Central American Journey

Get your first taste of magical Mexico as you arrive in sun-soaked Playa del Carmen. Swim in the Caribbean Sea, visit the famous Tulum ruins, swim in sapphire coloured cenotes, go tequila tasting, snorkel with turtles and party all night long!

Take a local bus into beautiful Belize on day three. Our destination is the easy-going island of Caye Caulker. Spend the next couple of days chilling on the beautiful beaches, fishing, snorkelling, and eating fresh seafood and drinking in the beachside reggae bars after dark.

Make tracks for the rustic town of San Ignacio. Visit a local pottery cooperative to learn all about this art-form, take an optional trip to the Xunantunich, enjoy some cave tubing or underground canoeing, check out the jawdropping Caracol Ruins, visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, or saddle up and explore the area on horseback.

Your first Guatemalan experience is a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Explore the impressive ruins before heading to the small island town of Flores. Take a dip in the lake before a night with the gang.

Travel through the dense jungle to Río Dulce. This off-the-beaten-track lakeside town is a great place to get a taste of the 'real' Guatemala. Indulge in some rest and relaxation, or opt for a boat trip to Livingston, visit a natural hot waterfall, or go kayaking at sunrise.

Spend the next couple of days in Antigua. We'll take you on a guided tour of the cobbled streets and stucco houses, then leave you to your own devices. Optionals include a visit to a chocolate museum, bike tour, volcano hike, plantation visit, and sultry salsa class!

Spend tonight on the shores of idyllic Lake Atitlán. Wander the streets of Panajachel town, visit the lake villages by boat, or just soak up the friendly local vibe. If you're in the mood for some relaxation, there's an optional massage on offer today.

Take a boat across the lake to the village of San Juan, where we'll spend the night in a traditional homestay. Enjoy a delicious local dinner with your host family and gain a unique insight into the Guatemalan way of life.

Head back to Antigua where you'll have two days to explore the city at your own pace. Hang out in Central Park, get cultural in the museums, sip some Guatemalan coffee, and pick up some artisan souvenirs. After dark, enjoy the city's lively nightlife.

Head to the colonial highland town of Copán Ruinas. Spend the next couple of days opting to explore the world-famous Mayan ruins, or soaking in the Luna Jaguar Hot Springs followed by a delicious barbecue lunch.

Cross the border into El Salvador where we'll spend the night in the quaint colonial town of Suchitoto. On arrival, check out your beautiful surroundings, wander through the cobbled streets, and sample the local food whilst admiring the sun setting over Lake Suchitlán.

Head to the beautiful La Libertad Region where we'll be staying in an oceanfront resort with outdoor pool and access to two stunning beaches. Hit the local fish market, visit the Tamanique Waterfalls, or take an optional surfing lesson with local experts.

Spend a full day travelling by land and sea to Nicaragua. Our final stop is the crumbling colonial city of Leon. Stroll around the faded streets and soak up the atmosphere. After dark, the city really comes to life, with fun to be had every night of the week.

Spend two days in Nicaragua's oldest town. Wander down cobbled streets, explore the museums or take a horse and cart ride through town. Take an optional excursion to a volcano, visit the Laguna de Apoyo and enjoy a meal on the 'Calzada' after dark.

Head to Lake Nicaragua, where we'll take a ferry to Ometepe Island. A hidden gem with limited development and traditional communities, it's an authentic location for a homestay. You'll be welcomed into the home of a local family for the next two nights, where you'll really get a feel for rural Nicaraguan life.

Cross the border to Costa Rica today where we're staying in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for the next couple of days. Fly through the jungle on a zipline, do a skywalk across a series of suspension bridges, discover the cloud forest's unique flora and fauna, or go canyoning down some of the area's vast waterfalls.

Head to the adventure sports capital of Costa Rica where you can marvel at the views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, get your adrenaline pumping with a canyoning and zip-lining experience, explore the back roads by mountain bike, or chill in some local hot springs.

With beautiful parks, museums, and lush mountain surroundings San José is the perfect place to round off our tour. If you'd like a last dose of adrenaline, there's a rafting adventure on offer. Then enjoy a last night out with the gang, before heading home on day 32. 

We also have shorter versions of this trip...

• 16 day Mexico, Belize & Guatemala
• 17 day Guatemala to Cost Rica Adventure

Everyone's dream trip looks a little different, and this group tour is your chance to explore Central America on a budget. Whilst we take care of the accommodation, transport, guide and must-do activities, this trip is designed with maximum flexibility in mind to give you control over the itinerary. You'll have plenty of free time and freedom to shape your own adventures with a wide variety of optional activities available to book during your trip, so you can choose experiences around your preferences and budget.

Whether you're after an action-packed itinerary or want to explore at a relaxed pace, this trip is your chance to do so. This style of trips are some of the most budget-friendly options we offer, making them accessible to a wide range of different travellers.