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Real Guatemala to Costa Rica

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Real Guatemala to Costa Rica

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Description

From the Guatemalan highlands to the cloud forests of Costa Rica (and all the surf spots in between), you’ll roll through four Central American countries for a taste of what this diverse region is plating up. Discover tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes – this wildlife-rich pocket of Central America is ready to be explored. Turn your eyes to a volcanic crater in Cerro Verde, spot colourful birds on the facades of Granada, stand in the shadow of the mighty Arenal Volcano and search for sloths among the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest. This trip through Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica is perfect for those who like their adventures ‘la forma natural’.

Trip Name
Real Guatemala to Costa Rica
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
17
Capacity
16
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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

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.
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.
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!
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.
Day 5 - Leon
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.
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 jumping on some local busses 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-11-202413-12-2024AUD $ 1,883-
18-12-202403-01-2025AUD $ 2,520-
01-01-202517-01-2025AUD $ 2,710-
22-01-202507-02-2025AUD $ 2,237-
29-01-202514-02-2025AUD $ 2,104-
05-02-202521-02-2025AUD $ 2,104-
19-02-202507-03-2025AUD $ 2,104-
05-03-202521-03-2025AUD $ 2,147-
19-03-202504-04-2025AUD $ 2,104-
16-04-202502-05-2025AUD $ 2,104-
30-04-202516-05-2025AUD $ 2,104-
07-05-202523-05-2025AUD $ 1,948-
11-05-202527-05-2025AUD $ 1,948-
21-05-202506-06-2025AUD $ 1,948-
11-06-202527-06-2025AUD $ 1,948-
25-06-202511-07-2025AUD $ 1,948-
09-07-202525-07-2025AUD $ 2,104-
16-07-202501-08-2025AUD $ 2,104-
30-07-202515-08-2025AUD $ 2,104-
13-08-202529-08-2025AUD $ 1,948-
27-08-202512-09-2025AUD $ 1,948-
10-09-202526-09-2025AUD $ 1,948-
08-10-202524-10-2025AUD $ 1,948-
05-11-202521-11-2025AUD $ 2,237-
19-11-202505-12-2025AUD $ 2,237-
26-11-202512-12-2025AUD $ 2,237-
03-12-202519-12-2025AUD $ 2,237-
10-12-202526-12-2025AUD $ 2,237-
17-12-202502-01-2026AUD $ 2,355-
24-12-202509-01-2026AUD $ 2,355-
31-12-202516-01-2026AUD $ 2,355-
07-01-202623-01-2026AUD $ 2,470-
21-01-202606-02-2026AUD $ 2,470-
28-01-202613-02-2026AUD $ 2,470-
18-02-202606-03-2026AUD $ 2,325-
04-03-202620-03-2026AUD $ 2,325-
18-03-202603-04-2026AUD $ 2,325-
15-04-202601-05-2026AUD $ 2,325-
20-05-202605-06-2026AUD $ 2,150-
24-06-202610-07-2026AUD $ 2,150-
08-07-202624-07-2026AUD $ 2,325-
29-07-202614-08-2026AUD $ 2,325-
12-08-202628-08-2026AUD $ 2,150-
26-08-202611-09-2026AUD $ 2,150-
09-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 2,150-
07-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 2,150-
04-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 2,470-
18-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 2,470-
09-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 2,470-
30-12-202615-01-2027AUD $ 2,470-

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights),Camping (2 nights),Multishare Hostel (2 nights)

Transport

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

Map

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