They say it’s the tour leader who makes or breaks a trip, and for me, this couldn’t be truer. Luis Flores brought this whirlwind adventure to life with his warmth, kindness, passion for his country, and enduring patience—all matched by his brilliant, boyish sense of humour, which was a bonus. Behind the company logo is a man of immense grace and generosity—a true superstar in countless subtle ways. He’s not just someone who leads you through a place but someone who helps you connect with its soul and its people.
This trip was a vibrant tapestry of breathtaking sights, iconic landmarks, and mouthwateringly delicious cuisine (with portions that were often humongous—wear stretchy trousers!). Add to that the genuine, heartwarming hospitality of the people we met, and it was an experience like no other.
The long, scenic drives became opportunities to daydream out the window, snooze in readiness for the next adventure (or “meditate,” as Luis fondly called these sleepy and quiet moments), or share conversations that added even more richness to the journey—or, occasionally, for me to ask, “Are we nearly there?”
Was it perfect? No. Could some things have been better? Yes, of course. But I came hoping for an authentic, enriching experience—and that’s precisely what I got.
If you’re considering this trip, come with an open mind and heart and be ready to let the magic unfold. Drink in the numerous sensorial moments of wonder. There are so many “wow, wow, wow” moments—turning a corner and seeing something genuinely magnificent alongside enchanting flora and fauna (sadly, no jaguars made an appearance). For me, this was a genuinely enriching and transformative journey.
In all honesty, I was hesitant to book after a really disappointing experience with an Explore guide earlier this year. It felt like a huge risk to trust you again, especially since this was a 2-week trip and tour leaders are beyond your control. But I’m so glad I did and am deeply grateful for the experience.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, Belize City, Palenq
Mexico City, Belize City, Palenque, Flores, Flores, Tikal, San Ignacio, Teotihuacan Pyramids, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, San Cristóbal
On this 16-day Central American adventure, you’ll explore the vast lakes, steaming volcanos and thick jungles of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, making memories with new lifelong friends. Starting in Playa de Carmen, you’ll explore hotspot Tulum, where you can visit the Temple of Frescoes and dance the night away after a few margaritas. Hit island paradise in Caye Caulker, where you have a couple of days to snorkel, swim and laze on the beach. Explore San Ignacio, a place of waterfalls and Maya ruins, at your own pace before hitting Tikal National Park. Take scenic boat rides in Rio Dulce, trek through the jungle in your spare time and then head to the gorgeous Lake Atitlan, where you’ll visit the famous Chichi market and make the trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Maya village life. End it all in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Antigua, Playa Del Carmen, Rio D
Antigua, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, San Jorge La Laguna, Panajachel, Tulum, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal
From cloud forests and volcanic peaks to sun-drenched island beaches and lost temples, Central America is bursting with natural wonders and converging cultures. On this epic 32-day adventure, you’ll kick off in Mexico’s Playa del Carmen and snake through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Relax by colourful architecture in San Miguel, trek to the jungle ruins of Tikal, brush up on your Espanol over an icy cerveza and stay in villages dwarfed by volcanoes. Whether you’re haggling in the markets of Chichicastenango, chilling in a Caribbean town on the Rio Dulce or wandering cobblestone streets in Antigua, you'll be discovering new places and forging lifelong friendships along the way. From ancient Maya ruins to modern nightlife, you’ll explore the sights and sounds of Latin life and dive into the wilds of seldom-seen hotspots.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Lodge, Camping
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, San Jorge La Laguna, Panajachel, Suchitoto, El Tunco, Tulum, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Ometepe Island, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal
From the Guatemalan highlands to the cloud forests of Costa Rica (and all the surf spots in between), you’ll join a new group of soon-to-be friends and roll through four Central American countries for a taste of this diverse region. Discover tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes – this wildlife-rich pocket of Central America is ready to be explored. Turn your eyes to a volcanic crater in Cerro Verde, spot colourful birds on the facades of Granada, stand in the shadow of the mighty Arenal Volcano and search for sloths among the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest. This trip through Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica is perfect for those who like their adventures 'la forma natural'.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Camping
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Antigua, San Jorge La
San Jose, Antigua, San Jorge La Laguna, Ometepe Island, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Suchitoto, El Tunco, El Cuco, Leon, Granada
It doesn’t get much bigger than this – take on a 45-day adventure enjoying everything Central America has to offer, from Mexico to Costa Rica and all the cool spots in between. Whether you're hitting the waves in El Salvador, trekking the steamy cloud forests in Costa Rica, snorkelling the pristine underwater worlds in Belize or washing down your tacos with mezcal in Mexico, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences on this trip. You’ll cover six countries, stopping at dozens of towns and beaches and sipping many (many) cervezas. Oh Maya, this is huge.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Hostel, Camping
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal, Rio Dulce, Antigua, San Jorge La Laguna, Panajachel, Puebla, Suchitoto, El Tunco, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Ometepe Island, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Oaxaca, San Cristobal De Las Casas
On this 29-day adventure through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, you'll discover new sites and rich cultures, forging lifelong friends with your small group of travellers along the way. Take a Central American history lesson, eat some delicious local food and soak up the Caribbean sun with a local leader by your side. Taste tacos on a street food experience in Mexico City, pick up traditional handicrafts in Oaxaca and Valladolid, delve into island life and discover the underwater worlds in Belize. Sleep on the shores of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan and stroll the cobbled lanes of Antigua. These three colourful countries have all you need to have an epic journey, from the jungle to one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, Antigua, Palenque
Mexico City, Antigua, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal, Rio Dulce, San Jorge La Laguna, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobal De Las Casas
Discover incredible, lush Costa Rica and understand why this part of the world is called the ‘rich coast’. This 15-day adventure, beginning and ending in lively San Jose, is a journey through the jungles, farmlands, beaches and cities of a pure Central American location. Stay with a local family in Santa Rosa de Pocosol and help your hosts prep a traditional meal. Soak in springs that get their heat from an active volcano in La Fortuna and take on a huge array of nature-based optional activities in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Spot three-toed sloths in the thickets of the Manuel Antonio National Park, then relax beneath swaying palms on the nearby beaches.
