Central America holiday on a budget
Late availability on these dates: 26 Aug, 02 Sep, 09 Sep, 30 Sep, 04 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 01 Nov, 08 Nov, 18 Nov
Description of Central America holiday on a budget
This budget Central America tour takes you to some of the best places in the region, whilst keeping costs down. Travelling by private minibus in a group of no more than 16 explorers, you get all the camaraderie of a road trip, without getting bogged down in the planning.
Starting in the city of Antigua in Guatemala, and ending in San Jose, capital of Costa Rica, this tour takes you through Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, too: that’s five countries over 17 exciting days. There are some long drives – the longest is 14 hours from El Salvador to Granada, Nicaragua – but the trip has been carefully designed so there are plenty of rest days too.
You’re not just on the road: you get multiple nights in some of the most enticing destinations, and free days to explore independently, or with new friends if you want. This mix of social and solo time is great and flexible. You can choose to relax at a beach resort in El Cuco, El Salvador – or go kayaking instead. In Monteverde, Costa Rica, go mountain biking, or for a hike in the cloud forest.
This trip is popular for a reason – it’s a great way to see a great deal of Central America, and a great deal of fun, too.
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Reviews
2 Reviews of Central America holiday on a budget
Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025 by QUENTIN MACILRAY
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Arrive early in Antigua, Guatemala, give yourself a couple of days there, because the tour starts straight from Antigua without any time there.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, yes, yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Reviewed on 03 Aug 2025 by Sue Oldfield
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Copan Mayan ruins, Antigua, Monteverde cloud forest.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you read the trip details well in advance - info regarding the visa required for Brits to enter Honduras is buried in there. It can take at least three weeks and needs a trip to London. Be prepared for a lot of travel.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To some extent.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Some great moments, but I was left with a feeling that the operator are cutting costs.
Responsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONThis trip utilises all means of public transport, keeping our carbon emissions low.
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
We just can't get enough of the Amazon, not only as a jaw-dropping travel destination but also as a global treasure and this trip will help to ensure that the incredibly Amazon Rainforest is here for us to enjoy for generations to come! Our Amazon Fund will help support on the ground projects by the Foundation's long time partners Greenpeace and WWF. By booking your Latin American adventure with us you're helping us work towards a sustainable future for the Amazon.
Our local guides help us minimise the impact of our visits, spreading knowledge and awareness of the importance of preserving and respecting the sites we visit.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYYour leader and the occasional local guide will be able to direct you to many local eateries throughout the trip, helping you discover real local fare at real local prices (and probably helping you learn some Spanish at the same time). All travellers are encouraged to explore with the group and on their own, learn a few words of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible.
There are plenty of opportunities to support local merchants in the markets and stalls that we pass along the way. We can purchase traditional handicrafts from local artisans and learn more about the importance of preserving these crafts.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Local guides are employed to help explain as much as possible about the cultural differences and the historically significant places that we visit.
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