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

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 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

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

This self-launched version of Explore!'s classic Costa Rica circuit takes you from San José through the volcanic landscapes of Arenal, the mist-shrouded Monteverde cloud forest, and down to the wildlife-rich beaches of Manuel Antonio — all without the group tour price tag. You'll swap the guided coach with public shuttles and shared transfers, book activities directly or via GetYourGuide, and stay in comfortable budget hotels and guesthouses along the same route. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£675

Journey from the remote jungle canals of Tortuguero to the Pacific shores of Marino Ballena National Park — spotting sloths, toucans, quetzals and humpback whales along the way. This self-launched version follows the exact same route as the Much Better Adventures group tour, swapping guided transfers for local buses and shared shuttles, and lodge packages for independently booked guesthouses and eco-lodges. You'll save hundreds of pounds while keeping all the best wildlife experiences — most activities are self-bookable via GetYourGuide or direct with local reserves. Estimated cost is approximately £900–£1,050 per person excluding flights (based on budget traveller rates, mid-2024).

Travel Crew

~£975

Skip the tour operator markup and explore Tortuguero National Park on your own terms. This self-launched version follows the same route — San José to the remote Caribbean coast and back — using shared shuttles, public boats, and independent lodge bookings. You'll cruise wildlife-packed canals, hike jungle trails in search of sloths, caiman, and howler monkeys, and potentially spot nesting sea turtles, all at a fraction of the guided-tour price. Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or small plane, making it one of Costa Rica's most dramatic and rewarding off-grid escapes.

Travel Crew

~£225

A self-launched 7-day Costa Rica adventure taking in cloud forests, volcanoes, wildlife and jungle canals — covering Monteverde, La Fortuna/Arenal and Tortuguero independently. You'll swap private tour vans for shared shuttles and public buses, book activities directly or via GetYourGuide, and stay in clean, well-located budget guesthouses. All the iconic highlights at a fraction of the guided tour price — and you keep full control of your schedule.

Travel Crew

~£575

Cross Costa Rica coast to coast under your own steam — from the Pacific at Manuel Antonio to the Caribbean at Cahuita — combining e-bike rental, hiking, white-water rafting and sea kayaking. This self-launched version follows the same epic 250km route, swapping the guided group package for independent bookings via local operators and online platforms. You'll hire e-bikes from specialist rental shops in San José, book rafting and kayaking day trips on the Pacuare River through GetYourGuide or direct with local outfitters like Tico's River Adventures, and camp or stay in budget guesthouses along the route. Estimated costs below are approximate per-person figures based on current backpacker rates, assuming solo travel with shared dorm or twin budget accommodation where camping isn't used.

Travel Crew

~£680

Cross Costa Rica coast to coast under your own steam — from the Pacific waves near Manuel Antonio to the Caribbean shores near Cahuita — using e-bike rentals, guided rafting day trips, and local transport. This self-launched version follows the exact same Pacific-to-Caribbean corridor: e-biking over the Continental Divide, hiking Tapantí cloud forest, rafting the wild Pacuare River, and kayaking to the Caribbean Sea. You'll swap the all-inclusive group package for indie-booked accommodation, self-organised gear rentals, and bookable day tours, saving a significant sum while retaining every adventure highlight. Costs below are estimated per person and should be treated as approximate.

Travel Crew

~£765

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

A self-guided 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