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Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways

17 days, Antigua Guatemala to San José

Map of the route for Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Itinerary

Day 1Antigua Guatemala

Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore El Barrio, a vibrant marketplace of many small bars and pubs. Get to know your fellow travellers over a few drinks, and cheers to the adventures to come.

Arrive at any time. 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 city, 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 everywhere in the city 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.

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.

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.

Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Day 2Antigua Guatemala/Copán

Set off today on a full day of travel from Antigua across the border to neighboring Honduras, arriving to the town of Copán Ruinas in the evening.

The colonial highland town of Copán Ruinas is a charming and relaxing place, set along a river in the coffee growing region close to the Guatemalan border.

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 carving in the Mayan world.

Private Vehicle
Antigua Guatemala – Copán8h-9h280km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Guatemala-Honduras)
El Florido

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)
Hotel

Day 3Copán

Free time in Copán. Opt to visit the ruins of Copán or soak in hot springs.

Free time in Copan. Opt to visit the impressive Copan ruins and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. Knowledgable local guides can interpret the many Mayan carvings left here over 1,000 years ago. You can also journey through the countryside to some hidden jungle hot springs for a relaxing soak.

Free Time
Copán

Free time in the town of Copán. Opt to visit the Copán Ruins, explore the hills, or soak in hot springs.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Copán Ruins Guided Tour
Copán2h-3h
25USD per person

Step 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
Copán
50USD per person

Take 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)
Hotel

Day 4Copán/Suchitoto

Cross the border into El Salvador and stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.

Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.

Private Vehicle
Copán – Suchitoto8h400km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Honduras - Guatemala)
El Florido

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)
Ermita – Anguiatú

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)
Hotel

Day 5Suchitoto/La Libertad Region

Enjoy a free morning in Suchitoto before heading to the coast in the La Libertad region. The sunsets in these small surfing towns are stunning. Grab a cold drink and enjoy!

Free Time
Suchitoto Morning

Enjoy a free morning to check out this colonial city.

Private Vehicle
Suchitoto – Playa El Tunco3h100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Atami Escape Resort (or similar)
Hotel

Day 6La Libertad Region

Enjoy a free day in the laidback beach towns of the area to take a surf lesson, eat fresh ceviche at the fish market in nearby La Libertad, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or chill out with a beer in hand.

Free Time
Playa El Tunco Full Day

Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like in this beach town.

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Surfing Lesson
60USD per person

Grab 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)
Hotel

Day 7La Libertad Region/León

Set off early for a full day of travel by land and sea to Nicaragua, finishing up in colonial León with a brief orientation walk.

Private Vehicle
Playa El Tunco – La Unión4h Morning205km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Boat
La Unión – Potosí3h

Climb aboard and get your float on.

Border Crossing (El Salvador - Nicaragua)
La Unión – Potosí

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Private Vehicle
Potosí – León3h Afternoon

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk
León

Take a brief walk of the historic center of León. Pass through the central park, the local market, and various historical churches.

Accommodation

Hotel Hellenika (or similar)
Hotel

Day 8León/Granada

Journey to Granada and see its colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.

Granada’s colonial charm is complemented by the active volcanoes and lakes that surround it, and there are many fun easy day trips available. Hike, cruise, or just explore the city’s markets and museums.

Walking is probably the easiest way to see all the sights of Granada.

Private Vehicle
León – Granada2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk – Granada
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.

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Masaya Volcano Day Excursion
Granada
40USD per person

Experience 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 Posada del Sol (or similar)
Hotel

Day 9Granada

Free time to explore beautiful Granada's markets, buildings and museums. Opt to kayak in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.

Free time to explore beautiful Granada's busy markets, colonial buildings and museums on foot or take a horse and carriage ride around town. Enjoy a meal on the "calzada", a pedestrian street that extends from the center of town down to Lake Nicaragua.

There are many optional activities to do just outside of town as well. Walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano, kayak around the isletas in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.

Your Discover Moment
Granada Full Day

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!

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Mi Museo Cultural Museum
Granada
5USD per person

Step 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
Granada

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

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
Granada
35USD per person

Travel 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 Posada del Sol (or similar)
Hotel

Day 10Granada/Isla de Ometepe

Get to know local friends during a 2-night G Adventures-supported community homestay on Ometepe. Try the local cuisine and test out some language skills.

From the town of San Jorge, we cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island, formed from two volcanoes, one active and one dormant that rise out of the middle of the lake. The limited development and traditional communities create a welcoming relaxed atmosphere.

The group will be split up amongst different local families who will host you in their homes for two nights in a small community on the island. Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the home. This experience give you a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live.

Local Bus
Granada – Rivas1h15m-1h45m70km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Local Bus
Rivas – San Jorge15m-30m5km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Ferry
San Jorge – Moyogalpa1h10km

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Private Vehicle
Moyogalpa – Isla de Ometepe

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 11Isla de Ometepe

Enjoy free time to explore Ometepe. Opt to climb Volcano Concepción or Volcano Maderas, take a cultural tour, visit the beach at Santo Domingo, or visit el Ojo de Agua for a refreshing swim and lunch. You can also view pre-Columbian petroglyphs or the small museum of indigenous artifacts in Altagracia.

