32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose

32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose 32 Days

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32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
32 Days Central American Journey from Playa del Carmen to San Jose

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Itinerary
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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 32 Days
Comfort: Budget%
Language: English
Rating: 80.0%
Trip ID: 126894
Start Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
End Location: San Jose, Costa Rica

Guaranteed:
Yes
Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed!
1. AdventureLink has carefully handpicked the tour operators in our portfolio to give you the best possible selection and experience
2. AdventureLink does not pay the operator until your trip completes in order to ensure the highest possible standard of care
Primary Activities: Walking Tour, Sightseeing
Other Activities: Hiking, Caving, Snorkeling, Horseback rides, Architecture, Fishing, whitewater rafting, cloud forest, Swimming, Volcanoes, ancient ruins, World Heritage Sites, Local Markets, museums, boating, diving, Local Culture
Activity Level: Basic

Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit six countries on this classic adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, rainforests and breathtaking scenery along the way. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and meet locals for an immersive experience that few travelers get to know. While you're free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included and 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.

What's Included:

Guided tour of Tikal
Orientation walk around Antigua and Granada
Homestay with Guatemalan and Nicaraguan families
2 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Simple hotels (28 nts), homestays (3 nts)
Public bus, ferry, boat, van, taxi, walking
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 10.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Playa del Carmen

Arrive in Playa del Carmen at any time. Shuttles and buses from the Cancún airport are easy to find and reasonably priced. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.

Day 2: Head out to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or the diving mecca of Cozumel.

This once sleepy village is quickly becoming a destination among sun worshippers worldwide. Stroll along the cool, white sands of the Caribbean coast, spend your time snorkelling or diving in underground caverns, or simply sipping on cool margaritas and catching some rays. Playa del Carmen is also known for its vibrant nightlife.

Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel, renowned for its world-class diving. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30 to 75 minutes depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the towns and the reefs of the island. For a first dose of ruins, Tulúm is just a 45-minute drive south of Playa. Aside from its unusual late Mayan architecture, it offers possibly the most appealing setting for any ruins, as it is located on a palm-fringed, white-sand beach, where you can even go for a swim within the ancient walls.

Days 3-5: Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Caye Caulker

For many years Belize has been a relatively unknown destination, and tourists have only recently begun to explore this fascinating country. 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!

As a peaceful, democratic and English speaking country, Belize is an anomaly in the region; it seems in many ways not to belong in Central America at all. In many ways, Belize has more in common with its Caribbean rather than its Latin neighbours, although it has plenty of distinctively Central American features as well. Its unique blend of cultures includes Maya, Mestizo, African, European, Arabic and Asian. English is the first official language (as a former British Colony) and Spanish runs a close second, though the locals speak Creole the majority of the time.

Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy-going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. The main street is a sandy pathway through the centre of town surrounded by small bakeshops, seafood stands and bars. There is not much to do on the island except relax and explore the reef. Snorkel and dive boats leave daily for full or half-day outings to the reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Blue Hole and manatee spotting tours at Swallow Caye.

The barrier reef is the world's second longest (after Australia’s) and offers some truly amazing sights including coral canyons and an astonishing range of tropical fish, Manta Rays, sharks and barracudas, as well as the more mundane, edible varieties of fish.

Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 480 km

Days 6-7: Free day to visit sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal in San Ignacio

From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With your free time here, you may 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.

As a peaceful, democratic and English speaking country, Belize is an anomaly. It seems in many ways not to belong in Central America at all. To an extent, it is more a Caribbean nation than a Latin one, looking out from the coast rather than inland for its trade and alliances. On the other hand, it has plenty of distinctively Central American features. It offers a unique blend of cultures that includes, in a tiny population, people of Maya, Mestizo, African, European, Asian and Arab descent. Aside from the rich and lyrical local Creole, Spanish is also spoken throughout the country. For many years Belize has been a relatively unknown destination, and only recently have tourists begun to discover its wonders, including the western hemisphere’s longest barrier reef (second only to Australia’s).

