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Back Roads of Central America: Craters & Community Guesthouses
18 days, San José to Antigua Guatemala
Itinerary
Day 1San José
Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore the La California barrio with your fellow travellers. Stop in at one of the many bars to get to know your group over a few drinks. Cheers to new friends and new adventures!
Arrive at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and the other group members.
Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy capital, San José has beautiful parks, museums and an ornate National Theatre. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets, head to the central plaza, shop for souvenirs and pass the time people-watching.
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.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 2San José/La Fortuna
Options abound—soak in Arenal's hot springs or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling.
La Fortuna, the town near the Arenal Volcano, is an excellent base for adventure. Hike the area’s nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall, or join a canopy tour and catch a bird’s eye view of the forest greenery. Take an unforgettable night hike around the foot of the volcano, accompanied by a soundtrack of monkeys and the rumblings of the volcano.
Other optional activities include: full-day Class III & IV white water rafting on the Balsa or Toro Rivers, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders’ paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents.
After a long day of exploring, the Baldi Hot Springs might just be the answer for your tired muscles. Soak in one of the natural thermal baths and hope the clouds part long enough for a glimpse of Arenal´s slopes.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 2 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.
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.
Day 3La Fortuna
Free day to get the adrenaline pumping with rafting and other outdoor pursuits or one of many other optional activities.
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 3 HideShow
Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning
99USD per personHold 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! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 8.
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.
Whitewater Rafting
61-86USD per personPull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water. Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy! Minimum age: 8-12 depending on rapid class.
Horseback Riding
66-68USD per personThrow on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the tropical forest and across the area’s most beautiful landscape. Look for toucans in the trees and admire the ocean views. Visit waterfalls and end your journey with a good gallop.
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.
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.
Day 4La Fortuna/Monteverde
Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde by boat and van and enjoy gorgeous scenery along the way.
Costa Rica is a natural gem because of its breathtaking flora and fauna. Travelling into the cool cloud forest of Monteverde, appreciate how lush ecosystems truly are works of art. Take time to bird watch, ride a horse, mountain bike, or zip line over the forest canopy.
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.
Day 5Monteverde
Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline or tour a coffee plantation.
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 5 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 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.
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.
Day 6Monteverde/Isla de Ometepe
Get to know local friends during a two-night community guesthouse stay on Ometepe Island. Test out some language skills, opt to climb a volcano, or visit the local swimming hole.
From the town of San Jorge, we cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island. The group will be split up amongst different families who will host you in their homes. Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the home.
Explore the island, pass plantain plantations and other small villages, to get a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live. Enjoy a challenge? Hike Concepción Volcano. If not, check out the pre-Columbian petroglyphs, try the Tarzan swing at a nearby jungle swimming hole, or enjoy the beach.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Costa Rica - Nicaragua)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
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.
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.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 7Isla de Ometepe
Full day on the island to spend time with your hosts and enjoy optional activities such as hiking and swimming.
Free Time
Enjoy beautiful Ometepe with a free day to do whatever you'd like from hiking to swimming to simply relaxing.
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 7 HideShow
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.
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.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 8Isla de Ometepe/Granada
See Granada's colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
Nicaragua has flourished in the past few years and boasts both incredibly friendly people as well as impressive natural beauty. Granada’s colonial charm is complimented by the surrounding active volcanoes and lakes, making day trips a fun and easy option.
Walking is probably the easiest way to see all the sights of Granada, your Chief Experience Officer will give you an initial orientation walk in the city, after which you will have plenty of time to explore in more depth.
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.
Orientation With CEO
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.
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Granada
Take advantage of a free day to explore Granada or kayak the isletas in Lake Nicaragua.
For a relaxing afternoon, spend a couple of hours in a boat touring some of the 350+ ¨Isletas¨ or little islands found near Granada in Lake Nicaragua.
