Central America Tours
- Ometepe Island (Nicaragua)
- Bay Islands (Honduras)
- Antigua (Guatemala)
- Bocas del Toro (Panama)
- Lake Atitlan/Panajachel (Guatemala)
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (Belize)
- Havana (Cuba)
- Tikal (Guatemala)
- Palenque (Mexico)
- Playa Hermosa (Costa Rica)
Diversity. The word sums up Central America travel. So geographically close to the frenzy of North America, yet a million miles away in culture and lifestyle, this small area changes colours as quickly as a chameleon. Each country is so different that a simple border crossing will bring a whole new mix of surprises and cultural experiences. If beach life and water activities are your thing then a Central America tour is perfect for you. Snorkeling, sailing, SCUBA diving, surfing, parasailing, swimming and windsurfing are all possible in virtually any Central American country. For history and culture buffs the archaeological ruins of Tikal in Guatemala or Copan in Honduras are fascinating reminders of the ancient Mayan civilization. Whether you have just a week or a full month to travel, Central America has something for you.
Mayan Adventure (CAM)
Leave the resorts of Cancún behind and explore the authentic Yucatán. From sunny beaches and lush jungles to the highlands of Chiapas, journey through Belize, Guatemala and southern Mexico on this incredible 22-day adventure. Explore the amazing ruins of Chichén Itzá, Palenque and Tikal and walk the cobblestone streets of colonial San Cristóbal de las Casas and Antigua. Snorkel with stingrays or just get into the reggae pace of life on sunny Caribbean beaches. Experience a journey that introduces you to local culture and offers insight into the history of the Mayan heartland.
Highlights: Exploring incredible Mayan sites and colourful local markets, blissing out on the world-class Mayan Riviera beaches, caving in a Mayan sacred site, snorkelling on Belize's world-famous barrier reef.
Cuba Colonial (CCC)
The melody of horns floating through the air, classic cars parked in colonial squares and revolutionary statues—get over the resort wall and discover the real Cuba! Travel east to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa and encounter the birthplace of Cuban rhythms and revolutionary fervour. Soak in Spanish heritage while exploring churches, forts and cobblestone streets. Overnight in homestays for an immersive Cuban experience few travellers get to experience. Don't just walk down the road less travelled—dance down it. Viva la Revolución!
Highlights: Dancing salsa with the locals, walking in Che Guevara's footsteps, bonding with your host family in a homestay, exploring breathtaking beaches.
Costa Rica Quest (CRQ)
Nature called you to Costa Rica—now here you are, suspended in the jungle canopy, locking eyes with a curious monkey. This action-packed tour of Costa Rica’s highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region’s diversity. Get your adrenaline pumping, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, melt away in thermal springs or bliss out on a beach—our CEOs will help you find the secluded spots only the locals know.
Highlights: Soaking in the thermal hot springs of Arenal Volcano, searching for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest, watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Cuba Libre (CCL)
Walking through the pincushion hills, wandering amongst orchids and lush mountain coffee plantations—see another side of the island on this week-long tour through the ‘Garden Province’ of Cuba. Tour a tobacco plantation, snorkel crystal clear waters full of colourful coral and search for the pirates of lore along the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. Soak up local culture in a homestay for an immersive experience that travellers rarely get to know. Let our experienced CEO lead you off the beaten path and discover the cultural treasures of Cuba.
Highlights: Blissing out on the beautiful beaches, Experiencing Cuban hospitality during a homestay overnight, visiting a factory that produces world famous Cuban cigars.
Mayan Encounter (CGME)
Trek though jungles to Mayan ruins and relax on white sand beaches. Get an authentic taste of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala with an adventure that combines the mystery of the ancient ruins with the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. Shop for treasures along colonial Antigua's cobblestone streets and get to know the locals from communities where life sometimes moves at a reggae pace. Explore the lost ruins of Tikal, snorkel with stingrays and finish in the colourful beach town of Playa del Carmen. With accommodation and transport arranged by a CEO, this trip offers great value and is the perfect way to discover this region’s unique vibe.
Highlights: Listening to the howler monkeys from the top of Temple IV at Tikal, Revelling in Caye Caulker sunsets, Swaying to reggae beats wafting through the Belizean air, Blissing out on world-class Mayan Riviera beaches.
Mayan Sun—Southbound (CMCA)
Find your paradise somewhere between the blazing Yucatán sun and the cool Guatemalan highlands on this 16-day odyssey. Wander Antigua’s cobblestone streets and its local markets before experiencing the diverse beauty of Lake Atitlán and its indigenous villages. Geared to the adventurer wanting to capture some of Central America's finest highlights, this trip will ensure that you really pack some punch into those postcards home.
Highlights: Relaxing on white sand beaches, luxuriating in Caye Caulker sunsets and reggae music, experiencing a local homestay, exploring gorgeous colonial Antigua and its colourful markets.
Costa Rica Adventure (CRA)
If you’re looking for a taste of Costa Rica’s world-class highlights but want to keep things spicy with a sampling of hidden treasures, this action-packed adventure tops the menu. In spite of its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world—explore its volcanoes, wildlife, rainforests and beaches. This adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time. Optional activities abound—choose to get your adrenaline pumping or take it easy with a stroll through a butterfly garden.
Highlights: Spotting wildlife while cruising through canals, searching for the elusive quetzal bird, hiking through jungles, chilling on the gorgeous Pacific coast, Searching for dolphins on a sunset sail or going whitewater rafting.
Costa Rica Explorer (CRE)
Costa Rica has as many microclimates as it does opportunities for active adventures—and this 2-week journey will bring you the best of both. There's a visit to a cloud forest, but for a bigger jolt, try rappelling down waterfalls or flying across ziplines above the treetops. For a different pace, float through the canals of the Tortuguero National Park and visit turtle nesting grounds if you choose. From the Caribbean beaches to the Pacific, this stunning tour embodies some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
Highlights: Spotting wildlife while cruising the canals of Tortuguero, enjoying spectacular volcano views, hiking the trails of reserves and national parks, relaxing on the Pacific beaches.
Volcano Trail (JGS)
From the crystal-blue ocean teeming with marine life to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies, take the road less travelled on this trip through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica with other travellers your own age. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery and a chance to experience local culture with a 2-night homestay on the island of Ometepe. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation, which not only keeps costs down but also gives you a chance to really meet the locals.
Highlights: Connecting with your hosts in an Ometepe homestay experience, relaxing seaside in the Bay Islands, laughing with the locals during a journey on a chicken bus, opportunities to go whitewater rafting, exploring Mayan ruins and hiking through a cloud forest
Cuba Explorer (CCCE)
Explore a side of Cuba that few rarely get to experience on this 9-day adventure. Cruise Havana’s history-infused streets in a classic car and stroll along Trinidad’s cobblestone avenues to the rhythms of music floating from open windows. Tour a tobacco plantation for a taste of iconic Cuban culture and luxuriate in the view of the island’s rolling western hills. Travel by private air-conditioned van is well-paced, so you're refreshed and ready to explore the island’s vibrant culture and incredible Caribbean beaches.
Highlights: Cruising through Havana in a vintage automobile, watching the making of the famous Cuban cigar at a local factory, blissing out on a beautiful beach overlooking the blue Caribbean.
- Trip Style:
- G-Plus
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Cuban Rhythms (CCCR)
For too many people, Cuba is nothing more than a beach resort. That’s crazy; the island practically buzzes with energy and you should do likewise—get moving. Journey through the culture-soaked streets of Trinidad and Old Havana for your fill of drinking and dancing. The music here pours out of open windows. Hit the beach and explore the outdoors then connect with the locals in homestays and make friends for life as you hit the sites with other young people like yourself. Boring? Impossible!
