Central America & the Caribbean Tours & Trip Packages

Central America & the Caribbean Tours & Trips

647 Central America & the Caribbean trips. Tours from 240 tour companies. 1,613 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

647 Trips match your criteria (641 - 647 shown)

A Cruise: Valparaiso to Los Angeles
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Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Atacama Desert, Galapagos, Valparaiso

Highlights

  • Visit the tropical dry forest of Montibelli Nature Reserve
  • We’ll drive south to visit some coastal wetlands and agricultural fields full of new species
  • First opportunity to see Inca Tern, Humboldt Penguin, Guanay Cormorant, Peruvian Booby, and Peruvian Diving-Petrel
  • Chile, have a long drive to the remote Frey Jorge National Park
  • Fabulous birding around Pisco, Peru, a place mostly known for the eponymous Peruvian national drink, pisco, a grape brandy produced in the area
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Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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Coach Tour: Natural wonders of Costa Rica
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Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Montreal

Highlights

  • Explore Poas Volcano
  • Visit to Doka Estate Coffee Plantation
  • Visit Butterfly Observatory
  • Explore Arenal Volcano
  • Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge & Rio Frio Hot springs
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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Costa Rica & Nicaragua
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Panama City, the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific, and its famous Panama Canal zone
  • Meet members of the traditional Ella Drua Emberá Community, who share customs with you
  • In Costa Rica, savor outstanding whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, ranked as one of the top five rivers in the world for whitewater rafting with its Class III-IV rapids
  • See the rainforest treetops during the Arenal Ecoglide canopy experience, with its 15 cables and 18 platforms, kayak Lake Arenal or hike a volcano
  • Explore Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast with coastal hikes, stellar sport fishing or beachcombing from a luxury beachfront resort

Themes

Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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7-Day, 2-Island Sampler AWNC & Cuffie River Retreat
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Travel with AWNC’s expert guides, who share robust knowledge and friendly, world-class guiding skills
  • Savor four nights at the classic AWNC; relish morning coffee and birding on the famous verandah
  • Gain exclusive access to enigmatic Oilbirds in the grotto of Dunston Cave
  • Witness skies turned crimson with thousands of Scarlet Ibis coming in to roost in Caroni National Park
  • Enjoy two nights at the delightful and birdy Cuffie River Nature Retreat on Tobago
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Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

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10-Day, 2-Island Classic AWNC & Blue Waters Inn
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Travel with AWNC’s expert guides, who share robust knowledge and friendly, world-class guiding skills
  • Savor six nights at the classic AWNC; relish morning coffee and birding on the famous verandah
  • Gain exclusive access to enigmatic Oilbirds in the grotto of Dunston Cave, on the Centre’s grounds
  • Witness skies turned crimson with thousands of Scarlet Ibis coming in to roost in Caroni National Park
  • Arrive to a picturesque vista across Batteaux Bay to Little Tobago Island
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Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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Christmas Week at Trinidad's AWNC
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit Asa Wright Nature Centre
  • Have a chance to see Forty Species such species as Guianan Trogon, Channel-billed Toucan, Chestnut Woodpecker, White-bearded Manakin, Rufousbrowed Peppershrike, and Turquoise and Bay-headed Tanagers.
  • Explore an adjacent and very peaceful valley of Trinidad’s Northern Range
  • Celebrate Christmas Eve by seeing vivid show of rich magenta
  • Experience Birding Tour to Nariva Swamp and Trinidad’s East Coast

Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Festivals & Special Events

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Best of Trinidad AWNC & Piping-guans
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Travel with AWNC’s expert guides, who share robust knowledge and friendly, world-class guiding skills
  • Savor five nights at the classic AWNC; relish morning coffee and birding on the famous verandah
  • Gain exclusive access to enigmatic Oilbirds in the grotto of Dunston Cave
  • Witness skies turned crimson with thousands of Scarlet Ibis coming in to roost in Caroni National Park
  • Enjoy optional excursions if you’d like more birding or photography experiences
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Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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Discover Costa Rica
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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

  • Head deep into the Esquinas rainforest to stay in our much-loved lodge
  • Take a guided boat ride through the wildlife-rich waterways of Tortuguero
  • Swim under the beautiful spout of La Fortuna waterfall
  • Experience the cloud forest with a walk around Santa Elena
  • Search for monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park
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Themes

Birding, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Friendly and helpful staff were happy to help with all our questions."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Costa Rica Experience
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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

  • 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?
  • Spend time wandering through the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias artisan stalls in San Jose – Costa Rica’s cultural heart. With plenty of time to stop for a refresco (smoothie), this is a 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.
  • 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

"I've travelled with Intrepid in Vietnam, Morocco, Nepal and Egypt and had a brilliant time every time. The experience is better than most tours as you are in a small group that goes a bit more 'off the beaten track', and you don't get taken to endless shopping opportunites (i.e. a cousin's carpet shop). They also have higher ethics than most travel companies, they contribute to local charities and they avoid animal use (donkeys etc) where possible. The tour leaders we have had have all been wonderful, knowledgable and relaxed, with good english."

Trip dates & details
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Viva Costa Rica
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By Contiki
preferred
4/5 Great
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.
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Bonding with my group and Austria."

Trip dates & details
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Guatemala: See & Experience it ALL in 8 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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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
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Themes

Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our trip was amazing. Our guide in Quito was so informative and such a nice person. The cruise was great. We did so much snorkeling and the hikes were perfect. The naturalists on board were incredible, as was the staff. The Galapagos Suites hotel is incredibly charming and we really enjoyed staying there. We left feeling like we saw everything."

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Costa Rica Nature Lovers 2023
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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
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Central America & the Caribbean Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
1,613  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

A 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

Discover costa rica

An excellent taster of the country. Well planned with good locations Meeting the owner michael Schnitzler of esquinas lodge. Such a wonderful work, he is passinate...

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...

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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 647 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.

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