10-Day Central America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Central America itineraries

Compiled by

NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Central America, incl. Granada and Antigua

  Five key Central American cities showcase their unique character over 10 days. Granada's colonial architecture and Antigua's historic center captivate visitors. The cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano, UNESCO-listed Copan ruins, and El Rosario Church round out the attractions. Traditional Honduran baleadas and pupusa-making workshops in Suchitoto offer authentic culinary experiences.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Granada & Leon, Nicaragua

    Explore the cobblestone streets and colorful buildings of colonial Granada during your first morning. Take a 4x4 ride up Mombacho Volcano to see stunning cloud forest views but bring a light raincoat for afternoon rain. The 3-hour drive to Leon includes a stop at Monimbo village to see traditional revolutionary mask-making. Pick accommodation near Leon's central park to easily walk to the murals and cathedral.

    
  • Day 3

    Leon, Nicaragua

    Visit Leon Cathedral before 9 AM to beat the heat when you climb to the white domed roof. "The rooftop tour gives amazing views but wear good shoes – the hot metal roof can be slippery," one traveler advises. Try authentic Nica tacos for lunch at the street food stalls behind the cathedral. In the afternoon go sandboarding at Cerro Negro volcano or kayak through mangroves at Juan Venado. Book tours a day ahead since they fill up quickly.

    
  • Days 4-5

    El Salvador

    The border crossing day through Honduras into El Salvador runs long. Pack snacks and small bills for border fees. Stop in San Salvador to visit El Rosario Church before continuing to Suchitoto. Take a local cooking class to learn pupusa making and get the perfect masa-to-filling ratio. The town center is walkable but hilly, so pack good walking shoes.

    
  • Day 6

    Suchitoto, El Salvador

    Take a morning trip to Cinquera Forest to learn about El Salvador's civil war history. The forest trails get muddy and buggy, so wear long pants and use insect repellent. Return to Suchitoto for afternoon photos of the white church and plaza in great lighting. Plan for an early dinner since most restaurants close by 7 PM.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Copan, Honduras

    The drive to Copan Ruinas takes about 4 hours with border stops. Start at the Mayan ruins when they open at 8 AM before it gets too hot. Get a local guide to show you the detailed carved stelae that many visitors miss. Visit Macaw Mountain Bird Park later to see their native species rehabilitation work.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Antigua, Guatemala

    Arrive in Antigua by afternoon after your final border crossing. This colonial city sits under three volcanoes and needs time to explore properly. One visitor notes: "Walking Antigua's cobblestone streets early morning before the crowds is magical – but watch your step as the stones are uneven." Finish your trip with a chocolate-making workshop or salsa lesson.

    

  View itinerary

• 10 Day Central America Itinerary, incl. Guatemala City and Antigua

  A rich tour of 15 destinations across three Central American countries unfolds over ten days. Maya sites from Tikal to Copán reveal ancient mysteries, while Rio Dulce's jungle canals and Lake Atitlán's indigenous villages showcase natural beauty. Daily breakfast, expert guides, and all entrance fees included for approx. $230 per day.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Guatemala City

    Fly into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. Note that this tour only runs on Mondays and Fridays. Use your free evening to rest and get used to the altitude (4,897 feet above sea level).

    
  • Day 2

    Guatemala City to San Salvador (270 km)

    Head out early to El Salvador's capital. Visit Joya de Cerén, known as the "Pompeii of the Americas." Remember to pack water and sun protection since there isn't much shade at the site. This well-preserved Mayan village shows you aspects of daily life that other ruins can't match.

    
  • Day 3

    San Salvador to Copán

    Start with a visit to Santa Ana before crossing into Honduras. Have your passport ready as border crossing usually takes 30-45 minutes. Spend your afternoon exploring Copán's beautiful carved stelae and hieroglyphic stairway. Plan your visit for early in the day when the light is perfect for photographing the detailed carvings.

    
  • Day 4

    Copán to Río Dulce

    Stop at Quiriguá Archaeological Park to see the tallest stelae in Central America, reaching over 35 feet. Then continue to Río Dulce for a refreshing change from ruins to Guatemala's green riverside scenery. Pack layers as the weather varies quite a bit between the highlands and the tropical river area.

    
  • Day 5

    Río Dulce to Flores

    Take a morning boat through the river canyon to Livingston, where you can experience Guatemala's Garifuna culture. You'll see an interesting blend of Caribbean and Mayan influences. Bring binoculars for the boat ride if you want to spot local birds like herons and kingfishers.

    
  • Day 6

    Tikal Day Trip

    Leave early for Tikal (1 hour from Flores). Begin at Complex Q and R before it gets too hot. The site is huge, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water. Take an evening flight back to Guatemala City.

    
  • Day 7

    Chichicastenango & Lake Atitlán

    Visit the famous Chichicastenango market in the morning (only runs Thursday and Sunday). A recent visitor shared: "Get there by 8AM before tour buses arrive. The vegetable market behind the church is where locals shop - much more authentic than the tourist section." Drive to Lake Atitlán in the afternoon.

    
  • Day 8

    Lake Atitlán Communities

    Take the 8AM boat to San Juan La Laguna to visit local cooperatives and learn about chocolate making and natural textile dyeing. Book morning boats since the lake gets rough in the afternoon. Head to Antigua later in the day.

    
  • Day 9

    Antigua

    Take a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the main plaza and La Merced church in the morning for the best photos. Spend your afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets on your own. Stay in the central historic area where it's safer and you can walk everywhere.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Travel from Antigua to Guatemala City airport (about 1 hour). Try to book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic.

    

  View itinerary

• 10 Days in Guatemala & Belize, incl. Antigua and Caye Caulker

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Antigua, Guatemala

    Start in this UNESCO-listed colonial city with its volcano backdrop. The cobblestone streets are quietest before 8 AM if you want great photos. Take a morning walk through the historic center and markets. Bring small bills for street food - the tamales near the bus station are a local favorite. You can join a chocolate-making workshop ($25) or try a salsa lesson ($15) in the afternoon. Wear sturdy shoes since the colonial streets are uneven.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Rio Dulce

    Take a 5-6 hour private ride to this riverside spot. Take a boat trip through jungle-lined canyons to visit the Garifuna town of Livingston. The town is simple but you'll see plenty of wildlife on the way. Stay at lodges along the river instead of in town. Bring bug spray since mosquitos come out at dusk. You can go kayaking ($15) or visit nearby hot springs waterfall ($15).

    
  • Day 5

    Flores

    This is your gateway to Tikal. Street food vendors set up along the waterfront around 4 PM - the local papusas are worth trying. Hotels are basic. Ask for a quiet room away from the street to avoid morning traffic noise.

    
  • Days 6-7

    San Ignacio, Belize

    After crossing the border (which can be slow), you'll reach this adventure hub. The ATM Cave tour ($125) is tough but amazing. You'll walk through water and squeeze through narrow spaces. Or visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project ($12) or Cahal Pech ruins ($5). It gets very hot here so start your activities early.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Caye Caulker

    Finish your trip on this relaxed Caribbean island where everyone follows the "Go Slow" motto. Water taxis run between stops until sunset. Book morning snorkel trips when the water is calmest. Try the local lobster if you're there during season (June-February). You can easily walk everywhere or rent a bike ($8/day).

    

  View itinerary