Central America Tours & Trips
Have you ever wanted to see the old Mayan ruins of Copan, where detailed hieroglyphic stairways tell stories that have been lost to time? Or go to friendly Suchitoto and learn how to make delicious pupusas? Head to the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest, where mist swirls through the green canopy. Relax in thermal hot springs near the Arenal volcano, which is right above you. Are you ready?
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Ned • traveled in April
There were only three of us on this trip. One guide handled Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador; the second guide met us in Nicaragua. The first guide was quite good--a guide who also drove. The second was not as good--a driver who also guided. We had local guides throughout, and they handled the details, especially in Nicaragua. I understand that this is a low-to-moderate trip, but still our introduction to Nicaragua came as a surprise. We made a "beach landing," wading in from about eight inches of water. In general, I got what I paid for.
The Lure of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua) - N
None • traveled in May, 2025
Amazing trip. Great guide. Basic but exactly what I was looking for
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica - T
Tori • traveled in January
Although our bus didn’t turn up the first day Olivia in the office was amazing at sorting everything out for us. Then our second driver from El Salvador to Leon in Nicaragua Melvin was amazing!! He kept us going and is genuinely the nicest person ever to be stuck in a bus with for 8 hours plus. What started as a bad experience turned out to be brilliant! Thanks Marvelus Travel!
Central America Experience
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Table of contents
- The best Central America tour packages
- Travel Central America your way
- Best tour companies for Central America tours
- Discover Central America tours for every budget
- Central America tours for every type of group
- Top Central America travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Central America
- Contact our Central America travel experts
- What our customers ask about Central America Tours & Trips
The best Central America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar
A 17-day expedition through 4 Central American countries leads from Antigua's colonial streets to Monteverde's cloud forests. Hike Santa Ana's volcanic crater, paddle across Lake Nicaragua, and soar through Costa Rican canopy. Local hotels and hostels, with camping experiences under approx. $100 per day. Designed for adventurers aged 18+.
Duration 17 days Destinations Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,750
10% Off- US$1,575You save $175
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
A 13-day Central American odyssey takes you through Guatemala's colonial Antigua, Honduras' UNESCO-listed Copan ruins, and Nicaragua's volcanic Ometepe Island. Visit Lake Atitlan's Mayan villages, stay in cultural Suchitoto overlooking Lake Suchitlan, and wander the colonial cities of Leon and Granada. Approx. $120 per day.
Duration 13 days Destinations Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Penguin Travel From
10% Off- US$1,792+$349 local payments
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour experiences, from volcanos to black sand beach, to sloths.”
MEI-FANG, traveled in March
This 17-day adventure covers 5 Central American countries, from UNESCO-listed Antigua to San José. Blend homestays in Ometepe Island with hotel stays, visit Copán's Mayan ruins, and catch waves in El Tunco. At approx. $90/day, immerse yourself in cloud forests in Monteverde and volcano views in La Fortuna.
Duration 17 days Destinations Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 18+ Operator G Adventures From $1,999
30% Off- US$1,399You save $600
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
Active Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala, surfing at El Tunco Beach, and volcano boarding at Cerro Negro in Leon highlight this adventure. Four countries in 14 days showcase Maya communities around Lake Atitlan and natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano. Comfortable hostels with shared dorms provide accommodation, with breakfast and local guides included.
Duration 14 days Destinations Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Marvelus Travel From
30% Off- US$1,900
This comprehensive Central American adventure connects 14 cities across Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize. Colonial Granada's Las Isletas archipelago, Masaya volcano treks, and Mayan ruins at Tikal await. Luxuriate at Chaa Creek rainforest lodge in Belize, with canoeing on the Macal River and spa treatments.
Duration 19 days Destinations Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From
30% Off- US$7,335
Traverse 5 countries in 20 days from Antigua to San Jose, featuring volcano boarding at Cerro Negro and zip-lining in Monteverde's cloud forest. Experience homestays in Ometepe, explore UNESCO-listed Copan ruins, and spot wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park. Includes guided tours, transfers between 10 cities, and authentic local experiences for $79 per day.
Duration 20 days Destinations Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
30% Off- US$1,631
Guatemala's treasures shine in this 11-day adventure from La Aurora International Airport. UNESCO-listed Antigua offers colonial architecture by bike, while Acatenango Volcano provides overnight camping. Lake Atitlán leads to San Juan La Laguna's textile workshops, complemented by Tikal's ancient Mayan city and Semuc Champey's limestone pools.
Duration 13 days Destinations Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $4,199
10% Off- US$3,779You save $420
Duration 22 days Destinations Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- US$6,340
Central America Intro
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was amazing, I wouldn't change a thing. All activities (included and recommended) were really enjoyable.”
leonardo, traveled in August
Traverse three Central American countries over 18 days, from Mexico's Chichén Itzá to Guatemala's active Fuego volcano. Snorkel Belize's barrier reef, float in Semuc Champey's turquoise pools, and stay in local Mayan homestays near Lake Atitlán. Includes 17 breakfasts and expert guides for $3,199.
Duration 18 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala Age Range Ages 18-49 Operator INTRO Travel From
10% Off- US$3,349
Maya Triangle : El Salvador, Copan Ruins & Guatemala 8 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip has it all: ruins, volcanos and the incredible city of Antigua. The hidden surprise for me is just how enchanting the small villages were.”
Stephen, traveled in June
Eight days reveal El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala's treasures, from UNESCO-listed Joya de Ceren to Copan's ancient Maya city with its 1,800-hieroglyph staircase. San Salvador's Zona Rosa district and Boquerón National Park's volcanic crater lead to Antigua Guatemala's colonial streets, with visits to Santa Ana and Ruta de las Flores' coffee plantations.