Today is a free day in Ometepe. We get to spend more 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 left by the island's original inhabitants, 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.

Free Time
Isla de Ometepe

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Swimming
Isla de Ometepe
Free

Swim 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
Isla de Ometepe10h-12h
45USD per person

The 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
Isla de Ometepe3h-4h
45USD per person

There’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)
Isla de Ometepe
10-15USD per person

Head off on horseback along the shore of Lake Ometepe, past plantain plantations and rugged scenery.

Accommodation

Puesta del Sol Homestay (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 12Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde

Take a ferry back to the mainland and cross the border into Costa Rica, finishing up in the cloudforest air of Monteverde.

At 1,400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is literally in the clouds. The Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves are home to diverse and unique flora and fauna. Sloths, monkeys, kinkajous, tapirs and large cats inhabit the area. There are more species of orchids here than anywhere else in the world.

Private Vehicle
Moyogalpa – Isla de Ometepe

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ferry
Moyogalpa – San Jorge1h30m10km

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Local Bus
San Jorge – Rivas15m-30m5km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Local Bus
Rivas – Peñas Blancas1h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Border Crossing (Nicaragua - Costa Rica)
Peñas Blancas

Be prepared to walk with bags approximately 10 minutes between the Nicaragua and Costa Rica border stations.

Private Vehicle
Peñas Blancas – Monteverde4h190km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Hotel Manakin (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Monteverde

Free day in Monteverde. Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline, or tour a coffee plantation.

The day is free to choose from many optional activities. Fly hundreds of meters above the trees on a zip-lining tour, hike through one of the cloud forest reserves, ride a horse in the mountains, visit a coffee/sugar cane farm, tour the cheese factory or check out the orchid garden, serpentarium, or frog pond in town.

Your Discover Moment
Monteverde Full Day

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!

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Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow

Ziplining
Monteverde3h-4h
73USD per person

Buckle 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
Monteverde
20USD per person

Get 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.

CASEM Coop Visit
Monteverde

CASEM—the Cooperative of Artisans Santa Elena Monteverde—is an inspiring example of female empowerment and teamwork. By focusing on providing women artisans with the opportunity to gain economic independence and develop new skills, this G for Good Project helps improve the quality of life for its members and strengthens the community. Through the marketing of their products, CASEM Coop not only supports its 90 artisan members, but also promotes the culture and traditions of the Monteverde region. Stop by the restaurant on your way out to try some delicious local food!

Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle
La Fortuna
149USD per person

CANYONING (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
Monteverde
40USD per person

No 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
Monteverde2h30m-3h
45USD per person

Enjoy 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
Monteverde
35-50USD per person

Pull 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
Monteverde
55USD per person

Get 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

Hotel Manakin (or similar)
Hotel

Day 14Monteverde/La Fortuna

Transfer to La Fortuna along bumpy roads, then break up the journey with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Arenal before a short ride to the town.

The trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna takes us down from the cloud forest and across Costa Rica's largest lake The town of La Fortuna lies at the base of the Arenal Volcano, which dominates the landscape rising to 1670 meters high. The town has become famous as the adventure sports capital of Costa Rica.

Choose your adventure! Canyoning, white water rafting, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddlebording, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.

Shared Van
Monteverde – Laguna de Arenal3h30m

Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.

Boat
Laguna de Arenal45m

Climb aboard and get your float on.

Shared Van
Laguna de Arenal – La Fortuna30m-45m

Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.

Free Time
La Fortuna Afternoon

Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Ecotermales Hot Springs
La Fortuna3h-5h
64USD per person

Relax 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
La Fortuna
149USD per person

CANYONING (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
La Fortuna
20USD per person

Take 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)
Hotel

Day 15La Fortuna

Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.

Choose your adventure! Canyoneering, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddleboarding, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.

Your Discover Moment
La Fortuna Full Day

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!

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Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour
La Fortuna – Caño Negro
65USD per person

Travel 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
La Fortuna3h-5h 13-15km
79USD per person

Rent 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
La Fortuna

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
La Fortuna
149USD per person

CANYONING (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
La Fortuna
59USD per person

Enjoy 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
La Fortuna
20USD per person

Take 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
La Fortuna
90USD per group

Hold 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)
Hotel

Day 16La Fortuna/San José

Journey through the mountains to the capital for a final night out.

Return to San José for our final night out.

San José has beautiful parks, museums and theatres. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets.

Local Bus
La Fortuna – San José3h-4h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

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Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow

Sarapiqui River Rafting
Sarapiquí
99USD per person

Duck, 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)
Hotel

Day 17San José

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways

| 17 days - Antigua Guatemala to San José - from $1124 USD