G Adventures
Save 15%Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 45 days · Easy
fromCAD 3,814
Next: 28 JunThe adventure
The California coast, the desert of the American southwest, and six epic national parks are all on the menu for this 18-day adventure. Starting in Los Angeles, drive up the rugged coastline and spend some time getting to know San Francisco, before travelling across the central valley to fall in love with Yosemite. Next up, get ready for days filled with surfing on the beach, camping in Zion, eating pizza along the rim of the Grand Canyon, wandering amid the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and visiting a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park. Fast-paced with non-stop good times, this trip will have your head buzzing in the absolute best way.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Day 1Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning…
Los AngelesGroup will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Day 2Drive up towards Santa Cruze and make…
Drive up towards Santa Cruze and make a slight detour for the 17-Mile Drive along the Monterey Peninsula for some unforgettable coastal scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3Head out from camp in the morning…
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 4Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you…
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 5Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite…
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Day 6Today is all about getting active and exploring…
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 7Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get…
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Venice Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
Day 8Live the California dream as you wake up…
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Venice Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 9Depart the coast for the desert todayLos Angeles
Los AngelesDepart the coast for the desert today, travelling through Los Angeles on the journey eastward to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Climb through the park’s famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape.
Day 10Drive down the famed Route 66 today as…Grand Canyon
Grand CanyonDrive down the famed Route 66 today as we cruise further east to the Grand Canyon. Get ready to see breathtaking views with arguably the best sunset you have ever seen overlooking the Grand Canyon. Kick off those shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature’s finest performances. Enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza or two overlooking the Grand Canyon during sunset.
Day 11Get up close and personal with the Grand…Grand Canyon
Grand CanyonGet up close and personal with the Grand Canyon as you spend the day hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time.
Day 12Journey onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page
Grand CanyonJourney onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona, the site of Lake Powell. There will be free time here. Opt to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands. Then, lace up those hiking boots for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a geological masterpiece that has been sculpted by the Colorado River. Walk to the overlook where you can hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Finish the day with a picturesque drive to your camp in Bryce Canyon.
Your journey through
United States
Day 13After a camp breakfast head out…Bryce Canyon
Bryce CanyonAfter a camp breakfast head out for a short drive into Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park, take advantage of your free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations known as hoodoos. Opt to visit Inspiration Point, hit the rim trail, horseback ride, or hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails to see sites like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. At night stargaze in a park known for its night skies.
Day 14We pack up early this morning and move…Zion
ZionWe pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion National Park. On route, we will make a stop at the lesser-known Coral Pink Sand Dunes and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss. You’ll have free time in the afternoon and evening to become acquainted with your surroundings. The only rule is to have a good time!
Day 15It’s all about Zion today as you get…
ZionIt’s all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the day exploring and hiking with your fellow travelers. Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening enjoy leisure time back at camp. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.
Day 16TodayZion
ZionToday, take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in Las Vegas. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, or take in a glitzy show.
Day 17Drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley…
Drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley and visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you’ll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park’s landscapes with visits to Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Then, transfer to the hotel in Ridgecrest and relax this evening.
Day 18Wake in Ridgecrest and drive southwest to Los Angeles
Los AngelesWake in Ridgecrest and drive southwest to Los Angeles. Tour ends on arrival to L.A.
Discover United States
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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