3-Week Central America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Central America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Central America Itinerary, incl. Costa Rica and Guatemala

  A 21-day odyssey connects Central America's iconic destinations. Observe Manuel Antonio's wildlife, wander Monteverde's cloud forests, admire Granada's colonial charm, and gaze at Antigua's volcanic landscapes. The route spans 10 cities across 5 countries, featuring Ometepe Island and Copán Ruins.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Jose & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

    Start your trip in San Jose with the Bites & Sights Experience at the 120-year-old Central Market. Sample local foods and get a feel for Costa Rican culture. Take a 4.5-hour shuttle to Manuel Antonio the next morning. Book a hotel near downtown San Jose to make your early departure easier.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Manuel Antonio & Monteverde

    Manuel Antonio National Park offers pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. Look for white-faced monkeys, sloths and hundreds of bird species along the way. Take the Main Trail (1.3 miles) to reach the beaches or choose the Mirador Trail for great views. Your next stop is Monteverde (4.5 hours away) where you can try Costa Rica's best zip-lining through the cloud forest, including an exciting 1km Superman Cable.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Liberia & San Juan del Sur

    Take a break in Liberia before heading to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua's popular surf spot. The border crossing can take a while, so bring water and snacks. Once the paperwork is done, it's about 3 hours by shuttle.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Ometepe Island Experience

    Catch a ferry to Ometepe Island for a homestay among its volcanoes. If you're up for it, hike Concepción Volcano early the next day. Pack at least 3 liters of water and bring a scarf to protect yourself from volcanic gases at the top. The full hike takes 8 hours but you can opt for shorter routes with good viewpoints.

    
  • Days 12-15

    Granada & Leon, Nicaragua

    Visit colonial Granada and take a boat ride through Las Isletas. In Leon you can try volcano boarding down Cerro Negro. A recent visitor said: "The volcano boarding was terrifying but exhilarating - wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to get completely covered in volcanic ash!"

    
  • Days 16-17

    El Tunco, El Salvador

    El Tunco is perfect for relaxing after the long shuttle ride from Leon (about 10.5 hours with border crossings). Bring something to keep yourself entertained during the journey. The black sand beaches and sunsets make this stop worthwhile.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Copan & Antigua

    See the impressive Copan ruins in Honduras before finishing your trip in Antigua, Guatemala. Take a trek up Pacaya Volcano while you're there. Local kids rent walking sticks which really help with the steep descent, especially in wet weather.

    

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• 20 Day Central America Itinerary, incl. Antigua and San Jose

  This 20-day Central American odyssey winds through Antigua's colonial streets, Granada's islets, and Costa Rica's national parks. Try volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, spot wildlife in Manuel Antonio, and soar through Monteverde's canopy, with seamless transfers between 10 destinations.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Antigua & Copan

    Begin your journey in Antigua Guatemala with a Pacaya Volcano trek. The challenging 2-hour climb works best if you start at 2 PM to see the sunset. You'll need a headlamp and sturdy shoes on the slippery volcanic ground. Get ready for an early start next day - the 6-hour shuttle to Copan Honduras leaves at 4 AM. Border crossing takes time so keep your valuables safe and bring small bills.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Honduras & El Salvador

    Visit the Copan ruins first thing before the crowds show up at 8 AM. The site is famous for detailed sculptures and you'll want to see the Rosalila temple replica in the museum. Next day takes you on a long 6-hour trip to El Tunco El Salvador where you can enjoy the Pacific surf scene and great ocean views.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Leon Nicaragua

    Once you're in Nicaragua head to historic Leon. Try volcano boarding at Cerro Negro where you can slide down the volcanic slopes. Get your protective gear and go early to stay out of the hot midday sun. You'll need long pants and closed shoes.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Granada & Lake Nicaragua

    Walk through Granada's beautiful colonial streets in the early morning light. Later take a boat tour of the Isletas to spot monkeys and birds among Lake Nicaragua's 365 small islands. Skip the busy 11 AM tour and take the 3 PM trip for better wildlife viewing.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Ometepe Island

    Catch the ferry from San Jorge to Ometepe Island. The Concepción Volcano hike takes 8 hours and it's tough - bring at least 3L of water and start at 6 AM. You can only stay at the top for 15 minutes because of toxic gases but there are good viewpoints lower down if you don't want to do the full climb.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Nicaragua to Costa Rica

    After some beach time in San Juan del Sur cross into Costa Rica through Liberia. Get to the border early since lines can be long and have your paperwork ready. Use your time in Liberia to get used to Costa Rica's higher prices and different lifestyle.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    The 4-hour drive to Monteverde is pretty windy so consider motion sickness pills. The zip-line course is incredible with a 1km 'Superman' line. Book for 8 AM when the weather's best and wildlife is active.

    
  • Days 17-18

    Manuel Antonio

    This park is perfect for seeing wildlife and enjoying beaches. Start on the trails at 7 AM before it gets hot and crowded. Look for sloths and monkeys on the Main Trail then tackle the Mirador Trail for amazing views if you have energy left.

    
  • Days 19-20

    San Jose

    The Central Market has been around for 120 years with endless stalls selling local food and medicine. Take a morning food tour to try traditional dishes and coffee. A recent visitor shared: "The market's fruit smoothies and chocolate tastings were highlights - go hungry and bring cash for local spices."

    

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• 17 Days in Central America, incl. Antigua and San Jose

  This 17-day adventure spans 38 Central American destinations, from Guatemala's Antigua to Costa Rica's San Jose. Marvel at Copan's UNESCO ruins, craft traditional items in Suchitoto, climb Leon's cathedral, and roam Monteverde's cloud forests. Package includes 16 hotel nights and expert-guided activities for around $2,500.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Guatemala - Ancient Antigua & Border Crossing

    Start exploring colonial Antigua early to visit the ChocoMuseo and Central Park. "The cobblestone streets and volcano views make Antigua the perfect introduction to Central America," according to one traveler. Leave for Copan at 7 AM on Day 2 to skip Guatemala City traffic.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Honduras & El Salvador

    Visit the UNESCO Copan ruins with a guide in the morning before it gets hot. "The elaborate stelae at Copan are incredibly well-preserved - bring good walking shoes as the archaeological site is quite extensive," one traveler suggests. On Day 4, cross to El Salvador and visit Suchitoto for its pupusa-making and indigo workshops.

    
  • Days 5-7

    El Salvador's Cultural Heritage & Coast

    Stay in Suchitoto to experience local crafts and explore Cinquera Forest. Next, visit El Cuco's Pacific beaches with their dark sand. A visitor suggests: "The coastal road can be bumpy - sit toward the front of the vehicle if you get motion sick."

    
  • Days 8-11

    Nicaragua's Colonial Cities

    Once you're through Honduras, check out León's revolutionary murals and try volcano boarding at Cerro Negro. Book this activity early as it gets full quickly. In Granada, explore the colonial streets in the morning before the heat kicks in. "The breakfast at Cafe de las Sonrisas was a highlight - it's completely run by deaf staff and the food is excellent," a recent visitor shares.

    
  • Days 12-15

    Costa Rica's Natural Wonders

    Next up is Monteverde's cloud forests. Pack different layers since the temperature changes a lot. "The night walk revealed so many creatures we'd never have spotted in daylight," one reviewer writes. In La Fortuna, you'll get the best views of Arenal Volcano early in the morning.

    
  • Days 16-17

    San Jose Finale

    Finish in Costa Rica's capital at the Gold Museum and Central Market. Plan to arrive in the afternoon since morning traffic from La Fortuna gets heavy.

    

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