Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
32 days
from Playa del Carmen to San Jose
From
$ 2592
Duration32 days
Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit seven countries on this adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, Pacific waves, rainforests, and breathtaking scenery along the way. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and meet locals for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. While you're free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included. 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.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 32 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: Playa del CarmenPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: San JoseAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Arrive at any time.
Shuttles and buses from the Cancún airport are easy to find and reasonably priced. You can also take the public ADO bus that has departures every 30 minutes from the airport to Playa Del Carmen for approximately MX 176 ($10 USD).
Day 2: Playa del Carmen
Start your holiday off with some hardcore relaxation. Enjoy a full day of free time to fill as you wish. Get your ruin on with a visit to Tulum perched atop the sea, explore the fish- and coral-filled seas around Cozumel on a scuba dive, go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, and save some energy for a night out on the town.
Enjoy free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or the diving mecca of Cozumel. Or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach.
Day 3: Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker
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!
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
End place: Caye Caulker
Day 4-5: Caye Caulker
Start place: Caye Caulker
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
End place: Caye Caulker
Day 6: Caye Caulker/San Ignacio
Start place: Caye Caulker
From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With free time here, 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.
Travel by boat and bus from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
End place: San Ignacio
Meals: L
Day 7: San Ignacio
Start place: San Ignacio
Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
End place: San Ignacio
Day 8: San Ignacio/Flores
Start place: San Ignacio
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 for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Arrive in Flores, the capital of the department of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake of Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá.
En route to Flores, stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Arrive in Flores, the capital of the department of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake of Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá.
Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of the ruins of Tikal.
Day 9: Flores/Rio Dulce
A travel day from Flores to Rio Dulce which is located in the department of Izabal, home of the largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Izabal was one of the most important water ways of the Spanish crown during colonial times.
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.
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.
Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, or go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall.
Day 10: Rio Dulce
Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall, take a sunrise kayak to visit groups of noisy howler monkeys, or take a horseback ride through the rubber plantations combined with a visit to the Shaman Tower.
Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, or go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall.
Day 11: Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala
Today is a travel day from Rio Dulce to Antigua, followed by an orientation walk once you arrive. Plan your activities for the next day and enjoy some of the nightlife this beautiful colonial city has to offer.
Enjoy an orientation walk of Antigua's cobblestone streets, then opt to take a salsa lesson and practice new moves out at night.
Day 12: Antigua Guatemala
Get adventurous and 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.
Enjoy a free day in Antigua. Opt to relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture in one of the city's many cafés, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Day 13: Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel
Travel through the hills and fertile fields of the Guatemalan highlands 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.
The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.
The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.
Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views.
Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
Day 14: Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings at the lake's markets.
Meals: D
Day 15: San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala
Start place: San Pedro La Laguna
We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area.
Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills or taking a salsa lesson.
Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills or taking a salsa lesson.
Return to Antigua, and enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
End place: Antigua Guatemala
Day 16: Antigua Guatemala
Start place: Antigua Guatemala
Enjoy free time to relax with a massage, explore the nearby hills by bicycle, or visit a local macadamia nut farm.
End place: Antigua Guatemala
Day 17: Antigua Guatemala/Copán
Start place: Antigua Guatemala
The colonial highland town of Copán Ruinas is a charming and relaxing place, set along a river in the coffee growing region close to the Guatemalan border.
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 carving in the Mayan world.
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 carving in the Mayan world.
Cross the border to Honduras. Opt to soak in local hot springs in the jungle.
Day 18: Copán
Free time in Copan. Opt to visit the impressive Copan ruins and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. Knowledgable local guides can interpret the many Mayan carvings left here over 1,000 years ago. You can also choose to explore the nearby hills and small villages on horseback or journey through the countryside to some hidden jungle hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Free time in Copán. Opt to visit the ruins of Copán or explore the hills on horseback.
Day 19: Copán/Suchitoto
Cross the border into El Salvador and stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.
Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.
End place: Suchitoto
Meals: D
Day 20: Suchitoto/Playa El Tunco
Start place: Suchitoto
Enjoy a free morning in Suchitoto before heading to the coast. The sunsets in this surfing town are stunning. Grab a cold drink and enjoy!
