Experience Overview
Are you looking for the maximum Central American adventure at minimum cost? Try this 32-day trip on for size and visit seven different countries, filling your days with Mayan ruins, clear Caribbean waters, lush rainforests, and Pacific waves. With ample free time to choose your own activities in some iconic destinations between Mexico and Costa Rica, there’s no limit to the epic experiences. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and meet locals for an immersion into the authenticity of Central America!
Highlights
- Relax on laid-back beaches in Caye Caulker and El Tunco
- Explore Mayan ruins of Copán and Tikal
- Wander the local markets of colourful colonial Antigua
- Make new friends at a local homestay in Guatemala
- Visit seven different countries in one month
Trip Details
Product Code: 8512
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Classic
Supplier Code: CMPS
Starts: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finishes: San José, Costa Rica
Duration: 32 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San Ignacio Your G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", Lívingston Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna 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: Playa del Carmen Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio Your Discover Moment: Antigua Guatemala Your Discover Moment: Granada Your Discover Moment: Monteverde Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
- Guided tour of Tikal
- Orientation walks in Antigua, León, and Granada
- Beach time in Caye Caulker and El Tunco
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels and hostels (26 nts, mostly multishare) home stay (3 nts).
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
- Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Group Leader
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3399 (CAD $106 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the city.
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 - Hotel Colonial
Day 2: Playa del Carmen
Spend a full free day in the area! Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or snorkel off the coast of nearby Cozumel. For a more laid-back day, choose to enjoy the beach.
Take advantage of a full day of free time to relax or explore as much as you wish. Perched atop the sea you will find the ruins of Tulúm. In the coral-filled waters surrounding Cozumel you can snorkel, or you can go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, before exploring the town in the evening on your own.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, the diving mecca of Cozumel, or play in the waves and enjoy the beach!Accommodation - Hotel Colonial
Day 3: Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker
Travel from Mexico across the border into Belize today, which boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easy-going people. During the drive, picture the unbelievably clear blue waters and the opportunities you will have over the next few days for diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Arrive at the Mexican border then go to immigration to get passports stamped and pay the exit fee. After a quick trip on the bus, grab your luggage and pass through Belizean immigration and customs. Get back on the bus with your stuff and get ready to start exploring Belize. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
Day 4: Caye Caulker
Enjoy a free day in Caye Caulker. Choose to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, keeping a lookout for stingrays and nurse sharks. You can also choose to go diving, or just chill out on the beach.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas–the Caribbean awaits!Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
Day 5: Caye Caulker
Another full day of free time will allow you to participate in any optional activities in the area that you didn't have time for yesterday.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas–the Caribbean awaits!Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
Day 6: Caye Caulker/San Ignacio
Cross back to the mainland of Belize via boat and travel by bus inland to San Ignacio. Along the way the group will stop for an included pottery demonstration and a typical lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
San Ignacio is a great base for exploring some of Belize's lesser known inland gems. There will be ample free time here to wander the area by foot, canoe, or horseback, or you can choose to book a caving trip.
Meals included: Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.Activity - Like in many places around the world, education for women in the village of San Antonio isn’t prioritized. Girls don’t typically attend school beyond primary levels. So a women’s cooperative was founded here, as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills, and share centuries-old Mayan techniques and knowledge. Visit the pottery workshop, which is newly expanded with an investment from G Adventures. Meet some of the women who’ve found community within its walls and gain insight into the tradition of throwing pots. Afterward, enjoy lunch together with these inspiring and unforgettable women, sampling traditional foods of the Cayo region.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Kawoq Hostel
Day 7: San Ignacio
Enjoy a day at leisure to experience the surroundings of San Ignacio. Choose to visit the Sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, or set your eyes on the lesser-visited Xunantunich Mayan ruins.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a full day at your leisure in San Ignacio.Accommodation - Kawoq Hostel
Day 8: San Ignacio/Flores
While this trip is fast-paced, there will be some opportunity to rest on today's drive as the group crosses another border and travels to Guatemala. Enter the country in the northeast jungle Petén region and stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal on the way to Flores. This place is the capital of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake in Guatemala—Lake Petén Itzá.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.Activity - Grab your bags from the vehicle and head to immigration after paying the exit fee. Passports get stamped in immigration and then passed to your CEO for the short walk (200m) to the Guatemalan border where the entrance fee is paid. Lend a hand loading luggage into the vehicle while your CEO gets all the passports stamped. Welcome to Guatemala! Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Petén
Day 9: Flores/Rio Dulce
Travel for most of the day from Flores to Rio Dulce, which is on the shores of Lake Izabel, the largest lake in Guatemala. This journey across the country will take a road through dense jungle arriving at this port town in the evening.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Day 10: Rio Dulce
Sit back and marvel at the scenery on a boat ride from Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingston. Make a stop at the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project there. Walk around the grounds and then gather for a delicious lunch steeped in local flavours.
Meals included: Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - El Manglar Restaurant in Guatemala is a women-led community tourism initiative founded by the Cayo Quemado Women's Committee with the aim of creating new job opportunities within the community. During your visit you will begin with a welcome given by the women of the committee and receive a brief introduction to the workshop. Then, there will be a short walk around the property, including a full explanation of the project, it's impact, and culture before you all sit down for lunch at the restaurant. Every traveler that visits Cayo Quemado has a direct impact on their community.Activity - Take a boat down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean Sea passing through El Golfete and El Canyon before arriving to Livingston. Float past mangroves and lily pads and the Boquerón Canyon, where a sheer limestone cliff rises 122m (400 ft) out of the river, covered in vines, trees and moss. Arrive at the small fishing village of Livingston known for its unique Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population, with their unique art, music and delicious coconut seafood soup, “tapado”.Accommodation - Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Day 11: Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala
Spend most of the day travelling from Rio Dulce to Antigua, Guatemala. Rest up on the ride because upon arrival the group will set off on an orientation walk. The rest of the evening is free. Get a head start planning tomorrow's activities or enjoy this colonial city's nightlife.
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 - Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Day 12: Antigua Guatemala
The group will have a full day at leisure in Antigua. From biking riding to climbing a volcano there's plenty to see and do. Stay in town and café hop as a way to soak up the area's culture.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time in Antigua. Relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture of this colonial town’s many museums and cafes, attend a chocolate workshop, visit one of the local coffee or macadamia nut plantations, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.Accommodation - Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Day 13: Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel
Visit beautiful Lake Atitlán after travelling through the country's highlands full of fertile hills and fields. The area is ideal for outdoor activities and you will have plenty of time to explore.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Kamol Bey
Day 14: Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
Take a boat ride across the lake before taking part in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Activity - Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlán, arrive by boat to the laid-back village of San Juan La Laguna and immediately feel at home. Meet your host family, stash your stuff, then set off to explore the area. Admire the paintings of local artists, watch weavers who use traditional techniques to dye wool, go for a hike and admire the view across the lake. Feel good knowing you are supporting local families eager to benefit from tourism in their community.Accommodation - Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay
Day 15: San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala
The group will journey back to Antigua and spend some free time exploring. Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills, or taking a salsa lesson.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Day 16: Antigua Guatemala
Relax in Antigua on your own! Opt to book a massage, hop on a bike and ride through the nearby hills, visit a local farm, or climb a volcano.
Looking for adventure? Pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore Guatemala's former capital city.Accommodation - La Quinta Santa Lucia
Day 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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 21: 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 22: 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 23: 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 24: 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 25: 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 26: 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 27: 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 28: 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 29: 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 30: 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 31: 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 32: San José
Depart at any time.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Experiences
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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