Central America itineraries
It’s confusing. Central America is considered part of the North American continent, and yet it doesn’t strictly include Mexico. But at Responsible Travel, we know that people wanting to plan a Central America itinerary are talking about the beautiful bit in the middle. The bit that is neither North nor South. The bit that is never far from a beach. The bit that is fiery and frisky, and still fantastically, undiscovered by tourism. With the exception of Costa Rica, which sussed out wildlife tourism long ago, but doesn’t shout about its cultural gems. Or Mexico, which sussed out cultural tourism long ago, but doesn’t shout about its natural gems. Or Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Panama, which don’t shout at all. Which is where our Central America itineraries come in.
1.
Belize
2. Costa Rica
3. Arenal Volcano
4. Tortuguero National Park
5. El Salvador
6. Guatemala
7. Honduras
8. Mexico
9. Grey whales in Baja
10. Nicaragua
11. Panama
12. Overland tours
2. Costa Rica
3. Arenal Volcano
4. Tortuguero National Park
5. El Salvador
6. Guatemala
7. Honduras
8. Mexico
9. Grey whales in Baja
10. Nicaragua
11. Panama
12. Overland tours
Belize
1. Belize
Caribbean, cayes, culture, coral reef and chocolate. And, with jungle lining the shores of this small country, just 290km long and 110km wide, you pretty much have heaven on a stick. It is the only country in Central America with English as the official language, so US public vacations are busy. The ocean, however, is just for you and its myriad marine marvels, with Belize boasting plenty of marine conservation vacations.
Costa Rica
2. Costa Rica
Way ahead in terms of tourism as it became a leader in environmental and, consequently, wildlife vacations, Costa Rica is also, of course, obscenely beautiful. The ecosystems, wildlife, activities and level of development vary massively across tiny areas, so selecting what you want to see is essential. A wonderful family vacation too, from turtles in Tortuguero NP to rafting on the white water rafting on the Pacuare River.
Arenal Volcano
3. Arenal Volcano
The most famous of Costa Rica’s 16 volcanoes is still just about active, though spitting and coughing is more likely than lava flowing these days. Around it lies Arenal National Park, a maze of nature trails and suspended walkways, so that visitors can wonder at the bevy of beautiful birds, howler monkeys, waterfalls and lava fields. And there is always a hot spring bath waiting at the bottom of a volcano.
Tortuguero National Park
4. Tortuguero National Park
Costa Rica's gem is way out there, not only in terms of transport, as it is only accessible by plane or boat, but also in terms of wildlife and other natural wonders. From the green turtles, after which the park is named, to the otters, howler monkeys, manatees and sloths that inhabit the mangroves, rivers and lagoons along its Caribbean forest-lined coast. Tortuguero is not only way out there. It’s another world.
El Salvador
5. El Salvador
A tiny country with a huge history, and still very tourist free. Meaning that the stunning Bosque El Imposible NP or Montecristo Cloud Forest, for example, are almost empty. The volcanic region of San Miguel is beginning to erupt with ecotourism, while the Mayan sites of Tazumal, San Andrés and Joya de Cerén still feel timeless. La Ruta de Las Flores trail through colonial towns and coffee plantations is the classic but charming tourist highway.
Guatemala
6. Guatemala
Guatemala is just gorgeous. End of. Mayan archaeology abounds at famous Tikal, Topoxte and Yaxha ruins. The colonial period is captured perfectly in city of Antigua (Easter here is stunning). For those who want nature over culture, trek through cloud forest up to volcanic peaks. Lake Atitlan, enveloped by volcanoes and indigenous lands is close to ethereal. And yes, Pacific beaches await too.
Honduras
7. Honduras
Although one of the largest Central American countries, it still suffers from extreme poverty in many places, meaning that tourism infrastructure is thinner on the ground. Most vacations are usually thrown into a mix with Guatemala, Nicaragua or Belize, enabling you to take in the cultural highlights of Copan’s copious Mayan ruins, the natural gems of UNESCO-rated Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve or the aquamarine archipelago, Bay Islands.
Mexico
8. Mexico
Mexico boasts 67 national parks, yet many vacations focus on culture over nature. Culture vultures adore Puebla, but the backdrop of the Sierra Madre beckons beautifully. Mooch around Mayan magnificence on the Yucatan peninsula (look beyond Chichen Itza which packs out), but also enjoy a margarita sunset in Playa Del Carmen. Oh, and the food. Oaxaca is a UNESCO Site just for that. Who needs Michelin, when you have Mexico?
Grey whales in Baja
9. Grey whales in Baja
It’s a cetacean carnival off Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula early February to end of April, with 3,000km of coastal habitats taken over by dolphins, blue, sperm whales and orcas. Most magically, almost every grey whale in existence gathers around four particular mangrove lagoons here, where you can camp almost voyeuristically as they breed and birth. A tour de force in nature’s theatre.
Nicaragua
10. Nicaragua
The largest country in Central America touches two seas: Caribbean in the east, and Pacific in the west, with jungles and volcanoes in between. Think luscious, lava and littoral and you got it. For lava, go hiking up Cerro Negro, just 45km from the elegant, colonial city of Leon. For lush, head to mountainous Matagalpa region or Bosawas Biosphere Reserve rainforest. And for littoral, surf the Pacific or snorkel among Caribbean coral.
Panama
11. Panama
After coups, corruption, canal controversies and dictators, Panama has a turbulent history and, although you can add it onto a Costa Rica trip easily, many don’t. Missing out on exquisite birdwatching in the cloud forests of the Boquete Highlands, or snorkelling around the San Blas archipelago, home to the indigenous Kuna people. Or Chagres NP, also home to the Embera people. All we are saying is, give Panama a chance.
Overland tours
12. Overland tours
You can actually do six countries in three weeks, traversing volcanoes and jungles, coastlines and coral reefs, exploring Mayan marvels, rafting rivers, and seeing wildlife wonders of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. And that is just one example. Cycling through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama is another popular route, something you can do in two weeks when traveling with a group vacation expert. Self-drive tailor made vacations are also excellent for Central America.
Costa Rica wildlife vacation
An amazing variety of Costa Rican wildlife
From
US $4760 to US $5460
15 days
ex flights
Central America vacation
Explore some of the very best Aztec & Mayan sites
From
US $3150 to US $4220
15 days
ex flights
Costa Rica tour
Explore the Caribbean coast to the Pacific
From
US $2365 to US $2800
15 days
ex flights
Tailor made vacation in Belize
Explore the rainforests, rivers & coral reefs of Belize
From
US $4300 to US $4950
12 days
ex flights
Central America highlights tour
Experience five Central American countries in just two weeks
From
US $3450 to US $3970
16 days
ex flights
Costa Rica tailor made vacation, highlights
Discover Costa Rica's natural and cultural wonders
From
US $2970
13 days
ex flights
Travel Team
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Central America sample itineraries
Costa Rica activity & nature itinerary
San José > Pacuare River > Arenal Volcano > Rincon de la Vieja > Monteverde > North Pacific coast > San José
Central America cycling vacation
Nicaragua: Granada > Lake Nicaragua > Pueblos Blancos > San Juan del Sur > Lake Nicaragua > Costa Rica: Bijagua valley > Lake Arenal > La Fortuna > Arenal Volcano > Cahuita on Caribbean coast > Panama: Bocas del toro islands > Pan-Am Highway > Panama City > Panama Canal.
Belize and Guatemala adventure vacation
Belize City > Guatemala: Flores > Tikal > Lake Petén Itzá > Belize: Xunantunich Mayan ruins > Mayan caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal > 3 day guided canoe trip on Old Belize River > San Ignacio > Hopkins > Caye Caulker > Hol Chan Marine Reserve > Blue Hole National Park.
San José > Pacuare River > Arenal Volcano > Rincon de la Vieja > Monteverde > North Pacific coast > San José
Central America cycling vacation
Nicaragua: Granada > Lake Nicaragua > Pueblos Blancos > San Juan del Sur > Lake Nicaragua > Costa Rica: Bijagua valley > Lake Arenal > La Fortuna > Arenal Volcano > Cahuita on Caribbean coast > Panama: Bocas del toro islands > Pan-Am Highway > Panama City > Panama Canal.
Belize and Guatemala adventure vacation
Belize City > Guatemala: Flores > Tikal > Lake Petén Itzá > Belize: Xunantunich Mayan ruins > Mayan caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal > 3 day guided canoe trip on Old Belize River > San Ignacio > Hopkins > Caye Caulker > Hol Chan Marine Reserve > Blue Hole National Park.
More Central America articles
The best time to visit Central America is in the dry season from January to March, or November to April if you're planning to visit Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras.
Central America means different things to different people, and while Costa Rica is one of its most established destinations, the whole region is home to beautiful coastlines, wildlife rich rainforest and Mayan marvels.
Central America is crammed with adventure, wildlife and the legacies of ancient civilizations, so there's never a dull day on vacation here.
La Ruta Maya in Guatemala encompasses some of this ancient civilisation’s most impressive sites – with glyph-covered stelae, giant pyramids and vast temples scattered over many kilometres through the tropical rainforests.
Traveling overland in Central America is definitely for adventurers, ready to travel through numerous countries on an epic odyssey through volcanic landscapes, coastal contrasts and ancient cultures.
Cycling in Central America takes you from Mayan ruins to Pacific beaches, from rainforest to cloud forest, across borders, away from the crowds and into remote villages.
For every Mayan site to explore there’s a rainforest waterfall to jump under, and for every long journey there seems to be beach awaiting, making traveling in Central America with kids a joy.
Many vacationmakers are concerned about whether it is safe to travel to Central America.
Our experts and seasoned travelers have plenty of advice on visiting Central America, explaining how best to tackle this vast region that's relatively new to tourism.
We talk about wildlife conservation, preservation of ancient Mayan cities and the polluting effects of giant cruise ships, but this responsible tourism in Central America guide looks first at the people.