Other optional activities include visiting the nearby extinct Mombacho Volcano, now shrouded in vegetation. Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and has a long park ideal for strolling. The nearby markets of Masaya house vendors selling great Nicaraguan handicrafts such as hammocks, pottery, and paintings.
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
Mombacho Volcano Trails Hike
35USD per groupBoard a truck at the base of Mombacho Volcano and slowly make your way up the steep road. Hike the muddy paths at the top of Mombacho Volcano. At the windy summit, see four dormant craters, all covered in dense cloud forest. On a rare clear day, capture views of Granada, las Isletas, Laguna de Apoyo, and Lake Nicaragua beyond.
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.
Day 10Granada/Poneloya
Arrive in the afternoon to relax on a remote northern beach on Nicaragua's Pacific coast. Surfing, swimming and beach lounging await.
Our accommodation is in a large, multi-share mixed-gender beach lodge dorm right on the beach with an attached bar and restaurant. There's not much on our stretch of beach, but that's part of the beauty of Nicaragua's northern Pacific coast.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Surfing
20USD per personGet ready to ride the waves. Rent a board or take a private lesson to help improve your ability to hang ten.
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Day 11Poneloya
Spend your day enjoying the coast. Opt to explore the city of Leon or hit the beach.
Free Time
Enjoy the beach or explore further inland.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Surfing
20USD per personGet ready to ride the waves. Rent a board or take a private lesson to help improve your ability to hang ten.
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Day 12Poneloya/Cerro Verde
After a long day of travel via bus, boat, and private vehicle, arrive to El Salvador's Cerro Verde National Park, home of the famous trio of volcanos, Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana.
Walking
Lace up your shoes and get to the next stop under your own power.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Nicaragua - 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.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 13Cerro Verde
Spend a free day in Cerro Verde at leisure. Opt to hike up to the edge of Santa Ana’s Volcano crater for some more spectacular views. Or choose to take a dip in Lake Coatepeque, there are many ways to keep busy in one of El Salvador's most beautiful national parks.
Free Time
Here's the chance to explore Cerro Verde and soak in the views of this lush green national park on a free day.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Santa Ana Volcano Hike
Take a hike up to the edge of Santa Ana’s Volcano crater. Once at the top, relax for a while to enjoy the views of the sulfur green lagoon inside the crater, along with the surrounding Coatepeque Lake and the Pacific Ocean with a provided lunch in hand. On a clear day, even the ships on the Pacific Ocean can be seen!
Day 14Cerro Verde/Suchitoto
In the morning enjoy a guided tour in Cerro Verde National Park taking in the lush surroundings. Travel to El Salvador's colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.
Cerro Verde National Park Visit
Visit Cerro National Park which is home to three volcanos - Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana. Take the "Una Ventana a la Naturaleza” (A Window to Nature) walking path around Cerro Verde's crater, stopping at different view points to take in all the beauty this park has to offer.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 15Suchitoto/Copán
Watch diverse landscapes pass by as we travel through 3 countries in one day en route to Copán.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (El Salvador - 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-Honduras)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Day 16Copán
Enjoy a free day in Copán. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Copán or explore the colonial highland town on horseback and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way, or journey to some local hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Free Time
Explore the ruins, poke around in local shops, or explore Copán's surroundings on a free day.
Optional Activities - Day 16 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.
Horseback Riding
25USD per personEnjoy rural Honduras by horseback. Ride through the Copán Valley and along the river. Head up into the hills to meet local farmers. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Who knows, you may even spot an ancient Maya artifact on your journey.
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.
Day 17Copán/Antigua Guatemala
Cross into Guatemala. Enjoy an orientation walk to explore the colonial city of Antigua.
After a long travel day arrive to Antigua, where you can stretch your legs during an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This tour arrives to Antigua in the early evening. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional post-trip accommodation nights.
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.
Orientation With CEO
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.
Day 18Antigua Guatemala
Depart at any time.
There is much to see and do in this picturesque town. If you have time, opt to extend your trip to explore more of Guatemala.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.