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
- 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
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
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
Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“First three week section of the tour was brilliant; great places, very knowledgeable guide, great activities.”
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“Sloths and wildlife. Zip lining.”
Fiona, traveled in March
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
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
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The best guide ever!”
Spyridoula, traveled in September
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
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
Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Costa Rica is beautiful! La Paz Waterfalls is a great option for one of these days!”
Renee, traveled in June
San Jose's charm unfolds at approx.$140 per day, featuring quality hotels, Tortuga Island cruises, and guided experiences. Package includes meals, transportation, and optional San Luis canopy tours.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $77 Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $599
10% Off- US$539You save $60
Budget Tours & Trips to Central America Reviews
- 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!
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
Great itinerary and excellent guide for Tortuguero portion. Rest was self drive. Could get an explanation of why two adults sharing a room needed to each pay a supppement from tour radar or the supplier.
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Yinier was the best guide ever!
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!"