Real Guatemala to Costa Rica

Intrepid Travel · 17 days

4.3

11 Reviews

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Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From the Guatemalan highlands to the cloud forests of Costa Rica (and all the surf spots in between), you’ll join a new group of soon-to-be friends and roll through four Central American countries for a taste of this diverse region.

Highlights

Take a cooking class in Los Ramos – an Indigenous community in the middle of Ometepe Island’s volcanos – and learn traditional techniques used to make Nicaraguan dishes like nacatamales.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of El Salvador’s most beautiful national parks – Cerro Verde. Get up close and personal to a volcanic crater or take the plunge in a pristine lake. The choice is yours!
Have breakfast at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a local café run entirely by deaf people. The café's owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities.
Island life doesn’t get much better than Ometepe in Nicaragua – volcanoes, wildlife-rich rainforests, stunning beaches, ancient rock carvings and a massive lake are all at your disposal.
Get a taste of four different countries in Central America on an epic Latin adventure that takes in the sights and offers a whole heap of optional activities too! You’ll have loads of free time to choose your own hike, kayak, swimming or dancing adventure.

Trip Details

Duration

17 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Public bus,Local bus,Taxi,Shared boat,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Antigua, Costa Rica

Finishes

San Jose, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Antigua

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. There are no planned activities today until your welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not explore all Antigua has to offer – from its vibrant buildings and curved archways to the puffing volcanoes of Pacaya, Agua and Jumaytepeque. The number one stop for any chocoholic should be the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll get a history lesson and, more excitingly, participate in a chocolate-making workshop. In 1773, the city of Antigua was destroyed by an earthquake, but many buildings have been restored and are fun to explore on foot. Tonight, maybe sample a tamale (a local dish served in a corn husk) or some pepian (a rich, meaty stew), then it’s surely time for a mojito.

Optional Activities:

Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (30 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Cerro Verde

Today will be an early start as you journey across the Guatemalan border to your next destination, Cerro Verde, El Salvador. From rolling hills to rolling R’s, watch the world go by from the comfort of your private vehicle as you travel through lush volcanic landscapes and endless mountain terrain while learning the local lingo from your leader in an informal Spanish lesson. Arrive in Cerro Verde in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Included Activities:

Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Cerro Verde

Today is all about fuelling up with local favourites and getting outdoors! Maybe visit Santa Ana’s volcanic crater for spectacular views of Lake Coatepeque, Juayua and Izalco Volcano. Or, instead of admiring the view from the crater, why not take a dip in Lake Coatepeque. There are many ways to keep busy in one of El Salvador's most beautiful national parks. El Salvador is also home to pupusas (a flatbread made from cornmeal and often stuffed with fillings like cheese, fried pork or refried beans), and tonight, you’ll watch a pupusa-making demonstration, then try some for yourself! Yum!

Included Activities:

Cerro Verde - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration

Optional Activities:

Cerro Verde- Coatepeque Lake – (transportation, entrance fee, hotsprings, guide) (50 USD)
Cerro Verde National Park - Santa Ana volcano hike (50 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: San Miguel

This morning you’ll continue south by private vehicle, passing through the capital of San Salvador on your way to San Miguel. Resting in the shadows of Chaparrastique, an active volcano sets the backdrop to this vibrant town. San Miguel has rebuilt itself into one of the country's largest and most populated cities since facing a severe earthquake in 1917. This afternoon, explore the city on foot, opt to take a swim at the Cuevas de Moncagua or find a good dinner spot to hole up with a few new travel buddies.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: San Miguel to Leon via Honduras

