Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica

G Adventures · 17 days
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
17 Days
From AUD $1746 Was AUD $2329
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica

Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica

G Adventures · 17 days
Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Soak up the authentic local cultures of Central America on this 17-day whirlwind trip of entrancing scenery and laid-back vibes.

Highlights

  • Embrace local experiences with your hosts at a community guesthouse stay in Ometepe
  • Relax seaside to the sound of waves in El Salvador
  • Travel by public bus and laugh with the locals
  • Spend time in the lush cloud forest of Monteverde

Trip Details

Duration

17 days

Transportation

Local bus, boat, ferry, private vehicle, taxi, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Finishes

San José, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Antigua Guatemala

Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
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.
2

Day 2: Antigua Guatemala/Copán

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.
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.
3

Day 3: 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.
4

Day 4: Copán/Suchitoto

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.
5

Day 5: Suchitoto/La Libertad Region

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.
6

Day 6: La Libertad Region

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.
7

Day 7: La Libertad Region/León

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.
8

Day 8: León/Granada

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.
9

Day 9: Granada

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.
10

Day 10: Granada/Isla de Ometepe

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.
11

Day 11: Isla de Ometepe

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.
12

Day 12: Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde

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.
13

Day 13: Monteverde

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.
14

Day 14: Monteverde/La Fortuna

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.
15

Day 15: La Fortuna

Partake in any of the activities you didn't get to try yesterday. From canyoning to rafting, the possibilities feel endless.
16

Day 16: La Fortuna/San José

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.
17

Day 17: San José

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2329

AUD $1,746
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 17 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Soak up the authentic local cultures of Central America on this 17-day whirlwind trip of entrancing scenery and laid-back vibes.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 Oct 2025

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990