Our 8 Best Central America Itineraries for First-Timers

Length: 9 days

Places Visited: Santa Juana, Corcovado National Park, Puerto Jiménez

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Secluded Rainforest Costa Rica Adventure is a nine-day tour that captures the seclusion and wonders that stretch from the tropical jungle to the Pacific Ocean.

Experience the grandeur of wildlife on land and sea at Cano Island National Park and search for marvelous hidden species in one of the most biologically intense destinations in the world.

From private coffee tastings to breathtaking panoramas, you can indulge in the combination of jungle adventure and luxurious escape in the endless splendors of Costa Rica’s celebrated rainforests.

Learn more: Costa Rica Eco Tours & Vacations • Costa Rica Travel Guide

Length: 8 days

Places Visited: Belize, Toledo District, Placencia Peninsula, Belize Barrier Reef

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

This eight-day Tropical Beaches to Lush Jungle: Beautiful Belize Escape features the natural and cultural charms of the landscape and Caribbean Sea. Relax in luxurious comforts, search for refreshing waterfalls, and discover glimpses into the past.

From the world’s second-largest barrier reef to ruins that demonstrate the opulence of the Mayan Empire, the shimmering colors of the Five Blues Lake to the satisfying flavors of chocolate crafted by an expert chocolatier, the tropical beauty of Belize will exceed your expectations.

Learn more: Belize Vacations & Tours • Belize Travel Guide

Length: 11 days

Places Visited: Uvita, Arenal, Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Find perfect luxury tailored to your tastes and preferences on this Handcrafted Costa Rica Tour: Finest Tropical Escape, where extravagance and sustainability meet. Bask in the soothing comforts of natural thermal baths and indulge in the treasured jungle coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Find impressive beaches along the Costa Ballena and wander through the canopy on a guided hanging-bridge tour. Whether kayaking in search of colorful fish or horseback riding along the pristine coastline, you can find the perfect experience for you.

Learn more: Costa Rica Tours & Vacations

Length: 10 days

Places Visited: San Ignacio, Belmopan, Placencia Peninsula

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

This 10-Day Family Adventure of Ancient Maya, Caves, and Barrier Reefs in Belize is a marvel of experiences for families with children of all ages. Experience the true diversity of Belize as you capture the myths of Mayan ruins and explore an underground cave complex.

Paddle through calcite-crystal caves and venture into the jungle at night in search of nocturnal wildlife. Zipline, snorkel, and boat along the Monkey River amidst the wild sounds of howler monkeys as you discover the natural marvels and cultural splendors of Belize as a family.

Learn more: Belize Family Vacations

Length: 9 days

Places Visited: San Jose, Arenal, Limon, Puntarenas

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Costa Rica for Couples: Choose Your Own Adventures gives you the opportunity to embrace the romantic ambiance of the jungle, Caribbean Sea, and Pacific coast. Embrace the beauty of a tour customized to your preferences and interests as you settle into an evening beneath the jungle canopy with a candlelit dinner or indulge in a couple’s massage.

Unwind in natural thermal pools or horseback ride through the dense rainforest to reach an unforgettable waterfall. From finding the bioluminescent waters of the Pacific to rushing down the white water of the Pacuare River, you can enjoy the adventure or melt into relaxation.

Learn more: Costa Rica Honeymoon Packages

Length: 13 days

Places Visited: Tikal, Cayo District, Actun, Five Blues Lake National Park, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Xunantunich, Belize Barrier Reef, Placencia, Hopkins

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Belize opens worlds of historic splendor and natural wonder on this Hallmarks of Belize Tour: Ancient Ruins, Rich Culture, Thriving Tropics.

With incredible luxuries that welcome you beneath the jungle canopy or along the Caribbean Sea, you can embrace an overwater bungalow looking into the world’s second-largest reef and travel up the Monkey River to find manatees and crocodiles.

Embrace the adventure deep in the tropical landscape to find Maya ruins and revel in a night cruise beneath the stars. Whether sampling local chocolate or learning how to cook traditional Maya cuisine, you will have a new perspective on beautiful Belize.

Learn more: Belize Tours for Seniors

Length: 9 days

Places Visited: San Ignacio, Thatch Caye

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Relax into the unparalleled romantic ambiance during the Honeymoon Bliss in Belize: Nine-Day Tour of the Wilderness and Sea to find the perfect couple’s getaway. Delight in the ultimate tropical ambiance with a combination of adventure, relaxation, and passion as you wander through a stunning cave network and horseback ride across a lush coastal landscape.

Unravel the mysteries of the ancient Maya. Witness the sparkling cobalt colors of the Five Blues Lake. Explore the marvelous marine life and coral garden around a private island. Indulge in a starlight cruise and revel in a couple’s spa treatment as you celebrate bliss in charismatic Belize.

Learn more: Belize Honeymoon Packages

Length: 8 days

Places Visited: Panama City, Monkey Island, Boquete, Boca Chica, Gulf of Chiriqui

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Central America can feel like a timeless adventure and our Panama Adventure Tour: Ziplining, Sailing, and Wildlife explores the different ways you can experience the exciting tropical wilderness, beaches, and contemporary culture of the country. The Panama Canal continues to captivate visitors' imaginations as a feat of engineering.

The cloud forest plunges you beneath dense tree canopy and thriving wildlife. Sharks and rays swirl around the seagrass in a protected marine park. The thrill of this Panama tour combines active exploration with exciting discovery, indulging in the wonders of colonial architecture, hidden beaches, and pristine waters.

Learn more: Panama Vacations • Panama Travel Guide

Uncover the marvels of the barrier reef or a secluded corner protecting great green macaws. Search for the footprints of jaguars or climb to the top of a Mayan temple for an unforgettable view of the surrounding jungle expanse.

From looking for sea turtles on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica to traveling upstream in Belize to find playful manatees, making chocolate in the tropical atmosphere to visiting with sharks and manta rays, indulge in the unique on our Central America vacations and tours.