Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica — G Adventures | TripFinder.ca
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Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
From
CAD 1,574
Duration
17 days
Countries
Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
Soak up the authentic local cultures of Central America on this 17-day whirlwind trip of entrancing scenery and laid-back vibes. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation as you traverse the Pacific Coast, tropical rainforests, and roads less travelled through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. From a community guesthouse stay on the island of Ometepe to beach time in El Tunco, get ready for infinite memories to be made along the way.
◆Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
◆Cross the border today between Guatemala and Honduras as the group travels to the town of Copán Ruinas. Arrive in the colonial highland town in the evening and soak up this gorgeous location set along a river in the coffee growing region.
◆Enjoy a full free day to explore Copán on your own. Choose to visit the nearby ruins and see some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. You can also choose to visit the countryside where you’ll find hidden jungle hot springs to soak in.
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The journey today, while long, will also be a good way to catch up on some rest. Drive from Honduras back into Guatemala briefly before crossing the border to El Salvador where the group will stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Choose to try pupusas tonight, a local Salvadorian specialty and a great treat after a long day of travel.
◆Spend the morning at leisure in Suchitoto and then it’s off to the coast and the La Libertad region. Catch a stunning sunset in a small surf town and opt to grab a cold drink after a day’s journey complete.
◆This full free day is perfect for optional beach activities in the area. Opt to book a surf lesson, try fresh ceviche at the fish market, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or relax on the beach.
◆Leave El Salvador and transfer by land and sea to Nicaragua. The group will arrive to colonial León for a short orientation walk in the evening.
◆Continue on towards Granada today, where you’ll see the city’s colourful colonial buildings during an orientation walk. Surrounded by active volcanoes and lakes, this place is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Get to know the town and opt to go out with the group.
◆Get out and explore the charms of Granada during your full free day. Visit the local markets and museums. Choose to try kayaking in Lake Nicaragua or go for a swim in Laguna de Apoyo. You could also go for a walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano.
◆Cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island, formed from two volcanoes in the middle of the lake. Here, take part in a 2-night G Adventures-supported community homestay among different local families. This experience will give you a chance to experience how rural Nicaraguans live.
◆Explore Ometepe on your own. Choose to climb Volcano Concepción or Volcano Maderas, spend time with the local host families, or view petroglyphs left by the island's original inhabitants. You can also choose to walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, travel the island by bicycle, or lounge out on the beach.
◆Travel by ferry back to the mainland and drive across the border into Costa Rica. The final destination today is the cloud forest environment of Monteverde. Sitting 1,400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is literally in the clouds and home to unique and diverse flora and fauna.
◆The day is free for any optional activities in the area. Options include a visit to a cloud forest reserve, ziplining through the jungle canopy, or visiting a coffee plantation. There’s also horseback riding in the mountains or hiking along local trails.
◆Leave the cloud forest behind and travel down towards sea level and across Costa Rica’s largest lake to the town of La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Once here, choose your activities; canyoning, white water rafting, hiking, caving, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, and visiting a wildlife refuge are just some of the fun options you could try.
◆Partake in any of the activities you didn’t get to try yesterday. From canyoning to rafting, the possibilities feel endless.
◆Travel through the mountains to San José and spend a free night out in the capital. From beautiful parks to museums and theatres there’s plenty to see.
◆Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
17 days
Route
Antigua Guatemala → San José
Countries
Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Local Living & Homestays, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Guatemala, Nicaragua & 3 more countries
Showing Days 1-7
17-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalAntigua is approximately one hour's drive from the international airport in Guatemala City. Explore the museums, colonial buildings and soak up the atmosphere in this delightful place, one of the best-restored Spanish colonial cities in the world. The entire city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding volcanoes can be seen from practically everywhere in Antigua, and the colorful markets attract indigenous artisans from all over the country.
Antigua is approximately one hour's drive from the international airport in Guatemala City. Explore the museums, colonial buildings and soak up the atmosphere in this delightful place, one of the best-restored Spanish colonial cities in the world. The entire city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding volcanoes can be seen from practically everywhere in Antigua, and the colorful markets attract indigenous artisans from all over the country.
Day 2Cross the border today between Guatemala and Honduras…The Mayan ruins of Copán are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Copán contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features, including some of the most detailed carvings in the Mayan world.
The Mayan ruins of Copán are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Copán contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features, including some of the most detailed carvings in the Mayan world.
Day 3Enjoy a full free day to explore Copán…
Enjoy a full free day to explore Copán on your own. Choose to visit the nearby ruins and see some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. You can also choose to visit the countryside where you’ll find hidden jungle hot springs to soak in.
Day 4The journey today
The journey today, while long, will also be a good way to catch up on some rest. Drive from Honduras back into Guatemala briefly before crossing the border to El Salvador where the group will stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Choose to try pupusas tonight, a local Salvadorian specialty and a great treat after a long day of travel.
Day 5Spend the morning at leisure in Suchitoto…
Spend the morning at leisure in Suchitoto and then it’s off to the coast and the La Libertad region. Catch a stunning sunset in a small surf town and opt to grab a cold drink after a day’s journey complete.
Day 6This full free day is perfect for optional…
This full free day is perfect for optional beach activities in the area. Opt to book a surf lesson, try fresh ceviche at the fish market, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or relax on the beach.
Day 7Leave El Salvador and transfer by land…
Leave El Salvador and transfer by land and sea to Nicaragua. The group will arrive to colonial León for a short orientation walk in the evening.
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Discover Guatemala
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Upcoming departures
Last Minute 25% off CGGS260925 · ends 2026-09-25 · auto-applied
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