Central America Holidays
From ancient ruins to glorious beaches, Central America is a land of contrasts, diversity and colourful culture. Whether you want to relax and switch off, swim with dolphins, visit Mayan archaeological sites or party under the stars; the possibilities are endless during your Central America holiday.
Prepare to be immersed in a world rich with history, culture and ancient traditions. Indigenous culture flows through the land, from Panama’s Emberá people, to Mexico’s 60 indigenous populations.
Explore Guatemala, home to Chichicastenango, one of the finest colonial cities in Central America.
Wander through cobble-stoned streets admiring the craft markets. Visit natural highlights such as Lago Atitlán (Lake Atitlan), a highland lake encircled by volcanoes; Semuc Champey, a series of limestone pools; and the mighty mountain range o Sierra de los Cuchumatanes.
The city of Belize will take you back in time with Mayan archaeological sites such as Lamanai or Caracol.
Costa Rica is a wonderland of freshwater creeks, lagoons and breath-taking beaches, such as those in Tortuguero National Park, which is a great location to witness leatherback and green turtles.
Azure seas to verdant forests
El Salvador boasts spectacular mountain landscapes along La Ruta de las Flores. Marvel at the tropical forests of El Imposible National Park, or you can enjoy a spot of surfing at one of the beaches on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Unspoilt Nicaragua is famed for its lakes, volcanoes and lush-green coffee plantations. Honduras is ideal for island-hopping, with its breath-taking coral reef sites and spectacular white-sandy beaches such as Bay Islands.
Why not enjoy a city break before touring Central America? Visit New York for a spot of retail therapy, or San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Alternatively, book a multi-centre trip to include a visit to every top destination in Central America. Give our Destination Specialists a call today and we’ll help you put together the ultimate tailor-made Central America holiday.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries for Central America holidays. With so many options for your Central America holiday package, we recommend you talk to one of our Destination Specialists to make the perfect tailor made holiday just for you.
Costa Rican Adventure tour
Guide Price £3,299 pp
Go back to nature with this amazing tour that will enchant you for the spectacular scenery and exotic wildlife. The ultimate adventure-filled experience. Be prepared for hiking among misty cloud forests, volcanic peaks, dramatic waterfalls and turtle-nesting beaches. A virtually...
Escorted tours
Highlights of Costa Rica Tour
Guide Price £2,299 pp
Get under the skin of this fascinating country on our nine day adventure which takes in Costa Rica's diverse flora and fauna and stunning scenery, including the Tortuguero canals, active volcanoes of Arenal and the mysterious cloud forest of Monteverde...
Wildlife holidays
Guatemala - Welcome to the Land of Eternal Spring
Guide Price £3,099 pp
Guatemala is a country rich in history and is the cradle of Mayan civilization. Soak up the stunning scenery in our 8 day Eternal Spring tour which takes in the famous UNESCO city of Antigua and the scenic Lake Atitlan...
Escorted tours
Our favourite hotels
For your Central America holiday, whether you fancy being a stone’s throw from the beach, nestled in the rainforest or staying in a classic heritage hotel, we can help you find your dream accommodation in Central America.
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Robert
Destination Specialist
“Take a short hike up Volcán Agua to observe the coffee fields. Learn how to roast coffee beans in the traditional Guatemalan way, and finish your tour with a freshly roasted cup of coffee.”
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Martyn
Destination Manager
“Enjoy a fully immersive rainforest and wildlife experience with a night safari in Costa Rica, and meet the creatures who only come out after dark.”
Festivals & Events
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Central America holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Carnival - Panama City
The weekend before Ash Wednesday, Panama City comes to life with revelry, starting with the Crowning of the Carnival Queen on Saturday and preceding through four days of lavish masked parades, street fairs folk dance. This is carnival - when wild, jubilant parties rage until the break of dawn.
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La Semana Santa (Holy Week)
During Easter, the mysteries of Central America’s Catholic heritage comes to life during La Semana Santa with processions, colorful decorations, and vivid costumes throughout Central America. Almost any town or village will wow you with its devotion. The celebrations in Antigua, Guatemala are particularly famous, so we recommend you head here during your Central America holidays if you’re looking for the best spot to celebrate with the local people.
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Costa Rica’s Independence Day
In mid-September Costa Rica commemorates its independence with a street party featuring traditional Costa Rican food, fireworks, and parades of children in traditional dress performing folkloric dance. Processions and parades are vibrant, colourful, and family-friendly.
Local cuisine in Central America
Get a flavour of the local culture through your palate during your Central America holiday. Here are a few of our favourite foodie dishes.
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Pupusas
A pupusa is a thick flatbread from El Salvador made with cornmeal or rice flour, usually stuffed with ingredients such as cheese, chicharrón, squash, or refried beans.
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Baleadas
Baleadas consist of stuffed wheat flour tortillas, spread with a thin layer of refried beans, shredded cheese, and sour cream, before being turned over into a half moon. For breakfast, scrambled eggs can be added.
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Ceviche
Popular in coastal areas of Latin America as well as the Caribbean, ceviche usually consists of raw seafood marinated in a mixture of lime, salt, onions, and cilantro. Tomatoes and avocado may also be included.
