Ultimate Central America

58 Days | Lush jungle, idyllic beaches, historic cities and good coffee

5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews submitted.
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EUR €6,050
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Embark on an in-depth, 58-day Central American adventure from Mexico’s capital to the home of the Panama Canal. Pass through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama on a small-group journey through remote villages, historic cities, ancient Maya and Aztec ruins, verdant cloud forests and pure Caribbean beaches. Get acquainted with the local cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories of Central America as you explore the wealth of tradition, spot the range of unusual wildlife, dive into unique underwater worlds and spend time travelling with like-minded people. Did you hear that? Central America is calling – you better Belize it.

Trip overview

Map of Ultimate Central America including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama
Start
Mexico City, Mexico
Finish
Panama City, Panama
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Mexico
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QVRRC
This trip generates 24 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. Active volcanoes, ancient ruins, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has got you covered.
  • Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas. This old-world town is surrounded by indigenous villages that have retained their traditional customs and roots.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a village sitting on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Clear sea perfect for swimming, shacks serving cold cerveza and sandy shores covered in starfish are waiting in Panama's Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip includes some long travel days by local transport and private vehicles. Space can be tight, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
  • Central America is generally hot and humid year-round. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Air conditioning may not always be available in your rooms. Occasionally, properties may require an additional charge for air conditioning.
  • The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. Conditions during your homestay in San Juan La Laguna are basic. Your room will be multi-share, and the bathroom will most likely be shared with the rest of the family. A hearty home-cooked dinner will be served during your stay, which can be a lot more basic than what you're used to.
  • There will be times when you have to walk with your luggage, and for this reason, we recommend packing light and using a backpack or something easy to carry.
  • With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 13 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Ultimate Central America including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama

Inclusions

Meals

22 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Local bus, Taxi, Shared boat, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (54 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Activities
  • Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
  • Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
  • Tlahuac - Community Visit
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led walking tour
  • Oaxaca - Tule Tree, Teotitlan weaving town, mescal distillery
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
  • Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
  • Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)
  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Campeche - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site with local guide
  • Piste - Traditional Maya Family Lunch
  • Playa del Carmen - Cenote Azul visit
  • Bacalar - Beach club entry
  • Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Caye Caulker - Cooking Class
  • San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Rio Dulce - Guided jungle birdwatching
  • Chichicastenango - Market Visit
  • Chichicastenango - Shaman Visit
  • Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Juan La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
  • Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Santa Apolonia - Traditional Pottery Demonstration
  • Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site
  • Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
  • Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
  • Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration
  • Leon - Leader led orientation walk
  • Masaya - Town & Market Visit
  • Granada - La Laguna de Apoyo Viewpoint
  • Granada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
  • Monteverde - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide
  • Monteverde - Hands-on breakfast in a local home
  • La Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
  • San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
  • La Fortuna - Cooking Class
  • Sarapiqui – Jungle Walk
  • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Puerto Viejo - Hands-on dinner in local home
  • Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous Community Visit
  • Boquete - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Chitre - Traditional mask workshop
  • Panama City - Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal)
  • Panama City - Leader-led walk in Casco Viejo
Add on activities
  • Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN84
  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN95
  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN263
  • Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee) - Free
  • Mexico City - Torre Latino 360° Lookout (entrance fee) - MXN179
  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) - MXN37
  • Mexico City - Teotihuacan Pyramids Urban Adventure - USD79
  • Puebla - Lucha Libre Show (Mondays only) from - MXN368
  • Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee) - MXN21
  • Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee) - MXN47
  • Puebla - Cholula archaeological site - MXN400
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN95
  • Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN89
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1500
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Amber Museum (entrance fee) - MXN32
  • Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) - MXN593
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1470
  • Merida - Las Coloradas Flamingo Tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1365
  • Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free
  • Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) - MXN273
  • Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN525
  • Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN900
  • Bacalar - Lagoon of 7 Colours Boat Tour - MXN630
  • Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD44
  • Caye Caulker - Manatee boat tour (Incl. transport & guide) - BZD254
  • Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
  • Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
  • Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
  • Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) - USD8
  • San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - BZD263
  • San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) - BZD158
  • San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - BZD200
  • San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24
  • San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD11
  • Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) - GTQ210
  • Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) - GTQ95
  • Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) - GTQ89
  • Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) - GTQ263
  • San Juan La Laguna - Water taxi to Santiago (Return) - GTQ63
  • Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ105
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ236
  • Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour - USD95
  • Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch - USD115
  • Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure - USD170
  • Antigua - City Tour with lunch - USD70
  • Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD53
  • Suchitoto - Town tour (it requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD32
  • Suchitoto - War historic walk at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD58
  • Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding - USD53
  • Leon - Leon Art Center - USD2
  • Granada - Mombacho Volcano hike - USD32
  • Granada - Monkey Island boat tour - NIO455
  • Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD58
  • Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD65
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
  • Monteverde - Frog pond - USD19
  • Monteverde - Orchid gardens - USD19
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
  • Monteverde - Children's Forest - USD20
  • La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD49
  • La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges - USD79
  • La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD21
  • La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
  • La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD84
  • La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD79
  • San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD78
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD12
  • San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
  • San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD40
  • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Surf lesson (1 hour) - USD60
  • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Cahuita National Park (entrance fee) - USD5
  • Bocas del Toro - Jungle Cacao Tour (guide and transport included) - USD42
  • Bocas del Toro - Full-day Tour including Bastimentos island, Jungle hike & Lunch with Ngobe Community (guide and transport included) - USD63
  • Bocas del Toro - Bio-luminescence Boat Tour (seasonal - guide and transport included) - USD37
  • Bocas del Toro - Colon Expedition including starfish beach & bird island - USD47
  • Boquete - Guided Bicycle Tour (guide and bike hire included) - USD58
  • Boquete - Guided Tour of Hidden Waterfalls (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD53
  • Boquete - Zipline (guide and transport included) - USD79
  • Boquete - Mini Canyons Tour (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD37
  • Boquete - Calderas Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport included, no guide) - USD37
  • Boquete - Coffee Plantation Tour (guide and transport included) - USD37

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Mexico City. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 28 (San Juan La Laguna homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4.As per updated Nicaragua entry requirements, customers are currently required to supply a copy of their passport front page to their booking agent no later than 15 days prior to departure.

5. Should you have any questions or need assistance with the Honduras pre-registration, your leader will be able to assist on Day 1 of your tour. For more information, visit the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the ‘Essential Trip Information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Anita · Traveled June 2024
This trip covers it all. We were really nervous about travelling through Central America and this trip put all our fears aside. We got to learn, explore, eat, play, connect with everything the countries had to offer. The transport, guides, tours, hotels were all excellent. We can honestly say if you want to see the authentic and tourist side to these counties this is the tour. All our guides were amazing humans and went above and beyond to make our trip magical. We are super grateful intrepid thank you.
Review submitted 19 Jun 2024

Rhiannon · Traveled March 2023
An excellent tour and a fantastic way to see Central America! Prepare to be surprised at every turn - rich colours, dramatic landscapes, delicious food, wonderful people, and exciting activities. Highly recommended!
Review submitted 03 Jun 2023

laura · Traveled February 2023
One of the most amazing trips ever. If you like culture, wildlife, history, adventure, food this is for you. So many incredible activities every day I didn't want to go home.
Review submitted 03 May 2023

Samantha · Traveled November 2022
The ultimate Central America 59day tour is an Absolutely fantastic trip!! A fantastic way of seeing each country from coast to coast. Really lovely accommodation though out, never felt unsafe, great local tour guides. Perfect trio
Review submitted 06 Jan 2023
Ultimate Central America
From
EUR €6,050