G-Adventures logo

Back Roads of Central America: Craters & Community Guesthouses

18 days, San José to Antigua Guatemala

Traveller walking along a suspension bridge in a Costa Rican cloud forest
!

Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Back Roads of Central America: Craters & Community Guesthouses" (CRSG), but here are some similar trips.

Take the road less travelled through Central America with other travellers your own age — so you can be sure to get down with other adventurers that’ll keep up. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery — from tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies to colonial cities bouncing to a decidedly more human beat. You'll blaze your own path as you discover a region of volcanoes, craters, beaches, and lush forests. Sticking to budget accommodation and public transport will keep costs down and keep you rooted in local life.

18 days

San José to Antigua Guatemala

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: CRSG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Take the road less travelled through Central America with other travellers your own age — so you can be sure to get down with other adventurers that’ll keep up. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery — from tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies to colonial cities bouncing to a decidedly more human beat. You'll blaze your own path as you discover a region of volcanoes, craters, beaches, and lush forests. Sticking to budget accommodation and public transport will keep costs down and keep you rooted in local life.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 14.

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

18 days

San José to Antigua Guatemala

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: CRSG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 18

Itinerary

Day 1San José

Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore the La California barrio with your fellow travellers. Stop in at one of the many bars to get to know your group over a few drinks. Cheers to new friends and new adventures!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2San José/La Fortuna

Options abound—soak in Arenal's hot springs or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling.

Day 3La Fortuna

Free day to get the adrenaline pumping with rafting and other outdoor pursuits or one of many other optional activities.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 4La Fortuna/Monteverde

Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde by boat and van and enjoy gorgeous scenery along the way.

Day 5Monteverde

Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline or tour a coffee plantation.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 6Monteverde/Isla de Ometepe

Get to know local friends during a two-night community guesthouse stay on Ometepe Island. Test out some language skills, opt to climb a volcano, or visit the local swimming hole.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 7Isla de Ometepe

Full day on the island to spend time with your hosts and enjoy optional activities such as hiking and swimming.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8Isla de Ometepe/Granada

See Granada's colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Granada

Take advantage of a free day to explore Granada or kayak the isletas in Lake Nicaragua.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 10Granada/Poneloya

Arrive in the afternoon to relax on a remote northern beach on Nicaragua's Pacific coast. Surfing, swimming and beach lounging await.

Day 11Poneloya

Spend your day enjoying the coast. Opt to explore the city of Leon or hit the beach.

Day 12Poneloya/Cerro Verde

After a long day of travel via bus, boat, and private vehicle, arrive to El Salvador's Cerro Verde National Park, home of the famous trio of volcanos, Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana.

Day 13Cerro Verde

Spend a free day in Cerro Verde at leisure. Opt to hike up to the edge of Santa Ana’s Volcano crater for some more spectacular views. Or choose to take a dip in Lake Coatepeque, there are many ways to keep busy in one of El Salvador's most beautiful national parks.

Day 14Cerro Verde/Suchitoto

In the morning enjoy a guided tour in Cerro Verde National Park taking in the lush surroundings. Travel to El Salvador's colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.

Day 15Suchitoto/Copán

Watch diverse landscapes pass by as we travel through 3 countries in one day en route to Copán.

Day 16Copán

Enjoy a free day in Copán. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Copán or explore the colonial highland town on horseback and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way, or journey to some local hot springs for a relaxing soak.

Day 17Copán/Antigua Guatemala

Cross into Guatemala. Enjoy an orientation walk to explore the colonial city of Antigua.

Day 18Antigua Guatemala

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • 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 First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
  • Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Granada
  • Your Discover Moment: Granada
  • Orientation walk around Granada and Antigua
  • Beach time in Poneloya
  • Free time in La Fortuna, Monteverde, Ometepe, and Granada
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Simple hotels/hostels (13 nts, most multi-share), beach hostel (2 nts, multi-share), community guesthouse (2 nts).

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Allow USD445-580 for meals not included.

Transportation

Public bus, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.

Staff & experts

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.

Departures

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.

Back Roads of Central America: Craters & Community Guesthouses

| 18 days - San José to Antigua Guatemala - Sold Out