43 Day itinerary in Costa Rica, Central America & Caribbean
Embark on an unforgettable journey from San Jose to Mexico City with Bamba’s expertly crafted travel experience. Delight in pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant local markets on this scenic adventure. Savor authentic cuisine, explore lush jungles, and immerse yourself in rich cultures.... Read More
By Bamba Travel Inc
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Get your adrenaline running with a Canopy zip-line tour in Monteverde
Visit the magnificent archaeological sites of Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico
Get the chance to experience snorkelling with sharks and rays
Get your adrenaline running with a Canopy zip-line tour in Monteverde
Visit the magnificent archaeological sites of Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico
Get the chance to experience snorkelling with sharks and rays
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose Bites & Sights Experience
Departure Time: 9:00, 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.
Your San Jose food tour starts with a morning pick-up point, where you can get to know your local guide and relax into your surroundings. From here you’ll take a stroll through the park, enjoying the views of the Yellow House, or Foreign Ministry, as you go, and learning more about the park itself, which is the oldest in the city and also known as Expression Park. You’ll visit a number of landmarks in this area, including the National Liquor Factory and the Metal Building, two 19th century buildings that play an important role in the history of San Jose. Your guide will give you all the local knowledge about what these landmarks mean to the city, and its citizens, giving you exclusive insights in what makes San Jose tick.
Your San Jose walking tour continues through Parque Nacional for yet another taste of San Jose’s rich history, before you head back into contemporary Costa Rican life and towards the Central Market. While seeing the sights and architectural gems of San Jose will help you get to know the city better, on this tour you’ll use another sense – taste – to get you even more in tune with San Jose.
There’s no better place in San Jose to experience the local cuisine than the Central Market, a 120-year old building full to the brim with typical Costa Rican food and drink. Here you can sample local delicacies, learn about the herbs used in local medicines, or simply sip on your second rich and smooth Costa Rican coffee of the day. The Central Market is an experience that no visitor the San Jose should miss, and with a local guide by your side you’ll unearth all the secrets behind this San Jose treasure.
The Central Market will be the last stop on this San Jose tour, and by the end you’ll be full of local knowledge (and perhaps even some local lingo!), giving you the full San Jose experience that is sure to be a highlight of your time in this vibrant city.
Meals: Snacks
Day 2: Monteverde, Costa Rica
San Jose to Monteverde
Type: Shuttle
Time: 07:00, 14:15
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Transfer from San Jose to MonteverdeYou will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Monteverde, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 3: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde Canopy Zip-line
Departure Time: 8:00, 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 4: Liberia, Costa Rica
Monteverde to Liberia
Type: Shuttle
Time: 09:00
Duration: 4 Hours
Transfer from Monteverde to LiberiaYou will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Liberia, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 5: Liberia, Costa Rica
Free Day
Day 6: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Liberia to San Juan del Sur
Type: Shuttle
Time: 09:00
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from Liberia to San Juan del SurYou will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to San Juan del Sur, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 7: Granada, NI, Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur to Granada
Type: Shuttle
Time: 09:30
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Transfer from San Juan del Sur to Granada, NIYou 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: Leon, NI, Nicaragua
Granada to Leon
Type: Shuttle
Time: 12:00
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from Granada, NI to Leon, NIDay 10: 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: Snacks
Day 11: El Tunco, El Salvador
Leon to El Tunco
Type: Shuttle
Time: 01:30
Duration: 10.5 Hours
Transfer from Leon, NI to El TuncoDay 12: El Tunco, El Salvador
Free Day
Day 13: Copan, Honduras
El Tunco to Copan
Type: Shuttle
Time: 04:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from El Tunco to CopanDay 14: 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 15: Antigua, Guatemala
Copan to Antigua
Type: Shuttle
Time: 11:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from Copan to AntiguaDay 16: 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.)
We recommend wearing comfortable trekking shoes and bringing a flash light and a walking stick (or rent one for a few dollars from local kids before you start your hike). It gets dark and steep on the mountain if you are going up in the afternoon. If you are travelling during rainy season bring a raincoat or poncho... you will definitely need it! Bring bottled water for the trek and some extra cash to buy snacks afterwards or pack a few power bars in your day pack to take with you.
