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.
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
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
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.
Costa Rica Active Adventure (CRSM)
Trekking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, ziplining… Costa Rica really is the 'Adventure Capital of the Americas'. Thrill-seekers will find more than enough to keep themselves busy over this trip’s 13 action-packed days. After landing in San José, you’ll raft down the mighty Pacuare river before crossing over to our remote rainforest lodge, surrounded on all sides by the thick, enveloping jungle. From there, you’ll embark on four days of cycling and hiking around Monteverde and the Arenal Volcano, before heading down to the beach at Manuel Antonio National Park. Phew! Tired yet? No? Time to book!
Highlights: Traversing streams and jungle hiking in Sarapiquí Rainforest, paddling through world-class rapids, mountain biking along breathtaking Arenal Lake, chilling to the sounds of crashing Pacific waves.
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.
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
Yucatan Panorama (MYP)
If you’re short on time but want to delve into the Yucatan, this wide-ranging itinerary in one of Mexico’s most fascinating regions is an authentic alternative to the mainstream. Snorkel Caribbean reefs and laze on beautiful white sand beaches. Enter the world of the ancient Maya at Chichén Itzá and the incredible jungle ruins of Palenque. Your experienced CEO will reveal the region’s hidden gems, taking the hassle out of travel so you can focus on ancient ruins and vibrant sites—or revel in a tranquil sunset cruise off Isla Mujeres.
Highlights: Soaking up true Mexican culture, marvelling at the beauty of Palenque, exploring the jungles of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, blissing out on world-class beaches
Costa Rica Pass - Route 1 Adventure Bus (TCR1BN)
Hit two of Costa Rica's signature spots: First, head for the outdoor adventure playground around Arenal Volcano and take advantage of everything from world class rafting to rivers of volcano-heated hot springs. Next, head to the beaches of Guanacaste, Costa Rica's northwest coast, known for dry sunny weather all year round, killer surf and beaches that stretch for miles.
Highlights: Catch glimpses of Arenal Volcano, raft jungle waters, relax at a natural hot spring, laze on beautiful Guanacaste beach.
Costa Rica Pass - Route 1 Self Drive (TCR1DN)
Hit two of Costa Rica's signature spots: first, head for the outdoor adventure playground around active Arenal Volcano, and take advantage of everything from world-class rafting to rivers of volcano-heated hot springs. Next drive on to the beaches of Guanacaste, Costa Rica's northwest coast, known for dry sunny weather all year round, killer surf and beaches that stretch for miles.
Highlights: San José, Guanacaste, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano.
Costa Rica Pass - Route 2 Adventure Bus (TCR2BN)
See two sides of Costa Rica's incredible natural playground. Get your fill of outdoor adventure around Arenal Volcano, famous for everything from world-class rafting to rivers of volcano-heated hot springs and then check out Manuel Antonio—home to the country's most popular park. With pristine, protected beaches, awe-inspiring wildlife and some of the best nightlife in the country, it's easy to see why.
Highlights: Viewing magnificent Arenal Volcano, relaxing on the beach at Manuel Antonio, exploring Costa Rica's first national park.
Costa Rica Pass - Route 2 Self Drive (TCR2DN)
See two sides of Costa Rica's incredible natural playground: get your fill of outdoor adventure around active Arenal Volcano, famous for everything from world-class rafting to rivers of volcano-heated hot springs. Next point your rental car down the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio Park, the country's most popular. With pristine, protected beaches, wildlife that practically dances for you (monkeys!) and some of the best nightlife in the country, it's easy to see why.
Highlights: San José, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio/Quepos Area
Costa Rica Pass - Route 3 Adventure Bus (TCR3BN)
Drive from the clouds to the sand! Spend two days in the world famous Monteverde cloud forest looking for the beautiful but elusive quetzal before heading south to the sun and sea around Manuel Antonio, home to the country's most popular park. See scores of monkeys or sloths, swim or hike along pristine beaches, or dance the night away—the local nightlife is some of the best around.
Highlights: Hiking in the cloud forest reserve near Monteverde, Ziplining through the treetops, relaxing on the beach at beautiful Manuel Antonio.
Costa Rica Pass - Route 3 Self Drive (TCR3DN)
Drive from the clouds to the sand! Spend two days in the world-famous Monteverde cloud forest looking for the beautiful but elusive quetzal, before driving your rental car south to the sun and sea around Manuel Antonio Park, the country's most popular. See scores of monkeys or sloth, swim or hike along pristine beaches, or dance the night away--the local nightlife is some of the best around.
Highlights: San José, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio/Quepos Area
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
|
| Basic Costa Rica (CRCR) | 14 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$990
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1099
|
| Costa Rica Family Experience (CRFS) | 8 days | Family | Comfort |
From
$999
USD
|
| Volunteer Costa Rica (CRPJ) | 15 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$1049
USD
|
| Costa Rica Active Adventure (CRSM) | 13 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1299
USD
|
| Panama Experience (CRSP) | 14 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Costa Rica Volcanoes & Surf (CRVS) | 9 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1215
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1349
|
| Central American Journey (JCS) | 32 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2499
USD
|
| Mexico Ancient Civilizations (MMC) | 15 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$960
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1199
|
| Yucatan Panorama (MYP) | 10 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 1 Adventure Bus (TCR1BN) | 8 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$739
USD
|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 1 Self Drive (TCR1DN) | 8 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$749
USD
|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 2 Adventure Bus (TCR2BN) | 8 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$739
USD
|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 2 Self Drive (TCR2DN) | 8 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$749
USD
|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 3 Adventure Bus (TCR3BN) | 8 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$739
USD
|
| Costa Rica Pass - Route 3 Self Drive (TCR3DN) | 8 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$749
USD
|