AdventureNational parks
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero National Park, Santa Rosa De Pocosol, Rio Celeste
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Our tour guide, Manny, was great - professional and friendly - and ensured we all had the best time in Costa Rica. It was so nice being able to have so many incredible experiences without having to think about booking them or how I was going to travel between them, even when dinners/ lunches weren’t provided Manny showed us some great places. The activities were all pretty amazing too!
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hotel
Age Range
18-40 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Punta Arenas, Playa Sa
San Jose, Punta Arenas, Playa Santa Teresa, La Fortuna, Monteverde
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
The two tour leader Wilfred and Tarik were superb. They moulded into the group with their friendly manner but remained very professional and knowledgeable throughout. Did they train in the Happy Store?
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Belize City, Flores, Caye Caulke
Belize City, Flores, Caye Caulker, Placencia, San Ignacio, XUNANTUNICH MAYA TEMPLE, Tikal
The itinerary was perfect. We enjoyed everything offered!.
We really enjoyed getting to know the local people on the river .
Our driver, *Personal details removed by Feefo|* was awesome too!
*Personal details removed by Feefo|* made every day so fun!
He really knew so much about the area!
AdventureArt and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Liberia City, Tortugue
San Jose, Liberia City, Tortuguero, Monteverde, Arenal
14% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover a diverse land, rich with nature, towering volcanoes, and abundant wildlife on our cycling tour through Costa Rica. Come along for the ride to explore the lush rainforests of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast before cycling through the ever-changing landscapes of the interior, past active volcanoes, lakes and cloud forests. Finally, unwind on the beautiful beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast.
Cycle from coast to coast - Pedal your way through Costa Rica's diverse beauty from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
Nature and wildlife - Spot sloths, monkeys and brightly colours frogs, together with spectacular birdlife.
National Parks and volcanoes - Tick off bucket-list sites such as Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Miravalles.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Miravalles Volcano, Ma
San Jose, Miravalles Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Canas
8% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Calling all nature lovers, solo travellers and young adventurers! Spend a week in Costa Rica beginning in San Jose – the thriving urban centre with colourful markets, vibrant nightlife and spontaneous art fairs. Explore Monteverde’s Cloud Forest at your own pace, keeping your eye out for sloths and the elusive quetzal bird. Head to La Fortuna, shadowed by the immense Arenal Volcano, and enjoy free time to chase waterfalls and soak away your worries in the natural thermal hot springs. Explore Cahuita National Park with a hike and a swim, then enjoy some beach time on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo. If you're lucky, spot sloths, hummingbirds, iguanas, monkeys, toucans, coatimundis, quetzals and racoons, then take a cooking class to learn the local cuisine. With a local leader with insider knowledge and a likeminded group of travellers – what better way to dive into Costa Rica?
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Embark on a captivating journey through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture with this meticulously crafted itinerary. Begin your adventure with a private transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport to your hotel in San Jose, where you'll receive a warm welcome and an introduction to the country's rich heritage. Explore Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital, San Jose, home to bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and a myriad of gastronomic delights.
Next, venture into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where exhilarating horseback riding tours and guided walks through the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve await. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife of this verdant region.
Continue your journey to Manuel Antonio, a paradise of unspoiled beaches and lush rainforests. Spend your days snorkeling, hiking, or simply basking in the sun-kissed tranquility of this coastal haven. With a variety of optional tours available, including mangrove boat tours, horseback riding adventures, and guided walks through national parks, there's something for every adventurer to enjoy.
As your unforgettable Costa Rican odyssey draws to a close, bid farewell to this enchanting country and its warm-hearted people with a private transfer back to Juan Santamaria International Airport for your departure.
Prepare to be captivated by the beauty, biodiversity, and boundless adventure that await you in Costa Rica.
AdventureTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio