Central America in Seven Countries: Mexico to Costa Rica

32 days
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Small Group Tour
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 ...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy

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

What's this trip about?

    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!

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPlaya del Carmen
End CitySan José

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 18

Trip includes

    • Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch
    • San IgnacioYour G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar"
    • LívingstonYour G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay
    • San Juan La LagunaYour G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay
    • Isla de OmetepeYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Playa del CarmenYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour Discover Moment: San IgnacioYour Discover Moment: Antigua GuatemalaYour Discover Moment: GranadaYour Discover Moment: MonteverdeYour 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

Itinerary

Travel Map

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.

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

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 a...

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.

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.

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.

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 bas...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Take a boat ride across the lake before taking part in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family.

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.

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.

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 Copá...

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.

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.

Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 32 San José

Depart at any time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,899
Price per day$91
Last Updated: 1/10/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
20 Mar 2025
20 Apr 2025
$3,299
27 Mar 2025
27 Apr 2025
$3,299
29 Mar 2025
29 Apr 2025
$3,299
03 Apr 2025
04 May 2025
$3,099
05 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$3,099
10 Apr 2025
11 May 2025
$3,099
17 Apr 2025
18 May 2025
$3,099
01 May 2025
01 Jun 2025
$2,899
10 May 2025
10 Jun 2025
$2,899
15 May 2025
15 Jun 2025
$2,899

Mexico exit tax by land: MXN533 (USD35) Departing Belize - $20USD Entering Guatemala - 10 Quetzales ($1.25USD) Entering Honduras by airport - $38USD Costa Rica airport exit tax: $29USD Border Fees must be paid in full at the time of entry and exit and are subject to change without prior notice.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Simple hotels/hostels (28 nts, most multi-share), homestay (3 nts).
will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities. Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.

Transportation & Flights

Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.,

Transportation & flights

Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Guides
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.,We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here Complete this form at least 2 days prior to crossing into Honduras. You will receive a confirmation in your email once it has been processed. Here is some information that will help you to fill out the form Type of transport: Ground transportation Immigration office: El Florido Transport company: Prechequeo SLV Travel date- (2nd day of the tour, depending on what date your tour starts) Travel time- 12:00 Travel reason- Sightseeing Destination address- Copan Brisas Hotel Destination state- Copan Destination city- Copan Ruinas
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Like any city where tourism is on the increase, crime also tends to increase and while San José is not a noticeably dangerous city, there are certain precautions you should take. Make sure that you are aware of your things at all times and don't go out carrying expensive gear or jewelry.
Meals Included
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
gadventure-26062

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