Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins

4.9Based on

Carbon neutral

32 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

18 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights

Relax on white-sand beaches.

explore the Mayan ruins of Copán and Tikal.

bargain at the local markets of colourful colonial Antigua.

meet some local friends at a local homestay in Guatemala.

visit seven countries in a month.

Itinerary

Ever dreamed of an epic journey through the heart of Central America? The "Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins" trip is a 32-day odyssey for young adults hungry for discovery. Starting in Playa Del Carmen and ending in San Jose, this easy-paced adventure spans seven countries, including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. Dive into Mayan ruins, snorkel in Caribbean waters, surf Pacific waves, and venture through lush rainforests—all in one trip.

A key highlight is the immersive engagement with indigenous villages, offering experiences most travelers never encounter. Flexibility is built in, allowing you to tailor your days, while expert guides handle logistics. This tour package delivers an unbeatable blend of culture, nature, and adventure—maximum excitement at a minimal cost.

day 1 - Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time. Head out tonight with your fellow travellers to 12th Street, where there’s tons of bars and clubs to choose from. Say cheers to new adventures with new friends!
Check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Accomodation:Hotel 12 bees (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends

day 2 - Playa del Carmen

Enjoy free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or take a ferry to nearby Cozumel. Or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach.
Start your holiday off with some hardcore relaxation. Enjoy a full day of free time to fill as you wish. Get your ruin on with a visit to Tulum perched atop the sea, explore the fish- and coral-filled seas around Cozumel on a scuba dive, go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, and save some energy for a night out on the town.

Accomodation:Hotel 12 bees (or similar)

Optional Activities:Cenote Visit Pack your swimsuit, hail a shared van (colectivo) and ask for directions to one of Yucatan’s many cenotes. These natural swimming holes were formed thousands of years ago, when the peninsula's porous limestone collapsed to reveal fresh water pools fed by underground systems of canals and rivers. Dive into the turquoise waters surrounded by cave walls or tropical foliage, watch fish dart in and out of the shafts of sunlight and realize why the Maya called cenotes “sacred wells”., Tulum Ruins Visit Catch a shared van (colectivo) to Tulum at the corner of Avenida 20 Norte and Calle 2 Norte. These run every 10-20 minutes (or whenever they're full!) throughout the day. To return, walk out to the road from Tulum and flag one down when they pass by. If you opt to take a colectivo, you will need to pay the entrance fee to the ruins when you arrive and decide if you'd like to also pay for a guide. You can also book a tour with private transportation and a guide from one of the many agencies in Playa del Carmen. Facilities are located outside of the site as are various restaurants and souvenir stands. Bring sunscreen, bathing suit, and camera., Tequila Tasting Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Join a certified sommelier to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight – a tasting session. Sip, don't shoot!, Coco Bongo Disco and Show Price depends on which day of the week you decide to go and party!, Akumal Beach Visit Akumal is the place to visit if you’re looking to escape from the crowds. Take a shared van (colectivo) and head for this small town and beach between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Known as the “land of turtles”, float in the clear waters of this protected bay and spot green turtles feeding on the sea grass.

day 3 - Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker

Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
Mention Belize and you may conjure up visions of unbelievably clear blue waters, diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef and remarkable marine life. Belize also boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easygoing people. Belize is all this and much more!

Accomodation:Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 315 km, Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 158 km, Taxi Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr

Included Activity:Border Crossing (Mexico - Belize) Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.5 hr

day 4 - 5 - Caye Caulker

Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.

Accomodation:Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Bike with Purpose Rental If you decide to rent a bike, be sure to bring some ID or enough money to leave a deposit for the bike which will be returned to you upon the return of the bike., Fishing Price depends on whether you select a half-day or full-day excursion and whether you choose to stay within the reef or go deep-sea fishing. , Sunset Sailing Boat Tour , Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour

day 6 - Caye Caulker/San Ignacio

Travel by boat and bus from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With free time here, choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.

