Round trip Central America of 2-3 weeks
Everything you need to know for an unforgettable round trip
Central America is a relatively unknown continent for travellers. It is sandwiched between the major powers of North and South America and is therefore sometimes overlooked. That’s a shame, because a trip of Central America, visiting one or more countries, is an experience you’ll never forget. Want to know more? We’ve shared our tips here to help you get started.
Why choose a trip of Central America?
There is plenty for everyone to discover in Central America. The countries are easy to travel around, as the distances are generally not too great and the infrastructure is good. There is a rich variety of culture and nature, and there are plenty of options for travelling with children. What’s more, you can always round off your trip in an idyllic and relaxing spot by the coast.
Costa Rica
What to see and do
In Central America, we offer tours to the following destinations: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. To give you an idea of the countries and what there is to see there, I’ll briefly describe each one here.
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Mexico
Mexico has it all: a rich history, remarkable archaeological sites, modern cities, charming colonial towns and so on. It is estimated that as many as 70 per cent of the population are of mixed ethnic origin, and the government has recognised no fewer than 62 indigenous languages as national languages. Its long history has endowed Mexico with a wealth of archaeological finds, wonderful traditions and festivals, traditional dress, music, and food and drink. But when it comes to nature, too, Mexico is the place to be.
Highlights:
1. Mexico City
2. Colonial Mexico
3. Butterfly migration
4. The Mexican coast
More on Mexico -
Belize
When people think of Belize, most think of beaches and an azure sea. That’s absolutely right, but there’s so much more to it. Belize is a treasure trove of Mayan culture. The dense jungle that covers large parts of the country, with its unique flora and fauna, is a must-see for any nature lover. Although Belize is situated on the mainland, the whole country has a relaxed island atmosphere. The people are friendly and you can enjoy a wonderful combination of nature and the blue sea along the coast.
Highlights:
1. Paradisiacal beaches
2. Inland jungle
3. Diving
More about Belize -
Guatemala
The land of eternal spring and, thanks to its colourful and vibrant Maya culture, also one of the most colourful countries in the world. In many villages, the distinctive traditional dress still defines the streetscape. Alongside this Maya culture, Guatemala also boasts a highly diverse range of flora and fauna. Tropical rainforest in the northern Petén region, rugged mountain ranges and volcanoes in the south with stunning highlands, and Caribbean Guatemala in the east of the country. The exceptionally friendly Guatemalans are more than happy to show you all this beauty.
Highlights:
1. Antigua
2. Lake Atitlán
3. Hidden Mayan cities
4. Guatemalan cuisine
More Guatemala -
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is one of the least densely populated countries in Central America, yet it has everything you need for a wonderful trip. Stunning lakes, towering volcanoes, charming colonial towns, incredibly diverse natural landscapes and beautiful snow-white sandy beaches. Nicaragua is characterised by the openness and hospitality of its people. You’ll feel right at home here as you explore the cities’ vibrant history, enjoy rugged adventures and discover this idyllic country.
Highlights:
1. Colonial towns
2. Coastal areas
3. The unspoilt interior
More about Nicaragua -
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the perfect destination if you love nature. This small, easily explored country boasts a variety of ecosystems, allowing you to enjoy the diversity that nature has to offer. In Costa Rica, you’ll find rugged mountains, wild rainforests, rivers, dense cloud forests and an astonishing array of wildlife. Finally, Costa Rica boasts beautiful coastal towns on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The country offers plenty of opportunities for adventurous exploration, and in the evening you can relax in one of the many comfortable boutique hotels the country has to offer.
Highlights:
1. Diverse wildlife
2. Rich wildlife
3. Adventure in Costa Rica
More about Costa Rica
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Panama
When you think of Panama, the Panama Canal undoubtedly springs to mind. This is certainly one of the highlights of a trip of Panama, but there is more to it than that. The interior is characterised by rugged mountainous regions, beautiful rolling hills and tropical rainforest. And along the coast, we know of several unique spots to stay overnight. Panama’s diversity is reflected not only in its landscape, but also in its melting pot of cultures from different continents. In addition, there are still seven indigenous peoples living in the country.
Highlights:
1. Panama City
2. Islands
3. The lush interior
More Panama -
Honduras
Honduras, along with El Salvador, is the least well-known country in Central America. As a result, tourism is still in its infancy, making these countries a wonderful destination for adventurers. Travelling through these countries is completely safe and can easily be done even in a rental car.
Honduras is best known for its islands. Here you’ll find lovely beaches and a magnificent coral reef, making it an attractive destination for divers and snorkellers. Combined with one of the most famous archaeological sites and a stunning unspoilt nature reserve, Honduras is a wonderful travel destination
More about Honduras -
El Salvador
The same applies to El Salvador as to Honduras; tourism in these countries is still in its infancy, making them ideal destinations for adventurers. Travelling through these countries is completely safe and can easily be done even in a rental car.
