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
- Central America Experience
- The Lure of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua)
- Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
- Central America Adventure
- Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Adventure
- San Jose to Cancun Travel Pass
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
- Cancun to San Jose Travel Pass
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
Costs around $100 per day including hostel accommodations and transport across 4 countries. Lake Atitlan's Maya communities and Granada's isletas featured with guides. Most breakfasts included, optional activities available at El Tunco Beach.
Duration 14 days Destinations Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range 15 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $223 Operator Marvelus Travel From
- NZ$3,127
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
This 4-country tour costs approx. $120 per day, covering breakfast, local guides, and entrance fees to Copan ruins and Iximche. Boat tours on Lake Atitlan and Lake Suchitlan, plus city tours in Antigua, Leon, and Granada are included.
Duration 13 days Destinations Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua Age Range up to 80 year olds Price Per Day $230 Operator Penguin Travel From
- NZ$2,988
Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“First three week section of the tour was brilliant; great places, very knowledgeable guide, great activities.”
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 18 to 35 year olds Price Per Day $108 Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,610
25% Off- NZ$3,458You save $1,152
This 11-night tour, priced at approx. $190 per day, includes accommodations, cultural homestays, and guided activities. Cave tubing in San Ignacio and walking tours in Antigua come included, with optional Blue Hole visits available.
Duration 12 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $245 Operator TruTravels From $3,675
20% Off- NZ$2,940You save $735
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 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $266 Operator TruTravels From $5,995
20% Off- NZ$4,796You save $1,199
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 up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $113 Operator Bamba Travel From
20% Off- NZ$3,741
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was the best balance of activities at the start to make the most of the natural beauty and wildlife.”
Denise, traveled in August
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 16 to 85 year olds Price Per Day $319 Operator Explore! From $3,740
15% Off- NZ$3,190You save $550
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 up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $244 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,875
15% Off- NZ$2,444You save $431
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 up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $243 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $4,285
15% Off- NZ$3,642You save $643
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 up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $112 Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- NZ$4,371
Budget Tours & Trips to Central America Reviews
- The Lure of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua)
It's adventure travel
- 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.
- Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
The tour was well laid out and good value there seemed at times a lack of clear information like hotel address and location. National Car rental was fantastic.
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!"