Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
From AUD $2961 Was AUD $3949
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
32 days
Small Group
Basic
Light
English
Experience Overview
Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit seven countries on this adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, Pacific waves, rainforests, and breathtaking scenery along the way.
Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit seven countries on this adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, Pacific waves, rainforests, and breathtaking scenery along the way. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and meet locals for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. While you're free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included. Our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Take a trip that's packed with all the things you need and nothing you don't – 32 days of maximum adventure at minimum cost.
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.
Trip Details
32 days
Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Small Group
English
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
San José, Costa Rica
Basic
18 - 39 Year Olds Only
Light
Itinerary
Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Day 2: Playa del Carmen
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.
Day 3: Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker
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!
Day 4-5: Caye Caulker
Day 6: Caye Caulker/San Ignacio
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.
Day 7: San Ignacio
Day 8: San Ignacio/Flores
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.
Day 9: Flores/Rio Dulce
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.
Day 10: Rio Dulce
Day 11: Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala
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.
Day 12: Antigua Guatemala
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.
Day 13: Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel
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.
Day 14: Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
Day 15: San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala
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.
Day 16: Antigua Guatemala
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.
Day 17: Antigua Guatemala/Copán
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.
Day 18: Copán
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.
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
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.
Day 24: Granada
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.
Day 25: Granada/Isla de Ometepe
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.
Day 26: Isla de Ometepe
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.
Day 27: Isla de Ometepe/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.
Day 28: Monteverde
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.
Day 29: Monteverde/La Fortuna
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.
Day 30: La Fortuna
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.
Day 31: La Fortuna/San José
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.
Day 32: San José
- 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.
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.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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).
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.
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.
From
AUD $3949
Duration: 32 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Light
Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit seven countries on this adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, Pacific waves, rainforests, and breathtaking scenery along the way.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Oct 2025
Customer Reviews
10/26/2023
I loved the trip, everything was well organized and our guides were fantastic. I had the best time! I have nothing to complain about. 10/10 experince! Looking forward to my next trip with G Adventures, and will for sure book more trips via you in the future.
12/23/2023
Great way to meet people and was perfect if you go to plenty of countries it was a perfect way of getting across the borders
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
10/26/2023
I loved the trip, everything was well organized and our guides were fantastic. I had the best time! I have nothing to complain about. 10/10 experince! Looking forward to my next trip with G Adventures, and will for sure book more trips via you in the future.
12/23/2023
Great way to meet people and was perfect if you go to plenty of countries it was a perfect way of getting across the borders
12/23/2023
Organised, safe and a great way to meet lots of great people
12/23/2023
The tour itself was really jam packed with adventure and fun! Great people and guides! However, I understand this tour may not be to everyones taste
12/23/2023
I have traveled with G Adventures quite a few times before and the experience has been amazing each time. There have been hindrances with the booking and administration side that I will bring up later in the survey if prompted, but as far as the guides and the actual tour experience is concerned, this has been incredible.
12/23/2023
it's an organized tour, so transport and accommodation are hassle free. Yet, it leaves enough freedom to customize the tour with optional activities.
12/23/2023
The overall experience and the way that G Adventures operate with a focus on the local people and good moments is very good for travellers. Improvements can be made in the office where the communication is often slow, we had a bad experience where transfers were not arranged even though were booked for several months in advance and often the office do not have a good understanding or other information or guidance on the trips themselves, other than asking you to refer to the online itinerary.
12/23/2023
get to see so much with less hassle, everything taken care of
12/19/2023
depending on the way of traveling
12/19/2023
I just thought that it was an overal great tour. Just might not be it for everyone due to the short amount of time you spent at each place together with a lot of traveling
12/16/2023
Because my experience was pretty much perfect
12/16/2023
transport, accommodations and activities were well planned.
12/16/2023
I really enjoyed the experience, only downside I would always mention if somebody asks me about traveling with G Adventures is, that the time spent on the bus can be quite a lot and they need to be mindful of that.
12/16/2023
Nice itinerary, support of the locals, everything is organized for you
12/12/2023
I loved meeting new people and having the accommodation and travel arrangements completed for me, however some of the accommodation was not up to standard, lacking decent Wi-Fi and hot water. Also the helpfulness of the first CEO, Roger, could have been improved.
12/12/2023
The ease of taking transport and moving between places was great
12/12/2023
The quality of accommodation is terrible compared to other tour companies, even relative to the price. Also A LOT is not included in this tour compared to others.
12/12/2023
it's a fun and super easy way to travel and G Adventures is a budget friendly way to do it
12/12/2023
the accommodation could have been better. the second half of the tour wasn't worth it at all so it makes me curious about whether other trip itineraries are the same. I'm likely to recommend, but not highly likely.
12/12/2023
I thought that the tour was organised incredibly well and G Adventures are a very trustworthy company.
Family trips cannot be booked online.
Please contact webjet customer service to book the trip.
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