Embark on an in-depth, 59-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.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, Panama City, Palenq
Mexico City, Panama City, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal, Rio Dulce, Antigua, San Jorge La Laguna, Panajachel, Puebla, Copan, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Ometepe Island, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Oaxaca, Isla Colon, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Santa Catalina, San Cristobal De Las Casas
From cloud forests and volcanic peaks to sun-drenched island beaches and lost temples, Central America is bursting with natural wonders and converging cultures. On this epic 32-day adventure, you’ll kick off in Mexico’s Playa del Carmen and snake through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Relax by colourful architecture in San Miguel, trek to the jungle ruins of Tikal, brush up on your Espanol over an icy cerveza and stay in villages dwarfed by volcanoes. Whether you’re haggling in the markets of Chichicastenango, chilling in a Caribbean town on the Rio Dulce or wandering cobblestone streets in Antigua, you'll be discovering new places and forging lifelong friendships along the way. From ancient Maya ruins to modern nightlife, you’ll explore the sights and sounds of Latin life and dive into the wilds of seldom-seen hotspots.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Lodge, Camping
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, San Jorge La Laguna, Panajachel, Suchitoto, El Tunco, Tulum, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Ometepe Island, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal
It doesn’t get much bigger than this – take on a 45-day adventure enjoying everything Central America has to offer, from Mexico to Costa Rica and all the cool spots in between. Whether you're hitting the waves in El Salvador, trekking the steamy cloud forests in Costa Rica, snorkelling the pristine underwater worlds in Belize or washing down your tacos with mezcal in Mexico, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences on this trip. You’ll cover six countries, stopping at dozens of towns and beaches and sipping many (many) cervezas. Oh Maya, this is huge.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Hostel, Camping
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal, Rio Dulce, Antigua, San Jorge La Laguna, Panajachel, Puebla, Suchitoto, El Tunco, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Ometepe Island, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Oaxaca, San Cristobal De Las Casas
Enjoy the best of Costa Rica with this special multiday vacation package visiting San José, Tortuguero Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio Beaches. This includes a great mix of nature and adventure tours, high quality hotels, deluxe transportation services and professional tour guides.
Explore Tortuguero National Park with a professional naturalist tour guide and in a private transportation from San Jose. This unique tour will allow you to see lots of wildlife species along the canals and during the boat tour. Hike the Tortuguero Hill and admire the beauty of this amazing region.
Later on, in Arenal Volcano, you can choose one tour from the multiple options provided. Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall and swim in the cristal clear river pool, go zip-linning, rafting, visit the hanging bridges or take a chocolate tour. Stay overnight in La Fortuna town.
Explore Monteverde and its unique cloud forest and relax in the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Adventure
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
1-89 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Tortug
San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Arenal, Monteverde
Enjoy the best of Costa Rica with this six-day trip and cover destinations like San José, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Tortuga Island, Irazu Volcano and Cartago city. Discover the lush, incredible beauty of Costa Rica and learn more about why this part of the world is also called the ‘Rich Coast.’
This adventure takes you into the heart of a country whose people are all about ‘pura vida’ (pure life). To ensure that you never get bored during your Costa Rica stay, we have included a variety of activities during this trip, ranging from a national park visit to a catamaran ride.
Scroll down to the itinerary section for more details.
This was my first Contiki trip & I'm not sure that any holiday will ever be the same! I had the most amazing time in Costa Rica with the best group of people. From chill beach days to zip lining over the rainforest we did such a variety of things but still had plenty of free time (in Monteverde we used our free time to go & do the highest bungee in Central America!). Our trip manager & driver were incredible & really made the trip unforgettable with crazy knowledge of the local areas & wildlife. Pura Vida!
