Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
17 days, Antigua Guatemala to San José
Itinerary Notes
Please note this is a basic level trip, using a mix of multi-share accommodations like hostels, and basic hotels, as well as public transportation throughout. We have an 18-30’s version of this trip, please see here for more details.
Itinerary
Day 1Antigua Guatemala
Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
Antigua is approximately one hour's drive from the international airport in Guatemala City.
Explore the museums, colonial buildings and soak up the atmosphere in this delightful place, one of the best-restored Spanish colonial cities in the world. The entire city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding volcanoes can be seen from practically everywhere in Antigua, and the colorful markets attract indigenous artisans from all over the country.
This tour departs Antigua early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
*Please note that Antigua's nearest airport is Guatemala City, Guatemala. Don't get caught flying into the Caribbean island nation of Antigua; it's nowhere near the start of this tour!
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
La Quinta Santa Lucia (or similar)
Day 2Antigua Guatemala/Copán
Cross the border today between Guatemala and Honduras as the group travels to the town of Copán Ruinas. Arrive in the colonial highland town in the evening and soak up this gorgeous location set along a river in the coffee growing region.
The Mayan ruins of Copán are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Copán contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features, including some of the most detailed carvings in the Mayan world.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Guatemala-Honduras)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation
Hotel Brisas de Copan (or similar)
Day 3Copán
Enjoy a full free day to explore Copán on your own. Choose to visit the nearby ruins and see some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. You can also choose to visit the countryside where you’ll find hidden jungle hot springs to soak in.
Free Time
Free time in the town of Copán. Opt to visit the Copán Ruins, explore the hills, or soak in hot springs.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Copán Ruins Guided Tour
25USD per personStep back in time more than a 1,000 years to discover the ancient Mayan site of Copán. Walk across grassy plazas and examine intricately carved stone stellae (tall monuments) depicting various gods and rulers. Admire the artistry and scale of the temples, ball court and well-preserved hieroglyphic stairway and understand why this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the museum to see Mayan artifacts and a life-sized replica of the Rosalila Temple.
Luna Jaguar Hot Springs Visit
50USD per personTake a scenic drive through the back roads of Copán Ruinas to hot springs at Luna Jaguar. Take a relaxing soak in one of the pools, surrounded by the jungle. If all that lounging around has worked up your appetite, opt to enjoy a barbeque lunch on site.
Accommodation
Hotel Brisas de Copan (or similar)
Day 4Copán/Suchitoto
The journey today, while long, will also be a good way to catch up on some rest. Drive from Honduras back into Guatemala briefly before crossing the border to El Salvador where the group will stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Choose to try pupusas tonight, a local Salvadorian specialty and a great treat after a long day of travel.
Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Honduras - Guatemala)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Border Crossing (Guatemala - El Salvador)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation
Posada Alta Vista (or similar)
Day 5Suchitoto/La Libertad Region
Spend the morning at leisure in Suchitoto and then it’s off to the coast and the La Libertad region. Catch a stunning sunset in a small surf town and opt to grab a cold drink after a day’s journey complete.
Free Time
Enjoy a free morning to check out this colonial city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Atami Escape Resort (or similar)
Day 6La Libertad Region
This full free day is perfect for optional beach activities in the area. Opt to book a surf lesson, try fresh ceviche at the fish market, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or relax on the beach.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like in this beach town.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Surfing Lesson
60USD per personGrab your swimsuit and get ready to hang ten! Learn how to find and ride the waves with surfing lessons from local experts. Enjoy the fresh sea air, and try to spot local marine life while enjoying the waters.
Accommodation
Atami Escape Resort (or similar)
Day 7La Libertad Region/León
Leave El Salvador and transfer by land and sea to Nicaragua. The group will arrive to colonial León for a short orientation walk in the evening.
Orientation Walk
Take a brief walk of the historic center of León. Pass through the central park, the local market, and various historical churches.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Border Crossing (El Salvador - Nicaragua)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation
Hotel Hellenika (or similar)
Day 8León/Granada
Continue on towards Granada today, where you’ll see the city’s colourful colonial buildings during an orientation walk. Surrounded by active volcanoes and lakes, this place is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Get to know the town and opt to go out with the group.
Orientation Walk – Granada
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Masaya Volcano Day Excursion
40USD per personExperience the energy and excitement of getting up close and personal with an active volcano. See the crater spew smoke and gas. Walk in a moonscape of lava rocks and stunted shrubs. Stop by the visitor’s centre and learn about the history of Masaya and many other volcanoes in Nicaragua. Next, stop at the Masaya Artesan Market filled with ceramics, woodcrafts, hammocks, cigars and leather works. Take in the view at the Laguna de Apoyo lookout and wrap up the tour in San Juan de Oriente, a local pottery and ceramics workshop.