End place: Playa El Tunco
Meals: B
Day 21: Playa El Tunco
Start place: Playa El Tunco
Enjoy a free day in this laidback beach town to take a surf lesson, eat fresh ceviche at the fish market in nearby La Libertad, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or chill out with a beer in hand.
End place: Playa El Tunco
Meals: B
Day 22: Playa El Tunco/León
Start place: Playa El Tunco
Set off early for a full day of travel by land and sea to Nicaragua, finishing up in colonial León with a brief orientation walk.
Day 23: León/Granada
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.
Walking is probably the easiest way to see all the sights of Granada.
Journey to Granada and see its colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
End place: Granada
Day 24: Granada
Start place: Granada
Free time to explore beautiful Granada's busy markets, colonial buildings and museums on foot or take a horse and carriage ride around town. Enjoy a meal on the "calzada", a pedestrian street that extends from the center of town down to Lake Nicaragua.
There are many optional activities to do just outside of town as well. Walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano, kayak around the isletas in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
There are many optional activities to do just outside of town as well. Walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano, kayak around the isletas in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
Free time to explore beautiful Granada's markets, buildings and museums. Opt to kayak in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
End place: Granada
Day 25: Granada/Isla de Ometepe
Start place: Granada
From the town of San Jorge, we cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island, formed from two volcanoes, one active and one dormant that rise out of the middle of the lake. The limited development and traditional communities create a welcoming relaxed atmosphere.
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. This experience give you a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live.
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. This experience give you a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live.
Get to know local friends during a 2-night G Adventures-supported community guesthouse stay on Ometepe. Try the local cuisine and test out some language skills.
End place: Isla de Ometepe
Meals: D
Day 26: Isla de Ometepe
Start place: Isla de Ometepe
Today is a free day in Ometepe. We get to spend more 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 left by the island's original inhabitants, 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.
Enjoy free time to explore Ometepe. Opt to climb Volcano Concepción or Volcano Maderas, take a cultural tour, visit the beach at Santo Domingo, or visit el Ojo de Agua for a refreshing swim and lunch. You can also view pre-Columbian petroglyphs or the small museum of indigenous artifacts in Altagracia.
End place: Isla de Ometepe
Meals: B, D
Day 27: Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde
Start place: Isla de Ometepe
At 1,400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is literally in the clouds. The Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves are home to diverse and unique flora and fauna. Sloths, monkeys, kinkajous, tapirs and large cats inhabit the area. There are more species of orchids here than anywhere else in the world.
Take a ferry back to the mainland and cross the border into Costa Rica, finishing up in the cloudforest air of Monteverde.
End place: Monte Verde
Meals: B
Day 28: Monteverde
Start place: Monte Verde
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, go bungee jumping, drive an ATV on trails in the hills, tour the cheese factory or check out the orchid garden, serpentarium, or frog pond in town.
Free day in Monteverde. Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline, or tour a coffee plantation.
End place: Monte Verde
Meals: D
Day 29: Monteverde/La Fortuna
Start place: Monte Verde
The trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna takes us down from the cloud forest and across Costa Rica's largest lake The town of La Fortuna lies at the base of the Arenal Volcano, which dominates the landscape rising to 1670 meters high. The town has become famous as the adventure sports capital of Costa Rica.
Choose your adventure! Canyoneering, white water rafting, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddlebording, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.
Choose your adventure! Canyoneering, white water rafting, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddlebording, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.
Transfer to La Fortuna along bumpy roads, then break up the journey with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Arenal before a short ride to the town.
End place: La Fortuna
Day 30: La Fortuna
Start place: La Fortuna
Choose your adventure! Canyoneering, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddleboarding, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.
Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
End place: La Fortuna
Day 31: La Fortuna/San José
Start place: La Fortuna
Return to San José for our final night out.
San José has beautiful parks, museums and theatres. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets.
San José has beautiful parks, museums and theatres. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets.
Journey through the mountains to the capital for a final night out.
End place: San Jose
Day 32: San José
Start place: San Jose
Depart at any time.
End place: San Jose
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San Ignacio 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: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker Your Discover Moment: Antigua Guatemala Your Big Night Out Moment: Antigua Guatemala Your Big Night Out Moment: Granada 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
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Transport
Local bus, Ferry, Boat, Private vehicle, Taxi, Walking -
Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (28 nts, most multi-share), Community guesthouse stay (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt)