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 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.
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 Kayaking Adventure (CRKA)
Glide straight into the core of the Costa Rican experience when you hit two of Costa Rica’s hot spots in a kayak. Beginners and more experienced kayakers are welcome—for the nature lover, the scenery’s the point, not the sweat! Cruise through the canals of Tortuguero in search of monkeys and sloths, and then get really wild at Lake Arenal, the centre of adventure sports like paddleboarding. Experience lush greenery and Caribbean flavour from a whole different level when you kayak Costa Rica.
Highlights: Glide through the canals of Tortuguero by kayak, search for wildlife in the dense green forest canopy, view the beautiful vistas from your kayak on Lake Arenal, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding
Central Cuba Adventure (CCCA)
Enjoy the sights and sounds of central Cuba on this week-long adventure to some of the famous sites that have drawn outsiders to this magical island over the last several decades. Journey through history-infused Havana and the cobblestone streets of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then head to Cienfuegos for some relaxing at the beach and a tour of its impressive bay. Visit monuments to the icons of the revolution and experience a side of Cuba few rarely get to see by foregoing your hotel a few nights for a local homestay.
Highlights: Experiencing life as a local in a homestay, cruising along the Bay of Cienfuegos, dancing salsa and enjoying live music, exploring colonial Havana's alleyways.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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 | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica Quest (CRQ) | 9 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$999
USD
|
| Costa Rica Adventure (CRA) | 16 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1449
USD
|
| Costa Rica Kayaking Adventure (CRKA) | 9 days | Active | Standard |
From
$699
USD
|
| Central Cuba Adventure (CCCA) | 8 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$899
USD
|
| Jamaica Encompassed (CJRR) | 10 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1749
USD
|
| Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail (CMMT) | 10 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Essence of Nicaragua (CNEN) | 12 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Local Living Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast (CRCL) | 8 days | Local Living | Standard |
From
$799
USD
|
| Volcano Adventure- San José to Antigua (CRSA) | 21 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$2299
USD
|
| Costa Rica Volcanoes & Surf (CRVS) | 9 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1349
USD
|
