Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways
17 days from Antigua Guatemala to San Jose
From $ 1549
Duration17 days

From the laid-back vibes and waves of the Pacific Coast to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies, take the road less travelled on this trip through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica with other travellers your own age. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery and a chance to experience local culture with a two-night community guesthouse stay on the island of Ometepe. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation, which not only keeps costs down but also gives you a chance to really meet the locals.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 17 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Starts in: Antigua Guatemala
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: San Jose
    Ages: 18+
Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Antigua Guatemala
Arrive at any time. 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 city, 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 everywhere in the city and the colorful markets attract indigenous artisans from all over the country.

Arrive at any time. This tour departs Antigua early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.

*Please note that Antigua's nearest airport is Guatemala City, Guatemala. Don't get caught flying into the Caribbean island nation of Antigua; it's nowhere near the start of this tour!
Day 2: Antigua Guatemala/Copán
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.

Cross the border to Honduras. Opt to soak in local hot springs in the jungle.
Day 3: 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 4: 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.
Meals: D
Day 5: Suchitoto
Enjoy a free day in Suchitoto.
Meals: B
Day 6: Concepción de Ataco/Playa El Palmarcito
Enjoy a free morning in Ataco before heading to the coast. The sunsets in this surfing town are stunning. Grab a cold drink and enjoy!
Meals: B
Day 7: 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 8: 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.
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 9: Playa El Tunco/Santa Teresa

Start place: Playa El Tunco

Journey to Costa Rica and visit the small towns of Playa Santa Teresa and Malpais, which are frequented by surfers. Opt to hit the waves, or visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve – take a hike to explore the area or check out the snorkelling at Secret Beach.
Hop on a flight to Costa Rica, and travel to the coastal town of Santa Teresa. Kick back and enjoy this beach paradise.

End place: Santa Teresa

Day 10: Santa Teresa

Start place: Santa Teresa

Check out Cabo Blanco NP to spot some wildlife, hike to the nearby waterfall for a dip or a jump in the local swimming hole or simply lounge on the beach.

Take a day trip to the beautiful Isla Tortuga, where you can snorkel along a volcanic rock reef or check out the nearby surf havens of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. Adrenaline junkies can take their pick of activities as well - surfing, ziplining, ATV, boogie boarding, horseback riding or scuba diving are all options. On the other hand, if relaxation is what you seek, opt for a yoga class or take a leisurely hike to search for orchids.
Try out surfing, visit Cabo Blanco NP, or just chill out on the beach. Don't miss the night life.

End place: Santa Teresa

Meals: D
Day 11: 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 12: Playa El Palmarcito/Monteverde
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.
Hop on a flight to Costa Rica and travel through stunning Costa Rican scenery, finishing up in the cloud forest air of Monteverde.

End place: Monte Verde

Meals: B
Day 13: 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 14: 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! Canyoning, 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. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.

End place: La Fortuna

Day 15: 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 16: San Carlos/San José
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.
Journey through the mountains to the capital for a final night out.

End place: San Jose

Meals: B
Day 17: San José

Start place: San Jose

Depart at any time.

End place: San Jose

Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay, Isla de Ometepe Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Big Night Out Moment: Granada 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
  • Transport

    Local bus, Boat, Ferry, Private vehicle, Taxi, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), Community guesthouse (2 nts)

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