El Salvador boasts a colourful population, unspoilt nature, volcanoes, an attractive coastline, archaeological sites and quiet, picturesque towns. El Salvador is truly an undiscovered gem in Central America!
What is the best travel time
The same climate and seasons apply throughout Central America. All countries in Central America are great to visit all year round. The reason for this is that the countries are located close to the equator. As a result, it is almost always warm there and the region has only two seasons.
- The dry season runs from January to April inclusive
- The rainy season runs from May to December.
(However, don’t let this put you off travelling during the rainy season, as the showers are usually limited to the afternoon.) - Temperatures range between 25 and 30 degrees all year round
In some cases, it is wise to consider the time of year more carefully. This is important, for example, if you would like to see a specific species such as whales, turtles or the monarch butterfly. Furthermore, there can be advantages to not being tied to a specific travel period. For example, you could travel outside the peak season, which means airfares are lower and there is greater availability.
How much time should you set aside for a roundtrip?
How many days you should set aside for a trip of one or more countries in Central America naturally depends entirely on what you’d like to see and do. However, it is perfectly possible to go on a trip lasting as little as 10 days. As the distances aren’t that great, it’s also very possible to combine different countries. Think, for example, of Guatemala and Belize, or Honduras and El Salvador.
It is also possible to visit several destinations, with the exception of Mexico, in a single trip. In 4 to 6 weeks, you can get a good overall impression of Central America. Mexico is an exception here, as it is much larger than the other countries. It is not even possible to visit the whole of Mexico in a 3-week trip. With this country, you will soon have to make choices, which is why we advise against combining it with another destination.
In short, it’s possible to enjoy a wonderful trip of one or more destinations in Central America for as little as 10 days. But even if you’d like to be away for 6 weeks, there are plenty of options.
Livingston, Guatemala
Where is the best place to stay?
For a trip of Central America, we love to work with unique accommodation set in special locations. Right in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by wildlife. Beautiful cabañas situated right on the beach or higher up in the mountains, offering 180-degree views of the surrounding forest with the Caribbean Sea in the background.
The countries offer a wide range of accommodation options. As we organise bespoke tours, we work with a variety of hotels across different categories. It is, however, a prerequisite that the accommodation provides the necessary comfort, service and hygiene standards. In addition, we are keen to find accommodation that adds value to your trip, such as a unique location, a lovely boutique hotel in a city or a hotel offering personalised service. Before we start putting together a travel itinerary, we’d like to discuss with you what you’re looking for, so that we can choose accommodation that best suits your preferences.
Here are a few examples of accommodation providers we enjoy working with:
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Pacuare Lodge – Costa Rica
Rafting down the Pacuare River, you’ll reach this unique lodge set amidst a mountainous landscape overgrown with rainforest. During your stay, you can go kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, birdwatching or hiking. Petra visited the Pacuare Lodge and wrote a blog post about it.
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Isla Palenque – Panama
A small island that can only be reached by boat. The eight cottages are all named after famous writers who wrote about islands. Enjoy the serene tranquillity of this enchanting spot. Johan visited Isla Palenque in 2018 and wrote a blog post about it.
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Lamanai Outpost – Belize
This lodge is situated deep in the unspoilt wilderness of the Orange Walk district. This is one of the best places in Belize for wildlife spotting. The lodge is situated in a water-rich area that is home to many animals, including jaguars, various species of monkeys and birds, and crocodiles. More than 400 species of birds have been recorded here. Guests who have stayed at this accommodation have shared their experiences on our blog.
Read more
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Hotels in Antigua, Guatemala
This picturesque little town, nestled amongst the green slopes of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes, is one of Latin America’s best-kept secrets. A delightful place, with brightly coloured houses lining cobbled streets and lovely boutique hotels to suit everyone.
Read more -
Haciendas in Yucatán – Mexico
The Yucatán Peninsula is a true paradise. The Maya culture is very much alive here, the coastline is breathtaking and the traditional cuisine is delicious. You’ll also find a wide choice of lovely accommodation here. Over the years, many derelict haciendas have been restored and converted into small-scale hotels. A stay in one of these old haciendas offers the old-world grandeur of the era of large landowners and lords of the manor. The grandeur of yesteryear combined with modern-day comfort.
Find out more
What’s the best way to travel around Central America?
There are various ways to trip Central America, depending on your preferences and the route you wish to take.
Travelling by rental car
It may not be the first thing that springs to mind, but Central America is actually a great place to explore by rental car. Countries that are particularly well-suited to this are Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Honduras and El Salvador. An added bonus is that, whilst on a round trip through Central America, you can in many cases take the rental car across the border. Exceptions to this are Mexico and Belize.
Travelling by car is a wonderful way to discover a country or region. What makes travelling by car so special is the freedom to stop wherever you like. This allows you to visit places you wouldn’t otherwise have gone to, and means no two journeys are ever the same.
