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.
Costa Rica Pass - Route 5 Self Drive (TCR5DN)
Drive from coast to coast, from the Caribbean-flavoured beaches of Costa Rica's Atlantic to the Latin rhythms of Guanacaste, known for its miles of beaches, killer surf and consistently sunny weather. In between, make a stop on the country's volcanic backbone at active Arenal Volcano, a wonderland of rafting, hiking, waterfalls and hot springs.
Highlights: San José, Cahuita or Puerto Viejo, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Guanacaste.
Costa Rica Pass - Route 6 Adventure Bus (TCR6BN)
Our most comprehensive Costa Rica Pass adventure! Start with the jungles and canals of Tortuguero, nesting ground for giant sea turtles. Next, try rafting or relax in hot springs around Arenal Volcano before heading into the cool hills of the Monteverde cloud forest region. Soak in the dramatic volcanic scenery of remote Rincon de la Vieja before topping it all off with some beach time and monkeys in Manuel Antonio.
Highlights: Viewing wildlife at Tortuguero National Park, keeping active around Arenal Volcano, ziplining through the treetops in the cloud forest reserve.
Costa Rica Pass - Route 6 Self Drive (TCR6DN)
Our most comprehensive Costa Rican driving adventure! Start with the mangroves, jungles and canals of Tortuguero, nesting ground for giant sea turtles. Next, try rafting or relax in hot springs around active Arenal Volcano before driving up into the cool hills of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Soak in dramatic volcanic scenery in remote Rincon de la Vieja before topping it all off with some beach time--and monkeys--in Manuel Antonio Park, famous for its beaches, bars and wildlife.
Highlights: San José, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Rincon de la Vieja, Manuel Antonio/Quepos Area
The Best of Costa Rica (TCRBCC)
Can't decide between the jungle, volcanoes or the beach? Do all three on this 10-day journey around all that makes Costa Rica world-renowned for its natural beauty. Start by cruising the remote rainforests of Tortuguero (no roads here!) before heading to volcano country. Stay at the foot of Arenal Volcano and explore the rivers, trails and hot springs of the area before chasing sun and sea in Guanacaste, known for its miles of beaches, killer surf and great weather.
Highlights: Spotting monkeys and other wildlife, relaxing on the beach, getting active in the Arenal region, soaking in relaxing hot springs after a hard day of play.
Turtles and Tortuguero (TCRT3C)
Short on time but need more of Costa Rica? Tortuguero National Park, home to the Caribbean’s most important breeding ground for endangered green sea turtles, is the place for you. Travel from San Jose through banana plantations to the Caribbean Coast where you'll catch a boat to Tortuguero. Spend three days exploring the canals, beaches and jungles of this pristine nature reserve in search of turtles, birds, caiman and if you are lucky the famous 'Jesus Lizard'.
Highlights: Cruising the Tortuguero Canals in search of wildlife, Hiking through the pristine environment of Tortuguero National Park, Searching for sea turtles in season.
Turtles & Tortuguero (TCRTTC)
Spend three days at a comfortable lodge in and around Tortuguero National Park, home to the Caribbean’s most important breeding ground for endangered green sea turtles. The park is a land of canals and waterways lined by steamy jungle and mangroves teeming with wildlife. A sleepy Caribbean town, Tortuguero has no roads—access is only by boat or small plane. If you're looking for unspoiled rainforest and more animals than you can shake a camera at, this is the place.
Highlights: Exploring lush Tortuguero National Park, Searching for sea turtles during nesting season.
Volcano, Hot Springs & Cloudforest (TCRVHC)
Head for the hills! Costa Rica's backbone of mountains and volcanoes hold some of its greatest treasures. The area around Arenal Volcano has adrenaline sports galore; enjoy the luxury of volcano-heated hot springs once the day's over. Join a guided tour of the Caño Negro wetlands, heading the next day for the cool hills of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Explore this unique ecosystem, world-famous for its biodiversity and spot quetzal and hummingbirds in a thick forest studded with tiny orchids.
Highlights: Spotting wildlife around the waters of the Caño Negro wetlands, hiking through the misty cloud forest air, soaking in the blissful thermal hot springs of Arenal.
Belize & Tikal Adventure (BHH)
Follow in the footsteps of Mayan warriors to lost cities cloaked in jungle mists. This adventure offers an intriguing mix of ruins, beaches, wildlife and the rich cultures of Belize and Guatemala. A perfect blend of activity and relaxation—spend three days canoeing deep in the jungle and snorkelling the crystal-clear turquoise-blue waters before easing into the laidback Belizean lifestyle while sipping on a rum cocktail. As pioneers of canoeing in the region, we are pleased to offer this classic trip—one you won’t find anywhere else.
Highlights: River canoeing in central Belize, spotting tropical sea life while snorkelling the barrier reef, exploring the jungle-set ruins of Tikal, listening to reggae music as you walk down Caye Caulker's sandy main street.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Cycle Cuba (CCB)
Leave the resorts of Varadero behind and discover the real Cuba on this 8-day active adventure. Get your blood pumping cycling the hills of the Guaniguanico and El Rosario mountain ranges and marvel at scenic vistas that will take your breath away. Tour a tobacco plantation for a taste of iconic Cuban culture. With its lush scenery, vibrant culture and incredible beaches, this active cycling adventure will have you exploring a side of this island few rarely get to know.
Highlights: Cycling through pincushion hills, sampling Cuban rum at the distillery, hearing Cuban salsa music float through the streets of Havana, walking across one of Cuba's famed white-sand beaches, gazing out across the crystal-blue Caribbean.
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
Cuba Family Adventure (CCFA)
Cuba’s past is well-known, but what of its present? Take the family and find out for yourself on this jam-packed 12-day adventure that celebrates the island’s colonial past and vibrant modern-day culture. Here, you’ll learn to salsa in Havana, go swimming in Cueva de los Peces, explore colonial Trinidad and learn about the revolution in historic Santa Clara. Blessed with history, culture and unspoiled natural splendour, Cuba is captivating, indoors and out.
Highlights: Cruising through Havana in a vintage automobile, Blissing out on a beautiful beach overlooking the Caribbean, Exploring Indian Cave by boat, Walking among karst peaks, visiting a crocodile farm, learning about fascinating Cuban history.
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
Jamaica Encompassed (CJRR)
Escape the all-inclusive resorts and see a side of Jamaica that few tourists experience on this whirlwind 10-day adventure. Meet true Rastafarians and learn about the original inhabitants of the island while hiking through lush wilderness. There are chances to visit the Appleton Estates rum distillery, the Bob Marley Museum and a Blue Mountain coffee plantation—for a taste of culture with a splash of fun in the sun. With plenty of time to relax on Jamaica's famous white sand beaches, you're going to come back well rested—and with a real understanding of this vibrant island.
Highlights: Blissing out on world-class beaches around the island, bargaining at the local market, drumming at a Rastafari village, dancing with the locals at a Maroon village, sampling Kingston nightlife.
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.
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.
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.
Local Living Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast (CRCL)
Break out of the ordinary and spend a week on the truly magnificent Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Your house in Punta Uva, which you’ll share with a small group of other like-minded travellers, connects to a white sand beach and is in a pristine wilderness region teeming with exotic animals and the nesting grounds of sea turtles. With a CEO there offering local tips, you're free to craft a dream trip. A week is enough time to get settled—the danger is you may never want to leave.
Highlights: Sharing a rental property with optional day trips and activities, making new friends in your gorgeous Caribbean home, searching for wildlife in Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, grabbing an included bicycle and cruising into town, chilling on picturesque beaches, sampling Caribbean food, dancing to reggae beats.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 5 Self Drive (TCR5DN) | 11 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1049
USD
|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 6 Adventure Bus (TCR6BN) | 15 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1699
USD
|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 6 Self Drive (TCR6DN) | 15 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1649
USD
|
| The Best of Costa Rica (TCRBCC) | 10 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$1149
USD
|
| Turtles and Tortuguero (TCRT3C) | 3 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$299
USD
|
| Turtles & Tortuguero (TCRTTC) | 4 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$399
USD
|
| Volcano, Hot Springs & Cloudforest (TCRVHC) | 5 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$849
USD
|
| Belize & Tikal Adventure (BHH) | 15 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1402
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1649
|
| Cycle Cuba (CCB) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1299
USD
|
| Cuba Explorer (CCCE) | 9 days | G-Plus | Comfort |
From
$1530
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1699
|
| Cuba Family Adventure (CCFA) | 12 days | Family | Comfort |
From
$1099
USD
|
| Mayan Sun (CGAC) | 16 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Jamaica Encompassed (CJRR) | 10 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1749
USD
|
| Mayan Discovery (CMMD) | 15 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1232
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1449
|
| Mayan Trail (CMTM) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1299
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
$2599
USD
|
| Backroads of Central America (CRBR) | 17 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1449
USD
|
| Local Living Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast (CRCL) | 8 days | Local Living | Standard |
From
$799
USD
|