Accommodation
Hotel La Estacion Granada (or similar)
Day 9Granada
Get out and explore the charms of Granada during your full free day. Visit the local markets and museums. Choose to try kayaking in Lake Nicaragua or go for a swim in Laguna de Apoyo. You could also go for a walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Granada, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking a volcano, visiting Laguna de Apoyo, and kayaking in Lake Nicaragua. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Mi Museo Cultural Museum
5USD per personStep back into the 16th century in the San Fransisco Convent, Nicaragua’s oldest and largest museum. See pre-Columbian statues, archival photos of Granada, paintings, religious wooden artifacts. Admire the colonial architecture, with its wooden beams, courtyard and clay tile roof.
Hiking
Take a trip up the steep slopes of the Mombacho Volcano, 10km (6 mi) from Granada, past coffee plantations and cloud forest. Bring a sweater for the cool, windy weather. Trek along marked trails, past cloud-kissed plants and abundant wildlife, to see fumaroles, craters and possibly a view (although the summit is often cloud-covered). Look down and try to spot the Mombacho salamander.
Market Exploration
Masaya is the mecca of markets. Go there if you like to shop. Prepare to haggle. Look for hammocks, wooden bowls, engraved pottery, folk art paintings, and embroidered blouses.
Laguna de Apoyo Visit
35USD per personTravel less than half an hour from Granada to the picturesque Laguna de Apoyo. The warm clean waters of this lake are said to have healing properties; this former volcano crater is nature’s giant bathtub, filled by natural springs and rain water from the past 20,000 or so years. Hike the forested trails in the surrounding hills. See hummingbirds, monkeys, and toucans. Slip into the mild waters and enjoy a peaceful swim. How many people can boast they swam in a volcano?
Accommodation
Hotel La Estacion Granada (or similar)
Day 10Granada/Isla de Ometepe
Cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island, formed from two volcanoes in the middle of the lake. Here, take part in a 2-night G Adventures-supported community homestay among different local families. This experience will give you a chance to experience how rural Nicaraguans live.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay
Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails.
Accommodation
Puesta del Sol Homestay (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 11Isla de Ometepe
Explore Ometepe on your own. Choose to climb Volcano Concepción or Volcano Maderas, spend time with the local host families, or view petroglyphs left by the island's original inhabitants. You can also choose to walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, travel the island by bicycle, or lounge out on the beach.
Free Time
Free time in Ometepe. Spend time with the local host families and see more of the island. Opt to climb either of the two volcanoes on the island, view petroglyphs, walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, swim in clear spring water at Ojo de Agua, lay on the beach or explore the island on bicycle.
Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay
Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Swimming
FreeSwim the cool waters of Lake Nicaragua, also known as Mar Dulce (Sweet Sea). Fed by more than 40 rivers, it’s the largest lake in Central America and the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world. Also check out local swimming holes fed by underground springs and enriched with therapeutic minerals to both relax and invigorate the senses.
Hike Concepcíon Volcano
45USD per personThe steep terrain of this active volcano make Concepción the most difficult climb in all of Nicaragua. Plan on a round trip duration of 10-12 hours of sweaty, muddy, humid and windy climbing. Bring lots of water and food. The rewards can include breathtaking views of the isthmus of Ometepe, Maderas Volcano, Chontales, and Costa Rica to the south, as well as vegetation unique to this volcano.
Ometepe Island Cultural and Pre-Columbian Petroglyphs Tour
45USD per personThere’s something special about coming across a boulder in a field, now covered in moss, and engraved in circles or images made by someone who lived in the area thousands of years ago. Discover Ometepe’s pre-Columbian petroglyphs (rock carvings) and stone statues, along with pieces of ancient ceramic urns and utensils. Learn the history and significance of these artifacts dating back to 1000 BC. Includes a stop at hot springs and the beach.
Ojo de Agua (Swimming Hole)
10-15USD per personHead off on horseback along the shore of Lake Ometepe, past plantain plantations and rugged scenery.
Accommodation
Puesta del Sol Homestay (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 12Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde
Travel by ferry back to the mainland and drive across the border into Costa Rica. The final destination today is the cloud forest environment of Monteverde. Sitting 1,400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is literally in the clouds and home to unique and diverse flora and fauna.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Border Crossing (Nicaragua - Costa Rica)
Be prepared to walk with bags approximately 10 minutes between the Nicaragua and Costa Rica border stations.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Quetzal Inn Monteverde (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Monteverde
The day is free for any optional activities in the area. Options include a visit to a cloud forest reserve, ziplining through the jungle canopy, or visiting a coffee plantation. There’s also horseback riding in the mountains or hiking along local trails.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Monteverde, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like ziplining, visiting the hanging bridges, and horseback riding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Ziplining
73USD per personBuckle up your harness, don your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy. Dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you spot a toucans or exotic orchids in this adrenaline-filled experience. Minimum age: 6.
Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit
20USD per personGet close to butterflies, bump into giant bugs, and make friends with hairy eight-legged spiders in this collection of gardens nestled in the mountains of Monteverde. Observe caterpillars, take prize-worthy photos of the iridescent blue morpho butterfly, and check out the leaf-cutter ant colony. The nature centre is home to 30 species of butterfly, a whole bunch of insects, and more.
Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle
149USD per personCANYONING (Half-day Arenal)
Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano.
ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde)
Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline.
Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.
Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour
40USD per personNo trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting a coffee plantation. Head to Café Monteverde and learn how this fair trade coffee goes from crop to cup. Pick ripe berries, watch how the beans are separated from the husk, then observe the drying and roasting process. Sample and buy some of these excellent beans. The Santa Elena coffee co-op prides itself on sustainable practices: it recycles processing water, uses coffee pulp for fertilizer, and sends plant fibers and husks to make paper.
Monteverde Horseback Riding
45USD per personEnjoy Monteverde’s breath-giving wilderness by horseback. Spot toucans, bellbirds, and parrots as you ride through private mountain trails along the primary and secondary forest. Meet monkeys, see sloths, and possibly glimpse the Gulf of Nicoya through the clouds. Take photos, inhale the pure air, and let your horse lead you on this memorable meander in misty Monteverde.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit
35-50USD per personPull on your poncho and boots and head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan as you imagine swinging from the forest’s giant vines, trudge along 12 km of trails, watch for wildlife and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen too. Hear the haunting hollow call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the preserve and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.
Sky Walk
55USD per personGet up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest from a bird’s eye view. Cross a series of suspension bridges to discover the early ropes and pulleys that early biologists required to glimpse – a lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids. Wonder at this wet canopy, home to thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians and insects (making up 90% of all the organisms in the forest).
Accommodation
Quetzal Inn Monteverde (or similar)
Day 14Monteverde/La Fortuna
Leave the cloud forest behind and travel down towards sea level and across Costa Rica’s largest lake to the town of La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Once here, choose your activities; canyoning, white water rafting, hiking, caving, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, and visiting a wildlife refuge are just some of the fun options you could try.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Free Time
Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Ecotermales Hot Springs
64USD per personRelax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in one of the naturally heated pools at Ecotermales. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle
149USD per personCANYONING (Half-day Arenal)
Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano.
ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde)
Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline.
Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.
La Fortuna Waterfall Swim
20USD per personTake a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Accommodation
Arenal Backpackers Resort (or similar)
Day 15La Fortuna
Partake in any of the activities you didn’t get to try yesterday. From canyoning to rafting, the possibilities feel endless.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in La Fortuna, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like canyoneering, whitewater rafting, and paddleboarding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour
65USD per personTravel north to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near the Nicaraguan border. Take a guided tour by covered boat through one of the world’s most important wetlands; home to a vast array of plants, birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see a three-toed sloth or a Jesus Christ lizard. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Mountain Biking
79USD per personRent a bike and head off along one of the backroads outside of town. Take the road to San Ramon and turn right on the road toward the waterfall. Or take a guided cycling tour and pick one of three routes of varying difficulty. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Birdwatching
Set out on a bird watching adventure with a local expert. Depending on the season, explore around Arenal Volcano and Lake, visit El Silencio Nature Reserve, or Finca Luna Nueva. The area around Arenal is home to more than 350 species of birds. Look for toucans, parrots, Montezuma Oropendolas, colourful tanagers, and parakeets.
Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle
149USD per personCANYONING (Half-day Arenal)
Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano.
ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde)
Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline.
Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.
Horseback Riding
59USD per personEnjoy Fortuna’s fantastic wilderness on one of two different horseback riding options. Ride around the base of Arenal volcano or take a scenic trip to La Fortuna waterfall, passing through Maleuku village with opportunities to take a dip in the emerald green pool. Spot toucans, bellbirds and parrots as you ride private mountain trails through primary and secondary forest. Meet monkeys, see sloths, and possibly hear the rumble of the volcano. Take photos, inhale the pure air and let your horse lead you on this memorable meander.
La Fortuna Waterfall Swim
20USD per personTake a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.
Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning
90USD per groupHold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin!
Accommodation
Arenal Backpackers Resort (or similar)
Day 16La Fortuna/San José
Travel through the mountains to San José and spend a free night out in the capital. From beautiful parks to museums and theatres there’s plenty to see.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
Sarapiqui River Rafting
99USD per personDuck, dodge, and paddle your way down the Sarapiqui River on this class 3 rafting trip. We like to call this section of the river "The Jungle Run" - don't miss the monkeys, iguanas and other amazing Costa Rican wildlife while you fly down the rolling rapids. Try and keep up while your guide directs the rafts and calls out directions... "Paddle Hard!" "Right Paddle!" "Back Paddle!" "Get Down!".
Accommodation
Hotel Lluvia de Oro (or similar)
Day 17San José
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.