Mexico, Belize, Guatemala & Costa Rica

This self-launched itinerary replicates Gap360's "Best of Central America" 30-day group tour across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica — at a fraction of the price. Swap the group tour leader for local guided day trips booked via GetYourGuide or Klook, twin-share hostel dorms or budget guesthouses for the tour accommodation, and local buses/shuttles/ferries for private group transport. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,050

Experience the very best of Central America — from Mexico City's vibrant streets and ancient Mayan ruins to Belize's coral reefs, Guatemala's volcanic highlands, and Costa Rica's jungle wildlife — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched itinerary follows the same 40-day route as Gap360's Epic Central America programme, swapping guided group transport for local buses, shuttles and budget flights, and replacing included accommodation with top-rated hostels and guesthouses. The result? The same unforgettable adventure at a fraction of the price. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,620

This self-launched version of Gap360's Guatemala to Costa Rica Adventure takes you through the same five stunning Central American countries — Antigua's volcanic skyline, Mayan ruins at Copán, El Salvador's surf coast, Nicaragua's colonial cities and volcanic islands, and Costa Rica's cloud forests and adventure hotspots — at a fraction of the guided tour price. Swap the private group vehicle for chicken buses, shared shuttles and public ferries; replace the tour guide with local booking platforms and hostel noticeboards; and enjoy the same experiences with far more flexibility. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£560

Experience the very best of Costa Rica independently — from cloud-forest wildlife encounters in Sarapiquí to surf lessons on Samara's white-sand beaches and the howler monkeys of Manuel Antonio — all without the group-tour price tag. This self-launched route follows the same loop from San José as the Gap360 operated tour, swapping guided transport for public shuttles and local buses, and group-tour hotels for well-rated guesthouses and hostels. All the iconic bucket-list moments are here — La Fortuna hot springs, hanging bridges, white-water rafting, a cacao class and a national park day — with far more flexibility and cash left in your pocket. Costs below are estimated per person and assume solo/shared-dorm or twin-room occupancy. Book activities via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct with local operators on arrival.

Travel Crew

~£720

A self-launched nature adventure through Costa Rica's highlights — from the buzzing streets of San Jose to Monteverde's cloud forest, Arenal Volcano's hot springs, and the laid-back Caribbean coast of Puerto Viejo. This itinerary replicates Intrepid Travel's popular Basix route using public buses, shared shuttles and self-booked activities, saving you hundreds of pounds while giving you total freedom to explore at your own pace. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£515

Ditch the group tour price tag and explore four incredible Central American countries on your own terms. From the colonial streets of Antigua and volcanic landscapes of El Salvador, through the colourful cities of Nicaragua, to the cloud forests and jungles of Costa Rica — this self-launched route follows the same epic journey as Intrepid's Real Guatemala to Costa Rica tour, but using local buses, shared shuttles, ferries and budget accommodation to slash the cost dramatically. Expect volcanic craters, surf beaches, sloths in the canopy, cooking classes with indigenous communities and some of the most biodiverse landscapes on the planet. All bookable independently via GetYourGuide, Klook, or direct — no group leader required.

Travel Crew

~£785

This self-launched version of Intrepid's Epic Mexico to Costa Rica adventure takes you through six countries — Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica — over 32 incredible days. You'll swap the group tour markup for local buses, budget guesthouses, and self-booked activities, experiencing the same ruins, rainforests, volcanoes, and Caribbean islands for a fraction of the price. From Tulum's cenotes and Tikal's jungle temples to Lake Atitlán's Mayan villages and Ometepe's volcanic peaks, this route is one of Central America's great backpacker journeys. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,780

Experience the ultimate Central American adventure independently — from Mexico City's street tacos to Costa Rica's cloud forests, covering six countries over 45 days. This self-launched equivalent follows the same iconic route as Intrepid Travel's Epic Central America tour, swapping group tour pricing for local buses, budget hostels and self-bookable experiences. You'll hit Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque, Chichen Itza, Guatemala's Lake Atitlán, Belize's reefs, El Salvador's surf beaches, Nicaragua's volcanoes and Ometepe Island, ending in Costa Rica — all at a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,850