Itinerary
- Day 1
Playa del Carmen
You'll touch down in Playa del Carmen and check into your hotel to get settled. Once you've had time to freshen up, the group gathers for a welcome dinner at 7pm to meet everyone before things get going tomorrow.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner)
- Day 2
Playa del Carmen - Chichen Itza
A local guide takes you out to Chichen Itza, walking through the Temple of Kukulkan, Platform of the Skulls, and Plaza of a Thousand Columns while explaining the history behind it all. You'll cool off with a swim in a natural cenote afterward, then return to Playa del Carmen.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Chichen Itza archaeological site
- Swimming at a cenote
Landmarks Chichen Itza Temple of Kukulkan Platform of the Skulls Plaza of a Thousand Columns 
- Day 3
Playa del Carmen - Tulum
The day in Tulum is yours to decide. Either check out the archaeological ruins or spend time on Tulum Beach where the water's clear and warm. Back in Playa del Carmen for the evening, you'll have dinner and drinks featuring local cuisine and tequila.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner and drinks with tequila shots and avocado)
Included Activities
- Tulum day trip
- Access to Tulum Ruins or Tulum Beach
Landmarks Tulum Ruins Tulum Beach 
- Day 4
Playa del Carmen - Bacalar
You'll travel south through the Yucatan to Bacalar, known for its bright blue lagoon. After settling into your accommodation, a boat ride takes you out on the water, you jump in for a swim, and then grab a beer while taking in the views.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sunset boat trip on Bacalar Lagoon
Landmarks Bacalar Lagoon - Day 5
Bacalar - Caye Caulker
Head across the border into Belize and catch a short ferry to Caye Caulker. Drop your bags at the hotel, which is just a minute's walk from the beach, then head straight to the sand. Later, watch the sunset with the group from the other side of the island.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry to Caye Caulker
Landmarks Caye Caulker 
- Day 6
Caye Caulker
You'll snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve with multiple stops along the barrier reef to see fish and corals, and you might spot manatees if it's the right season. Dinner features fresh fish served with Caribbean curry sauce.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Caribbean cuisine with fresh fish and Caribbean curry sauce)
Included Activities
- Boat journey to Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Snorkelling at barrier reef stops
- Opportunity to spot manatees (seasonal)
Landmarks Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Day 7
Caye Caulker
This day is completely yours. Head to the beach for sun, or check out the Split, the island's famous hangout spot with music and drinks. You can also paddleboard or snorkel if you want to stay active, or simply float in the water with a cocktail.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Paddle boarding
- Snorkelling
Landmarks Caye Caulker Split - Day 8
Caye Caulker - Flores
Leave the island and drive through Belize, stopping at a local Mayan village to prepare and eat a traditional meal while learning about the area's history. After crossing into Guatemala, you'll continue on to Flores and check into your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Mayan meal prepared together)
Included Activities
- Mayan cooking class in Belize
Landmarks Flores - Day 9
Flores - Tikal
An expert local guide leads you deep into the jungle to explore Tikal. You'll see the Lost World Pyramid and the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, walking through one of the largest pre-Columbian archaeological sites. You're back in Flores by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided Tikal ruins visit
Landmarks Tikal Mundo Perdido Pyramid Temple of the Grand Jaguar - Day 10
Flores - Coban
Travel south toward the highlands and stop to explore the Candelaria Caves, an 80 km cave system significant in Mayan culture. After walking through the caves, you'll head to Coban at the edge of the highlands.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Candelaria Caves exploration
Landmarks Candelaria Caves - Day 11
Coban
Four-wheel drive vehicles take you up winding mountain roads with views on both sides. You'll hike into the jungle to find a bright blue river flowing through the mountains with natural pools. Stop at a traditional Mayan home for lunch, then return to Coban.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at a traditional Mayan home)
Included Activities
- 4x4 highland drive
- Jungle hike
- Semuc Champey & river tubing
Landmarks Semuc Champey - Day 12
Coban - Panajachel
Drive south through the highlands with a stop in Chichicastenango to see one of Central America's largest markets. Continue to Panajachel right on Lake Atitlan, where you can spend time by the water and see the volcanoes surrounding the lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Market exploration in Chichicastenango
Landmarks Lake Atitlan Chichicastenango 
- Day 13
Panajachel - San Juan La Laguna
A local boat takes you across Lake Atitlan with views from the water. First stop is San Marcos, a relaxed town with a nature reserve and swimming. Then on to San Juan where you'll stay with a Mayan family, share a traditional dinner, and practice Spanish and Mayan phrases.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional dinner with Mayan family)
Included Activities
- Local Mayan homestay in San Juan La Laguna
- Boat travel across Lake Atitlán
Landmarks San Marcos San Juan La Laguna - Day 14
San Juan La Laguna - Antigua
Before dawn, you'll hike up Mayan Face Mountain for a moonlit start. Reach the summit for sunrise with views over Lake Atitlan, have hot cocoa from local guides, and eat breakfast with your host families before heading to Antigua.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast with local families)
Included Activities
- Mayan Face (Indian Nose) hike with guide
Landmarks Mayan Face Mountain 
- Day 15
Antigua
The morning includes a briefing about tomorrow's volcano hike. Then a guided walk takes you through Antigua's colonial center to see Spanish architecture, cafes, and restaurants. The afternoon is free to explore on your own and take photos.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Antigua walking tour