The San Ignacio/ Mountain Pine Ridge area is the highlight of the trip for some travellers to Belize. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve covers almost 500 square kms (310 square miles) and only controlled logging is allowed. Interesting stops include Hidden Valley Falls, spectacular waterfalls dropping more than a 300 m (984 ft) over the granite edge of the jungle. Further along you will cross the Rio On, and a climb over an assortment of worn boulders and rocks will bring you to a delightful site with waterfalls and several warm water pools. The Mountain Pine Ridge area is also renowned for its system of caves, the biggest and most famous being the Rio Frio Cave. There is an enormous arched entrance into the kilometre-long cave, the largest in Belize.

Also well worth a visit, the Cave of the Stone Scepter, Actun Tunichil Muknal involves a 45-minute jungle hike to the opening of the cave, wading across a river three times before the adventure begins! Inside the cave, you’ll find a Mayan cermonial site. There you will be amazed by the natural museum of Mayan relics left just as it was by the Maya 1400 years ago. Ceramic pots, skulls, and calcified skeletons will enthrall even the most experienced speleologist.

Days trips can also be arranged to Xunantunich,an impressive Maya ceremonial centre located on a natural limestone ridge providing a grand view of the entire Cayo District and Guatemalan countryside. The tallest pyramid on the site, El Castillo, has been partially excavated and explored, and the east side of the structure displays a unique stucco frieze. The plaza of the ceremonial centre houses three carved stellae. You can get a group together and hire a taxi to take you to the site. Getting there includes crossing a narrow river by a hand-cranked ferry which shuttles you across! There is a small fee to enter the grounds and a guide can give you the lowdown on the site.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 110 km

Day 8: Learn about the Mayan culture and history on an included guided tour of Tikal

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 off at the ancient city of Tikal for an included guided tour. The sheer scale of the ruins at Tikal may at first seem daunting. If you make it only to the main plaza or spend an hour relaxing in deep contemplation, you certainly won't be disappointed. The central area, with its five main temples, forms by far the most impressive section. Explore beyond this and you can wander endlessly into the maze of smaller structures and outlying complexes hidden in the jungle growth. If your energy levels are high enough to make it to the top of Temple IV—the tallest structure in the Mayan world—spectacular views of the surrounding jungle canopy greet you. Peaks of the various temple complexes rise above the trees, giving a sense of the enormous scale of the site, impossible to gauge from ground level where the view is obscured by dense jungle. Occasionally you may spot toucans, macaws and other bright birds from this artificial perch within the greenery. Marvel at the engineering and organizational skills needed to construct this city within the jungle.

It was in this region of great natural beauty that their descendants founded the city of Tayasal, on an island in Lake Petén-Itzá. They lived here for about four hundred years, isolated and forgotten by the rest of the country, including the Spanish conquistadors. It was not until 1697 that this small city was finally conquered by a military expedition led by Martín de Ursúa, who stumbled upon the city by accident. The city of Tayasal was transformed into the city of Flores, officially founded by the Spanish in 1700. It remained an isolated area, relying on the subsistence farming of corn and beans and the gathering of chicle (gummy rubber obtained from trees).

Despite the recent growth in the Petén, Flores remains a small island town, with narrow, cobble-stoned streets, small, brightly painted houses and friendly people. Few modern conveniences are embraced here, and though the island is now attached to the mainland by a causeway, many of the locals still get around by cayuco (dug-out canoe). All in all, Flores remains one of the most scenic and charming towns in the Petén. It is particularly attractive to visitors because of Lake Petén-Itzá, a large lake (12 km long and 3 km wide) offering all sorts of possibilities for fun including swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, a small zoo and a nature preserve.

Note that the rainy season in the Petén is generally from mid-May until early January. Be prepared to get wet during this time. Make sure you have plastic bags to wrap around the items in your daypack while hiking, and bring a good (light) waterproof jacket. Also make sure that you have strong insect repellent. The dry season runs January until mid-May. During this time you need to make sure you have adequate sunscreen.

Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 130 km

Days 9-10: Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat or soak in a hot waterfall

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.

There are plenty of opportunities for R & R. Aside from boating on Lake Izabal, there are optional tours in the area to view protected manatees, or you may opt to horseback ride through a rubber plantation, explore San Felipe fort, take the morning monkey kayak tour, relax in the thermal springs or hike through the jungle-strewn trails in the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve area.

Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 210 km

Days 11-12: Orientation walk along Antigua's cobblestone streets

Antigua is the old capital of Guatemala and as the seat of the Spanish colonial government, was once the most important city in all of Central America. Your tour leader will give you an orientation walking tour to introduce you to the city and help give you your bearings. You can then take more time to enjoy the beautiful architecture of this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Take a mountain bike ride out into the countryside or explore the fascinating markets, shops and museums within the city.

Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala’s capital city for more than 200 years until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Modern Antigua is a peaceful, partially restored colonial city that is a pleasure to explore. Walk through quiet cobble-stoned streets past rebuilt stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances. It is a short 45 km from Guatemala City on a lovely winding road. The trip takes you through many small towns and villages, past red, tile-roofed huts and people in colourful traditional clothing. The natural scenery is some of the most beautiful anywhere, with high mountain peaks surrounding deep valleys and every inch of land covered with lush growth.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 290 km

Day 13: Shop in the famous market of Chichicastenango before visiting beautiful Lake Atitlán

A visit to Guatemala would not be complete without the chance to visit to the famous market of Chichicastenango. Unless you can resist the wonderful handmade items for sale, you should sharpen your communication and bargaining skills. The Chichicastenango market is the best known, but there are a number of other markets around where you may wish to purchase any number of handicraft items. There are also a number of community cooperatives that you may wish to visit. The proceeds from the sales return directly to the community and are a significant contribution to the local economy.Renowned for its colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings, “Chichi” is also an important trading place for the local residents, and provides close views of daily life of modern Maya. Along with your souvenirs you’ll take home memories to last a lifetime.

Please note that Chichicastenango market is visited enroute between Antigua and Panajachel and the market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays, so if you are on a Wednesday departure it will not be possible to visit the market.

We then travel through the hills and fertile fields 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.

Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets in its centre and a great deal of old world flavour and charm. The best way to see Panajachel is on foot, but pay attention to where you’re going as there aren’t any street signs. Visit the old churches and explore the back streets to see the more traditional side of Panajachel. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the villages on the lake by boat, departing in the mornings and returning in late afternoon. Get ready for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, and everyday life in a highland village. The people of this area have received tourists for some time, and are friendly and ready to smile at strangers as readily as they will at a life long friend.

The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 100 km

Day 14: Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a homestay

We will stay overnight in the small town of San Juan la Laguna, home to 3000 inhabitants, mostly Mayas. Tonight, the group will be spread out among a number of homes, and you will sleep in a local home, where dinner will also be provided. This once in a lifetime experience will really help you to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day life of the locals in this region. G Adventures' partner organization in this town is working hard with the Tz'Utujil Maya to provide positive interaction with travellers through local tourism. The organization also works with the local schools to ensure needed materials are available to teachers and students.

Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.

Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 5 km
(1D)

Days 15-16: Last night in Antigua, Guatemala

We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area. The point of reference for finding one’s way around Antigua is the Central Park, which is directly in the centre of town and the place to be in the late afternoon/early evening. You can pick up a map from the tourist office located on the ground floor of the Palace of the Captains General on the south side of the Central Park. Explore the museums, the colonial buildings and other sites in this delightful town and don’t forget to try some famous Guatemalan coffee.

Antigua offers three specialties that make shopping here very worthwhile. Textiles sold here and in the nearby towns are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the rarer back strap loom. Jade, in the form of carved statues and jewelry, is sold in several factories and shops in town and silver jewelry is sold in the better shops and also in a silver factory in nearby San Felipe de Jesus. The city offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well.

Optional activities include a hike up the Pacaya Volcano, visiting Macadamia nut and coffee plantations, and salsa lessons.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 80 km

Days 17-18: Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Copán or soak in local hot spring

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. Visitors walk through grassy plazas filled with intricately carved and decorated monuments, statues and staircases. Huge carved faces stare at you from ancient walls and bring the place to life, causing renewed wonder at the mysterious disappearance of such a creative civilization.

