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Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 32 Day Basic Central America: Mexico to Costa Rica. 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!
Our Price From
US$2,720 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $614 per person
Save 18%
Trip Length
32 Days
Trip Starts
Playa del Carmen
Trip Ends
San Jose
Departures
Apr 2026 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
18
Pace
Leisurely
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Itinerary
Check into your hotel and enjoy the city. Stay: Hotel 12 bees
Take advantage of a full day of free time to relax or explore as much as you wish. Perched atop the sea you will find the ruins of Tulúm. In the coral-filled waters surrounding Cozumel you can snorkel, or you can go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, before exploring the town in the evening on your own. Stay: Hotel 12 bees
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. Stay: Enjoy Hotel
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. Stay: Enjoy Hotel
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. Stay: Enjoy Hotel
San Ignacio is a great base for exploring some of Belize’s lesser known inland gems. There will be ample free time here to wander the area by foot, canoe, or horseback, or you can choose to book a caving trip. Stay: Kawoq Hostel (L)
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. Stay: Kawoq Hostel
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. Stay: Hotel Petén
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. Stay: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
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. Stay: Hotel Hacienda Tijax (L)
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. Stay: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
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. Stay: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
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. Stay: Kamol Bey
Take a boat ride across the lake before taking part in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. Stay: Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay (D)
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. Stay: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
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. 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
- 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.
- Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San Ignacio
- Your G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", Lívingston
- 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: San Ignacio
- Your Discover Moment: Antigua Guatemala
- 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
- Simple hotels and hostels (26 Nights, mostly multishare) home stay (3 Nights)
- Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Most 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, local guides
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Local bus, ferry, boat, 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 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.
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
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.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Thursday
12 Feb 2026
12 Feb 26
Playa del Carmen
Sunday
15 Mar 2026
15 Mar 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,699
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Tuesday
17 Feb 2026
17 Feb 26
Playa del Carmen
Friday
20 Mar 2026
20 Mar 26
San Jose
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,699
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.
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.
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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