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Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica

17 Days Antigua to San Jose
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 17 Day Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica. Soak up the authentic local cultures of Central America on this 17-day whirlwind trip of entrancing scenery and laid-back vibes. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation as you traverse the Pacific Coast, tropical rainforests, and roads less travelled through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. From a community guesthouse stay on the island of Ometepe to beach time in El Tunco, get ready for infinite memories to be made along the way.
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US$1,479 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

17 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Antigua

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

San Jose

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Costa Rica
Operator
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

6-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

18

Pace
Pace

Leisurely

Guide Style
Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

CGGS

Itinerary

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. Stay: La Quinta Santa Lucia

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. Stay: 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. Stay: Hotel Brisas de Copan

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. Stay: Posada Alta Vista

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. Stay: 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. Stay: Atami Escape Resort

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. Stay: Hotel Hellenika

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. Stay: Hotel La Estacion 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. Stay: Hotel La Estacion Granada

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. Stay: Puesta del Sol Homestay (D)

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. Stay: Puesta del Sol Homestay (B/D)

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. Stay: Quetzal Inn Monteverde (B)

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. Stay: Quetzal Inn Monteverde

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. Stay: Arenal Backpackers Resort

Partake in any of the activities you didn’t get to try yesterday. From canyoning to rafting, the possibilities feel endless. Stay: Arenal Backpackers Resort

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. Stay: Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas

Depart at any time.

Trip Inclusions

  • Embrace local experiences with your hosts at a community guesthouse stay in Ometepe.
  • Relax seaside to the sound of waves in El Salvador.
  • Travel by public bus and laugh with the locals.
  • Spend time in the lush cloud forest of Monteverde.

  • 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: 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

  • Simple hotels (12 Nights), hostel (2 Nights, multi-share), homestay (2 Nights)
  • Accommodation 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 Standard Travel Style, as this is a Classic Basic trip.

  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout

  • 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

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

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Operator

G Adventures
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Trip Style: Classic

Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

Wednesday 18 Feb 2026 18 Feb 26 Antigua
Friday 06 Mar 2026 06 Mar 26 San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,999
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday 21 Feb 2026 21 Feb 26 Antigua
Monday 09 Mar 2026 09 Mar 26 San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,999
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday 27 Feb 2026 27 Feb 26 Antigua
Sunday 15 Mar 2026 15 Mar 26 San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,999
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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