The Best Private Trips to Book in Central America

Is Costa Rica the coolest destination on the planet? We’ve certainly not got an argument against it. This little gem is one of the smallest nations in Central America, but that doesn’t stop it from cramming in a remarkable variety of landscapes. We’ll explore three totally different ecosystems across this eight-day adventure, starting with the volcanic grounds of Arenal National Park. Soak in hot springs while staring at the volcano whose geothermal power keeps them warm, spot sloths on a guided forest hike and sip on world-class Costa Rican coffee. Next up is the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde, where we’ll stay at a country lodge, take a traditional cooking class and embark on a nighttime jungle trek in search of howler monkeys and pumas. Finally, we kick back in the chilled-out surf town of Tamarindo. The Pacific coastline here caters both to those who want to try their hand at surfing and mountain biking, or those who prefer to lounge on gloriously golden beaches.

Back in Mexico, we also have this eight-day itinerary which hones in further on the cultural heartlands of this sprawling nation. You’ll start in Mexico City with a similar starting itinerary as the one in The Complete Mexico Experience. Your first stop out of the city will also be the 2,000 year-old ruins of Teotihuacán, but this tour also features a visit to the ancient Toltec capital of Tula. From there we’ll visit a series of splendid towns and cities, all of which are defined by two things; their majestic Spanish colonial architecture, and an historic role in the Mexican independence movement. You’ll discover Querétaro, where Mexico’s current constitution was passed, before heading to San Miguel de Allende. Our time in this Baroque beauty includes a cooking masterclass and an exploration of the local art scene, while more history can be found in Dolores Hidalgo, where you’ll visit the Museo de la Independencia Nacional to learn about the Cry of Dolores. Our final destination is Guanajuato, but first is a well-earned stop at Cuna de Tierra winery, for a scenic vineyard stroll followed by a customary wine tasting session.

The spectacular volcanic landscapes of central Guatemala forms the basis of this unique five-day trip, which starts in the charming city of Antigua, noted for its brightly painted barocco antiqueño buildings – designed to be earthquake-resistant, as well as easy on the eye. You’ll hike to the summit of Pacaya volcano, where we’ll treat you to pizza and marshmallows cooked using molten lava. Guatemala is also the cultural home of Mayan heritage in Central America, so a visit to the ancient ruins of Iximche is customary. Your time here will be elevated by witnessing a traditional Mayan ceremony. Our trip ends with a focus on serene Lake Atitlan, formed within a crater created by Pacaya. You’ll get to zipline across and kayak on Atitlan itself, before spending a night at a hotel with amazing views of the lake.