Central America & the Caribbean Tours & Trip Packages

Central America & the Caribbean Tours & Trips

684 Central America & the Caribbean trips. Tours from 240 tour companies. 1,512 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

684 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Discover Costa Rica
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde

Highlights

  • Unrivalled wildlife viewing: howler monkeys, caiman and sloths
  • Visit the beaches and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
  • Verdant rainforest, lush mangroves, lava fields and serene cloud forests
  • Wonderful naturalist guides who will share their love of Costa Rica with you
  • Relax on idyllic Pacific coast beaches
Show more

Themes

Birding, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

More
Guatemala: See & Experience it ALL in 8 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antigua, Chichicastenango, El Mirador National Park, Flores, Pacaya National Park, Panajachel, San Marcos, Santiago, Santiago Atitlan, Tikal

Highlights

  • A Helicopter Ride Over Ancient Temples Found Deep in the Jungle
  • Watching an Active Volcano Erupt in the Middle of the Night (optional)
  • Hanging Out with Hippies in the Village of San Marcos
  • A Visit to the Country’s Biggest Indigenous Market
  • A Full-Day & Private Tour of Guatemala’s Showcase City, Colonial Antigua
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Charlie provided incredible guides with great knowledge, stories and expertise. The tour was well organized. Can’t wait to take another trip with Charlie"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Costa Rica Nature Lovers 2023
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, San José, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Tortuguero National Park
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Turtle National Park
  • You'll see birds, monkeys and other animals in their natural habitat along the trek

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Costa Rica Experience
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde

Highlights

  • Spend time wandering through the artisan stalls of the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias in San Jose – Costa Rica’s cultural heart. With plenty of time to stop for a refresco (smoothie), this isa good opportunity to people-watch.
  • Lend a hand at a farmstay outside of Santa Rosa de Pocosol and learn some home-cooked recipes and techniques from the locals on a visit to the Juanilama agricultural community.
  • Marvel at the size and stature of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon, maybe taking a soak and relaxing in La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
  • Try to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal when you’re exploring Monteverde’s steamy cloud forests. Better yet, why not consider a jungle zip-line to get high in the sky for the best views?
  • With plenty of time to chill out at your own pace, Quepos’ surf vibe is ideal for catching some waves, lazing on the white-sand beaches or hiking the lush trails of Manuel Antonio with your travel pals.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Viva Costa Rica
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Contiki
preferred
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • Arenal: Grab your camera, as you’re about to experience a live (and very photogenic) volcano in the Costa Rican rainforest.
  • Arenal: It's like a dream come true. We finally get to learn how to make chocolate. (And hopefully eat some too).
  • : Insta-op! Trek around the jungle and admire this sparkling tower of water. Then cool off with a dip in the pool.
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Best trip manager with the best people"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
San Blas Adventure - 4 Days Island Hopping in San Blas Islands
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.3/5 Great
23 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Sleep in a different Island each night
  • Snorkelling in Perro chico Sunken boat
  • Spot starfish in the natural swimming pool
  • Kayak in Island Perro Grande
  • Hiking in the jungle up to a waterfall

Themes

High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"No cumplieron con las actividades prometidas y BORRARON EL ANUNCIO en trip advisor con nuestras quejas para NO DEJAR HUELLA. Contratamos el tour de 3 noches , 4 dias, En la descripcion (que ya cambiaron ahora despues de que nos quejamos, adjunto la descripcion en aleman ya q el enlace ya no esta, no pude sacarla en espanol antes de la estafa) 1.No habia ningun guia local con Ingles, mi chico es Aleman asi que le traduje yo todo. Nos dejaron en las islas sin tener idea q actividades teniamos contratadas, pregunte varias veces y no tenian ni idea. Incluso nos dijeron q nos quedabamos 2 noches en una isla y a las 8 de la manana nos dijeron q que haciamos alli y q nos mandarian a otra isla, q preparemos todo en 5 minutos) 2. No habia ninguna danza tradicional. de hecho en las islas habia alguna q otra pareja de turistas y el encargado , que si era Guna.Asi que de aprender cultura Guna, interactuar, nada. 3.No hubo Senderismo en ninguna jungla, aunque pregunte varias veces cuando nos iban a llevar a hacer esa actividad. 4.No hubo langosta incluida para la ultima noche. Respuesta al mensaje : lo que hemos solicitado a Trip Advisor es un reembolso de 30% , no un reembolso total, pero no hay respuesta. Hemos llamado a su agencia pero salta el contestador .Si es mejor para ustedes escribanos por aqui.muchas gracias .un saludo Actualizacion: Trip advisor dice que su empresa le ha dicho q han proporcionado todos los servicios por lo q ni veian la posibilidad de reembolso parcial . A partir de aqui lo dejamos en manos de ABOGADOS"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Costa Rica Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By TruTravels
preferred
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

La Fortuna, Monteverde

What travelers are saying

"My experience with TruTravels has been one of the best travel experiences to date. I was a little concerned about having a small group - but the tour leaders have made every activity fun and engaging. I would definitely say they are friends. The organisation and local knowledge was great, they were great fun whilst remaining professional and in control. The nights out in Canggu were great, getting to meet the other tour leaders and Tru staff meeting the other tour groups is a great idea. I really cannot stress enough how much of a great trip I've had with TruTravels. From booking, to pre-tour communications, through to the last 10 days - it has been well organised, managed and delivered by amazing guides. Thanks so much to Rianna, Marta and Jonny for their enthusiasm throughout the tour, their concern for when I was sick and generally for everything they did to make this an amazing Bali Experience. Much love for the tour guides!!!I would definitely recommend a trip with TruTravels!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Generous cancellation

More
The Best of Panama 2023
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Panama City

Highlights

  • Panama City & Miraflores Locks
  • Embera Indians Village at Chagres Tour
  • Soberania National Park & Gamboa
  • Baru Volcano
  • Gulf of Chiriqui
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
...

