2-Week Central America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Central America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Days in Central America, incl. Guatemala and Costa Rica

  Over 14 days, you'll visit 13 cities across 4 countries, starting in Antigua and ending in San Jose. The itinerary includes hiking Pacaya Volcano, meeting Lake Atitlan's Maya communities, and touring Granada's isletas. Adrenaline peaks with volcano boarding at Cerro Negro and Monteverde's canopy adventures, while nights are spent in comfortable hostels.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Antigua and Pacaya Volcano

    Start your journey in Guatemala's highlands with two days in Antigua and Pacaya Volcano. The volcano trek starts at 6 AM with a 2-hour climb to the summit. You'll need sturdy shoes with good grip since volcanic rocks can be unstable. After exploring the heated rocks and dry lava fields, continue to Lake Atitlan. A traveler's insight: "Watching the sunrise over Lake Atitlan's volcanoes was worth the early wake-up but bring layers as mornings can be chilly at this altitude."

    
  • Day 3

    El Tunco Beach

    Move on to El Salvador's El Tunco Beach via early shuttle at 2 AM. The trip takes about 5 hours. Book surf lessons in the morning when waves suit beginners best. The beach fills up later in the day so plan your activities early.

    
  • Days 4-5

    León and Granada

    Next up is Nicaragua. The journey to León takes about 12 hours but offers nice views. Pack food and water since border waits can be long. Try volcano boarding at Cerro Negro but wear long sleeves to protect from volcanic gravel. Spend two days in Granada exploring the colonial architecture and take a boat ride through Las Isletas.

    
  • Day 6

    San Juan del Sur

    San Juan del Sur offers great surfing and beach time. Visit Playa Maderas early for the best conditions. A fellow traveler notes: "The sunset views from the Christ statue overlooking the bay are incredible, but take a taxi up it's a steep walk in the heat."

    
  • Days 7-10

    Monteverde Cloud Forest and La Fortuna

    Your final stop is Costa Rica. Cross at Peñas Blancas and head to Monteverde Cloud Forest. Book morning canopy tours to see more wildlife. In La Fortuna you'll get great views of Arenal Volcano and can relax in hot springs. Local tip: Skip the expensive resorts and try the free natural pools by the river ask your accommodation for directions.

    
  • Days 11-14

    San José

    The trip ends in San José. Give yourself 3 hours to drive from La Fortuna because of mountain roads. Barrio Amón is a good area to stay with easy access to transport hubs.

    

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

  A 14-day Central American adventure covers 11 cities across 4 countries. Beginning in San Jose, trek Arenal Volcano, explore colonial Granada, surf at El Tunco, and finish in Guatemala City. Features Monteverde ziplining, volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, and Pacaya Volcano trek.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Jose & La Fortuna, Costa Rica

    Take a 4-hour shuttle from San Jose to La Fortuna. Visit the warm springs in late afternoon when there are fewer people. The public river spots offer the same experience as expensive resorts but are free. Plan your Arenal Volcano trek for early morning when the skies are usually clear. Bring quick-dry clothes since afternoon rain is common.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Monteverde, Costa Rica

    The 3-hour mountain drive to Monteverde has winding roads. Consider taking motion sickness medication if needed. Go ziplining in the morning for the best views. A recent visitor shared: "The morning fog rolling through the cloud forest while ziplining was magical - but bring a light jacket as it gets chilly up there."

    
  • Days 5-6

    San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

    Plan for a full day of travel. Take a shuttle to Liberia then continue to the Peñas Blancas border before reaching San Juan del Sur. Border crossings can be slow. The surf conditions are great for beginners. Book morning lessons when the waves are calmer. Stay at the Naked Tiger Hostel to watch amazing sunsets over the bay.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Granada & Leon, Nicaragua

    It's a three-hour trip to Granada. Take the Las Isletas boat tour in late afternoon for better photos and cooler weather. The next day, catch a shuttle to Leon (3 hours). You can walk around the city center easily but stay inside during peak heat from 11 AM-3 PM.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Volcano Boarding & El Tunco Beach

    Go volcano boarding early before the black sand gets hot. Wear proper shoes and expect to get dirty. The trip to El Tunco takes 12 hours. Pack food and water for the border waits.

    
  • Days 11-12

    El Tunco, El Salvador

    The black sand beaches are perfect for learning to surf. Take lessons during morning low tide when waves are gentler. The beach town is small but keep a flashlight handy since streets aren't well lit at night.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Antigua & Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

    After a five-hour ride to Antigua, plan the Pacaya Volcano hike (2 hours) for late afternoon to watch sunset over lava flows. A traveler noted: "The volcano trek was moderately challenging but seeing active lava up close made it worthwhile. Bring a walking stick - the loose gravel makes descending tricky."

    

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• 14 Days in Central America, incl. Granada and Panama City

  The 14-day route winds through 10 major cities across three countries. Notable features include 46km Arenal Lake circuit, Ometepe Island's volcanic trails, and Panama Canal zone. Includes 11 nights in standard hotels, 2 in premium accommodations, with daily rides averaging 35km.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Granada, Nicaragua

    Begin your journey in Granada's colonial setting with an easy 11km ride along Lake Nicaragua. Watch out for slippery cobblestone streets when wet. A fellow traveler shares: "The morning view of Mombacho volcano from Granada's central plaza is spectacular—grab a local coffee and fresh juice from one of the cafes before starting your ride."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ometepe Island

    A one-hour ferry takes you to this volcanic island. Cycle 33-46km while taking in views of Concepcion volcano. Consider the optional route around Maderas volcano but bring extra water for the tropical heat. Be prepared for potentially muddy dirt roads.

    
  • Day 5

    Costa Rica Border Crossing

    Start with an early 13-26km ride to catch the ferry. Budget several hours for border crossing and bring snacks. You'll drive 3 hours to stay overnight in Tilaran.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Arenal Region

    Take on a 46km ride around Lake Arenal with volcano views. The route includes 740m of climbing so take your time. Spend a free day in La Fortuna where the hanging bridges offer great rainforest exploration.

    
  • Day 8

    Orosi Valley

    After driving four hours you'll find a beautiful 46km route through Costa Rica's scenic Orosi Valley. The 880m climb pays off with incredible views.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Bocas del Toro

    Cycle 38km through Caribbean beach towns before entering Panama. Some unpaved sections might be muddy. Take a boat to spend two nights in Bocas del Toro. A cyclist notes: "The transition from mountains to Caribbean islands is incredible—pack both cycling gear and swimwear for this section."

    
  • Days 11-12

    Santiago to Panama City

    Tackle the Continental Divide with a cooling break at forest pools. Next day covers 38km of farmland before driving to Panama City.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Panama Canal Zone

    Start early at Miraflores Lock to beat the crowds. Bike the flat 7km coastal path for city skyline views. Finish your trip in the historic Panama Vieja district.

    

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