Duration 8 days Destinations El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Inter Tours From
10% Off- US$1,268
Travel Central America your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Central America tours
G Adventures and Intrepid Travel stand out as solid choices for Central America trips, based on what our travelers tell us. They've built up a good track record for keeping things running smoothly - from transport logistics to activity timing. We often hear specific praise for guides like Fonzi Arce and Jurgen, who bring local knowledge and handle unexpected changes well. I should mention that Penguin Tours hasn't been meeting expectations lately. Several customers came back disappointed with their hotel quality, and quite a few mentioned disorganized schedules that left them waiting around or rushing between stops. Marvelous Travel sits somewhere in the middle. Their office staff are quick to respond and helpful, and some of their drivers get great feedback. But we've seen a pattern of booking mix-ups and also late buses. One customer spent two hours waiting for a transfer in San Jose because of unclear pickup instructions. From booking hundreds of Central America trips, I'd lean toward G Adventures or Intrepid if you want reliability. They cost a bit more than Penguin or Marvelous, but the extra expense typically means fewer headaches during your trip.
Discover Central America tours for every budget
Central America budget tours50 tours
Starting from
$38
per day
- Central America luxury tours
18 tours
Starting from
$125
per day
Central America tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Central America travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
- Solo Travelers502 tours
- Couples437 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)15 tours
- Seniors (50+)344 tours
Best time to visit Central America
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our winter tours through Central America blend cultural discovery with outdoor exploration. The main route connects Nicaragua's colonial heritage to Costa Rica's natural wonders - you'll watch active lava flows at Masaya Volcano and take refreshing swims in Lake Nicaragua near Ometepe Island. We've also got a great option mixing Guatemala's ancient landmarks with hands-on pupusa cooking in El Salvador and also visits to Honduras' Copán ruins. Our travelers tell us they love how these winter trips balance guided activities with free time to wander Granada's old quarter or try local street food in León.
- 407 tours
- popular 464 tours
- 286 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours flowing through Central America create a perfect blend of cultural depth and outdoor experiences when conditions are at their best. The well-traveled paths connect Nicaragua's volcanic terrain, Guatemala's rich heritage sites and also Costa Rica's diverse natural areas. Our tour guests tell us they love combining views of active lava at Masaya Volcano, cool dips in Lake Nicaragua by Ometepe Island, and traditional crafts like mask-making in Monimbo village. These in-depth journeys feature homestays where local families share meals and Spanish conversation, walks with expert guides through Copan's UNESCO ruins, and hands-on cooking sessions making pupusas in Suchitoto. Many travelers choose paths that include soaring through Monteverde's misty forest canopy and floating Tortuguero's waterways to spot native wildlife. The spring timing works especially well for mixing cultural connections with outdoor activities - you might find yourself learning traditional indigo dyeing techniques with local artisans between volcanic hikes and beach time at Manuel Antonio, where monkeys and sloths move through the forest above.
- 481 tours
- popular 484 tours
- 459 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer in Central America opens up some of our most varied experiences. The full journey begins in San Jose where you'll explore local life and sample regional foods at Central Market before heading to Manuel Antonio's pristine beaches - keep your eyes up for monkeys and sloths in the trees above. Another excellent route covers Nicaragua and Guatemala, letting you try traditional mask-making in Monimbo, slide down Cerro Negro volcano and stay with island families on Ometepe. Our guests particularly like how these summer trips mix cultural activities with cool breaks in places like Monteverde's misty forest and also La Fortuna's natural swimming holes.
- 455 tours
- popular 469 tours
- 469 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Based on the available tour data, there is no specific information about autumn tours or seasonal booking patterns for this time of year. Instead of making assumptions about autumn travel options without supporting evidence, this section has been intentionally left empty to maintain accuracy. The core tour information and year-round options are covered thoroughly in other sections of the article.
- 427 tours
- popular 476 tours
- 414 tours
Contact our Central America travel experts
George
Expert in Central America at TourRadar
George is one of our seasoned Central America Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Central America tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Central America Tours & Trips
How Do People Get Around in Central America?
Getting between countries in Central America is actually pretty varied. Chicken buses these colorful converted school buses are super cheap and give you a real local experience though yeah they can get packed. If you want more comfort shared shuttle vans are the way to go especially for longer trips. Island hopping or hitting coastal spots? Water taxis are your best friend particularly in Belize and Panama. Like if you're heading from Flores Guatemala to Caye Caulker Belize you'll need to piece together a few rides - taxi to the border another to Corozal Town local transport to Belize City then hop on a water taxi to the island.
What Local Cultural Experiences Can You Join In?
There's some really authentic stuff you can get involved with. In Suchitoto El Salvador you can learn to make pupusas right alongside locals and try your hand at indigo dying with local artisans it's actually one of the world's best places for indigo and helps support single moms. Over in Guatemala the Temple of San Simon in San Andres Itzapa offers a fascinating look at Mayan traditions mixed with Catholic beliefs. Nicaragua's got some cool cultural spots too like Monimbo where you can meet artists who make those traditional masks from the revolution days.
Where Are the Best Natural Areas to Visit?
The natural spots here are incredible. Mombacho Volcano Reserve near Granada Nicaragua needs a 4x4 to reach but rewards you with amazing cloud forest walks and crater views. Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica is a boat ride away and packed with wildlife including 350+ bird species. Then there's Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve also in Costa Rica easily reached by minibus where the biodiversity will blow your mind.