Meal:Lunch

Accomodation:Kawoq Hostel (or similar)

Transport:Water Taxi Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 39 km, Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 123 km

Included Activity:San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch

Optional Activities:Xunantunich Visit Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces.

day 7 - San Ignacio

Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Accomodation:Kawoq Hostel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Barton Creek Cave Canoeing Strap on a headlamp, step in the canoe and paddle along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the Barton Creek Cave. Bring your camera to take memorable photos of cathedral rock chambers, stalactites and stalagmites. Upon return, opt to swim at Big Rock Falls., Cave Tubing Drive approximately 1.25 hr via the Western Highway and into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to arrive at the cave. Included in this activity are entrance to the park, guide, lunch, inner tube, helmet and flashlight. It is recommended to wear a bathing suit. A change of clothes is necessary to provide comfort on the way back from the excursion. Also, closed-toed shoes or a sport sandal are required for this activity; they will get wet., Horseback Riding , Caracol Ruins Tour Drive approximately 2 hours via the Noh Beh Ox Mu Road through the Mountain Pine Ridge and into the Chiquibul Forest Reserve to arrive at Caracol. Activity includes: park entrance fee, guide, and lunch. , Xunantunich Visit Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces. , Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit In years past, tourists have dropped their cameras and damaged various artifacts in this living museum. As such, NO ONE is permitted to bring a camera into the cave or the park.

day 8 - San Ignacio/Flores

Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of the ruins of Tikal.
Cross the border into Guatemala and you immediately notice the difference in culture, with its heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Here we have entered Guatemala’s northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán.

En route to Flores, stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Arrive in Flores, the capital of the department of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake of Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá.

Accomodation:Peten Express Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Taxi Duration : 0.25 hr - 0.5 hr Distance : 5 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 100 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 64 km

Included Activities:Border Crossing (Belize - Guatemala) Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.5 hr, Tikal Ruins Guided Tour Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 7 km

day 9 - Flores/Rio Dulce

Travel across the country towards the coast to Rio Dulce, on the shores of Lake Izabal.
A travel day from Flores to Rio Dulce which is located in the department of Izabal, home of the largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Izabal was one of the most important water ways of the Spanish crown during colonial times.

We take the road past areas of dense jungle and arrive at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal and a port stop for boaters around the globe, on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast.

Accomodation:Hotel Hacienda Tijax (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr Distance : 210 km

day 10 - Rio Dulce

Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours.

Meal:Lunch

Accomodation:Hotel Hacienda Tijax (or similar)

Included Activities:Scenic Boat Ride to Livingston Duration : 5.0 hr - 6.5 hr Distance : 55 km, Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar" Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr

day 11 - Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy an orientation walk of Antigua's cobblestone streets, then opt to take a salsa lesson and practice new moves out at night.
Today is a travel day from Rio Dulce to Antigua, followed by an orientation walk once you arrive. Plan your activities for the next day and enjoy some of the nightlife this beautiful colonial city has to offer.

Accomodation:Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 6.0 hr - 7.5 hr Distance : 315 km

Included Activity:Orientation Walk – Antigua

Optional Activities:Salsa Lesson Kick up your heels and learn this typical Latin dance. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome. Get lost in the rhythm of the music and let your body take you to a new place -- one-two-three, one-two-three, hip roll, arm up, partner under, shimmy, shake, salsa! Vamos a bailar! (Let's dance!)

day 12 - Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy a free Day in Antigua. Opt to relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture in one of the city's many cafés, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Accomodation:Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Cycling Moderate to difficult level of difficulty. , ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop , Finca Valhalla Visit , Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour You will need to pick up your ticket at the ticket counter located off Central Park inside of Café Condesa. Have your CEO make a reservation. This tour charges more during religious holiday and special dates. Tour departs at 9:30am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 2pm Mondays and Thursdays., Acatenango Volcano Climb This tour does not run every day. Your CEO can call in advance and assist with your reservation. Min 4 people to run. Pick up is at 05:00. It’s a good idea to pick up snacks and some water the night before. It's approx. 5 hours to the crater and 4 hours return., Massage , Finca Filidelfia Coffee Tour Finca Filidelfia offers 3 tours daily. The pickup point for this tour is outside Convento de las Capuchinas in Antigua., Pacaya Volcano Hike

day 13 - Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel

Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views.
Travel through the hills and fertile fields of the Guatemalan highlands to the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.