Transfers
Would you rather not travel alone in a rental car? If so, it is of course also possible to travel from one destination to another by transfer. A transfer often includes an English-speaking guide who can tell you more about the area you are travelling through. What’s more, you can choose to stop off at a place of interest along the way, such as a Mayan temple or one of the continent’s many volcanoes.
Travelling with transfers gives you peace of mind and relaxation on your trip, as you don’t have to worry about where and when you need to be. All you need to worry about is enjoying yourself.
Flights
Depending on the route you wish to take, domestic and/or local flights may be recommended. In some cases, such a flight can also be a unique experience, due to the size of the aircraft. One example is in Belize. Here, flights are used in much the same way as bus services are in the Netherlands. You board a small propeller plane for 10–16 people and fly from one destination to another. You may make a stopover to drop off or pick up other travellers at a different destination.
Examples of tours through Central America
As you can see here, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for a trip of Central America. There are countless possibilities and various destinations to visit. We can imagine that this might make it difficult to see the wood for the trees. That’s why we’ve put together two sample itineraries for a 2-week trip of Central America and a 3-week trip of Central America:
Sample itinerary for a 2-week trip of Central America
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Enquire about a Central America trip
Sample itinerary for a 3-week trip of Central America
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To round things off, I’ve listed a few examples of tours on our website. Of course, these tours can always be tailored to your needs, and you’re always welcome to suggest your own ideas, for which we’ll map out the best itinerary.
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14-day trip of Guatemala and Belize
A unique series of experiences where culture and nature come together in the most extraordinary locations. Also a lovely family holiday.
From €4,495 per person -
17-day trip of Costa Rica
family holiday – driving – wildlife and birdwatching – rainforests
Drive through Costa Rica in your own rental car. Discover the diverse natural landscapes of the interior, the Caribbean coast and the Pacific coast.
From €6,400 per person -
21-day Central America trip with a rental car
family holiday – self-drive – off the beaten track
Explore Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua by rental car. An impressive journey you’ll never forget.
From €8,525 per person -
15-day trip of the Yucatan with a rental car
family holiday – self-drive – ancient civilisations
A fantastic trip that introduces you to the diverse Yucatan Peninsula.
From €3,833 per person -
17-day luxury roundtrip Panama with rental car
driving - wildlife spotting - jungles
During this wonderful trip, you’ll drive through the Panamanian countryside in a rental car. Drive along the coast, explore the rolling inland countryside and round off your luxury trip on a private island off the Pacific coast.
From €6,400 per person
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14-day trip of Guatemala and Belize
A unique series of experiences where culture and nature come together in the most extraordinary locations. Also a lovely family holiday.
From €4,495 per person -
17-day trip of Costa Rica
family holiday – driving – wildlife and birdwatching – rainforests
Drive through Costa Rica in your own rental car. Discover the diverse natural landscapes of the interior, the Caribbean coast and the Pacific coast.
From €6,400 per person -
21-day Central America trip with a rental car
family holiday – self-drive – off the beaten track
Explore Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua by rental car. An impressive journey you’ll never forget.
From €8,525 per person -
15-day trip of the Yucatan with a rental car
family holiday – self-drive – ancient civilisations
A fantastic trip that introduces you to the diverse Yucatan Peninsula.
From €3,833 per person -
17-day luxury roundtrip Panama with rental car
driving - wildlife spotting - jungles
During this wonderful trip, you’ll drive through the Panamanian countryside in a rental car. Drive along the coast, explore the rolling inland countryside and round off your luxury trip on a private island off the Pacific coast.
From €6,400 per person
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14-day trip of Guatemala and Belize
A unique series of experiences where culture and nature come together in the most extraordinary locations. Also a lovely family holiday.
From €4,495 per person -
17-day trip of Costa Rica
family holiday – driving – wildlife and birdwatching – rainforests
Drive through Costa Rica in your own rental car. Discover the diverse natural landscapes of the interior, the Caribbean coast and the Pacific coast.
From €6,400 per person -
21-day Central America trip with a rental car
family holiday – self-drive – off the beaten track
Explore Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua by rental car. An impressive journey you’ll never forget.
From €8,525 per person -
15-day trip of the Yucatan with a rental car
family holiday – self-drive – ancient civilisations
A fantastic trip that introduces you to the diverse Yucatan Peninsula.
From €3,833 per person -
17-day luxury roundtrip Panama with rental car
driving - wildlife spotting - jungles
During this wonderful trip, you’ll drive through the Panamanian countryside in a rental car. Drive along the coast, explore the rolling inland countryside and round off your luxury trip on a private island off the Pacific coast.
From €6,400 per person
Request a travel proposal
Would you also like to go on a trip of Central America? We can organise the trips listed above for you, but we’d also be happy to put together a programme based on your wishes and ideas. Please feel free to get in touch. Call us on +31 73 610 62 04, send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or request a bespoke quote below. We’d be happy to help.