Central American Adventure

33 Days | Take a rollicking seven country adventure in the tropics

4.9 out of 5 based on 12 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €2,813
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Explore colourful worlds – both on land and underwater – on a vibrant adventure from the sunny beaches of Mexico through jungle and Caribbean coastline to the volcanic mountains of Costa Rica. This 33-day adventure hits Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, snaking through all the best spots and introducing you to local haunts as well as traveller hotspots. Discover a diverse marine playground in Caye Caulker, walk through the steamy cloud forests in Monteverde and visit the famous Tikal pyramids, arguably the most stunning of Guatemala’s ruins. Learn ancient Maya secrets and pass through jaw-dropping scenery on this Central American adventure.

Trip overview

Map of Central American Adventure including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua
Start
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, 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
QVRXC
This trip generates 17 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
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Spend three days in the dreamy Caribbean Caye Caulker. Munch barbecue lobster? Snorkel in coral reef? Nap under a palm tree? It’s up to you.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
  • Explore Suchitoto’s flower-studded balconies, galleries housed in 19th-century buildings and a lake teeming with thousands of local birds.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip uses a mix of private and public transport. You’ll get an authentic look at daily life, but keep in mind that local transport between certain locations on this trip can be basic.
  • 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.
  • 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 are simple and multi-share but comfortable. A hearty homecooked 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.

Itinerary

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

View the itinerary for departures between 27 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Central American Adventure including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (29 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Activities
  • 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
Add on activities
  • 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 - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD40

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Playa del Carmen. 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 14 (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.

3. Please be careful when booking flights from San Jose; make sure you fly out of Juan Santamaría International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 12 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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Hannah · Traveled July 2024
I have just finished an amazing 5 weeks in Central America. What a trip! The people, the activities, the locations - it was all fantastic. The leaders we had were fantastic and I learnt so much about this beautiful part of the world. Thank you Intrepid!
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024

Matthew · Traveled July 2024
Great trip and great tour leaders. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to travel around Central America.
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024

Rebecca · Traveled June 2024
The tour was awesome, we thoroughly enjoyed the places we visited, the tour guides and the like-minded travellers of all ages. We felt very safe in Central America, the locals are all so welcoming and friendly. We recommend intrepid to everyone!
Review submitted 07 Jul 2024

Clare · Traveled May 2024
This is a truly incredible trip and gives an excellent oversight of Central America and I would definitely recommend it... I learned so much! However, seven countries in 5 weeks is demanding and there was little down time, so be prepared for a roller coaster of an experience. If I did this again I would book a few days at the end of the tour for some rest and relaxation.
Review submitted 15 Jun 2024

Neil · Traveled November 2023
Great roller coaster of a trip . To visit 7 diverse countries in such a short space of time was incredible from lost Mayan cities in Honduras to swimming with sharks in Belize this trip offers variety and vistas
Review submitted 11 Dec 2023
Central American Adventure
From
EUR €2,813