Day 17: Panajachel, Guatemala
Antigua to Panajachel
Type: Shuttle
Time: 12:00
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from Antigua to PanajachelDay 18: San Jorge La Laguna, Guatemala
Maya Homestay Experience 2D/1N with Maya Communities Lake Tour
Home Stay in San Jorge La Laguna (D)
Upon arrival at Avenida Santander Zona 2 (next to Hotel Dos Mundos), you will be given instructions on how to take a public bus from Panajachel to reach the village where your host family lives, San Jorge La Laguna.
The home stay will give you a genuine insight into the everyday lives of a local family during your trip by staying one or more more nights with a family from the Kakchiquel Indigenous group in San Jorge La Laguna. Maya Experience Home Stays has started this home stay program in the village to give something back to the communities around Lake Atitlan, and also to give you a very genuine experience of living with a Maya local family to experience their culture and customs. This experience is very new to the village and families who welcome foreigners into their homes. As a responsible traveler, we as guests must be aware of and sensitive to the culture by behaving respectfully during our time with the family and in the village.
Although shy at first, the villagers are very friendly and welcoming people. Make sure you ask permission to take photos of the people in the village since the Mayan community commonly believes a photograph will steal their soul. You will most likely find the housing situation in San Jorge La Laguna rather basic but the reason for partcipating in this home stay is to enjoy a real insight into Guatemala, so you can experience the culture firsthand and interact with the local community on a personal basis. We hope that you enjoy this very unique experience.
A small gift for the family would be a nice gesture of appreciation for the family welcoming you into their home. Cooking or kitchen materials such as pasta, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables or kitchen utensils are very much appreciated ($3 USD per person approx). Other materials from your home country or children's books (coloring, basic English, workbooks, almanacs) would be a great addition to the family library.
Meals: Dinner
Day 19: Panajachel, Guatemala
Maya Homestay Experience 2D/1N with Maya Communities Lake Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 20: Lanquin, Guatemala
Panajachel to Lanquin
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from Panajachel to LanquinDay 21: Lanquin, Guatemala
Semuc Champey & Kanba Caves Tour
Departure Time: 09:00
Duration: 10 hrs
Take a hike through the mysterious caves of Kanba (activity at your own risk) which are filled with extraordinary limestone formations distributed among an endless stretch of different chambers (so far, the end of the cave system has not yet been discovered) housing a sharp pointed rock altar where ancient Maya once performed sacred rituals. The Maya people of Guatemala continue holding spiritual ceremonies here and believe that the cave is the "heart of heaven" where the secrets of many centuries are held.
Enjoy some free time to swim and go river tubing in the crystalline waters of Semuc Champey where there are natural pools filled with fresh mountain spring water above a 300-meter long limestone bridge. Flowing underneath the bridge is the Cahabón River where you will have time to swim in the cool waters in a beautiful natural surrounding immersed in native flora and fauna. At the end of the bridge you will visit waterfalls over 40-feet in height where the water from the pools rejoins the Cahabon River. The color of the water is constantly changing depending on factors such as the season, sun and rainfall, a characteristic of the national park that makes this place an idyllic and awe-inspiring setting to experience and take photographs.
Day 22: Flores, Guatemala
Lanquin to Flores
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00
Duration: 9 Hours
Transfer from Lanquin to FloresDay 23: Flores, Guatemala
Tikal Early Morning Day Tour
Departure Time: 04:30, 06:00, 08:00
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Depart Flores at 4:30 am this morning for your early morning experience to Tikal archaeological site. Walk among giant pyramids towering over 200 feet at dawn to feel the magical vibration of Tikal and its historic splendor. Listen to the jungle sounds of exotic birds, monkeys and small mammals and feel the humid jungle air on your skin as the Maya inhabitants of this site felt it 2000 years ago. Immerse yourself in the jungle at dawn for an early morning tour through the archaeological site to experience the jungle come alive as it wakes up at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in touch with nature and marvel at the majestic pyramids hidden away in the jungle.
This magical ancient city is teeming with native flora and fauna. If you are lucky you may be able to spot a jaguar walking leisurely through the park, although large numbers of visitors have caused the wildlife to move further into the jungle away from the noise. Howler monkeys here are famous for their loud growling sounds which may surprise you from a tree top overhead. Keep an eye out for colorful birds throughout the park such as toucan, parrots, eagles and quetzals.
Tucked away in the vast Peten Region that covers 222 square miles of lush jungle in the northwest corner of Guatemala lie the ruins of the most magnificent archaeological site and important Maya citadel in Mesoamerica. Tikal National Park, declared as a UN World Heritage Site in 1979, is the largest excavated archaeological site on the American continents and is one of the most important natural reserves of Central America.
It is known that Tikal, meaning “Place of Voices” in Maya, was one of the most powerful cities of their era covering more than 16 square kilometers and dominating other tribes in the surrounding region as well as interacting with neighboring cultures as far as Teotihuacan in the Valle de Mexico. The site was estimated to house between 10,000 - 90,000 inhabitants before being abruptly abandoned over 1000 years ago.
*If you prefer, you can purchase your entrance tickets at any Banrural bank in Flores the day before the tour to avoid waiting in line.
Day 24: Belize City, Belize
Flores to Belize City
Type: Shuttle
Time: 06:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from Flores to Belize CityDay 25: Caye Caulker, Belize
Belize City to Caye Caulker
Type: Ferry
Time: 16:30, 17:30
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Transfer from Belize City to Caye CaulkerDay 26: Caye Caulker, Belize
Snorkel with Sharks & Rays
Departure Time: 10:30, 13:30
Duration: 3 hrs
Discover the unparalleled natural beauty of Belize's marine life with a snorkeling experience that you will never forget. On this half-day tour in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, you will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel along the reef in complete serenity. Navigate through mazes of pristine coral reef among schools of tropical fish, and even get the chance to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. See all this and more at three different snorkeling stops along the magnificent local reef of Caye Caulker.Day 27: Chetumal, Mexico
Caye Caulker to Chetumal via San Pedro
Type: Ferry
Time: 12:45
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from Caye Caulker to ChetumalDay 28: Bacalar, Mexico
Chetumal to Bacalar
Type: Bus
Time: 7:30:00 AM, 08:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 14:30, 18:30
Duration: 1 Hours
Transfer from Chetumal to BacalarDay 29: Tulum, Mexico
Bacalar to Tulum
Type: Bus
Time: 07:20, 08:20, 09:20, 11:20, 12:20, 14:20, 15:20, 16:20, 17:20, 19:20
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Transfer from Bacalar to TulumDay 30: Tulum, Mexico
Local Community & Cenotes by Bike
Departure Time: 9:00, 15:30
Duration: 4 hrs
Embark on an exciting adventure in the jungle in which we will ride the bicycles to go from one cenote to another! We will meet in Chemuyil, a beautiful town with incredible tranquility, and visit three exclusive cenotes of the local community. Each cenote is unique and special: one of them is a cave-type cenote, another is an open cenote like a natural pool, and the third one is an incredible cenote for underwater photos. From the meeting point to the first cenote is only 5 minutes and from the first cenote to the second is 5 minutes, so all the cenotes are very close to each other!Day 31: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Type: Bus
Time: 08:10, 10:20, 11:20, 11:30, 13:00, 14:20, 15:20, 16:30, 17:35, 18:45, 19:20, 20:20, 21:25, 22:20, 23:57
Duration: 1 Hours
Transfer from Tulum to Playa del CarmenDay 32: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 33: Cancun, Mexico
Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Type: Bus
Time: Every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:10
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Transfer from Playa del Carmen to CancunDay 34: Cancun, Mexico
Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Cancun)
Departure Time: 4:00
Duration: 12 hrs
Embark on a thrilling adventure to the heart of ancient civilization with this breathtaking early morning tour of Chichen Itza. Rise with the sun and beat the crowds as you delve into the rich history of this renowned archaeological site.Day 35: Merida, Mexico
Cancun to Merida
Type: Bus
Time: Every hour from 01:00 to 23:59
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Transfer from Cancun to MeridaDay 36: Merida, Mexico
Enjoy the magic of cenotes by night
Departure Time: 17:00
Duration: 5 hrs
Embark on a journey with us as we explore the hidden wonders of Yucatan at night. We will leave the city of Merida and travel to a small village in the ring of cenotes, where we will have the opportunity to descend into the ancient underground waters of the region. These cenotes are truly magical and offer a chance to disconnect from the world and connect with Mother Earth. You can swim, snorkel, or simply relax and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. We will also visit a traditional Mayan village, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and learn about the rich history and culture of the region. With the provided life jackets and snorkels, you can feel safe and comfortable as you explore these natural wonders. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience of adventure and relaxation.Day 37: Merida, Mexico
Merida to Palenque
Type: Bus (Overnight)
Time: 22:00 23:30
Duration: 9 Hours
Transfer from Merida to PalenqueDay 38: Palenque, Mexico
Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (Palenque to San Cristobal)
Departure Time: 08:00
Duration: 14 hrs
You will be picked up early in the morning and transferred to the Palenque ruins. You will have a couple of hours to visit these beautiful ruins hidden in the jungle own your own. Then you will be transferred to Misol-ha where you will spend 45 minutes. The last stop will be at Agua Azul where you will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to freely explore this beautiful area. After seeing these 3 beautiful attractions, you will be transferred to San Cristobal which is about a 4-5 hour drive, so be prepared for a VERY LONG but VERY EXCITING and BEAUTIFUL DAY AS WELL.Day 39: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
Local & Sustainable Foodie Experience
Departure Time: 13:00
Duration: 2 hrs
Mexican food is varied, as is the diversity of its culture. The best experiences are meaningful when the senses are nurtured. In Chiapas, traditional cuisine is recreated with the ingredients that walkers of history brought with them and mixed with local ingredients to create delicious gastronomic dishes. First we will give you an introduction to the meaning of party dishes in Chiapas and their special ingredients. You will be able to taste a dish from the Chiapas culinary options' menu. Then, you will taste a Posh Traditional tsotsil, and you will learn about the traditional food of Chiapas, being able to taste an authentic soup from San Cristóbal and a dish based on pork, chicken or vegetarian with the seasoning and secrets of the "Coletas" families. You can taste a Mayan drink to accompany your food. The place you will be taking part in the activity, is a pleasant and light-filled space where fair trade in handicrafts made by indigenous women is also promoted. In addition to providing the inputs with which the dishes are made, they also exhibit here their handicrafts. Language is not a problem, we love learning new words and making friends!Day 40: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
Type: Bus (Overnight)
Time: 11:30, 20:00, 21:20
Duration: 12.5 Hours
Transfer from San Cristobal de las Casas to OaxacaDay 41: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hike through Hierve el Agua
Departure Time: 7:00
Departure Days: Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday
Duration: 9 hrs
Join us on a tour of Hierve el Agua, a popular tourist destination in the Mexican state of Oaxaca known for its tall petrified waterfalls made of carbonated water and natural springs. During the tour, you'll have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear pools, take guided walks through the trails, and learn about the tradition of mezcal making while sampling different flavors. We'll also visit the Zapotec weavers town of Teotitlan del Valle, where skilled artisans use ancient techniques to create and paint stunning rugs inspired by famous artists. Hierve el Agua is located in the Sierra Madre mountain range and is about 50 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca.
Day 42: Mexico City, Mexico
Oaxaca to Mexico City
Type: Bus
Time: 08:00, 09:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30, 21:30, 22:00, 22:15, 22:30. 23:00, 23:15, 23:30, 23:59
Duration: 7 Hours
Transfer from Oaxaca to Mexico CityDay 43: Mexico City, Mexico
Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour
Departure Time: 6:20
Duration: 8 hrs
Embark on a mystical journey to the "City of the Gods," Teotihuacan, before the tour groups from Mexico City arrive. Explore the impressive archaeological site in peace and tranquility as you visit its different structures, squares, and murals, surrounded by a magical and mystical atmosphere.Meals
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