1-Month+ Central America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 1-month+ Central America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar

• 32 Days in Central America, incl. Mexico and Costa Rica

  The 32-day route through 16 Central American cities runs from Playa del Carmen to San José. Wander UNESCO's Tikal ruins, snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and trek Monteverde Cloud Forest. Features homestays in San Juan La Laguna and Ometepe Island.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Playa del Carmen

    Begin your adventure in Mexico's Riviera Maya. Local buses to the cenotes cost just 40 pesos, offering great savings compared to organized tours. Visit Tulum ruins before 9AM to avoid crowds and heat. Regular ADO buses run from Cancún airport, costing about $10.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Caye Caulker, Belize

    Take a 4-hour bus and water taxi to this laid-back Caribbean island. "Snorkeling with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve was absolutely amazing." Book morning snorkel trips for better conditions.

    
  • Days 6-7

    San Ignacio

    Explore Belize's jungle interior. Stop by San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative for lunch and local culture. The ATM Cave tour is popular but requires swimming and climbing through caves.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Flores & Tikal

    Cross to Guatemala with $20 for border fees. Visit the Mayan city of Tikal. "Get there for sunrise - not just for photos but because the jungle comes alive with howler monkeys and tropical birds."

    
  • Days 10-12

    Antigua

    This colonial city sits among volcanoes. Skip expensive overnight volcano tours. Local companies offer better-value morning hikes. Try free salsa classes at hostels.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Lake Atitlán

    Take a 4-hour highland drive to this volcanic lake. For homestays in San Juan La Laguna, download Google Translate offline. Wear conservative clothing to respect local customs.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Honduras

    Travel 8-9 hours to Copán. "The Luna Jaguar hot springs are worth visiting but book locally for $20 instead of the $55 tour price." Visit ruins early for better photos.

    
  • Days 17-21

    El Salvador & Nicaragua

    Each country offers unique landscapes and culture. Book surf lessons in El Tunco through hostels to save money. Explore Granada's colonial streets before the day heats up.

  • Days 22-25

    Nicaragua continued

    Discover León's history and art. Try homestays on Ometepe Island. "The homestay felt awkward at first but ended up being the most authentic experience of the trip."

  • Days 26-29

    Costa Rica

    In Monteverde, take a night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. Choose quality over quantity for La Fortuna activities like canyoning or hot springs.

  • Days 30-32

    San José

    End your journey in Costa Rica's capital. "Save money for end-of-trip activities. Costa Rica is significantly more expensive than other Central American countries."

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• 30 Days in Central America, incl. Mexico and Costa Rica

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Playa del Carmen & Yucatan, Mexico

    Base yourself in Playa del Carmen to explore the Yucatan's archaeological sites. Get to Chichen Itza by 8am to avoid crowds and intense heat. The nearby cenotes offer perfect swimming spots to cool off. Visit Tulum's clifftop ruins in the morning for the best photos. The beach beneath the ruins is much quieter around 3-4pm after cruise ship visitors leave.

    
  • Days 4-7

    Belize Coast & Caye Caulker

    Head south through Bacalar and its stunning seven-color lagoon into Belize. A 45-minute water taxi takes you to relaxed Caye Caulker. Go snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve to see nurse sharks, rays and tropical fish. Spend your evenings at the Split for swimming and sunset drinks.

    
  • Days 8-11

    Northern Guatemala

    From Belize cross into Guatemala and stay in Flores to visit Tikal. Book a sunrise tour to experience the ancient Maya city as morning mist rolls in with howler monkeys calling in the distance. Travel south to Coban where you can tube down rivers and hike through highland jungle paths.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Lake Atitlan Region

    Use local boats to visit Lake Atitlan's unique villages. San Marcos is the spot for yoga and swimming. San Juan offers amazing traditional weaving. The Indian Nose Mountain hike gives you incredible lake views at sunrise but bring warm clothes since early morning temperatures drop quite low.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Antigua & Acatenango Volcano

    Walk Antigua's historic streets before taking on the challenging Acatenango Volcano overnight trek. One visitor shared: "The altitude was brutal but watching Fuego Volcano erupt against the night sky made every step worth it. Pack lots of warm layers - it gets below freezing at the summit."

    
  • Days 18-21

    Northern Costa Rica

    Fly into San Jose then head to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano. Look for nocturnal animals on guided night walks relax in natural hot springs and explore rainforest canopy on hanging bridges. Bring solid shoes with good grip and rain gear since afternoon showers are typical.

    
  • Days 22-26

    Pacific Coast Beaches

    Travel west to see Rincon de la Vieja's volcanic terrain before reaching peaceful Samara Beach. Morning offers gentle waves for beginner surfers. You might spot nesting sea turtles in season. Book local operators directly for better prices on kayaking and snorkeling trips.

    
  • Days 27-30

    Manuel Antonio & San Jose

    Finish your trip at Manuel Antonio National Park with its wildlife-filled trails and beautiful beaches. Keep an eye on your things as the monkeys love to steal from visitors. Stop at Crocodile Bridge on the Tarcoles River on your way back to San Jose. Set aside half a day to see the National Museum and Central Market.

    

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• 33 Days in Central America, incl. Mexico and Costa Rica

  This month-long adventure visits 16 destinations across 7 countries. Remarkable sites include Tikal's Maya ruins, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and colonial Antigua. Cultural immersion combines with nature through homestays, cooking classes, and thrilling activities like volcano sandboarding.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Mexican Caribbean Coast

    Begin in Playa del Carmen and explore its stunning cenotes. Visit Cenote Azul early at 8 AM to beat the crowds. Take a 90-minute bus ride to see Tulum's ruins. Visit Bacalar's Lake of Seven Colors between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun makes the blues most vibrant.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Belize's Cayes

    Catch an early water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker. The ride takes about 45 minutes. "The split area between north and south islands has crocodiles - stick to designated swimming areas and follow local advice." Go snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve with licensed operators only. Sample local lobster if you're visiting between June and February.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Inland Belize & Tikal

    Stay in San Ignacio to visit Mayan ruins. "The hand-cranked ferry to Xunantunich only runs 7 AM-4 PM, so time your visit accordingly." Visit Tikal early at 6 AM to see wildlife and avoid crowds. Pack water and rain gear for unexpected afternoon storms.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Rio Dulce & Antigua

    Take a 2-3 hour boat trip through Rio Dulce's jungle rivers to Livingston's Garifuna culture. Join morning walking tours in Antigua to avoid rain and crowds. "Book accommodations in the western part of town - it's quieter but still walkable to everything."

    
  • Days 13-17

    Lake Atitlan & Guatemala Highlands

    Visit Chichicastenango market on Thursdays or Sundays. Travel between Lake Atitlan towns by boat instead of road. In San Juan La Laguna: "Bring small bills for textile purchases and try to learn basic weaving terms in Spanish to better appreciate demonstrations."

    
  • Days 18-23

    El Salvador & Pacific Coast

    Be ready for border crossings with snacks and small bills for fees. Visit Suchitoto's indigo workshops in the morning for better photos. Try surfing at El Cuco's black sand beaches but check tide times first.

    
  • Days 24-27

    Nicaragua's Colonial Cities

    Explore León and Granada's colonial architecture and volcanoes. "Book Cerro Negro volcano boarding first thing - afternoon heat makes the climb much harder." Choose lakeside restaurants in Granada for sunset views.

    
  • Days 28-33

    Costa Rica's Highlights

    End your trip in Costa Rica's cloud forests and volcanic areas. "Monteverde trails get very muddy - bring proper hiking boots and book canopy tours early morning for better wildlife viewing." Book La Fortuna activities ahead of time.

    

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