Real Guatemala to Costa Rica

17 Days | A wildlife-rich paradise brimming with active volcanoes, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles.

5 out of 5 based on 12 reviews submitted.
18 to 29s
From
USD $1,575
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 29 year olds

From the Guatemalan highlands to the cloud forests of Costa Rica and all the adventure towns and surf spots in between, roll through four Central American countries for a taste of what this incredibly diverse region is plating up. From tropical forests alive with jungle melodies to vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes, this pocket of Central America is pure, unrefined paradise. Whether you’re gazing over a volcanic crater in Cerro Verde, spotting colourful birds perched on the colonial facades of Granada, standing in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano or spotting sloths among the canopy of Monteverde Cloud Forest – this trip through Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica is perfect for those who like their adventures 'la forma natural'.

Trip overview

Map of Real Guatemala To Costa Rica including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua
Start
Antigua, Guatemala
Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
Theme
18 to 29s
Destinations
Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 29
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QBYJ
This trip generates 20.97 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Responsible travel

You book, we donate to help support local communities


Why you'll love this trip
  • Oh, Central America, what a land. Get a taste of four different countries on an epic Latin adventure that takes in the sights and offers a whole heap of optional activities too.
  • Cerro Verde is waiting to be explored. Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of El Salvador’s most beautiful national parks – get up close and personal at a volcano crater or take the plunge in a pristine lake. The choice is yours!
  • Island life doesn’t get much better than Ometepe in Nicaragua – volcanoes, wildlife-rich rainforest, stunning beaches, ancient rock carvings, and a massive lake are all on your plate.
  • Central America likes to keep you on your toes – hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica and commune with nature in one of the world’s most incredible landscapes.
  • Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna is unbe-lava-ble. Go with the flow and let off some stream with hikes, waterfalls, watersports, and hot springs in the shadow of this giant.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves some long travel days, and while travelling between some locations on local transport on this trip can be hard, it’s super rewarding and a great way to meet the locals.
  • You’ll be crossing the borders between five countries on this trip and, while it is usually straightforward, you may need to be patient. Make sure you’ve got your best car game ready if there are any delays!
  • Central America is tropical, so expect a hot and humid climate. Make sure you protect yourself from the sun, wear comfortable, light clothing and stay hydrated – especially when out on walking tours. Air conditioning may not always be available in your rooms. Occasionally, properties may require an additional charge for the use of air conditioning.
  • There are many opportunities to get active on this adventure. Some of the optional activities, especially the volcano hikes, require a moderate level of fitness and sturdy walking shoes. Want to take it easy? There are plenty of other things you can do instead.
  • It’s a good idea to try and brush up on as many Spanish words as you can. While locals are really friendly, they’re also shy, so knowing some local lingo is a great way to break the ice and show you care.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Real Guatemala To Costa Rica including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Taxi, Shared boat, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Camping (2 nights), Multishare Hotel (2 nights), Multishare Hostel (2 nights)

Activities
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Cerro Verde - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
  • Leon - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Granada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
  • Los Ramos Community - Cooking Class
  • Monteverde - Leader-led orientation walk
  • La Fortuna - Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Jose - Orientation Walk
Add on activities
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ225
  • Cerro Verde- Coatepeque Lake – (transportation, entrance fee, hotsprings, guide) - USD50
  • Cerro Verde- Santa Ana Volcano Crater – (Entrance fee, guide, lunch) - USD30
  • Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding - USD45
  • Granada - Laguna Apoyo kayaking tour - USD30
  • Granada - Kayak rental (per day) - NIO913
  • Granada - Masaya Volcano at night (Viewpoint for the Lava Lake at Santiago Crater) - NIO1600
  • Ometepe - Concepcion Volcano hike - USD45
  • Ometepe - Maderas Volcano hike - USD45
  • Ometepe - Ojo de Agua natural spring (entrance fee) - USD25
  • Ometepe - Petroglyphs - USD25
  • San Juan del Sur - Surf Board Hire - USD20
  • San Juan del Sur - La Flor Beach Reserve - USD6
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance - USD25
  • Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD50
  • Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD62
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD45
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD35
  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD21
  • La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD45
  • La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD18
  • La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Hike - USD88
  • La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD80
  • La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD75
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD11

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. This is an 18-29s departure.
2. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Antigua. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time. 
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 8 & 9 (Ometepe Island) and Days 10 & 11 (San Juan del Sur) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Please be careful when booking flights to Antigua; make sure you fly into Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights to Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
5. Please be careful when booking flights from San Jose; make sure you fly out of Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.
6. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.
7. As per updated Nicaragua entry requirements, customers are currently required to supply a copy of their passport front page to their booking agent no later than 15 days prior to departure.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 12 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Rose · Traveled July 2023
Review submitted 04 Aug 2023

Sydney · Traveled July 2023
Fantastic trip! Best time of my life! Choko is an incredible tour guide! Went on this trip because I was struggling with my mental health. I don’t think I’d ever been happier than I was on this trip. It’s so worth every penny!
Review submitted 07 Aug 2023

Matthew · Traveled July 2023
As someone who had always managed my own travelling trips, intrepid exceeded all my expectations. I enjoyed the pace and how the logistics and decision making was made effortless. The tour guide (chokko) made the trip super memorable and fun. I’d recommend to all my friends!
Review submitted 06 Aug 2023

Grace · Traveled June 2023
Really enjoyed our Central America trip, it was great to be in a group with a guide to help show us things we wouldn’t have seen otherwise and to guide us through stuff such as border crossings with ease, would definitely recommend!
Review submitted 03 Jul 2023

Niall · Traveled May 2023
If you’re looking for an amazing and engaging tour of Central America look no further than Intrepid. And with tour leader Chokko at the helm, the only disappointment of the trip will be reluctantly getting on the plane back home!
Review submitted 20 May 2023
Real Guatemala to Costa Rica
From
USD $1,575