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.
Mexico Day of the Dead in Oaxaca (CMDO)
One of the great festivals of the world, the Day of the Dead is at once a celebration of ancestors and a huge party. From candy skulls and colourful parades to family picnics in historic cemeteries, the Day of the Dead is a party like no other and this tour is your backstage pass. If you’re culturally curious or slightly ghoulish, join us in Oaxaca—Mexico’s artistic heartland—for a truly different perspective of the country at its most exciting. And with incredible ruins and fantastic landscapes all around, you don’t need to be Wednesday Addams to get into the macabre spirit of this incredible celebration.
Highlights: Following the seas of flowers and flickering candles of cemetery vigils, Watching the painted faces and street dances during Day of the Dead parades, Enjoying beautiful colonial Oaxaca, Bartering for macabre skeleton dolls at the market
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.
Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail (CMMT)
For the nature lover who also appreciates cultural luminescence, this limited-edition butterfly adventure captures the brightest colours of Mexico in just ten days. From the historic streets of Mexico City, you'll travel through stunning national parks, colonial towns and beautiful countryside as you follow the migration of the monarch butterfly. Wander through flutters of butterflies in the reserves of El Rosario and Sierra Chincua. Off the beaten path, this quirky adventure will give you a unique insight into the people and 'mariposas' of Mexico.
Highlights: Watching thousands of monarch butterflies surround you, treading off the beaten track on horseback to small towns, gawking at impressive architecture in Morelia's city centre, sampling Mexico City's vibrant nightlife.
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.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Essence of Nicaragua (CNEN)
From the colonial streets of Granada and León to the beauty of San Juan del Sur's horseshoe bay, discover the best of Nicaragua on this unique 12-day adventure. Encounter a nature-lover's paradise on Ometepe Island and both dormant and active volcanoes amidst this country's stunning wilderness. Emerging from a long and turbulent history, Nicaragua is set to become the next big thing. Discover it before the others do and come away with a greater understanding of both the volatile past and a passion for this country's vibrant modern culture.
Highlights: Exploring colonial Granada, seeking out the revolutionary murals in León, chilling out on the beach at San Juan del Sur, Savouring a typical meal at a rural farm.
Local Living Nicaragua: Granada (CNGL)
Connect with the rich history, culture and stunning scenery of Central America on this Local Living stay in Granada, Nicaragua. Immerse yourself in the colonial character of the city, visit a volcano, kayak on Lake Nicaragua or practice your Spanish. You’ll share a colonial house with a few other like-minded travellers but your free time is all yours. A CEO is there to take care of the hassles so you're free to make this the holiday you want—with new friends or on your own.
Highlights: Sharing a rental property with optional day trips and activities, connecting with Nicaragua's revolutionary past, slowing down and making friends with the locals, discovering a new-found love of salsa dancing, visiting an active volcano, wandering the architecturally stunning streets of this country's oldest city.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Trek Hidden Costa Rica (CRAC)
Think you know Costa Rica? Trade in the same old settings for the real deal. Trek into the heart of the jungle, live with three families in a remote village and embrace your inner Tarzan while bunking down behind a massive waterfall in a hidden cave. You'll learn about the medicinal plants native to these parts and how to make sugar cane candy. This is a spectacular country with opportunities for waterfall rappelling, surfing and whitewater rafting. Discover the emerald core of a diverse land. This is what adventure is all about.
Highlights: Trekking into a remote community to live with the locals, Sleeping in a cave behind twin 26m waterfalls, Making your own sugar cane candy, Experiencing a traditional sauna and learning about medicinal plants, Rappelling down hidden waterfalls, Whitewater rafting on the Savegre River
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.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
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.
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
Costa Rica Family Experience (CRFS)
Nothing brings learning to life like real-world experience. This week-long trip’s engaging lesson plan gives your kids an education in biology and ecology they’ll never get in a textbook. Here, you’ll spend five life-changing days studying the flora and fauna that inhabit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park. Elsewhere, you’ll get in touch with the land by rappelling, rafting, swimming, horseback-riding and even surfing all over it. Science + gym? You do the math.
Highlights: Learning to surf on Costa Rica's pristine beaches, visiting a local family to learn to make tortillas, Spotting nature in dense cloud forest, enjoying the natural beauty of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Volunteer Costa Rica (CRPJ)
From pristine cloud forests to the Pacific coast’s famous surf, experience some of the world's most incredible scenery and exotic wildlife—and make a lasting impact while you're there. Spend five days volunteering with a sea turtle project to help ensure these endearing creatures are around for future generations to admire. Then hike through misty cloud forests and get your heart racing on optional activities in the lush wilderness. Give some of your time to this beautiful country and a worthy cause, and you'll be rewarded with an experience you can really treasure. Gain a real sense of accomplishment and take home more than photographs.