1

2

3

4

5

...

Central America & the Caribbean Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
1,512  Reviews
See all Central America & the Caribbean tour reviews
Excellent
1,076
Great
264
Average
18
Disappointing
5
Terrible
8
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An great adventure in Costa Rica

This was our second Exodus trip and again, we were not disappointed. An itinerary which covered many different ecosystems, plenty of wildlife, pleasant travel comp...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Diversity at its best!

Cosa Rica has such diversity,you will experience rouged mountains,rolling hills,virgin forest ,tropical beaches and beautiful waterways to view the homes of the tu...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Discover Costa Rica

We had am amazing time on this trip from the moment we landed in San Jose. Our guide Andres kept us informed about what to expect, and bring for each activity. He...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Totally superb experience.

Our Guide & tour leader-Johnny [Villalobos] made this trip the best we have experienced; with his expertise, knowledge & general manner. Superior to simi...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Discover Costa Rica

I would highly recommend this trip. The trip is very wildlife oriented, so if that is not your main interest, it may not be for you. However, I wouldn’t say that i...

Write a Review

Central America & the Caribbean Tour Selection Trips

  • The Caribbean is much more than beautiful beaches. Each island has its own culture and languages include English, Spanish, French and Dutch.
  • Outside of Costa Rica and perhaps Belize and Panama, Central America is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua are rich in history, culture, and natural beauty as well.
  • With some 7,000 islands in the Caribbean (many of them small) and nearly 30 island nations, it's best to pick cruises -- preferably small ship -- that visit a few at a time, or take a tour of one or two islands to get to know them in depth.
  • The biggest islands in the Caribbean -- and among the most popular -- are Hispaniola (shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. 
  • The Dominican Republic is best known for its beaches, but it also contains the Caribbean's highest mountain (Pico Duarte), which you can climb on a guided tour; is a top windsurfing destination; and offers hiking and mountain biking adventures. 
  • U.S. citizens can travel to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands without carrying passports (though it's always wise to get one). 
  • Bermuda is often thought of as a Caribbean Island, but actually it's hundreds of miles north in the Atlantic Ocean, and can be quite chilly in winter. 

Additional details

Safety Tips in Central America 

When people think about Central America, many associate the region with violence, drugs and gang related misconduct. While there are crimes that go on in this region, many areas are very well protected for any traveler to visit. That said, Central America guided tours to the region are a highly recommended way to travel if you’re worried about safety. Most countries, though are, in fact, very safe whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or a group of friends.

Panama, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Nicarargua are perhaps the safest (and generally more expensive) countries to travel to. Although there are some areas here and there where it is advised to not travel to, these countries are always seeing influxes of thousands of tourists every year looking to enjoy the wealth of wildlife, culture and food that is distinct than anywhere in the world. 

Other countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are more on the cautionary side. When traveling to these countries especially, the capital city is always a little more dangerous.

Guatemala, for example, is safer in areas outside of cities such as Antigua and Atitlan. For transportation in Guatemala, it is advised to use only uber and not local taxis or buses. Walking alone at night is not advised, nor is showing off your phone or other valuables when you walk. 

It is helpful to speak to locals about it. Many are very friendly and it’s always good to know which areas are unsafe and should be avoided when traveling in Central America

What Countries are in Central America 

Central America, sitting in between Columbia and Mexico, is an incredibly vibrant and exciting travel destination filled with biodiversity, culture and a mecca for marine life. It has a population of more than 42 million people. The following are countries classified as being a part of Central America:

  1. Guatemala

  2. Costa Rica

  3. El Salvador

  4. Belize

  5. Honduras

  6. Nicaragua 

  7. Panama

Packing List for Central America Travel 

Depending on what time of the year that you go, the packing list for Central America tours can differ. In general, however, these are the top 6 essentials to carry when traveling to any of the 7 countries:

  1. Swimwear: whether you are traveling to Lake Atitlan or the San Blas islands, swimming in either the pacific or caribbean waters is something to not miss out on.

  1. Secure backpack: this is helpful when walking around the towns and especially in market places where pickpocketing is expected. Make sure to always pack refillable water bottles, your phone with a downloaded offline map, sunglasses, sunscreen, wallet, bug spray and more. 

  1. Sneakers: motorbiking, hiking or exploring on foot is a must in Central America. The best places are the hidden gems tucked away by cobble pathways in small towns, views atop mountains and hilly streets that criss cross next to beaches that has the best, local restaurants and stores.

  1. Travel insurance: Other than your visa, this is the next most important thing. 

  1. Cash: All the countries have different currencies from one another and having cash ready, especially if you plan to visit marketplaces, is extremely useful. Make sure to withdraw before you leave as getting cash in Central America itself can be more expensive. 

  1. Stomach medicine: don’t underestimate the power of a bad stomach, and the likelihood at that. Anything from fresh fruits, vegetables, ice, street food and altitude sickness can ruin the itineraries in a trip, so it’s wise to pack tums, tylenol and pepto-bismol before you leave. 

Weather in the Caribbean

Caribbean weather is mostly hot and sunny all around. 27 degrees celsius is the average while in the southern islands, temperatures can soar to 38 degrees. The wet seasons typically experience rain in bursts no more than an hour from May to October. Cold winds from the north happen sometimes but are infrequent and rare.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 684 trips to Central America & the Caribbean and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!