Central America Escape: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Central America Escape: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Central America Escape: Guatemala to Costa Rica
17 Days Starting in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: Antigua Guatemala, Copán Ruinas, Copán, Suchitoto, La Libertad, León, Granada, Isla de Ometepe, Monteverde, La Fortuna, San José
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26061
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 17-day adventure through five captivating Central American countries with the "Central America Escape: Guatemala to Costa Rica" tour. Experience the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. Highlights include a community guesthouse stay in Ometepe, relaxing seaside in El Salvador, and traveling by public bus to connect with locals. Enjoy free time in charming colonial towns like Granada and Monteverde, and explore the natural beauty of places like La Fortuna and Isla de Ometepe. With simple accommodations and a mix of included and optional activities, this small group adventure promises an unforgettable journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Accommodation Name: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
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 place, 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 practically everywhere in Antigua, and the colorful markets attract indigenous artisans from all over the country.
Additional Information: 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!
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.
Day 2: Antigua Guatemala/Copán
Location: Copán Ruinas
Accommodation: Hotel Brisas de Copan
Accommodation Name: Hotel Brisas de Copan
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.
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.
Day 3: Copán
Location: Copán
Accommodation: Hotel Brisas de Copan
Accommodation Name: Hotel Brisas de Copan
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.
FREE TIME: Free time in the town of Copán. Opt to visit the Copán Ruins, explore the hills, or soak in hot springs.
Day 4: Copán/Suchitoto
Location: Suchitoto
Accommodation: Posada Alta Vista
Accommodation Name: Posada Alta Vista
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.
Additional Information: Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.
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.
Day 5: Suchitoto/La Libertad Region
Location: Suchitoto
Accommodation: Atami Escape Resort
Accommodation Name: Atami Escape Resort
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.
FREE TIME: MORNING Enjoy a free morning to check out this colonial city.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: La Libertad Region
Location: La Libertad
Accommodation: Atami Escape Resort
Accommodation Name: Atami Escape Resort
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like in this beach town.
Day 7: La Libertad Region/León
Location: León
Accommodation: Hotel Hellenika
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hellenika
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.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Take a brief walk of the historic center of León. Pass through the central park, the local market, and various historical churches.
TRANSPORT: MORNING 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.
Day 8: León/Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel Posada del Sol
Accommodation Name: Hotel Posada del Sol
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.
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.
Day 9: Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel Posada del Sol
Accommodation Name: Hotel Posada del Sol
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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.
Day 10: Granada/Isla De Ometepe
Location: Isla de Ometepe
Accommodation: Puesta del Sol Homestay
Accommodation Name: Puesta del Sol Homestay
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
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.
Day 11: Isla De Ometepe
Location: Isla de Ometepe
Accommodation: Puesta del Sol Homestay
Accommodation Name: Puesta del Sol Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
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.
Day 12: Isla De Ometepe/Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: Hotel Manakin
Accommodation Name: Hotel Manakin
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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.
Day 13: Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation: Hotel Manakin
Accommodation Name: Hotel Manakin
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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.
Day 14: Monteverde/La Fortuna
Location: La Fortuna
Accommodation: Poshpacker Arenal
Accommodation Name: Poshpacker Arenal
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.
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: AFTERNOON Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Day 15: La Fortuna
Location: La Fortuna
Accommodation: Poshpacker Arenal
Accommodation Name: Poshpacker Arenal
Partake in any of the activities you didn’t get to try yesterday. From canyoning to rafting, the possibilities feel endless.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Day 16: La Fortuna/San José
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel Lluvia de Oro
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lluvia de Oro
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.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 17: San José
Location: San José
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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G for Good Moment
Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay, Isla de Ometepe
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Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group
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Discover Moment
La Fortuna
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Beach Time
Beach time in El Tunco
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Orientation Walk
Orientation walk around León and Granada
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Free Time
Free time in Granada, Ometepe, Monteverde, and La Fortuna
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nights, most multi-share), homestay (2 nights)
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Group Size
Max 18, avg 16
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Solo Travellers
Solo travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip
What's Not Included
Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options
Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), homestay (2 nts).
Transport
Local bus, boat, ferry, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Group Size
Max 18, avg 16.
Solo Travellers
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.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Local bus, boat, ferry, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Meals Included
2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in simple hotels/hostels for 14 nights, most of which are multi-share. Additionally, there will be a 2-night homestay experience.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour will use a variety of transportation methods including local buses, boats, ferries, private vehicles, taxis, and walking.
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Are meals included in the tour price?
The tour includes 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Generally, meals are not included to give you flexibility in choosing where and what to eat.
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What activities are available during the free days in Copán?
During the free day in Copán, you can visit the nearby Mayan ruins, explore the hills, or soak in jungle hot springs.
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What can I do during the free day in La Libertad Region?
You can book a surf lesson, try fresh ceviche at the fish market, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or relax on the beach.
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What activities are available in Granada?
In Granada, you can visit local markets and museums, try kayaking in Lake Nicaragua, swim in Laguna de Apoyo, or walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano.
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What can I do during the free day on Isla de Ometepe?
You can climb Volcano Concepción or Volcano Maderas, spend time with local host families, view petroglyphs, walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, travel the island by bicycle, or lounge on the beach.
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What activities are available in Monteverde?
In Monteverde, you can visit a cloud forest reserve, go ziplining through the jungle canopy, visit a coffee plantation, go horseback riding in the mountains, or hike along local trails.
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What can I do in La Fortuna?
In La Fortuna, you can go canyoning, white water rafting, hiking, caving, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, or visit a wildlife refuge.
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Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?
No, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, so there is no single supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Jan 07, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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