31 days in Central America Itinerary

A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around San Jose: Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz (in Vara Blanca), Jaco (Canyoning & Rappelling Tours, Zipline, &more) and The Ark Herb Farm (in Santa Barbara). Next up on the itinerary: get engrossed in the history at Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, sample some tasty brews at Carpe Chepe, capture your vacation like a pro with an inspiring photography tour, and see the interesting displays at Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.

To see traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our San Jose day trip planner.

If you are flying in from Brazil, the closest major aiports are Tobias Bolanos International Airport, Juan Santamaria International Airport and Limon International Airport. In July in San Jose, expect temperatures between 31°C during the day and 22°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) early enough to travel to Managua.

Nicaragua's largest and capital city, Managua remains relatively unknown as a tourist destination, though it boasts a scenic location on the southwestern shore of the Xolotlan Lake.

Get out of town with these interesting Managua side-trips: Granada (Casa de Los Tres Mundos, ChocoMuseo Granada, &more), Guitarras Zepeda (in Masaya) and Leon (Museum of Legends and Traditions (Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas), Cerro Negro Volcano, &more). And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Puerto Salvador Allende, identify plant and animal life at Dive Nicaragua, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santiago of Managua Cathedral, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Montibelli Private National Reserve.

For traveler tips, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, read Managua trip planner.

You can drive from San Jose to Managua in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) early enough to travel to San Salvador.

The country's capital, San Salvador sits in a scenic position surrounded by impressive volcanoes.

Take a break from San Salvador with a short trip to San Andres in Santa Tecla, about 58 minutes away. Spend the 20th (Tue) exploring nature at Parque Nacional El Boqueron. The adventure continues: pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia El Rosario, get a tailor-made plan with EC Tours El Salvador, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hospital Divina Providencia Chapel, and identify plant and animal life at Cinquera Rain Forest Park.

For where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our San Salvador day trip planner.

Explore your travel options from Managua to San Salvador with the Route module. In July, daily temperatures in San Salvador can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) early enough to travel to Guatemala City.

The largest city in Central America and the country's capital, Guatemala City contains historic sights and modern businesses.

Change things up with these side-trips from Guatemala City: Antigua (Volcán Pacaya, Convento de las Capuchinas, &more) and Antigua Canopy Tours (in Jocotenango). Next up on the itinerary: learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at La Aurora Zoo, take in the spiritual surroundings of Iglesia de San Francisco, browse the different shops at Paseo Cayala, and get in on the family fun at Mundo Petapa Irtra.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, read Guatemala City travel route planner.

You can fly from San Salvador to Guatemala City in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In July, Guatemala City is slightly colder than San Salvador - with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C.