Volcano Adventure – San José to Antigua

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Travel to La Fortuna, located at the foot of Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna is an excellent base for adventure. Opt to take a hike around the base of the volcano, hike the area’s nature trails, swim in the chilly La Fortuna waterfall or join a canopy tour and catch a bird’s eye view of the forest greenery. Other optional activities include full-day whitewater rafting on the Toro or Balsa Rivers, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders’ paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents.

Opt to go canyoneering, whitewater rafting, hiking, caving, horseback riding, paddleboarding, kayaking, or visit a wildlife refuge. There are so many activities to choose from while in the area.

From La Fortuna, travel around Lake Arenal to the misty mountain air of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Enjoy a guided visit to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Opt to fly across canopy ziplines or tour a coffee plantation.

Journey to low-key San Juan del Sur for some serious relaxation by the sea. Set on a stunning horseshoe shaped cove, this fishing village is the perfect place to combine two of Nicaragua’s best features – its beautiful beaches and its award-winning Flor de Caña rum! Do as much or as little as you want. Take surf lessons, try your luck at fishing, go ziplining on the hills above San Juan del Sur, or just lounge on the beach. A short boat or taxi ride away, the deserted beaches of Playa Maderas and Majagual to the north and Playa Remanso to the south are calling out to be explored. In the evenings take advantage of the relaxed seaside nightlife with the friendly locals.

Free time to enjoy optional activities or relax on the beaches.

Cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island. The group will be split up amongst different families within this small community. Enjoy local meals and getting to know your host family. During your stay, if you enjoy a challenge, hike Madera Volcano. If you want to take it a little slower, check out the pre-Columbian petroglyphs, try out the Tarzan swing at a nearby jungle swimming hole, or enjoy the beach.

Opt to climb Volcano Concepcion 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.

Nicaragua boasts both incredibly friendly people and impressive natural beauty. Granada’s colonial charm is complimented by the surrounding active volcanoes and lakes, making day trips a fun and easy option. Hike, cruise, or just explore the city’s markets and museums.

Enjoy free time to explore. Opt to kayak the isletas, rent a bike, take a city tour, or head to Laguna de Apoyo.

Head to León, stopping en route to visit one of Nicaragua’s famous active volcanoes in Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya. Take an included orientation walk around the city, the former capital from the colonial period until 1857, and still the centre of much of the country’s cultural and intellectual activity.

There is always something interesting to do in León, whether it be a city tour, kayaking around Juan Venado Island, or a trip to the nearby beaches of Poneloya and Las Peñitas. If you’d prefer to just wander through the streets, you’ll find several politically-charged murals depicting Nicaragua’s turbulent history and several good museums in the area, including one dedicated to the heroes and martyrs of the Sandinista movement.

Head to the diving haven of Roatán, set amongst what is part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. This Caribbean island is famous for its marine treasures. Crystal blue waters invite swimming, diving, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the white-sand beaches of the Bay Islands.

The beaches of the western end are some of the most beautiful in the world, with clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and swaying coconut palms. While many people spend their days immersed in the warm, blue Caribbean waters, enjoying excellent fresh seafood, you may also opt to venture into the hilly interior by bicycle or scooter. The botanical gardens offer relaxed walking amongst exotic plants and racing 'Jesus lizards', a species of lizard that runs on its hind legs. In nearby Sandy Bay, the Institute for Marine Sciences is definitely worth a visit.

The beaches of the western end are some of the most beautiful in the world, with clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and swaying coconut palms. While many people spend their days immersed in the warm, blue Caribbean waters, enjoying excellent fresh seafood, you may also opt to venture into the hilly interior by bicycle or scooter. The botanical gardens offer relaxed walking amongst exotic plants and racing 'Jesus lizards', a species of lizard that runs on its hind legs. In nearby Sandy Bay, the Institute for Marine Sciences is definitely worth a visit.

The village of Copán is a pleasant place to spend a relaxing evening with a small central square frequently filled with people.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Copán and opt to soak in the hot springs.

Modern Antigua is a peaceful colonial city that is a pleasure to explore. Enjoy the beautiful architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take a mountain bike ride out into the countryside or explore the fascinating markets, shops and museums within the city. Walk through quiet cobblestoned streets past rebuilt stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances. Enjoy an included visit to a Mayan village to try your hand at making tortillas and basic handicrafts before enjoying a traditional meal.

Guatemala City is a one hour transfer away.