Group trips in Central America

The dry season, from December to April, is ideal for most of the region, especially for beaches and volcanoes; the rainy season (May-November) brings afternoon downpours but lower prices and fewer crowds.

10-12 days are enough for a single country like Costa Rica or Panama; for an itinerary spanning several countries, such as Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, plan at least 3 weeks.

Many countries, including Costa Rica, Panama, and Guatemala, allow visa-free entry for up to 90 days for many nationalities; a passport valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date is still required.

No specific vaccinations are mandatory for most countries, but hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended; in rural areas of Belize and Honduras, malaria prophylaxis is worth considering. Always consult a travel health clinic.

Among the most popular experiences are:

• Costa Rica's volcanoes and rainforests
• The Maya ruins of Tikal in Guatemala and Caracol in Belize
• The islands of Bocas del Toro
• The Panama Canal

Each country generally has its own currency:

• Costa Rican colón
• Guatemalan quetzal
• Honduran lempira

The US dollar is Panama's official currency and is widely accepted in tourist areas across the region.

The budget is generally low-to-medium: plan for $40-65 per person per day for accommodation, meals, and transport, with Costa Rica and Panama slightly pricier than the rest of the region.

Local buses, the famous "chicken buses," are the cheapest way to get around, while tourist shuttles conveniently connect the main destinations; in Costa Rica and Panama, domestic flights save time over long distances.

Spanish is the main language across almost the entire region, except Belize, where English is the official language and local Creole is also spoken; English is still common in tourist areas.