The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Accomodation:Kamol Bey (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 80 km

Optional Activities:Massage Revive sore muscles with a relaxing massage., Kayaking , Swimming

day 14 - Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna

Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings at the lake's markets.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay (or similar)

Transport:Boat Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr Distance : 25 km

Included Activity:Posadas Mayas Homestay

Optional Activities:Shopping Scour the local shops and stalls for unique wares to remind you of your travels to the region.

day 15 - San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala

Return to Antigua, and enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area.

Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills or taking a salsa lesson.

Accomodation:Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel (or similar)

Transport:Boat Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr Distance : 25 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr

Included Activity:Big Night Out

Optional Activities:Massage , ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop , Salsa Lesson Kick up your heels and learn this typical Latin dance. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome. Get lost in the rhythm of the music and let your body take you to a new place -- one-two-three, one-two-three, hip roll, arm up, partner under, shimmy, shake, salsa! Vamos a bailar! (Let's dance!)

day 16 - Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy free time to relax with a massage, explore the nearby hills by bicycle, or visit a local macadamia nut farm.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Accomodation:Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Cycling Moderate to difficult level of difficulty. , Finca Valhalla Visit , Massage , Finca Filidelfia Coffee Tour Finca Filidelfia offers 3 tours daily. The pickup point for this tour is outside Convento de las Capuchinas in Antigua., Pacaya Volcano Hike

day 17 - Antigua 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.

Accomodation:Hotel Brisas de Copan (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr - 9.0 hr Distance : 280 km

Included Activity:Border Crossing (Guatemala-Honduras)

day 18 - Copán

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Brisas de Copan (or similar)

Optional Activities:Copán Ruins Guided Tour 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 Hot springs close at 18:00. Best to depart Copán around 14:00 to have time to enjoy the pools. Price varies depending on if you'd like the barbeque meal. Bring swim clothes, a flashlight, and towel.

day 19 - Copán/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.

Accomodation:Posada Alta Vista (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr Distance : 400 km

Included Activities:Border Crossing (Honduras - Guatemala), Border Crossing (Guatemala - El Salvador)

day 20 - Suchitoto/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!

Accomodation:Atami Escape Resort (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 100 km

day 21 - La 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.

Accomodation:Atami Escape Resort (or similar)

Optional Activities:Surfing Lesson 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.

day 22 - La 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.

Accomodation:Hotel Hellenika (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 205 km, Boat Duration : 3.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr

Included Activities:Border Crossing (El Salvador - Nicaragua), Orientation Walk

day 23 - León/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.

Accomodation:Hotel Posada del Sol (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr

Included Activities:Orientation Walk – Granada, Big Night Out

Optional Activities:Masaya Volcano Day Excursion Leaves Daily at 8:30am and Includes: Transportation, entrance fees, drink and bilingual guide.

day 24 - Granada

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Posada del Sol (or similar)

Optional Activities:Mi Museo Cultural Museum 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 Leaves twice daily at 09:30 or 12:30. Includes: transport, entrance fees, bilingual guide, and coffee. , Market Exploration The market is visited on organized tours to Masaya Volcano, or your CEO can help to arrange for a taxi to drive to/from Masaya., Laguna de Apoyo Visit There are small local restaurants and hostels located along the shore that you can pay a small free ($5-6) to access their facilities for the day. Time is flexible and can be arranged with your CEO. Requires minimum numbers for private transport. Bring camera, comfortable shoes, rain jacket, swimwear, and money if you wish to purchase any refreshments and/or lunch.

