20 Day itinerary in Guatemala, Central America & Caribbean
Embark on an unforgettable Central American adventure from Antigua to San Jose. Discover ancient Mayan ruins, explore volcanic landscapes, and unwind on pristine beaches. This immersive journey offers thrilling activities like zip-lining, authentic cultural experiences, and stunning wildlife encount... Read More
By Bamba Travel Inc
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Backpacking
Start
Night
End
Hike up the Pacaya Volcano slope and trek onto dry lava in Guatemala
Enjoy a boat ride in Lake Nicaragua and see the Islets
Experience homestay with a local family in Ometepe
Hike up the Pacaya Volcano slope and trek onto dry lava in Guatemala
Enjoy a boat ride in Lake Nicaragua and see the Islets
Experience homestay with a local family in Ometepe
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: Antigua, Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano Trek
Departure Time: 14:00
Duration: 8 hrs
Get up close and personal with an active volcano and brag to your friends about it. Hike up the Pacaya Volcano slope fo two hours and then trek onto dry lava that resembles a moon-like landscape. Look up to catch an eruption from the active volcano if you're lucky (depending on the activity of the volcano you may or may not see eruptions or lava). Take unforgettable photos in a landscape so surreal that you feel like you are walking on the moon. Admire the breathtaking landscape and views of neighbouring volcanoes peeking through the clouds around you. Take your time returning to the base of the mountain as you make your way down the slippery, muddy slopes. (Note: Horses can be rented for the trip up and back.)Day 2: Copan, Honduras
Antigua to Copan
Type: Shuttle
Time: 04:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from Antigua to CopanDay 3: Copan, Honduras
Copan Mayan Archaeological Experience
Departure Time: 08:00
Duration: None hrs
At around 8:00 hrs, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation to start your tour of Copan, called the Mayan Paris. For many years, Copán Ruins have been famous for its magnificent Mayan ruins, declared by UNESCO as Archaeological World Heritage Site in 1980. The majestic archaeological site owes this name to what was, at the time, its avant-garde and colourful architecture. After seeing these spectacular ruins on a guided tour, you will continue through the sculpture museum, where you will find a life-size replica of the Rosalila temple. After the tour, you will be dropped back off at your accommodation.Day 4: El Tunco, El Salvador
Copan to El Tunco
Type: Shuttle
Time: 10:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from Copan to El TuncoDay 5: Leon, NI, Nicaragua
El Tunco to Leon
Type: Shuttle
Time: 09:30
Duration: 14 Hours
Transfer from El Tunco to Leon, NIDay 6: Leon (NI), Nicaragua
Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding
Departure Time: 13:00
Duration: 6 hrs
Depart from Leon in the morning for an exciting and breathtaking adventure to nearby Cerro Negro Volcano. Hop on a 4x4 vehicle to reach the base of the volcano and prepare for your hike up to make your ascent to the top. Take in the magical scenery and landscapes from the peak of the volcano that affords sweeping views of the lush surrounding forests and the multi-coloured active crater. Enjoy your ride down the slopes of the volcano on a sled that will bring you to the base of the volcano. Take a moment to catch your breath and relax in nature to recover. Share your photos of this unforgettable experience with your new friends as you make your way back to your hostel.Meals: Dinner, Snacks
Day 7: Granada, NI, Nicaragua
Leon to Granada
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:30
Duration: 4 Hours
Transfer from Leon, NI to Granada, NI
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Granada, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 8: Granada (NI), Nicaragua
Isletas Day Trip
Departure Time: 10:00
Duration: 3 hrs
Start off the day at 03:00 pm with your knowledgeable local guide who will take you to the shore of Lake Nicaragua for a boat ride to see the Islets. Observe a wide variety of flora and fauna such as playful monkeys and colorful birds that inhabit the jungle-covered islets in the lake. Enjoy the scenery and the serene atmosphere as you immerse yourself in nature in this beautiful pristine landscape. Return to your hostel at 06:00 pm and enjoy the rest of the afternoon to yourself to discover the colonial town of Granada.Day 9: San Jorge, Nicaragua
Granada to San Jorge
Type: Shuttle
Time: 12:00
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Transfer from Granada, NI to San JorgeDay 10: Ometepe, Nicaragua
Ometepe Homestay 2D/1N
Transfer to Ometepe (D)
Today, you will board a ferry from San Jorge to Ometepe. Once there, one of our representatives will pick you up and take you to your homestay. Upon arrival, you will have time at your leisure to explore the area.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 11: San Jorge, Nicaragua