Highlights: Dancing the night away with other young travellers in Old Havana, mingling with the locals at overnight homestays, sampling the local rum and cigars, connecting to the salsa culture on the dance floor, moving those hips to incredible live music, exploring colonial Havana's alleyways, lazing under the Caribbean sun.
Mayan Sun (CGAC)
Trek though jungle backdrops to Mayan ruins and chill out on white sand under the Caribbean sun. Check out Mexico, Belize and Guatemala and experience the region’s diversity. Wander colonial Antigua’s cobblestone streets and shop for treasures before experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Atitlan, its indigenous Mayan villages and striking volcanoes. Snap a picture and impress the folks. One of our most popular trips, this adventure offers natural wonders, excitement and culture with enough time to socialize and do your own thing.
Highlights: Pounding the cobblestones of gorgeous colonial Antigua, overnighting in a local homestay, seeing the vibrant colours of markets, experiencing Caye Caulker sunsets and reggae music, blissing out on white sand beaches, exploring Mayan sites
Mexico Civilizations (CMMCD)
The top of Uxmal’s grand pyramid rewards you with a breathtaking view. This is what you came to Mexico for—the side of the Yucatán you can’t see from behind a resort’s wall. You’re here to dig deeper and discover the region’s rich archaeological and cultural wonders. Fill up on local delicacies and rich culture in Mérida but save space on your camera’s memory card for the region’s white sand beaches. From the majesty of Chichén Itzá to the ruins at Tulúm, connect with a side of Mexico few travellers get to know.
Highlights: Digging deep into ancient history at Mayan ruins, Delving into Mexican culture though the food and markets of Mérida, Swimming in the cooling underground cenotes, Exploring Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
- Trip Style:
- Discovery Adventures
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Mayan Discovery (CMMD)
Mayan ruins peeking out from verdant jungle, street vendors hawking their wares on colonial streets, pristine white sand beaches sparkling under the Caribbean sun—now this is the real Yucatán! On this unique 15-day journey, you’ll tour the ruins at Chichén Itzá and Palenque, and head deep into the jungle of Guatemala to experience the ruins of Tikal. You're free to choose your own adventure! So escape the resort packages and witness all the incredible wilderness, wildlife and Mayan culture—past and present—that you can imagine.
Highlights: Exploring Mayan temples, trekking through jungles, chilling out on a Belizean island, staring out into the Caribbean blue from a Mayan Riviera beach.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Mayan Trail (CMTM)
Leave the resorts of Cancún behind and embark on an authentic adventure that will take you from spectacular Mayan ruins, over the cobblestone streets of colonial towns and deep into the jungle of Mexico. Explore the ancient ruins at Chichén Itzá and Palenque and meet the descendants of those who built them in the vibrant streets and colourful markets of picturesque Mayan towns. Get your camera out—you're going to need it!
Highlights: Exploring the ruins of Chichén Itzá and Palenque, getting lost wandering colonial San Cristobal de las Casas and Antigua, marvelling at Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, bargaining at colourful local markets.
Costa Rica on a Shoestring (CRBC)
Hit two of Costa Rica's famed features—volcanoes and beaches—on this exciting trip that isn't too hard on the wallet. Get the adrenaline pumping in La Fortuna, then soak up the hippie spirit of Montezuma and relax on the beach. While you're free to choose your own adventure and optional adrenaline-inducing activities like waterfall rappelling, your accommodation and transportation are included and our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Take a trip that's packed with just the essentials—eight days of maximum Costa Rica at minimum cost.
Highlights: Trying adrenaline sports like whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling, taking in the views of Arenal Volcano towering over La Fortuna, chilling out on the Pacific, trying to catch some waves.
Best of Central America (CRBO)
From ancient ruins to active volcanoes, get off the beaten track and discover extraordinary Central America—on a shoestring. Make sure your passport has space because this exciting 32-day trip hits most of Central America as it covers tropical rainforests, volcanoes, colonial cities and all the breathtaking scenery in between. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and soak in the region's incredible culture. Our CEOs will ensure your accommodation and transportation are covered—so you can choose the activities and sights that interest you—the adventure is yours to choose!
