Tour of Guatemala and Costa Rica

Welcome! You are warmly welcomed to Guatemala. We have not planned any activities for today until our welcome meeting at 6:00 PM. If you arrive early, we invite you to discover all that Antigua has to offer, from its colorful buildings and curved arches to the smoking volcanoes of Pacaya, Agua, and Jumaytepeque. For chocolate lovers, the first stop should be the ChocoMuseo, where you'll get a history lesson and, even more exciting, participate in a chocolate-making workshop. In 1773, the city of Antigua was devastated by an earthquake, but many buildings have been restored and are fascinating to explore on foot. This evening, we recommend trying a tamale (a local dish served in a corn leaf) or a pepian (a rich and meaty stew), then it's definitely time for a mojito.

Today we will start our journey early by crossing the Guatemalan border, heading towards our next stop, Cerro Verde, in El Salvador. From gentle hills to majestic mountains, enjoy the view of the world passing by from your private vehicle, as we traverse lush volcanic landscapes and vast mountainous terrains. Take advantage of the trip to learn some Spanish words with an informal lesson offered by your guide. We will arrive at Cerro Verde in the afternoon, leaving you the rest of the day to spend as you like.

Today is the day to savor the local cuisine and enjoy the fresh air! You might consider a visit to the Santa Ana volcano crater for a breathtaking view of Lake Coatepeque, Juayua, and the Izalco volcano. Or, instead of admiring the view from the crater, why not take a refreshing dip in Lake Coatepeque? There are plenty of activities to fill your free time in one of the most fascinating national parks of El Salvador. El Salvador is also known for its pupusas (a flatbread made from corn flour, often filled with ingredients like cheese, fried pork, or refried beans), and tonight you'll have the opportunity to watch a demonstration of how pupusas are made, and then you can taste them yourself! What a treat!

This morning, we will continue south in a private vehicle, crossing the capital, San Salvador, until we reach San Miguel. We will rest under the shade of Chaparrastique, an active volcano that serves as a backdrop to this vibrant city. San Miguel, after overcoming a devastating earthquake in 1917, has been renewed to become one of the largest and most populous cities in the country. In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to explore the city on foot, take a dip in the Cuevas de Moncagua or find a cozy place to dine and spend time with some new travel companions.

We quickly bid farewell to Honduras and say goodbye as we cross two borders to reach the 'land of lakes and volcanoes' - Nicaragua, or Nica as it's locally called. The journey will be absolutely worth it when we are welcomed into the artistic and sophisticated city of León. After the journey, why not recharge with some traditional Nicaraguan dishes like gallo pinto, a hearty combination of rice and beans considered a national symbol, or quesillo, a cheese delight made of corn tortillas, pickled onion, and sour cream. León, home to one of the oldest universities in Central America, is known as a 'university city' and stands out for its youthful, fun atmosphere and its nightlife. Why not join us tonight for an optional salsa lesson?

Today we will have the opportunity to take an orientation walk in León with our guide. Afterwards, you will have the freedom to explore on your own. You might consider visiting the Basílica de la Asunción, the largest cathedral in Central America, or take a tour at the Museo Histórico de la Revolución to learn about the revolutionaries who fought for their country's freedom. A unique option could be to go sandboarding on the volcanoes, an experience you can only have here. If you're feeling hungry, why not enjoy a breakfast with scrambled eggs and gallo pinto before taking some local buses to Granada? This city, founded in 1524 and characterized by colorful architecture, is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes.

Today we will start the day with a special breakfast at Cafe de las Sonrisas, a charming place run by a team of deaf people. The cafe owner aims to make a difference and motivate other entrepreneurs to provide job opportunities to local people with disabilities. Later, you will have the freedom to discover Granada, one of the most well-preserved cities in Central America. You might choose to take a guided tour of the city, explore the markets, or stroll along the cobblestone streets, capturing the colorful buildings with your camera. If you love adventure, you have the option to rent a kayak and navigate through the islets of Lake Nicaragua, hire a bicycle and reach the Laguna de Apoyo (a 200-year-old lake located in a forest crater), or hike along the crater trail of Mombacho Volcano. For an authentic cultural experience, the city of Masaya, known as the 'City of Flowers', offers a wide variety of folk entertainment, from marimba music to street theater. This evening, you might choose to spend time along Calle la Calzada, where you can enjoy a drink at one of the many open-air bars and enjoy performances by various street artists.

Today, we invite you to join us on a local bus journey to Rivas. From there, we will take a taxi to the San Jorge ferry port. A one-hour ferry ride across Lake Nicaragua awaits us, the largest in Central America and the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world, to the island of Ometepe. Upon our arrival, we will head to our hotel. The hourglass-shaped island of Ometepe was formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua (Ometepe literally means 'two volcanoes' in the Nahuatl language). Its deep jungle is home to exotic wildlife such as monkeys and parrots. You can relax on the shore watching fishermen return from a long day on the water with their catch or venture on a hike to a nearby waterfall.

