Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways

G Adventures · 17 days

4.3

20 Reviews

Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From the laid-back vibes and waves of the Pacific Coast to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies, take the road less travelled on this trip through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica with other travellers your own age.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay, Isla de Ometepe Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Big Night Out Moment: Granada Your Discover Moment: Granada Your Discover Moment: Monteverde Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
Beach time in El Tunco
Orientation walk around León and Granada
Free time in Granada, Ometepe, Monteverde, and La Fortuna
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), homestay (2 nts).

2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.

Highlights

Connect with your hosts at community guesthouse stay in Ometepe
Relax seaside in El Salvador
Laugh with the locals during a chicken bus journey
Visit five countries in 17 days.

Trip Details

Duration

17 days

Transportation

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

Guide Language

English

Starts

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Finishes

San José, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Antigua Guatemala

Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore El Barrio, a vibrant marketplace of many small bars and pubs. Get to know your fellow travellers over a few drinks, and cheers to the adventures to come.
Arrive at any time. 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 city, 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 everywhere in the city and the colorful markets attract indigenous artisans from all over the country.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel

Day 2: Antigua Guatemala/Copán

Set off today on a full day of travel from Antigua across the border to neighboring Honduras, arriving to the town of Copán Ruinas in the evening.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Accommodation - Hotel Brisas de Copan

Day 3: Copán

Free time in Copán. Opt to visit the ruins of Copán or soak in hot springs.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time in the town of Copán. Opt to visit the Copán Ruins, explore the hills, or soak in hot springs.Accommodation - Hotel Brisas de Copan

Day 4: Copán/Suchitoto

Cross the border into El Salvador and stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Accommodation - Posada Alta Vista

Day 5: Suchitoto/La Libertad Region

Enjoy a free morning in Suchitoto before heading to the coast in the La Libertad region. The sunsets in these small surfing towns are stunning. Grab a cold drink and enjoy!

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free morning to check out this colonial city.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Atami Escape Resort

Day 6: La Libertad Region

Enjoy a free day in the laidback beach towns of the area to take a surf lesson, eat fresh ceviche at the fish market in nearby La Libertad, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or chill out with a beer in hand.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like in this beach town.Accommodation - Atami Escape Resort

Day 7: La Libertad Region/León

Set off early for a full day of travel by land and sea to Nicaragua, finishing up in colonial León with a brief orientation walk.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a brief walk of the historic center of León. Pass through the central park, the local market, and various historical churches.Accommodation - Hotel Hellenika

Day 8: León/Granada

Journey to Granada and see its colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.Accommodation - Hotel Posada del Sol

Day 9: Granada

Free time to explore beautiful Granada's markets, buildings and museums. Opt to kayak in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time to explore beautiful Granada's markets, buildings and museums, view Masaya Volcano's smoldering crater, kayak in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.Accommodation - Hotel Posada del Sol

Day 10: Granada/Isla de Ometepe

Get to know local friends during a 2-night G Adventures-supported community homestay on Ometepe. Try the local cuisine and test out some language skills.
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.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails. Accommodation - Puesta del Sol Homestay

Day 11: Isla de Ometepe

Enjoy free time to explore Ometepe. Opt to climb Volcano Concepción 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. You can also view pre-Columbian petroglyphs or the small museum of indigenous artifacts in Altagracia.
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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time in Ometepe. Spend 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, 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.Activity - Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails. Accommodation - Puesta del Sol Homestay

Day 12: Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde

Take a ferry back to the mainland and cross the border into Costa Rica, finishing up in the cloudforest air of 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Be prepared to walk with bags approximately 10 minutes between the Nicaragua and Costa Rica border stations.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Manakin

Day 13: Monteverde

Free day in Monteverde. Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline, or tour a coffee plantation.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - 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.Accommodation - Hotel Manakin

Day 14: Monteverde/La Fortuna

Transfer to La Fortuna along bumpy roads, then break up the journey with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Arenal before a short ride to the town.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Transport - Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.Free_time - Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.Accommodation - Arenal Backpackers Resort

Day 15: La Fortuna

Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.Accommodation - Arenal Backpackers Resort

Day 16: La Fortuna/San José

Journey through the mountains to the capital for a final night out.
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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hotel Lluvia de Oro

Day 17: San José

Depart at any time.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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 $1999

AUD $1,599

(Tour only)

Offer ends 31 Mar, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 17 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 May 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

William S.

Traveled, December 2023

12/16/2023

Everything is very well organised, and the itineraries include everything you would want to do.

5.0

Alexandra A.

Traveled, December 2023

12/16/2023

Really nice to have accommodations and transport situated. I think it could be a little clearer that activities and meal costs really will add on to the price paid for the trip though

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

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