Landmarks Antigua - Day 16
Antigua - Acatenango Volcano
You'll lace up your boots and climb Acatenango Volcano through steep, rugged terrain. After several hours, you'll reach the summit where the air gets thin and clouds surround you. At basecamp for the night, you'll have views of Volcan Fuego where you might see eruptions light up the sky.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- 2 day Acatenango Volcano trek with guides
Optional Activities
- Traditional chocolate-making experience in Antigua (alternative for those not hiking)
Landmarks Acatenango Volcano Volcan Fuego 
- Day 17
Acatenango - Antigua
Descend from the volcano and head back to Antigua. After cleaning up, spend the afternoon exploring the streets again to catch anything you missed. End with a final dinner and drinks in Guatemala before flying to Costa Rica tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Final dinner and drinks in Guatemala)
- Day 18
Antigua - San Jose
You'll leave Guatemala and fly to San Jose, Costa Rica. Depending on your arrival time, explore the capital and visit museums to learn about the country. Gather with the group for your first Costa Rican dinner and meet new travelers joining the tour here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (First dinner in Costa Rica)
Included Activities
- Included flight to San Jose
Optional Activities
- Museum visits in San Jose
Landmarks San Jose 
- Day 19
San Jose - Sarapiqui
Start with a walking tour of San Jose to see the city's architecture and parks. Then head into the lowlands of Sarapiqui and stop at Pierella Butterfly Garden set in tropical gardens. Take time walking through this peaceful sanctuary to see the diverse butterflies and wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- San Jose walking tour
- Pierella Butterfly Garden visit
Landmarks Pierella Butterfly Garden 
- Day 20
Sarapiqui
Hit the water with white-water rafting through vibrant rainforest scenery. After lunch, slow things down with a guided tour to see leaf-cutter ants and how they shape the ecosystem. When night falls, head out on a guided walk to spot frogs, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal creatures.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- White water rafting in Sarapiqui
- Lunch
- Fascinating leaf cutter ant tour
- La Fortuna guided night-time jungle walk
- Day 21
Sarapiqui - La Fortuna
Travel toward La Fortuna with a stop at a local family-run organic farm. Learn how fresh produce grows and gets harvested, then sit down for a home-cooked casado lunch. After coffee, continue on to La Fortuna where the Arenal region waits.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Home-cooked casado lunch with locally grown coffee)
Included Activities
- Local farm visit and home-cooked casado lunch
Landmarks La Fortuna - Day 22
La Fortuna
Start with a visit to a waterfall where the jungle frames a powerful cascade dropping into a cool pool. Head to El Salto pools for a refreshing swim. Later, soak in natural hot springs with warm mineral water beneath the rainforest canopy.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- La Fortuna Waterfall visit
- El Salto pools swim
- Natural hot springs
Landmarks La Fortuna Waterfall El Salto Pools - Day 23
La Fortuna
Hike across hanging bridges that wind through the jungle canopy with elevated views of the rainforest. Keep an eye out for Costa Rica's wildlife and plants. The afternoon is yours to relax or, if you want more thrills, ziplining through the treetops is available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided hanging bridges walk in the jungles of La Fortuna
Optional Activities
- Ziplining through the treetops
- Day 24
La Fortuna - Samara
Travel toward Samara, a laid-back coastal town with palm-fringed beaches and calm water. Arrive and start to settle into the relaxed pace. Spend the afternoon however you like, playing beach volleyball, soaking up sun, or sipping drinks by the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Samara Beach 
- Day 25
Samara
Local instructors teach you surfing in the morning, sharing their knowledge of the local waters. Later, switch to dance shoes for a salsa class where you'll learn the rhythms and moves tied to Costa Rican culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Surf lesson
- Salsa class in Samara
- Day 26
Samara
This day is entirely yours. Try a yoga session if that appeals, or pick something more active like another surf lesson or sea kayaking with snorkeling. Otherwise, simply relax by the sea with a cold drink and soak up the sunshine.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Yoga session
- Surf lesson
- Sea kayaking with snorkelling
- Day 27
Samara - Esterillos
Spend the morning in Samara soaking up the sun. In the afternoon, drive south to Esterillos with dinner along the way and scenic views. Arrive in the evening, check in, and settle in for another day exploring Costa Rica's coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner along the way with scenic views)
- Day 28
Esterillos - Manuel Antonio National Park
Visit Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica's most visited national park. Keep your camera ready for the jungle and beautiful beaches. Watch for sloths and monkeys in this tropical setting. Explore the jungle trails, then head to the park's beaches for sun and relaxation before returning to Esterillos.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Manuel Antonio National Park entrance and exploration
Landmarks Manuel Antonio National Park - Day 29
Esterillos - San Jose
Leave the coast and drive back to San Jose. Stop along the way for a hands-on cacao-making experience where you'll learn about the tree's importance in Costa Rican history and naturally, sample fresh chocolate. Gather tonight for a farewell meal and drinks, toasting to your time in Costa Rica.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell meal and drinks)
Included Activities
- Cacao-making experience and chocolate sampling
- Day 30
San Jose
Your tour ends today. You can head out this morning and make your own way to the airport or your next destination. Your tour leader is available to help you plan travel arrangements if you need assistance.
- Meals
- Breakfast
