Budget Tours & Trips to Central America
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10 best cheap Central America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar
- Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
- San Jose to Cancun Travel Pass
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park, Self-drive
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
- Cancun to San Jose Travel Pass
- Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean, Self-drive
- Caribbean to Pacific, Self-drive
Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The guide made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to every woman in the group; about 10/12 on the tour were women.”
Aoife, traveled in July 2017
A cost-effective 32-day adventure costs around $150 per day with accommodations and select meals. A combination of 25 hotel nights, hostel stays, and camping maximizes value while keeping costs low. Transportation includes local options plus orientation walks in Tulum, Leon, and San Jose.
Duration 32 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Price Per Day $93 Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,130
5% Off- US$2,974You save $156
This Central American adventure runs approx. $70 per day, covering transfers between 10 major cities, Maya homestay experiences, and guided tours. The itinerary features UNESCO sites, natural wonders, volcano treks and snorkeling excursions.
Duration 33 days Destinations Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $62 Operator Bamba Travel From $2,266
10% Off- US$2,039You save $226
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park, Self-drive
126 Reviews by TourRadar travelersCentral America unfolds at approx. $160 per day, with diverse lodging from Tortuguero eco-lodges to Manuel Antonio beachfront hotels. The package includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and ground transportation.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $132 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,551
15% Off- US$1,319You save $232
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April 2024
The Central American volcano circuit costs around $2,500 total, covering 8 nights' accommodation, multiple meals, and park entries. The tour showcases Arenal's lava landscapes, Las Pailas' geothermal features, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens' wildlife sanctuaries.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park Age Range up to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $218 Operator Green World Adventures From $2,450
20% Off- US$1,960You save $490
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic tour in a beautiful country. A memory I'll never forget.”
Kate, traveled in January 2023
This affordable Central American tour runs approx. $100 per day with simple accommodations across Costa Rica. The itinerary spans both coasts, cloud forests, and volcanoes with free activities like beach time and hiking, plus a homestay at Coope San Juan.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $72 Operator G Adventures From $1,449
30% Off- US$1,014You save $434
This comprehensive tour costs approx. $70 per day, featuring homestays in San Jorge La Laguna, hiking trails in Manuel Antonio National Park, and transfers between 21 cities. The package includes transportation, select meals, volcano treks and snorkeling.
Duration 39 days Destinations Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Ecuador, Costa Rica Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $63 Operator Bamba Travel From $2,714
10% Off- US$2,443You save $271
Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was well laid out, and we enjoyed every moment. The self drive part worked out very well.”
Mabel, traveled in December 2023
This 14-night Central American journey costs approx. $140 per day, spanning accommodations from beach resorts to cloud forest lodges. The price includes most breakfasts, select meals, transportation, and core activities, with optional tours from $50.
Duration 15 days Destinations Liberia, Playa Tamarindo, Samara, Playa Santa Teresa, San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $120 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,115
15% Off- US$1,798You save $317
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay.”
Gary, traveled in December 2023
This eco-friendly tour costs approx. $160 per day, including breakfast and accommodations. National parks exploration and optional coffee tastings provide excellent value.
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $132 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,244
15% Off- US$1,058You save $186
The vibrant heart of Central America awaits at approx.$150 per day, with stays at Holiday Inn Express and Turtle Beach Lodge. Package includes 8 breakfasts, Tortuguero excursions, and car rental with comprehensive insurance.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $128 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,353
15% Off- US$1,150You save $202
Central American charm unfolds at approx.$150 per day, including accommodations and breakfasts. Comfortable stays at Villa Florencia in Turrialba and Suria Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota come with all transfers included.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita, Turrialba, Los Quetzales National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $127 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,492
15% Off- US$1,269You save $223
Budget Tours & Trips to Central America Reviews
- Epic Mexico to Costa Rica
I had a good opinion of Geckos until they didn't follow up on feedback that one of the guides was making highly inappropriate comments. I assumed they'd be horrified and get in touch to find out what happened but it's been 2 months now. The guide made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to every woman in the group; about 10/12 on the tour were women. The most sexually explicit comments were directed at me, even after I told him it was inappropriate. It made the last few days of the tour very uncomfortable because you can't really avoid your guide. It was especially stressful at meals, trying to make sure I didn't end up beside him. When he realised I wasn't happy with him he sulked for days and kept asking why I wasn't his friend anymore. Not fun... Geckos' lack of response suggests to me that this must not be uncommon behaviour for guides. Also the fact that the guide was so blatant and targeted literally every woman suggests that he didn't expect the company to take complaints seriously.
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
A fantastic tour in a beautiful country. A memory I’ll never forget
- Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa, Self-drive
The tour was well laid out and good value there seemed at times a lack of clear information like hotel address and location. National Car rental was fantastic.
What our customers ask about Budget Tours & Trips to Central America
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget tours in Central America?
Budget accommodations in Central America typically include a mix of 3-star hotels and eco-lodges. For example, in Costa Rica, you might stay at places like the Monteverde Country Lodge, a charming 3-star property in the cloud forest region, which offers comfortable rooms while maintaining affordability. The accommodations are clean and comfortable, though amenities may be basic compared to luxury properties.
How much should I budget for meals not included in the tour?
For meals not included in your tour, budget approximately $25-35 USD per day in Central America. For example, in Costa Rica, local restaurants called 'sodas' offer traditional meals for around $5-10 USD, while in Panama City, you might spend $10-15 USD for dinner in the historic Casco Antiguo district.
Are entrance fees to national parks included in budget tour prices?
Most budget tours do not include entrance fees to national parks and attractions. For instance, in Costa Rica, you'll need to pay separately for entrances to places like Manuel Antonio National Park and Tortuguero National Park. It's recommended to budget an additional $15-25 USD per park entrance.
What's included in transportation on budget Central America tours?
Budget tours typically include basic transportation needs. For example, in Costa Rica, packages often include a Group A rental car (like a Daihatsu Bego) with unlimited mileage, basic insurance, and shared transfers for certain segments. The Tortuguero portion usually includes shared boat transfers since this area is only accessible by water.
What kind of meals are included in budget tours?
Most budget tours include some meals to help manage costs. For example, the Maya Homestay Experience includes dinner and breakfast with local families, while other tours like Bamba's Costa Rica Explorer includes 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, allowing travelers to explore local food options independently for other meals.
What's the best time of year to find budget deals in Central America?
The data shows more departures and often better pricing during shoulder seasons - April/May and September/October. For instance, the tour data shows lower prices and more availability during these months compared to peak season December-March.
How reliable is public transportation on budget tours in Central America?
Most budget tours include basic transportation between destinations. For example, the Central America Adventure tour uses a combination of public buses and shared shuttles, while the Maya Homestay Experience includes shared minivan transfers between Antigua and Panajachel, offering reliable but basic transportation options.