From the Guatemalan highlands to the cloud forests of Costa Rica (and all the surf spots in between), you’ll join a new group of soon-to-be friends and roll through four Central American countries for a taste of this diverse region. Discover tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes – this wildlife-rich pocket of Central America is ready to be explored. Turn your eyes to a volcanic crater in Cerro Verde, spot colourful birds on the facades of Granada, stand in the shadow of the mighty Arenal Volcano and search for sloths among the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest. This trip through Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica is perfect for those who like their adventures 'la forma natural'.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Camping
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Antigua, San Jorge La
San Jose, Antigua, San Jorge La Laguna, Ometepe Island, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Suchitoto, El Tunco, El Cuco, Leon, Granada
Raise a glass of mezcal to the diversity of Mexico, then embrace ‘pura vida’ (the simple life) in the rainforests and on the beaches of Costa Rica. Discover history in the ruins of Chichen Itza, then visit a contemporary Maya village to see how ancient Mesoamerican traditions have evolved. Savour simple fare during lunch with a Zapotec family and sip smoky mezcal at a distillery in Oaxaca. See the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, visit an organic family-owned farm producing some of the best coffee in the world and learn from a local naturalist guide on a hike through lush landscapes. Explore sloth country (AKA Manuel Antonio National Park) and match their leisurely pace as you relax among natural splendour of Costa Rica. Ancient cultures, incredible food, wildlife and wilderness – this 24-day trip has it all.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Merida, I
Mexico City, San Jose, Merida, Izamal, Playa Del Carmen, San Gerardo De Dota, Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio, Oaxaca, San Cristobal De Las Casas, Palenque
We loved our trip to Costa Rica/Panama and it was a perfect mix of tours and time on our own. The guides were all great and the hotels (including breakfast) all good -- one less so but not bad... Highly recommend this trip!
National parksWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Panama Ca
Panama City, San Jose, Panama Canal, Soberanía National Park, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
Embark on an unforgettable journey from the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast on our tour through vibrant Costa Rica. Cruise through Tortuguero's untamed waterways, discover wildlife, trek through pristine tropical rainforests, and relax on golden beaches, all while enjoying premium accommodations. This two-week adventure showcases the best of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and extraordinary wildlife.
Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest in search of its abundant wildlife.
Arenal - Walk the flanks of this picture-perfect conical volcano and learn about its most recent eruptions.
Monteverde - Search for the rare quetzal and walk through the treetops in this unreal cloud forest reserve.
Upgraded range - Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's vibrant wildlife and lush jungles with our hand-picked Premium accommodations
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, Pacific Co
San Jose, Monteverde, Pacific Coast, Corcovado National Park, Dominical, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
The itinerary for Monkeys, Jungles, & Volcanoes was wonderful. Travels went at a good pace for most of the group. Accommodations were quite good, even at the more primitive hotel. Hot water for showers and flushing toilets. Stops along the way were very interesting and local business owners very friendly & helpful. Our guide, *Personal details removed by Feefo*, was the best and coach driver, *Personal details removed by Feefo* was also quite professional and efficient at navigating narrow roads. The major destinations (Arenal, Tortuguero, and *Personal details removed by Feefo*) were all quite beautiful with plenty of fascinating wildlife and lovely landscapes.
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Manuel Antonio
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Get off the beaten track on this two-week family holiday in Costa Rica, exploring all the best highlights and hidden secrets. Starting in subtropical San Jose, you'll explore Tortuguero National Park – home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals and the nesting ground of the green turtle. Spend some time in biodiverse Sarapiqui and maybe take on a few fun, active adventures with the kids. Stay in La Fortuna under the mighty gaze of Arenal Volcano and soak in your onsite hot springs before heading to the cloud forest in Monteverde. Learn how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food in Dominical with three generations of locals and then take a day trip to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. After a huge adventure full of natural wonders and wildlife, meet the Indigenous community along the Terraba River and learn about their matriarchal society before ending it all back in San Jose.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Dominical, Manuel Anto
San Jose, Dominical, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Monteverde
Calling all nature lovers, solo travellers and young adventurers! Spend a week in Costa Rica beginning in San Jose – the thriving urban centre with colourful markets, vibrant nightlife and spontaneous art fairs. Explore Monteverde’s Cloud Forest at your own pace, keeping your eye out for sloths and the elusive quetzal bird. Head to La Fortuna, shadowed by the immense Arenal Volcano, and enjoy free time to chase waterfalls and soak away your worries in the natural thermal hot springs. Explore Cahuita National Park with a hike and a swim, then enjoy some beach time on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo. If you're lucky, spot sloths, hummingbirds, iguanas, monkeys, toucans, coatimundis, quetzals and racoons, then take a cooking class to learn the local cuisine. With a local leader with insider knowledge and a likeminded group of travellers – what better way to dive into Costa Rica?
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
If you’re looking for a Central American thrill, take on an eight-day active adventure through one of the world's greenest countries. Dive into Costa Rica’s wilderness and cascade down the rapids of Pacuare River in a raft, hike misty jungle trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and cycle along the coastline of Puerto Viejo. With plenty of free time to customise your adventure depending on your interests, you might opt to surf the Caribbean waves in palm-fringed beach towns or go stand up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal. Costa Rica is the perfect place for wildlife lovers (how many sloths can you spot?), active adventurers and those seeking a natural paradise.
Active and outdoorAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca