Budget Tours & Trips to Central America
Discover a varied offer of Central America budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as San Jose and Monteverde. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.
10 best cheap Central America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar
- Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Adventure
- Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
- Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
- Cancun to San Jose Travel Pass
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
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 Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $138 Operator TruTravels From $3,550
30% Off- US$2,485You save $1,065
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
75 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved the trip and enjoyed the variety of activities and landscapes. I would book that your again.”
Laura, traveled in August
This 7-country tour costs approx. $100 per day with simple hostels and authentic homestays in San Juan La Laguna. A guided Tikal tour, orientation walks, and transportation between 16 cities are included. Optional activities start at $20 for waterfall visits.
Duration 32 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $92 Operator G Adventures From
30% Off- US$2,949
Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The guide made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to every woman in the group; about 10/12 on the tour were women.”
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 Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $98 Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,470
10% Off- US$3,123You save $347
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 Ages 10+ Price Per Day $74 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$2,879
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A brilliant trip - thank you Explore.”
Julie, traveled in January
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 Ages 16+ Price Per Day $186 Operator Explore! From $2,320
20% Off- US$1,860You save $460
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 All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $148 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,604
15% Off- US$2,213You save $391
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
The Central American volcano circuit costs around $2,500 total, covering 8 nights' accommodation, multiple meals, and park entries. The tour showcases Arenal's lava landscapes, Las Pailas' geothermal features, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens' wildlife sanctuaries.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $196 Operator Green World Adventures From $2,073
15% Off- US$1,762You save $311
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accomodations were hostels but they were nice hostels! I love my time spent in Costa Rica!”
Maria, traveled in January
This value tour costs approx. $110 daily, covering transport and accommodation. Additional activities like Arenal hikes ($53) and Santa Teresa surf lessons are available. Well-rated hostels (4+ reviews) serve as base for Central American exploration.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $101 Operator G Adventures From $899
10% Off- US$809You save $90
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 All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $148 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,747
15% Off- US$1,485You save $262
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay.”
Gary, traveled in December
This eco-friendly tour costs approx. $160 per day, including breakfast and accommodations. National parks exploration and optional coffee tastings provide excellent value.
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $165 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,553
15% Off- US$1,320You save $233
Budget Tours & Trips to Central America Reviews
The tour was far more amazing than what I expected (compared to the one I did in south east Asia). I enjoyed every single day. Sometime the transportation in between to spots were too long but I guess it's part of the experience. I met such great people (I think the G of G'adventure comes actually from there). I had the chance to meet two guides for the whole journey. I have not enough words to tell how amazing they are. Beside their quality and professionalism as guides, they were so helpful, always happy, entertaining and so so so much fun! I truly made friends. They increased my huge appetite of the traveling lifestyle. I can't say enough thank you.
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
- Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
The trip was well laid out, I frequently reached out to our travel rep Karla, with questions and she was fantastic in assisting me with any questions prior and during the trip. She offered excellent activity tours like sea kayaking in Samara and zip lining in Arenal. We enjoyed every moment. The self drive part worked out very well and National car rental was very good to work with. We liked the freedom of having our own vehicle. The trip was one of the best trips I have ever taken and the people of Costa Rica were very kind. They really love their country and put family, schooling, the environment and their health first! Many countries could learn from them!
Marina was a wonderful guide, so knowledgeable and friendly. She always had great suggestions for each location. I was a little disappointed that the cost of the tour didn’t really include anything beyond transportation and lodging, though I did know that going in. All activities are extra, which definitely drives the cost of the trip higher. It’s a beautiful country and I’m glad I went, but it’s definitely an expensive place to visit!
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
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!"