The Best Self Drive Tours in Central America
If you're headed to Central America and are looking for the best options for self drive tours, then you've come to the right place. We have done an extensive analysis of all available guided tour packages in Central America based on price, guest ratings, service, amenities, activities, and value. We've done the groundwork for you, meticulously analyzing the holiday packages and organized tours based on these key criteria in order to find the best self drive tours. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation filled with relaxation, adventure, or a perfect blend of both, we've found the ideal journeys to make your holiday to Central America unforgettable. We have lots of details below on what these multi-day tours and trips are like, where they visit, how much you can expect to pay, and more. So, let's dig in.
TourRadar's Mega Sale is now running with discounts up to 70%! Now is the perfect time to find your next adventure.
The Best Self Drive Tours through Central America
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does Central America appeal to self-driving visitors?
Central America's scenic routes and varied attractions make it a perfect destination for self-drive tours. Exploring at your own pace allows stops at charming towns, wilderness areas, and smaller interesting spots that you come across along the way. La Fortuna is known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. La Fortuna, Jaco, and Tamarindo are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. The well-maintained roads and breathtaking landscapes create an unforgettable driving experience.
How much do self drive tours in Central America cost?
The average daily price of Self Drive Tours in Central America is $153 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Self Drive Tours in Central America here.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
Destination Services Costa Rica
Destination Services Costa Rica is a smaller tour company that focuses on Costa Rica. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.
See All Tours from Destination Services Costa Rica
Self Drive Destinations in Central America
Wondering where self drive tours visit in Central America? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
San Jose
San José is the capital city of Costa Rica. While most people arrive and depart from this city, few actually spend significant time here. Those who do will find several great museums, a nice nightlife scene, colorful markets, and a few good day trips.
Playa Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a popular beach town in the Guanacaste Province. It has beautiful golden beaches that attract surfers and vacationers. The town is also near Playa Grande Beach, which is where you'll find hatching leatherback turtles during the right season.
Monteverde
Santa Elena is a small town that many visitors use as a gateway to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. In the area you'll find tons of outdoor adventure activities like canopy walks, ziplining, and horseback riding. Visitors enjoy the area's unique ecosystems and wildlife, while also soaking up laid back small town life.
Liberia
Liberia is found in northern Costa Rica not far from the Nicoya Peninsula. The city has a deep rooted "cowboy" culture and there are museums and activities that focus on this culture. The city is often used as a jumping off point to visit nearby national parks and volcanos.
More
Other popular destinations for self drive tours through Central America include Tortuguero National Park, Bijagua, Guapiles, and Samara.
Which is cheaper?
Is it cheaper to plan your own trip or join guided self drive tours? The answer isn't clear-cut. Tours typically package accommodations, transportation, meals, entry fees, and activities into one price, whereas independent travelers must arrange and pay for these themselves. To understand the cost difference, compare the tour's price with the cost of booking everything individually. Depending on whether you choose budget-friendly options or splurge on certain aspects, the tour might be a better deal—or not. Make sure to check what's included before drawing conclusions.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Central America, The Best Wildlife Tours to Central America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Central America, The Best Historical Tours in Central America, The Best 10-Day Tours in Central America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Central America, The Best 3-Day Tours in Central America, The Best 2-Week Tours in Central America, The Best 3-Week Tours in Central America, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Central America, The Best Extended Trip Tours in Central America, One Month or Longer, The Best Bicycle Tours in Central America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Central America, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Central America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Central America, The Best Adventure Tours to Central America, The Best Eco Tours in Central America, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Central America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Central America, The Best Cultural Tours in Central America, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Central America, The Best Volunteering Tours in Central America, The Best Photography Tours in Central America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Central America, The Best Safaris in Central America, The Best Walking Tours in Central America, The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Central America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Central America, The Best Luxury Tours to Central America, The Best Budget Tours to Central America, The Best Tours for Seniors to Central America, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Central America for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.