THE 10 BEST Self-guided & Independent Tours and Trips in Central America 2025/2026

Accommodations

BudgetSimple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Mid-rangeComfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
PremiumUpscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.

Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

(7 reviews )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

10 out of 10. Will recommend. Will come again. Currently trying to book but am having some technical difficulties

Rainforest and jungle visits

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hostel, Hotel

Age Range

18-35 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

San Jose, Tamarindo Beach, La Fo

San Jose, Tamarindo Beach, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Liberia City, Nosara

Duration11 days

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Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Zip-Lines

(7 reviews )

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

The trip was so much fun!

VolcanoesZip liningWildlife

Tour Type

Small Group Tour

Accommodation

Hostel, Hotel

Age Range

18-35 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Fores

San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna

Duration6 days

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Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest

4.2

(11 reviews )

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

The weather was great! Costa Rica is great! We got adventure and relaxation. Beyond my expectations in everyway. I can't recommend enough!!

Nature and bush walks

Tour Type

Private Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Resort

Age Range

2-79 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Fores

San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park

Duration5 days

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Costa Rica Family Vacation

(6 reviews )

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Excellent guides, well planned, prompt and professionals

VolcanoesNational parksBeach

Tour Type

Private Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

2-79 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Nicoya

San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Nicoya Peninsula, La Fortuna

Duration6 days

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From the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Side

4.9

(9 reviews )

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Its the second time in Costa Rica, the people are nice and its so beautiful here! Dont want to leave.

National parks

Tour Type

Private Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

10-79 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa

San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Arenal Volcano, Pacuare River, Arenal

Duration13 days

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Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure

(5 reviews )

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

I spent 13 days in Costa Rica and did a self-drive everywhere from Liberia to San Jose while hitting places such as Rincon, Arenal, Monteverde, Samara Beach, and Dominical to name a few and I was able to do pretty much everything I wanted to do in Costa Rica thanks to Alex's brilliant trip planning! On top of that, the hotels that were booked for me were all top notch and there were plenty of opportunities to have lunch and dinner no matter where I stayed. If you plan to stay in Costa Rica anytime soon, I highly recommend having Alex to plan your trip with you!

VolcanoesTrekking and Hiking

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Accommodation

Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge

Age Range

12-65 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biologic

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Samara Beach, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Tenorio, Guanacaste, Bijagua, Rio Celeste, Monteverde, Playa Carrillo, Carrillo Beach, Liberia City

Duration10 days

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Best of Nicaragua

Trip customizable

Best price guaranteed

Journey through Nicaragua’s vibrant landscapes and rich heritage on the 'Best of Nicaragua' nine-day tour, curated for experienced travelers with a relaxed pace. From the colonial grandeur of Leon and Granada to the volcanic majesty of Ometepe Island, explore UNESCO sites, lively markets, and natural wonders like the Blue Lagoon and Masaya’s lava lake. Guided hikes, coffee tastings, and cultural walks ensure you experience the country’s soul without rush. The trip’s unique appeal: a thoughtfully balanced mix of history, nature, and adventure for a truly memorable exploration.

LagoonsVolcanoes

Tour Type

Independent Tour

Accommodation

Hotel

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

English

Destinations

Managua, Leon, Ometepe Island, Granada

Duration9 days

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Antigua to Cancun Travel Pass

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Journey from the highland charm of Antigua to the tropical allure of Cancun on the "Antigua to Cancun Travel Pass." Spanning 21 days, this self-guided tour immerses you in the vibrant cultures of Guatemala and Mexico, with stops in Caye Caulker, Lanquin, and more. Experience ancient Mayan ruins, dive into sparkling cenotes, and trek through lush jungles teeming with wildlife. Embrace local gastronomy, lively markets, and the warmth of Central American communities along the way. The highlight of this trip is its unique blend of cultural exploration and natural adventure, offering seamless travel and authentic encounters. With all logistics handled, this travel pass is perfect for adventure seekers eager to discover the best of Central America.

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Home-stay, Hotel

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Antigua, Cancún, San Ignacio, Be

Antigua, Cancún, San Ignacio, Belize City, Caye Caulker, Chetumal, Bacalar, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Panajachel, San Jorge La Laguna, Lanquin, Rio Dulce, Flores

Duration21 days

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Cancun to San Jose Travel Pass

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Craving a deep dive into the heart of Central America? The "Cancun to San Jose Travel Pass" offers a 39-day odyssey perfect for young adults and seasoned travelers eager to experience it all. From the beaches of Cancún to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, this self-guided trek winds through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and beyond. Each day brings new adventures—explore ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel in turquoise Caribbean waters, and hike through verdant jungles. Sample local cuisine, dance the night away in lively towns, and relax in charming colonial cities. A highlight of this trip is its expertly crafted itinerary, ensuring seamless transitions and unique experiences across four countries. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, you can focus on creating memories and forging connections. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or nature lover, this travel pass unlocks the region’s most fascinating hidden gems.

Trekking and HikingZip lining

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hostel, Home-stay, Hotel

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

San Jose, Cancún, Belize City, S

San Jose, Cancún, Belize City, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Lanquin, Panajachel, San Jorge La Laguna, Playa Del Carmen, Antigua, Copán Ruinas, El Tunco, Leon, Granada, San Jorge, Ometepe, San Juan Del Sur, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tulum, Bacalar, Chetumal, Caye Caulker

Duration39 days

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Cancun to Antigua Express Travel Pass

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Ready for a journey drenched in culture and adventure? The Cancun to Antigua Express Travel Pass delivers 13 days of unforgettable exploration from Mexico’s Caribbean shores to Guatemala’s colonial heart. Dive into cenotes, roam Mayan ruins, and revel in Playa del Carmen’s nightlife before venturing through Guatemala's lush highlands and concluding in picturesque Antigua. With a relaxed pace and seamless logistics, this travel package is ideal for young explorers eager for an authentic blend of history, nature, and vibrant local life. Its USP lies in diverse experiences—water, ruins, and cultures—offered in one dynamic itinerary.

Cultural, religious and historic sites

Tour Type

Group Tour

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Antigua, Cancún, Lanquin, Playa

Antigua, Cancún, Lanquin, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Chetumal, Caye Caulker, Flores

Duration13 days

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Central America Self-guided tours and trips 2025/2026

16 Self Guided Trips in Central America with 45 Reviews

Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Zip-Lines

Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest

Costa Rica Family Vacation

From the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Side

Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure

Best of Nicaragua

Antigua to Cancun Travel Pass

Cancun to San Jose Travel Pass

Cancun to Antigua Express Travel Pass

16 Self Guided Trips in Central America with 45 Reviews

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Central America Self-guided tours and trips 2025/2026

16 Self Guided Trips in Central America with 45 Reviews

16 Self Guided Trips in Central America with 45 Reviews