Ometepe Homestay 2D/1N
Ometepe Hiking Experience (B)
At around 06:00 we will leave the homestay in Ometepe accompanied by our guide. We will take the main path of the community until we reach the main road, later we will go into a path where we will be able to observe precious wood trees, chaff monkeys, the Concepción Volcano landslide and much more vegetation. We will make various stops along the path and as we go up we will be able to contemplate the impressive view of the island, and we will reach the crater at about 1610 meters above sea level. At this point, we will not be able to stay more than 15 minutes, since the crater is the product of the gases that the volcano emanates and it can be toxic. Then, we will begin the descent. It is important to mention that between the ascent and the descent, it will take us around 8 hours, for those who do not wish to climb to the highest peak, they can stay at the viewpoints that are located on the same path and stay at 300 or 600 meters above sea level, which reduces the time. For this activity it is essential to bring at least 3 liters of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, a scarf to cover your mouth when you reach the crater, long pants (no shorts), a jacket and a flashlight (in case the descent is falling at night). After the hiking experience, you will take the ferry back to San Jorge.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
San Jorge to San Juan del Sur
Type: Shuttle
Time: 14:00
Duration: 1 Hours
Transfer from San Jorge to San Juan del SurDay 13: Liberia, Costa Rica
San Juan del Sur to Liberia
Type: Shuttle
Time: 06:00
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from San Juan del Sur to LiberiaDay 14: Liberia, Costa Rica
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 15: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Liberia to Monteverde
Type: Shuttle
Time: 09:00, 15:00
Duration: 4 Hours
Transfer from Liberia to MonteverdeDay 16: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde Canopy Zip-line
Departure Time: 08:00, 11:00, 14:00
Duration: 3 hrs
Monteverde is a paradise for adventure lovers. You will get your adrenaline running with one of the best Canopy tours (Zipline) of Costa Rica. Swing through the treetops on a zip line tour along 14 different cables. You will feel the excitement on the big Tarzan swing, the 30 meters rappel, the Superman Cable measuring 1 kilometre in length, and the Underground Superman Cable through a 175 meters long tunnel. During the tour, you will observe some beautiful views of the area from the 75-150 meters high cables. To reach the major heights, mix the extreme adventure together with the majestic forest and admire the rich natural beauty of the forest and its treasures. If you're lucky, catch an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua on a clear day. Observe over 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds (including 30 kinds of hummingbirds), tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants (including 420 kinds of orchids) in one of Latin America's most outstanding wildlife reserves. Keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of diverse and beautiful wildlife including the jaguar, ocelot, Baird's tapir, three-wattled bellbird, bare necked umbrella bird and the famous quetzal.Day 17: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00
Duration: 4 Hours
Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel AntonioDay 18: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip
Departure Time: 07:00, 12:00
Duration: 3 hrs
Manuel Antonio is perhaps the most popular national park in all of Costa Rica, attracting more than 160,000 visitors annually to visit its tranquil white sand beaches and turquoise waters tucked away in mangrove swamps in the rainforest. Walking along the main trails that lead you through this majestic forest, you can see over 100 different types of animals, including white-faced monkeys, squirrel monkeys known locally as "mono titi", sloths, coatimundis and howler monkeys along with lizards, iguanas, crabs, marine life and over 180 bird species.Meals: Snacks
Day 19: San Jose, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00, 12:30
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San JoseDay 20: San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose Bites & Sights Experience
Departure Time: 09:00, 11:30
Duration: 4 hrs
On this San Jose tour you’ll get up close and personal with Costa Rican life, through architecture, history, food, and more! Nothing could get you closer to authentic San Jose than strolling through the streets with a local as they show you the ins and outs of daily life. Take a wander through the city with us on this tour that takes typical San Jose and turns it into a local experience you’ll never forget.Meals: Snacks
Accommodation
Meals
Transport
Activities
Not Included
Travel that Makes a Difference
By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.
Let’s regenerate the planet together
We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.
$0 USD