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Central America in Seven Countries: Mexico to Costa Rica

32 days, Playa del Carmen to San José

32 days

Playa del Carmen to San José

From$18164HKD
was $24219
Valid on Aug 7 2025
Trip Code: CMPS

Special Offers

Expires on Jul 01, 2025 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G25SDQ025DES01
Expires on Jul 01, 2025 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G25SDQ015DES09

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Classic

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 16.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

Alternative Trips

32 days

Playa del Carmen to San José

From$18164HKD
was $24219
Valid on Aug 7 2025
Trip Code: CMPS

Special Offers

Expires on Jul 01, 2025 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G25SDQ025DES01
Expires on Jul 01, 2025 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G25SDQ015DES09

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 32

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Itinerary Notes

Please note this is a basic level trip, using a mix of multi-share accommodations like hostels and basic hotels, as well as public transportation throughout. We have an 18-30’s version of this trip, please see here for more details.

Itinerary

Day 1Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Playa 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 3Playa 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 4Caye 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 5Caye 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 6Caye 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 ¿ìÓ¯v3-supported women's pottery cooperative.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 7San 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 8San 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 9Flores/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 10Rio 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 ¿ìÓ¯v3–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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar"

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 11Rio 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 12Antigua 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 13Antigua 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.

Day 14Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna

Take a boat ride across the lake before taking part in a ¿ìÓ¯v3-supported homestay with a local family.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Posadas Mayas Homestay

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 15San 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 16Antigua 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 17Antigua Guatemala/°ä´Ç±èá²Ô

Cross the border today between Guatemala and Honduras as the group travels to the town of °ä´Ç±èá²Ô 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.

Day 18°ä´Ç±èá²Ô

Enjoy a full free day to explore °ä´Ç±èá²Ô 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°ä´Ç±èá²Ô/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.

Day 20Suchitoto/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 21La 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 22La 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 23³¢±ðó²Ô/³Ò°ù²¹²Ô²¹»å²¹

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 24Granada

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 25Granada/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 ¿ìÓ¯v3-supported community homestay among different local families. This experience will give you a chance to experience how rural Nicaraguans live.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 26Isla 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 27Isla 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 28Monteverde

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 29Monteverde/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 30La Fortuna

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

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 31La 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 32San José

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • 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: 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

Accommodations

Simple hotels/hostels (28 nts, most multi-share), homestay (3 nts).

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Allow USD795-1035 for meals not included.

Transportation

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

Staff & experts

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle - From $1179.00

CANYONING (Half-day Arenal) Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde) Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline. Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax. Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour - From $789.00

Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves. Tour Includes: snorkeling mask, fins/flippers, lunch, assortment of tropical fruit, water, and other snacks.

Pacaya Volcano Hike - From $589.00

Ever wanted to get up close and personal with an active volcano? Now's your chance! Pacaya is the perfect spot for first time volcano adventurers — start the day with a short (but steep!) hike to reach the dried lava flows at the base of the volcano before enjoying time exploring the martian-like landscape. Try roasting marshmallows over a heat vent or climb your way through one of the lava tubes carved out by molten rock. There may not be any visible lava flows, but the sheer size and force of Pacaya is something you'll be talking about for years to come.

Sarapiqui River Rafting - From $779.00

Duck, dodge, and paddle your way down the Sarapiqui River on this class 3 rafting trip. We like to call this section of the river "The Jungle Run" - don't miss the monkeys, iguanas and other amazing Costa Rican wildlife while you fly down the rolling rapids. Try and keep up while your guide directs the rafts and calls out directions... "Paddle Hard!" "Right Paddle!" "Back Paddle!" "Get Down!".

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a ¿ìÓ¯v3 group tour.

Central America in Seven Countries: Mexico to Costa Rica

| 32 days - Playa del Carmen to San José - from $18164 HKD