Take advantage of a free day in this paradise to explore the island of Ometepe at your leisure. You might decide to hike to the top of Maderas volcano, but remember, at 1394 meters above sea level, it won't be a simple stroll. Perhaps you'd prefer to relax in the natural springs, sunbathe on the beach, or discover the island's petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings). If you love watermelon, coffee, bananas, and citrus fruits, you're in the right place, with a wide range of delicious fresh fruits to enjoy. Tonight, make your way to Los Ramos, an indigenous community nestled between the island's volcanoes, for a cooking class. Learn the traditional techniques used to prepare Nicaraguan dishes like nacatamales (a snack often filled with meat and steamed in banana leaves) and then enjoy a meal with others.

Today, we will set out on a journey towards San Juan del Sur, a quiet surfer town on the southwest coast of Nicaragua, using ferry and public bus. Despite the beach that stretches along the city's horseshoe-shaped bay not being ideal for swimming, we won't have to go far to discover beautiful golden beaches that boast waves all year round. We will have some free time today to get to know this charming town better.

Immerse yourself in a day of total freedom, exploring the vibrant coastal landscapes of San Juan del Sur. This location offers a wide range of activities for those who love action. You might decide to rent a surfboard and spend the day riding the waves at nearby beaches like Playa Maderas or Playa Marsella. Alternatively, you could head south to the La Flor reserve, where you'll have the chance to observe sea turtles such as the olive ridley, the hawksbill, the leatherback, and the green turtle nesting between July and November. A majestic statue of Christ, the largest in Central America, stands on a cliff overlooking the bay. Why not take a walk up to the top to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Pacific? As evening falls, the town offers a variety of high-quality bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with friends.

We bid farewell to Nicaragua and continue our journey southward to Costa Rica this morning. We take a bus to the border and then travel by private vehicle to Monteverde. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers - these environmentally conscious settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Cloud forests are similar to rainforests, but instead derive their moisture from a semi-permanent cloud cover that envelops the region. The constant mist in the forest makes it feel like a disco, but with less bass and more fresh air. This is truly a paradise for us nature lovers! More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species, and 100 mammal species call Monteverde home - let's make sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the world's most elusive birds.

Today, you have the unique opportunity to explore the Monteverde Reserve. This adventure is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure to bring your adventurous spirit, a pair of sturdy shoes, and get ready to challenge the dizzying heights. You can embark on a hike through the cloud forest, explore the area on a mountain bike, or soar above the canopy with a zip-line tour. An alternative is a tour along a series of suspension bridges, which will take you 40 meters above the jungle. You have the option to explore the park on your own or to organize a tour with a local guide, who will be more than happy to share their knowledge. For an up-close encounter with some animals, visit the butterfly gardens, the insect gardens, or the serpentarium. Lastly, there are several cooperatives in the local communities that are definitely worth a visit.

We continue our journey through Costa Rica, taking the scenic route to La Fortuna. We travel in a comfortable shared minibus to Lake Arenal, then cross it by boat. On a clear day, breathtaking views of the surrounding area await us. After crossing the lake, we get back on the minibus and head towards our destination. La Fortuna is a charming little town located just minutes away from Costa Rica's most famous volcano, Arenal. During our stay, we might take the opportunity to take some pictures of the volcano reflecting in the lake.

Today, we have a series of exciting optional activities for you. You could choose to participate in a guided nature tour through the lush forest surrounding the Arenal Volcano, in search of unique flora and fauna. Alternatively, you might prefer a walk along a series of hanging bridges. Don't miss the chance to admire the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, which is 70 meters high, or to try water sports on the lake, such as paddleboarding. Thanks to volcanic activity, the area is home to several hot springs, a perfect way to relax immersed in nature. Alternatively, a river safari along the Celeste River will give you the opportunity to observe lizards, crocodiles, and tropical birds in their natural habitat.

This morning, we will board a local bus headed to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Located in the fertile Central Valley, where more than half of the country's population lives, San Jose is renowned for its bustling markets, fascinating museums, and a vibrant atmosphere. A great starting point for our exploration will be the central square. Let's not miss the chance to visit the Gold Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of indigenous gold art. If we're in the mood for shopping, we can head to the Municipal Artisans Market or the city's Central Market, where we might find everything from handmade crafts to seafood. This afternoon, we might want to gather for a farewell dinner (or a margarita) and say a warm muchas gracias to our journey in Central America.

Today, your exploration of Central America comes to an end and we have not planned any activities. Given the abundance of attractions and activities in San Jose and its surroundings, we suggest you extend your stay for a few days to fully enjoy the city. If you are interested in extending your visit, please discuss it in advance with your booking agent.