The colonial highland town of Copán Ruinas is a charming and relaxing place. This town has a lot more to offer than just the ruins. Opt to explore the nearby hills on horseback and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way or check out a local private macaw reserve that is also home to a large variety of other birds on the property. If neither of those appeal, you can journey to some local hot springs for a relaxing soak.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 200 km

Days 19-21: Spend your time snorkelling, scuba diving, or just relaxing on the beach of Roatan Islan

After another full day of travel through the hills of Honduras, we arrive at the coast and ferry across to paradise. A SCUBA diving haven amidst what is part of the second largest barrier reef in the world, Roatan is a Caribbean-style island made famous for its marine treasures. Crystal blue waters invite swimming, diving, snorkeling, or simply relax on the white, sand beaches of the Bay Islands. You will also get a break from practicing Spanish because as a former British colony, many locals here speak English.

Roatan is surrounded by over 100km (62 miles) of living, protected reef that is home to thousands of species of fantastically coloured fish and marine life. The beaches of the western end are some of the most beautiful in the world, with clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and swaying coconut palms. While many people spend their days immersed in the warm, blue Caribbean waters and enjoying excellent fresh seafood, you may also opt to venture into the hilly interior by bicycle or scooter. The botanical gardens offer relaxed walking amidst exotic plants and racing “Jesus Lizards”, a species of lizard that runs on its hind legs, even over water! In nearby Sandy Bay the Institute for Marine Sciences and the Roatan museum are definitely worth a visit.

Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 350 km

Day 22: Head off to the capital Tegucigalpa en route to Nicaragua

Leave Roatan by ferry and catch a glimpse of Honduras' famous Mosquito Coast. Spend the full day travelling from sea level to the highlands, through rainforest and along scenic mountain roads, ending in Tegucigalpa.

Tegucigalpa, or "Tegus" as it's known by the locals, has been the capital city of Honduras since 1880. Located in the southern part of Honduras, Tegucigalpa is nestled in a valley at an elevation of approximately 3000 feet, surrounded by a chain of tree-covered mountains. This creates an ideal climate; Tegucigalpa is tropical yet cool, with less humidity in comparison with other major Central American cities. Already a settlement of indigenous Lenca people, the Spanish arrived in the area during the mid-16th century and began transforming it into a major mining centre for silver and gold. Evidence of this can be seen in several colonial buildings such as the cathedral of St. Michael Archangel.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 350 km

Days 23-24: See Granada with an orientation walk and opt to visit still-active Masaya Volcano

Nicaragua has flourished in recent years and boasts both friendly people and impressive natural beauty. 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, your tour leader will give you an initial orientation walking tour of the city and then you have plenty of time to explore in more depth.

Granada is Nicaragua’s third largest and oldest city and retains its traditional Spanish colonial character. It's sometimes called ¨The Great Sultana¨ because of its beautiful colonial architecture. In the warm evenings you can usually find friendly neighbors visiting and chatting with each other from rocking chairs in the open front room of their homes. You'll walk along cobblestone streets and see brightly painted buildings. Frequently live local music is played in the square, and good nightlife is easy to find. Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and has a long park ideal for strolling. For a relaxing afternoon, you can spend a couple of hours in a boat touring some of the 350+ ¨Isletas¨ or little islands by found nearby Granada in Lake Nicaragua. Other optional activities include visiting the nearby extinct Volcán Mombacho, now shrouded in vegetation, or Masaya Volcano National Park, which is home to an active volcano. The nearby markets of Masaya house vendors selling great Nicaraguan handicrafts such as hammocks, ceramics, and paintings.

Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 370 km

Days 25-26: Get to know our local friends during a 2-night homestay experience on Ometepe

From the town of San Jorge, we cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island. 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.

Also known as La Mar Dulce (the Sweet Sea) and Lake Cocibolca, Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America and the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world. Forty-five rivers flow into the lake and it is home to the world’s only species of freshwater shark. The setting is dramatic, with two towering volcanoes dominating the island's landscape; Volcán Concepción at 1610 m (5281 feet), and Volcán Maderas, at 1340m (4395 feet). The wildlife on this island is abundant and includes several species of monkeys and green parrots. Howler monkeys are especially interesting, their scary roar (you’ll think it’s a jaguar) can be heard for several miles.

As you journey to the hotel, you´ll pass plantain plantations and several small villages, giving you a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live. If you enjoy a challenge, hiking Maderas volcano might be the right optional activity for you! If not, check out the pre-Colombian petroglyphs, try out the Tarzan swing at a nearby jungle swimming hole or enjoy the beach.

Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 60 km
(1B,2D)

Days 27-28: Fly through the jungle canopy via a zipline in Monteverde

Costa Rica is a natural gem because of its breathtaking flora and fauna. Travelling into the cool cloud and rainforests of Monteverde, we have a glimpse of how lush ecosystems truly are works of art. Take time to bird watch, ride a horse, mountain bike, or ride a zip line over the rainforest canopy.

Spend two days exploring Monteverde and the Forest Reserve, truly a nature lover's paradise. Local guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation of this precious ecosystem. The unique community has several local co-operatives worth visiting including artist collectives and a cheese factory. If you're there at the right time of year, you may be lucky enough to see the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful and elusive birds in the world. Optional activities include walking across a series of suspension bridges through the jungle canopy, a butterfly garden and a thrilling canopy zip line.

If you have pre-booked the Costa Rica Adrenaline Theme Pack, your ziplining experience will be on Day 28.

Monteverde or "Green Mountain," is exactly what you find at the end of the long, rutted dirt road through the mountains. The surrounding pastures were once covered with dense forest, but today only a small piece of it remains. That piece of forest has been preserved as the Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Cloud forest is much like a rainforest, but much of the moisture comes not from falling rain but from the condensation left by the nearly constant cloud cover that blankets the tops of mountains in many parts of the tropics. Monteverde Reserve covers 1600 hectares of forest and is home to a great variety of wildlife. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different species of mammals inhabit this small area. The Santa Elena Reserve, another park contiguous with Monteverde, is less well known and visited but also worth seeing. All proceeds from this park profit the local community.

Quakers from the United States founded the village of Monteverde in the 1950s. Looking to leave behind the constant fear of war and objecting to being forced to support continued militarism through their taxes, the Quakers chose Costa Rica because of its commitment to a non-militaristic economic path—Costa Rica’s army was dissolved in the 1940s. Since its founding, Monteverde has grown slowly as others who shared the original Quaker founders’ ideals moved to the area. Although the Quakers came here to farm the land, they recognized the need to preserve the rare cloud forest that covers the mountain slopes above their fields. The community is very different from those on the coast, and offers several souvenir shops and the Quaker cheese factory, which is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to try their ice cream!

Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours
Approximate Distance: 240 km
(1B)

Days 29-30: Enjoy the beautiful scenery on a relaxing boat ride across Lake Arenal

Set on the northern plains of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano sits on the southeast shore of artificial Lake Arenal (77 square kilometres, or 48 square miles). Separating the mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán, the lake was created by a hydroelectric dam. Winds sweeping off the Caribbean Sea reach speeds of 48 to 72 km/hr (30 to 45 mph), across Lake Arenal you can find one of the best locations in the world to go windsurfing. The volcano, once quite active, has been in a dormant state since the beginning of 2011 but still is a dramatic backdrop to the town of La Fortuna.

If you have pre-booked the Costa Rica Adrenaline Theme Pack, your choose your adventure and canyoneering activities will be on Day 30.

La Fortuna, the town near the foot of the volcano is an excellent base for adventure. Hike the area’s nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall or join a canopy tour and catch a bird’s eye view of the forest greenery. Other optional activities include full-day Class III & IV white water rafting on the Toro or Arenal Rivers, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders’ paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents. After a long day of exploring, the Baldi Hot Springs might just be the answer to your tired muscles. Soak in one of the natural thermal baths and hope for the clouds to part long enough for a glimpse of Arenal´s slopes shaped by multiple eruptions.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 60 km

Day 31: Return to the capital for one final night on the town with your group

Located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate. Like most cities, San José has its good and bad sides. It is the centre of government, theatre, and art, as well as of air pollution and congestion. It has beautiful parks and museums, and a few beggars on the streets. It is big and often noisy, but even from its crowded downtown streets, you’ll often enjoy a view of the surrounding lush mountains.

Start your exploration of the city in the main plaza, a great place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

A source of pride for the Ticos (Costa Ricans) is the National Theatre. Inaugurated in 1897, the building was paid for by coffee growers through a voluntary tax on every bag of coffee exported. The National Museum, housed in the Bellavista Fortress, offers exhibits on pre-Columbian art, colonial art and furniture and religious art within a 19th century building that was converted from a military fortress after the army was abolished.

The Museum of Costa Rican Art, located in La Sabana Park, used to be the international airport and the museum is now housed in the old terminal building. The Jade Museum is on the 11th floor of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros building. In addition to the marvelous collection of jade objects, there are pre-Columbian ceramic and stone works as well as displays with archaeological and ethnographic information. The Gold Museum is located underneath the Plaza de la Cultura. Its spectacular collection of indigenous gold art belongs to the Central Bank of Costa Rica.

The best and least expensive places to buy souvenirs in San José are the markets. The two main ones are the ones in Plaza de la Cultura, which is an outdoor open market, and the Central Market, where handicrafts are sold along with boots, fish, flour, herbal remedies, shirts and everything else you can imagine. Always watch your belongings and be ready for crowds. If you plan on spending a few days in San José after your tour, there are a number of activities within the city and area that you can participate in, many of them outdoors.

Probably the hardest thing you will do in San José, other than get safely across busy streets, is keep the street numbering systems straight. Street and avenue numbers are posted on buildings at the corners of some intersections. Keep looking as you walk, and you will eventually find one.

Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 150 km

Day 32: Depart in San Jose

Depart any time.

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

Guided tour of Tikal
Orientation walk around Antigua and Granada
Homestay with Guatemalan and Nicaraguan families
2 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Simple hotels (28 nts), homestays (3 nts)
Public bus, ferry, boat, van, taxi, walking
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 10.

Trip Excludes

Allow USD650-800 for meals not included
Travel insurance
Visas
Departure tax

Trip ID#: 126894

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Reviews (8)

Dwayn S.

I am very impressed as to how it was run.My tour leader was incredible and the trip would not have been the same without her! I am already Thinking of my next adventure.
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Beate V.

A great tour! We could have stayed even longer in Utila, an amazing place!
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Suzanne B.

Overall the tour was excellent, saw so much of central america is such a short space of time. The group size was just right to get to know everyone really well too. Our leader was really professional as well as being great fun, we felt safe at all times. Would definitely do another G Adventures trip.
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Sarah B.

Preferred the pace of travel of the Mayan Sun - there was such a lot of travel in the Volcano tour - too many long days.
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  90%
Harriet K.

The tour was fantastic with so many different activities to do everywhere we went. There was a fantastic mix of transport and cultural experiences with something for everyone. Great support throughout with a good level of independence as well. Highly recommended!
- Overall Rating
  100%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  100%
- Itinerary Rating
  100%
- Accomodation Rating
  100%
Tessa M.

Amazing trip! Fun, culture, history, friendly people, action packed days and lots of laughs.
- Overall Rating
  100%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  100%
- Itinerary Rating
  100%
- Accomodation Rating
  100%
Simon F.

The trip was absolutely wonderful with great opportunities for optional excitement and time in a local environment.
- Overall Rating
  100%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  100%
- Itinerary Rating
  100%
- Accomodation Rating
  100%
Linda L.

Absolutely wonderful experience, as we have had on our previous G Adventures trips.
- Overall Rating
  100%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  100%
- Itinerary Rating
  100%
- Accomodation Rating
  100%

Can't find the right trip? Design your own!

Our tour operators are happy to assist you in creating just the right trip; fill out the form below and we'll give you a custom quote.

First Name

Last Name

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Where would you like to go?

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If "Yes", please list their ages

What activities do you want to do?

Enter your price range (From and To price. Provide a departure city if you'd like to include airfare in your quote.)

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Best available accommodation Highest quality – not necessarily the most expensive Moderate Budget

Please provide us with any additional information you feel will help us design your trip.