Experience Overview
Soak up the authentic local cultures of Central America on this 17-day whirlwind trip of entrancing scenery and laid-back vibes. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation as you traverse the Pacific Coast, tropical rainforests, and roads less travelled through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. From a community guesthouse stay on the island of Ometepe to beach time in El Tunco, get ready for infinite memories to be made along the way.
Highlights
- Embrace local experiences with your hosts at a community guesthouse stay in Ometepe
- Relax seaside to the sound of waves in El Salvador
- Travel by public bus and laugh with the locals
- Spend time in the lush cloud forest of Monteverde
Trip Details
Product Code: 8510
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Local bus, boat, ferry, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Classic
Supplier Code: CGGS
Starts: Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Finishes: San José, Costa Rica
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay, Isla de Ometepe Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group 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 (12 nts), hostel (2 nts, 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.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1839 (CAD $108 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Antigua Guatemala
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.
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.Accommodation - La Quinta Santa Lucia
Day 2: Antigua Guatemala/Copán
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.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.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
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.
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.Accommodation - Hotel La Estacion Granada
Day 9: Granada
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.
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 La Estacion Granada
Day 10: Granada/Isla de Ometepe
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 - Quetzal Inn Monteverde
Day 13: Monteverde
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.
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 - Quetzal Inn Monteverde
Day 14: Monteverde/La Fortuna
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.
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
Partake in any of the activities you didn't get to try yesterday. From canyoning to rafting, the possibilities feel endless.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.Accommodation - Arenal Backpackers Resort
Day 16: La Fortuna/San José
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas
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.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
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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