Central America is one of the most diverse destinations on the planet. The landscapes are breathtaking, the food is mouthwatering, and the people are some of the kindest I’ve met anywhere on my travels.
You could easily spend months in this vast region, but we’ve distilled the highlights into a two-week itinerary for those with less time. You won’t see it all, but you’ll get more than your fill of Central American wonders, with a few off-the-beaten-track extras as personal recommendations.
When is the Best Time to Visit Central America?
Because the geography and altitude vary so much across the region, it’s hard to guarantee perfect weather for every day of your trip. Despite this, Central America does have a wet season (June to October) and a dry season (December to April). I’d recommend planning your trip during the British winter/spring to have the best chance at dry weather.
What Should You Pack for Two Weeks in Central America?
As mentioned above, there’s no guarantee that you won’t get wet, even if it’s just a slight drizzle in the Costa Rican Cloud Forests. We always recommend travelling with a light, waterproof jacket, just in case! Pack at least one warmer layer, like a fleece or hoodie, because it can get cold in the mountains once the sun sets.
However, with highs of 32°C down by the coast, you can expect to spend a lot of time in swimwear or light clothing like linen shirts and trousers. To maximise space, use packing cubes and a good rucksack.
Your Two Week Central America Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
You can get direct flights from London Heathrow to San Jose, but they’re infrequent. You can open up your options a lot more if you consider getting connecting flights. With a connection, it can take anywhere between 14 and 19 hours to arrive, so don’t worry about doing any sightseeing on day one of your trip. Head to your hotel, enjoy a nice dinner, and catch up on your sleep.
Day 2 — Explore San Jose
Once fully rested, head out and enjoy the historic centre of San Jose. Today is all about immersing yourself in your surroundings. Wander the vibrant streets and admire the architecture. The National Museum of Costa Rica is a great spot to learn more about the country before exploring.
Day 3-4 — Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna, Costa Rica
It’s time to get outside the cities and explore the natural wonders you came here for. La Fortuna is the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park and a three-hour drive from the capital of San Jose. Private jet services are also available, and you can cut travel time down to just 30 minutes if you choose to fly to Arenal Airport instead. The time saved gives you the whole day to explore the National Park so that you can move on quickly if you don’t quite have two weeks to complete the itinerary.
Day 4-5 — Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Another three and a half hour's commute by car, and you’ll find one of the major highlights of the itinerary, the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Praised as “the jewel in the crown of cloud forest reserves” by National Geographic, this rare ecosphere shimmers hundreds of shades of green. It is often shrouded amid low-lying clouds. The Monteverde Butterfly Garden is also worth a visit. It’s one of the largest in Central America and is home to 50 species of beautiful butterflies.
Day 6-7 — San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Travel north to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. This trip is another long travel day of five or six hours, and there is always the possibility of delays at the border. The potentially long travel day provides another opportunity to utilise private jet services to trim your travel time to under an hour, but availability may vary in this remote region.
San Juan del Sur is known as a laid-back beach town, making it the perfect place to relax after a few days of intense exploration and travel. Find a lounger, order your favourite cocktail, and take it slowly for a few days.
Day 8-9 — Granada & Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua
After two days of beach bliss, you should be ready to hit the road again. You’ll travel to Granada, just two hours away. This city plays host to some of Nicaragua’s best-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Take the afternoon to explore the colourful streets, La Merced Church, and Parque Central, an oasis of tall palms in the heart of the city.
Once you’ve found your feet in Granada, head to Masaya Volcano National Park, where an active volcano and the country’s first national park stands. If you’re lucky, you can catch a tour of the smoke-filled crater or head to Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake clean enough to swim in.
Day 10-11 — León, Nicaragua
Now that you’ve got the volcano bug, head two hours north to León and visit nearby active volcanoes. Cerro Negro is the region’s highlight, with volcano boarding being one of the most popular and heart-pumping things to do on the slopes. On day 11, take it slow and wander the streets of León, either self-guided or on one of the many guided tours available in the city.
Day 12-13 — Antigua, Guatemala
The long bus ride from León to Guatemala City takes around 12 hours, but using private jet services, this can be reduced to less than two hours. Local commercial airlines also offer this route, which is just an hour from the city.
On your final day of exploration, take a three-hour bus ride to Lake Atitlán, commonly celebrated as one of the world’s prettiest lakes. Surrounded by volcanoes and calderas, Lake Atitlan is a real hidden gem that’s even been compared to Lake Como. Popular with laidback backpackers, It has become a dream for people travelling slowly through the continent, especially in villages like San Pedro and Panajachel. It’s well worth a stop before you head home.
Day 14 — Guatemala City, Guatemala
Head back to Guatemala City and prepare for your departure. Once you’ve fallen in love with the sights and sounds of Central America, you’ll return time and time again.
Ready for the Trip of a Lifetime?
Now that I’ve given you the ultimate two-week itinerary for your Central American trip, what are you waiting for? Book your flights, pack your bags, and say hello to paradise.