day 25 - Granada/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.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Puesta del Sol Homestay (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 1.25 hr - 1.75 hr Distance : 70 km, Local Bus Duration : 0.25 hr - 0.5 hr Distance : 5 km, Ferry Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 10 km, Private Vehicle

Included Activity:Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay

day 26 - Isla 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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Puesta del Sol Homestay (or similar)

Included Activity:Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay

Optional Activities:Swimming 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 Departs at 05:30. The tour cost included transportation to La Sabana and back, a tour guide, a boxed lunch and the entrance fee. , Ometepe Island Cultural and Pre-Columbian Petroglyphs Tour 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)

day 27 - Isla 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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Manakin (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle, Ferry Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 10 km, Local Bus Duration : 0.25 hr - 0.5 hr Distance : 5 km, Local Bus Duration : 1.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 190 km

Included Activity:Border Crossing (Nicaragua - Costa Rica)

day 28 - Monteverde

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Manakin (or similar)

Optional Activities:Ziplining , Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit , CASEM Coop Visit , Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle , Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour 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 Moderate difficulty. , Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit 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 Leaves three times daily at 07:30, 10:30, and 13:00. Includes transport and bilingual guide. Easy walking. Bring closed-toed shoes, rain jacket or poncho, camera, binoculars (optional).

day 29 - Monteverde/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.

Accomodation:Arenal Backpackers Resort (or similar)

Transport:Shared Van Duration : 3.5 hr, Boat Duration : 0.75 hr, Shared Van Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr

Optional Activities:Ecotermales Hot Springs , Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle , La Fortuna Waterfall Swim

day 30 - La 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.

Accomodation:Arenal Backpackers Resort (or similar)

Optional Activities:Mountain Biking , 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 , Horseback Riding 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 , Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning , Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour

day 31 - La 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.

Accomodation:Hotel Lluvia de Oro (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr

Optional Activities:Sarapiqui River Rafting

day 32 - San José

Depart at any time.

Included Activity:Departure Day

Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins

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What's Included

Accommodation

Simple hotels/hostels (28 nts, most multi-share), homestay (3 nts)

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Note: Allow USD795-1035 for meals not included.

Transport

Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San IgnacioYour G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", LívingstonYour G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La LagunaYour G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay, Isla de OmetepeYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: Playa del CarmenYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour Discover Moment: Antigua GuatemalaYour Big Night Out Moment: Antigua GuatemalaYour Big Night Out Moment: GranadaYour Discover Moment: GranadaYour Discover Moment: MonteverdeYour Discover Moment: La FortunaGuided tour of TikalOrientation walks in Antigua, León, and GranadaBeach time in Caye Caulker and El Tunco

What's Excluded

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4.9

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Playa del Carmen

day 2 - Playa del Carmen

day 3 - Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker

day 4 - 5 - Caye Caulker

day 6 - Caye Caulker/San Ignacio

day 7 - San Ignacio

day 8 - San Ignacio/Flores

day 9 - Flores/Rio Dulce

day 10 - Rio Dulce

day 11 - Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala

day 12 - Antigua Guatemala

day 13 - Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel

day 14 - Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna

day 15 - San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala

day 16 - Antigua Guatemala

day 17 - Antigua Guatemala/Copán

day 18 - Copán

day 19 - Copán/Suchitoto

day 20 - Suchitoto/La Libertad Region

day 21 - La Libertad Region

day 22 - La Libertad Region/León

day 23 - León/Granada

day 24 - Granada

day 25 - Granada/Isla de Ometepe

day 26 - Isla de Ometepe

day 27 - Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde

day 28 - Monteverde

day 29 - Monteverde/La Fortuna

day 30 - La Fortuna

day 31 - La Fortuna/San José

day 32 - San José

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4.9

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Itinerary

day 1 - Playa del Carmen

day 2 - Playa del Carmen

day 3 - Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker