budget for optional activities on a Central America tour?
Set aside 200-300 USD for a two-week tour's extra activities. Common add-ons include zip-lining in Monteverde at 75 USD snorkeling trips in Caye Caulker for 45 USD and visits to Arenal hot springs costing 35 USD. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We spent around 250 USD on extra activities in Costa Rica - the canopy tours and white water rafting were worth every penny but definitely impact your budget."
How much should I budget for souvenirs and shopping in Central America?
Budget 100-150 USD for shopping whether at Antigua's craft markets or Panama's Albrook Mall. Expect to pay 5-30 USD for handicrafts at Guatemala's Chichicastenango market and 15-50 USD for traditional textiles in Costa Rica's Central Market. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "The indigenous markets in San Juan La Laguna Guatemala had the best prices for authentic souvenirs - we spent about 100 USD on beautiful handwoven textiles."
What's included in the meal plan for budget Central America tours?
Most budget-friendly tours cover daily breakfasts and some group meals. You'll get breakfast at places like Hotel Arenal Paraiso in Costa Rica and local homestays. Tours often include welcome dinners in places like Antigua Guatemala or group lunches during Tortuguero excursions. A TourRadar review noted: "Having breakfast included at Casa Maya in Panama City was great but we enjoyed exploring local restaurants for other meals - it was part of the adventure!"