Highlights: Bargaining at local markets, exploring a misty cloud forest in Monteverde, taking in breathtaking Ometepe Island, blissing out on a stretch of remote Nicaraguan beach, walking the colonial streets of colourful Granada and Antigua, snorkelling coral reefs, spending the night at Guatemalan and Nicaraguan homestays, exploring Mayan ruins of Copán and Tikal.
Backroads of Central America (CRBR)
Take the road less travelled through Central America with other travellers your own age—so you can be sure to get down with other adventurers that’ll keep up. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery—from tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies to colonial cities bouncing to a decidedly more human beat. You'll blaze your own path as you discover a region of volcanoes, craters, beaches and lush forests. Sticking to budget accommodation and public transport will keep costs down and you rooted in local life.
Highlights: Connecting with your hosts in an Ometepe homestay experience, laughing with the locals during a journey on a chicken bus, blissing out on a stretch of remote Nicaraguan beach, strolling through Antigua's colonial streets, exploring Mayan ruins, hiking through a cloud forest, sampling local cuisine.
Basic Costa Rica (CRCR)
Stay flexible in Costa Rica on this unique 2-week adventure. You'll hit the volcanoes, a cloud forest and both of the incredible coasts. Chill out on white sand beaches and explore pristine wildlife reserves. Best of all, this trip gives you the flexibility to create the adventure of a lifetime, so you can soar across the treetops by zipline, rappel down a waterfall or learn to surf the Pacific breaks. Take a trip that's packed with just the essentials—everything you need to explore the diversity and beauty of Costa Rica.
Highlights: Chilling out on the Caribbean and Pacific, cruising across Lake Arenal with beautiful views of Arenal Volcano, opportunities to go whitewater rafting, horseback riding along the beach or flying through the cloud forest canopy.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Classic Costa Rica (CRCRD)
Connect with nature’s best in Costa Rica. Explore the lush rainforests full of exotic flora and fauna. Relax in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano and later enjoy a tortilla-making lesson and lunch with a local family. Learn how chocolate is made on a tour at La Tirimbina Rainforest Center and then enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Monteverde’s cloud forest atop a treetop canopy. Costa Rica is a world famous destination known for beautiful landscapes from the ground up.
Highlights: Learning about the Sarapiqui rainforest and Monteverde cloudforest with local naturalists, Partaking in demonstrations by experts on how chocolate and coffee get from the forest to your table, Sharing lunch and a cooking demonstration in a local family's home
- Trip Style:
- Discovery Adventures
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayan Adventure (CAM) | 22 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$2249
USD
|
| Cuba Colonial (CCC) | 15 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1599
USD
|
| Costa Rica Quest (CRQ) | 9 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$999
USD
|
| Cuba Libre (CCL) | 8 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$899
USD
|
| Mayan Encounter (CGME) | 11 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1199
USD
|
| Mayan Sun—Southbound (CMCA) | 16 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Costa Rica Adventure (CRA) | 16 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1449
USD
|
| Costa Rica Explorer (CRE) | 14 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$1799
USD
|
| Volcano Trail (JGS) | 17 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1449
USD
|
| Cuba Explorer (CCCE) | 9 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$1530
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1699
|
| Cuban Rhythms (CCCR) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Mayan Sun (CGAC) | 16 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Mexico Civilizations (CMMCD) | 9 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$1530
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1799
|
| Mayan Discovery (CMMD) | 15 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1232
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1449
|
| Mayan Trail (CMTM) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1299
USD
|
| Costa Rica on a Shoestring (CRBC) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Best of Central America (CRBO) | 32 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2599
USD
|
| Backroads of Central America (CRBR) | 17 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1449
USD
|
| Basic Costa Rica (CRCR) | 14 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$990
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1099
|
| Classic Costa Rica (CRCRD) | 9 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$1240
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1549
|
