3-Week Central America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Central America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar

• 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.

  

  View itineraryCompare 20 days itineraries
  • 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."

    

  View itinerary

• 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.

  

  View itineraryCompare 16 days itineraries
  • 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.

    

  View itinerary

• 19 Days in Central America, incl. Nicaragua and Guatemala

  A grand 19-day Central American odyssey features 3 nights in colonial Granada, 2 days at Lake Atitlan's indigenous villages, and 3 nights at Chaa Creek rainforest lodge. The route encompasses Masaya Volcano, Tikal's ruins, and boat trips on Las Isletas, spanning 14 cities across 4 countries.

  

  View itineraryCompare 19 days itineraries
  • Days 1-3

    Granada, Nicaragua

    Arrive at Managua Airport in early afternoon to avoid traffic on your 45-minute drive to Granada. On day 2, explore the historic center in the morning when the light makes those colorful colonial buildings really pop. Take a boat trip through Las Isletas archipelago in late afternoon when it's cooler. Start day 3 at Masaya Volcano National Park before it gets hot. Visit the handicraft market early to shop for hammocks before the crowds arrive.

    
  • Days 4-5

    León, Nicaragua

    Leave Granada by 9 AM for the 2-3 hour drive north to León. Visit the cathedral rooftop before 2 PM to avoid the scorching white surface. If you're heading to Poneloya beach, go early since there isn't much shade and the afternoon sun is strong.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Suchitoto, El Salvador

    Take a quick flight from Managua to San Salvador, then drive an hour to quiet Suchitoto. Walk the cobblestone streets in the morning when it's mild. Book your Lake Suchitlan boat trips for early morning to see more birds.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Antigua, Guatemala

    You'll want three full days in this colonial treasure. Get out early to see the volcanoes before clouds move in. The optional Copan ruins trip takes 4 hours each way but it's worth it.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Lake Atitlan

    Stop at Chichicastenango market first (get there by 9 AM before tour buses). Then head down to Lake Atitlan. Take morning boat trips to Santiago Atitlán when the water is calmest. The lakeside paths can get slippery so pack water resistant shoes.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Tikal

    Fly one hour to Flores to access Tikal. One visitor shared: "Getting to Tikal by 7 AM was key - we had the main plaza almost to ourselves and saw howler monkeys in the canopy before the day crowds arrived."

    
  • Days 16-19

    Belize

    Cross into Belize's Cayo District and stay at Chaa Creek lodge. Walk the trails early morning when wildlife is most active. Book an afternoon flight from Belize City on your last day. The 2-hour drive from Chaa Creek is on good roads but leave time for unexpected delays.

    

  View itinerary