Say a quick hola and adios to Honduras as you cross through two borders to reach ‘the land of lakes and volcanoes’ – Nicaragua (or Nica as it’s known locally). The drive will be well worth the ride as you’re welcomed into the artsy and sophisticated city of Leon. Why not refuel after your journey with some traditional Nicaraguan dishes like gallo pinto (this hearty combination of rice and beans is considered a national symbol) or quesillo (a cheesy treat made of corn tortillas, pickled onion and sour cream). Home to one of the oldest universities in Central America, Leon is considered a ‘college town’ and is known for its youthful, fun atmosphere and nightlife. Why not head out with the group tonight for an optional salsa dance class.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Granada

You’ll join your leader on an orientation walk around Leon this morning. Then, take some time to explore on your own, maybe checking out the Basílica de la Asuncion – Central America’s largest cathedral. Or stop by the Museo Historico de la Revolucion for an insight into revolutionaries who fought hard for the freedom of their country. You might like to go volcano sandboarding (this is the only place in the world where you can do it) in the dunes. If you’re feeling peckish, why not fill up on the traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs and gallo pinto before heading to Granada – founded in 1524 and draped in colourful architecture, this city is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and surrounded by active volcanoes.

Included Activities:

Leon - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) (55 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Granada

This morning you’ll have breakfast with your group at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a local café run entirely by deaf people. The café's owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities. Then, you’re free to explore Granada – one of Central America’s least spoiled towns. Maybe you’d like to take a guided tour of the city, visit the markets or wander the cobblestone streets, snapping photos of the colourful buildings. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, opt to hire a kayak and paddle around the islets of Lake Nicaragua, rent a bike and ride to Laguna De Apoyo (a 200-year-old lake set into a lush forest crater), or hike through the flora and fauna along the Mombacho volcano crater trail. For a cultural insight into the heritage of the Nicaraguan people, the city of Masaya or the ‘City of the Flowers’ offers a mixture of folkloric entertainment, from marimba music to street theatre. Tonight, maybe spend your evening along Calle la Calzada, where you can grab a drink at one of the many outdoor bars and watch the wandering performers bring the street to life.

Included Activities:

Granada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas

Optional Activities:

Granada - Laguna Apoyo swimming and kayaking tour (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) (40 USD)
Granada - Kayak rental (per day) (913 NIO)
Granada - Masaya Volcano at night (Viewpoint for the Lava Lake at Santiago Crater) (65 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Ometepe Island

This morning, travel by local bus to Rivas, where you'll transfer to San Jorge ferry port by taxi. Catch a 1-hour ferry across Lake Nicaragua (the largest in Central America and the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world) to the island of Ometepe and head to your hotel. Hourglass-shaped Ometepe Island was formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua (Ometepe literally means two volcanoes in the Nahuatl language), and the deep jungle is home to exotic wildlife such as monkeys and parrots. Sit on the shore and watch fishermen return from a long day on the water with their catch or hike to a nearby waterfall.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Ometepe Island

Take advantage of a free day in this bucket list location to discover the island at your own pace. Maybe hike to the summit of Maderas volcano – but be warned, at 1394 m above sea level, this trek is no walk in the park. You might prefer to splash around in the natural springs, soak up the sun on the shore or check out the island's petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings). If you like watermelon, coffee, banana and citrus fruits, this is the place for you as you’ll have loads of delicious fresh fruit to feast on. Tonight, head to Los Ramos – an Indigenous community in the middle of the island’s volcanos – for a cooking class. Learn traditional techniques used to make Nicaraguan dishes like nacatamales (a dough-based snack often filled with meat and steamed in banana leaves) before sitting down for a meal together.

Included Activities:

Los Ramos Community - Cooking Class

Optional Activities:

Ometepe - Ojo de Agua natural spring (entrance fee) (25 USD)
Ometepe - Petroglyphs (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: San Juan del Sur

Today you’ll journey by ferry and public bus to San Juan del Sur – a laidback surf town on Nicaragua’s southwest coast. Though the beach that lines the town’s horseshoe bay isn’t particularly great for swimming, you don’t need to travel far to find beautiful golden beaches with year-round waves. You’ll have some free time today to acquaint yourself with this fun town.