Highlights: Patrolling for sea turtles laying their eggs, chilling out on the beach and watching the waves lap at the coast, searching for the elusive quetzal bird, taking the opportunity to go whitewater rafting.
Volcano Adventure- San José to Antigua (CRSA)
From the lush cloud forests of Costa Rica to the evocative cobblestone streets of Antigua, get off the tourist track and discover the colour and spirit of Central America. Discover ancient Mayan ruins at Copán and visit small villages for insight into the region's vibrant culture. Explore the volcanoes and jungle surrounding Ometepe Island and unwind on the white sand beaches of Roatán. With its combination of included activities and countless thrilling options, this trip offers you the chance to personalize your adventure into something special.
Highlights: Hiking through the mist of a cloud forest, exploring Mayan ruins of Copán, dining with a local family in their home in Nicaragua, peering over the crater of Masaya Volcano, chilling on a Caribbean beach.
Panama Experience (CRSP)
From San José, hit the beach and mountain retreats on your way to the locks of the world-famous Panama Canal at the centre of the Americas. Visit gorgeous islands and chill to reggae beats on Caribbean beaches. Search for the quetzal bird in cloud forests and shake your tailfeather in the clubs of Panama City. With your hotel and transport arranged by our CEOs, you can concentrate on choosing your own adventure.
Highlights: Listening to the reggae rhythms wafting through the Caribbean air, staring out at the crystal blue ocean, walking through lush greenery of the highlands, kicking back in a hammock on the Pacific, opportunity to watch ships pass through the Panama Canal.
Costa Rica Volcanoes & Surf (CRVS)
Mountain bike along Lake Arenal with breathtaking volcanic views and catch a wave on this action-packed 9-day tour of Costa Rica. Get your adrenaline pumping with optional extreme sports like whitewater rafting, rappelling and ziplining through the lush jungle canopy. Learn to surf the famous Pacific breaks at Playa Hermosa and enjoy plenty of time to relax on tropical beaches. Throw in the opportunity to see incredible rainforest wildlife and you've got a unique adventure you'll be talking about for years.
Highlights: Surfing the waves of one of the best breaks in the country, Catching views of Arenal Volcano from a lakeside mountain bike ride, Searching for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest, Watching the sunset over the Pacific.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Central American Journey (JCS)
Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit six countries on this classic adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, rainforests and breathtaking scenery along the way. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and meet locals for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. While you're free to choose your own adventure, 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 all the things you need and nothing you don't—32 days of maximum adventure at minimum cost.
Highlights: Relaxing on white-sand beaches, exploring the ruins of Copán and Tikal, bargaining at the local markets of colourful colonial Antigua and Granada, experiencing an overnight homestay in Guatemala and Nicaragua, interacting with the locals on chicken buses, experiencing the misty Monteverde cloud forest.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Mexico Ancient Civilizations (MMC)
From the hustle of modern Mexico City, which preserves its magic from centuries gone by, to the ruins at Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this adventure takes in the cultural and historical highlights. It’s perfect for travellers on a tight budget looking to see as much as possible of this diverse region.
Highlights: Visiting Mayan ruins, dancing the night away in Mexican bars and clubs, bargaining for beautiful textiles and handmade goods at colourful markets, savouring the tasty Mexican food and drink, chilling on the white sand beaches of the Mayan Riviera.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico Day of the Dead in Oaxaca (CMDO) | 7 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$999
USD
|
| Mexico Civilizations (CMMCD) | 9 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$1350
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1799
|
| Mayan Discovery (CMMD) | 15 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1449
USD
|
| Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail (CMMT) | 10 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Mayan Trail (CMTM) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1105
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1299
|
| Essence of Nicaragua (CNEN) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Local Living Nicaragua: Granada (CNGL) | 8 days | Local Living | Standard |
From
$599
USD
|
| Trek Hidden Costa Rica (CRAC) | 12 days | Active | Basic |
From
$1199
USD
|
| Costa Rica on a Shoestring (CRBC) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Best of Central America (CRBO) | 32 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2210
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2599
|
| Backroads of Central America (CRBR) | 17 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1449
USD
|
| Basic Costa Rica (CRCR) | 14 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1099
USD
|
| Classic Costa Rica (CRCRD) | 9 days | Discovery Adventures | Comfort |
From
$1240
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1549
|
| Costa Rica Family Experience (CRFS) | 8 days | Family | Comfort |
From
$999
USD
|
| Volunteer Costa Rica (CRPJ) | 15 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1049
USD
|
| Volcano Adventure- San José to Antigua (CRSA) | 21 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$2299
USD
|
| Panama Experience (CRSP) | 14 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Costa Rica Volcanoes & Surf (CRVS) | 9 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1147
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1349
|
| Central American Journey (JCS) | 32 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2250
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2499
|
| Mexico Ancient Civilizations (MMC) | 15 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1020
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1199
|
