Central America Escape: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling 17-day adventure through the heart of Central America with the "Central America Escape: Guatemala to Costa Rica" tour. This journey takes you through five vibrant countries: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. Experience the warmth of local hospitality with a community guesthouse stay in Ometepe, and unwind by the seaside in El Salvador. Travel like a local on public buses, and enjoy the freedom to explore iconic cities like Granada and Monteverde at your own pace. With a mix of simple hotels, hostels, and homestays, this tour offers a genuine taste of Central American culture. Whether you're hiking volcanoes, relaxing on beaches, or exploring colonial towns, this adventure promises unforgettable memories. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Accommodation Name: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
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.
Additional Information: This tour departs Antigua early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
*Please note that Antigua's nearest airport is Guatemala City, Guatemala. Don't get caught flying into the Caribbean island nation of Antigua; it's nowhere near the start of this tour!
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.
Day 2: Antigua Guatemala/Copán
Location: Antigua Guatemala, Copán Ruinas
Accommodation: Hotel Brisas de Copan
Accommodation Name: Hotel Brisas de Copan
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.
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.
Day 3: Copán
Location: Copán, Copán Ruins
Accommodation: Hotel Brisas de Copan
Accommodation Name: Hotel Brisas de Copan
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.
FREE TIME: Free time in the town of Copán. Opt to visit the Copán Ruins, explore the hills, or soak in hot springs.
Day 4: Copán/Suchitoto
Location: Copán, Suchitoto
Accommodation: Posada Alta Vista
Accommodation Name: Posada Alta Vista
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.Additional Information: Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.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.
Day 5: Suchitoto/La Libertad Region
Location: Suchitoto, La Libertad
Accommodation: Atami Escape Resort
Accommodation Name: Atami Escape Resort
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.FREE TIME: MORNING Enjoy a free morning to check out this colonial city.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: La Libertad Region
Location: La Libertad, Tamanique Waterfalls
Accommodation: Atami Escape Resort
Accommodation Name: Atami Escape Resort
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like in this beach town.
Day 7: La Libertad Region/León
Location: León
Accommodation: Hotel Hellenika
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hellenika
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.ACTIVITY: Take a brief walk of the historic center of León. Pass through the central park, the local market, and various historical churches.TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.TRANSPORT: MORNING 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.
Day 8: León/Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel Posada del Sol
Accommodation Name: Hotel Posada del Sol
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.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.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 9: Granada
Location: Granada, Lake Nicaragua, Laguna de Apoyo, Mombacho Volcano, Masaya Volcano
Accommodation: Hotel Posada del Sol
Accommodation Name: Hotel Posada del Sol
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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.
Day 10: Granada/Isla de Ometepe
Location: Granada, Isla de Ometepe
Accommodation: Puesta del Sol Homestay
Accommodation Name: Puesta del Sol Homestay
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
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.
Day 11: Isla de Ometepe
Location: Isla de Ometepe, Volcano Concepción, Volcano Maderas, Charco Verde, Ojo de Agua, La Paloma
Accommodation: Puesta del Sol Homestay
Accommodation Name: Puesta del Sol Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
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.
Day 12: Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde
Location: Isla de Ometepe, Monteverde
Accommodation: Hotel Manakin
Accommodation Name: Hotel Manakin
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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.
Day 13: Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: Hotel Manakin
Accommodation Name: Hotel Manakin
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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 14: Monteverde/La Fortuna
Location: Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna
Accommodation: Poshpacker Arenal
Accommodation Name: Poshpacker Arenal
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.
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: AFTERNOON Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Day 15: La Fortuna
Location: La Fortuna, Arenal
Accommodation: Poshpacker Arenal
Accommodation Name: Poshpacker Arenal
Partake in any of the activities you didn’t get to try yesterday. From canyoning to rafting, the possibilities feel endless.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Day 16: La Fortuna/San José
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel Lluvia de Oro
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lluvia de Oro
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.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 17: San José
Location: San José
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), homestay (2 nts). -
G for Good Moment
Experience a community guesthouse stay at Puesta del Sol on Isla de Ometepe.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group at the start of the tour.
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Discover Moment
Explore the town of La Fortuna.
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Beach Time
Enjoy beach time in El Tunco.
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Orientation Walk
Participate in an orientation walk around León and Granada.
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Free Time
Enjoy free time in Granada, Ometepe, Monteverde, and La Fortuna.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
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Group Size
The tour accommodates a maximum of 18 people, with an average of 16.
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Solo Travellers
Solo travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.
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Border Fees
Be prepared to pay some border fees for certain countries totaling approximately $22 USD for the entire trip.
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Visa Requirements
Check with your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements.
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Drone Usage
The use of drones is banned in Nicaragua.
Accommodation
Stay in simple hotels and hostels for 14 nights, mostly in multi-share rooms, and enjoy a 2-night homestay experience.
Transport
Local bus, boat, ferry, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Group Size
Max 18, avg 16.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel by local bus, boat, ferry, private vehicle, taxi, and on foot, offering a diverse and immersive transportation experience.
Meals Included
2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Important Notes
1. In the instance that you are a parent or guardian traveling with a minor under the age of 18 and you do not share the same gender as the minor child, you will accommodated together in a private room instead of the multi share option.
2. As this trip crosses national borders, please be prepared to pay some border fees for certain countries totalling approx $22 USD for the entire trip. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
3. Please note that you will be required to fill out the form found at the link below at least two days prior to crossing into Honduras. It's encouraged that you have the form filled out and with you at Welcome Meeting on Day 1. Your CEO will go over the details and make sure everyone has the correct information. The group will travel into Honduras on Day 2.
The correct form can be found at this link .
4. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
5. This tour departs Antigua in the morning on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
6. Please note the use of drones is banned in Nicaragua.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. For our shipboard expeditions and voyages we have a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including level III guides in the Galapagos, and an expedition team aboard the M/V Explorer and M/S Andrea. On truck trips in Africa you will be accompanied by a G Adventures leader, and a driver/cook, who offer a wealth of knowledge on the regions you will be visiting. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Standard Travel Style, as this is a Classic Basic trip.
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What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays in simple hotels or hostels for 14 nights, most of which are multi-share, and a homestay for 2 nights. The majority of accommodations will have shared bathroom facilities.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, allowing for flexibility in dining choices.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes local buses, boats, ferries, private vehicles, taxis, and walking.
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Is there a group leader or guide during the tour?
Yes, all G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a group leader or a G Adventures representative. They provide information, offer suggestions, and help with travel arrangements. Local guides are also used where specific knowledge will enhance the experience.
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What activities are available during the free time in La Fortuna?
In La Fortuna, you can choose from activities such as canyoning, white water rafting, hiking, caving, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, and visiting a wildlife refuge.
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What should I bring for the tour?
It is recommended to use a backpack or a medium-sized suitcase for convenience, along with a daypack for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person.
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Are there any important notes or requirements for the tour?
Yes, as the tour crosses national borders, be prepared to pay some border fees totaling approximately $22 USD. You will also need to fill out a form before crossing into Honduras. Additionally, the use of drones is banned in Nicaragua.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Central America Escape: Guatemala to Costa Rica
17 Days Starting in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: Antigua Guatemala, Copán Ruinas, Copán, Copán Ruins, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Tamanique Waterfalls, León, Granada, Lake Nicaragua, Laguna de Apoyo, Mombacho Volcano, Masaya Volcano, Isla de Ometepe, Volcano Concepción, Volcano Maderas, Charco Verde, Ojo de Agua, La Paloma, Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Arenal, San José ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26061
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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