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multishare with shared facilties) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: San Juan del Sur

Enjoy a free day exploring San Juan del Sur’s colourful coastal scenery. You might like to head south to La Flor beach reserve, where it’s possible to see olive ridley, hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles nesting between July and November. A massive statue of Christ (the largest in Central America) sits atop a cliff above the bay, so why not hike to the top for spectacular views of the town and the Pacific. In the evening, the city boasts a variety of great bars and restaurants where you can share a meal or a few drinks with the group.

Optional Activities:

San Juan del Sur - La Flor Beach Reserve (6 USD)

Accommodation:

Hostel (Multishare with shared facilties) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Monteverde

Say adios to Nicaragua and continue your journey south to Costa Rica this morning. Take a bus to the border and then travel by private vehicle to Monteverde. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers – these environmentally-aware settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Cloud forests are similar to rainforests, but instead, draw their water from a semi-permanent cloud covering the region. Constant mist in the forest makes it feel like a nightclub but with less bass and more fresh air. This is truly a nature lover's paradise! More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species call Montverde home – be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Included Activities:

Monteverde - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Monteverde

Today you have a free day to discover the reserve. Monteverde is not for the faint-hearted, so bring your sense of adventure, and a solid pair of shoes and have a little fun with the giddy heights. Maybe hike through the cloud forest, check out the area by mountain bike or fly over the canopy on a zip-line tour. Another way to see the forest from above is to take a tour along a series of suspension bridges 40 m above the jungle. You can explore the park on your own or arrange for a local guide to accompany you. The guides are very knowledgeable and happy to engage in conversation. To see some guaranteed wildlife up close, visit the butterfly and insect gardens or the serpentarium. There are also several cooperatives worth visiting in the local communities.

Optional Activities:

Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour (55 USD)
Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (101 USD)
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk (45 USD)
Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance (26 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: La Fortuna

Continue your journey through Costa Rica and take the scenic route to La Fortuna. Travel by shared minibus to Lake Arenal, then cross by boat. On a clear day, you'll see fantastic views of the surrounding area. On the other side of the lake, re-board the minibus and continue to your destination. La Fortuna is a small town just a few minutes from Costa Rica's most famous volcano – Arenal. While you're here, you might like to take some photos of the volcano reflected in the lake.

Optional Activities:

Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (101 USD)
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance (26 USD)
La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) (49 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: La Fortuna

There are plenty of optional activities to participate in today. Maybe take a guided nature hike through the lush forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals or opt to see the forest from a series of hanging bridges. Check out the 70 m high La Fortuna waterfall or get wet with some water sports on the lake, like stand-up paddle boarding. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area is home to several thermal hot springs – an ideal way to relax in the middle of nature. Alternatively, a boat safari down the Celeste River offers the opportunity to see lizards, crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat.

Included Activities:

La Fortuna - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (25 USD)
La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike (97 USD)
La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour (94 USD)
La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board (75 USD)
La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) (49 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: San Jose

This morning you’ll take a local bus to Costa Rica's capital – San Jose. Situated in the fertile Central Valley and home to over half the country's population, San Jose has lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. A good place to start your exploration is the central plaza. The Gold Museum also has a fantastic collection of Indigenous gold art. If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. This afternoon you might want to rejoin your group for a final farewell dinner (or margarita) and say muchas gracias to your Central American journey.

Included Activities:

San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) (11 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: San Jose

Today your Central American adventure comes to an end, and there are no activities planned. As there's a lot to see and do in and around San Jose, it’s recommended you stay here for a few days to make the most of the city. If you'd like to extend your visit, just speak to your booking agent ahead of 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.

AUD $2,135

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 17 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Ivan

Traveled, November 2203

12/19/2023

Excellent itinerary that gives a flavour for Central America across the countries and brill tour guide in Vin.

4.0

Selvin

Traveled, October 2023

11/13/2023

Dennis is just the best

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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