Elife Travel - Latin America Tours - Mexico Tours - Mexico (Southern) Tours - Explorer Tours - In-depth Cultural Tours - Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins

Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins

Name: Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 2634.15 USD
Availability: InStock

-15%

Country:

Mexico

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

5294

Operator:

G Adventures
Length:

32 days
Group size:

18 pax
Age:

18 to 39
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

24.07-24.08.25 guaranteed
11.10-11.11.25 guaranteed
16.10-16.11.25 guaranteed
18.10-18.11.25 guaranteed
25.10-25.11.25 guaranteed
30.10-30.11.25 guaranteed
08.11-09.12.25 guaranteed
15.11-16.12.25 guaranteed
27.11-28.12.25 guaranteed
29.11-30.12.25 guaranteed
06.12-06.01.26 guaranteed
13.12-13.01.26 guaranteed
25.12-25.01.26 guaranteed
01.01-01.02.26 guaranteed
03.01-03.02.26 guaranteed
10.01-10.02.26 guaranteed
15.01-15.02.26 guaranteed
24.01-24.02.26 guaranteed
31.01-03.03.26 guaranteed
26.02-29.03.26 guaranteed
28.02-31.03.26 guaranteed
07.03-07.04.26 guaranteed
02.04-03.05.26 guaranteed
11.04-12.05.26 guaranteed
18.04-19.05.26 guaranteed
25.04-26.05.26 guaranteed
02.05-02.06.26 guaranteed
07.05-07.06.26 guaranteed
16.05-16.06.26 guaranteed

Itinerary

Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit seven countries on this adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, Pacific waves, rainforests, and breathtaking scenery along the way. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and meet locals for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. While you're free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included. Our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Take a trip that's packed with all the things you need and nothing you don't – 32 days of maximum adventure at minimum cost.

Tour program

Day 1

Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time. Head out tonight with your fellow travellers to 12th Street, where there’s tons of bars and clubs to choose from. Say cheers to new adventures with new friends!
Check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Included Activities:
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Connect With New Friends

Additional Notes: Shuttles and buses from the Cancún airport are easy to find and reasonably priced. You can also take the public ADO bus that has departures every 30 minutes from the airport to Playa Del Carmen for approximately MX 176 ($10 USD).

Day 2

Playa del Carmen

Enjoy free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or take a ferry to nearby Cozumel. Or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach.
Start your holiday off with some hardcore relaxation. Enjoy a full day of free time to fill as you wish. Get your ruin on with a visit to Tulum perched atop the sea, explore the fish- and coral-filled seas around Cozumel on a scuba dive, go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, and save some energy for a night out on the town.

Day 3

Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker

Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
Mention Belize and you may conjure up visions of unbelievably clear blue waters, diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef and remarkable marine life. Belize also boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easygoing people. Belize is all this and much more!

Transport:
- First-class Bus 04:00 Hr(s)
- Local Bus 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)
- Taxi 00:45 - 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Mexico - Belize)

Day 4

Caye Caulker

Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour

Day 5

Caye Caulker

Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.

Day 6

Caye Caulker/San Ignacio (1L)

Travel by boat and bus from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With free time here, choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.

Meals Included:
- Lunch

Transport:
- Water Taxi 00:45 - 01:00 Hr(s)
- Local Bus 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch

Day 7

San Ignacio

Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Day 8

San Ignacio/Flores

Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of the ruins of Tikal.
Cross the border into Guatemala and you immediately notice the difference in culture, with its heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Here we have entered Guatemala’s northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán.

En route to Flores, stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Arrive in Flores, the capital of the department of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake of Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá.

Transport:
- Taxi 00:15 - 00:30 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 01:00 - 01:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Belize - Guatemala)
- Tikal Ruins Guided Tour

Day 9

Flores/Rio Dulce

Travel across the country towards the coast to Rio Dulce, on the shores of Lake Izabal.
A travel day from Flores to Rio Dulce which is located in the department of Izabal, home of the largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Izabal was one of the most important water ways of the Spanish crown during colonial times.

We take the road past areas of dense jungle and arrive at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal and a port stop for boaters around the globe, on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 - 05:00 Hr(s)

Day 10

Rio Dulce (1L)

Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours.

Meals Included:
- Lunch

Included Activities:
- Scenic Boat Ride to Livingston
- Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar"

Day 11

Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy an orientation walk of Antigua's cobblestone streets, then opt to take a salsa lesson and practice new moves out at night.
Today is a travel day from Rio Dulce to Antigua, followed by an orientation walk once you arrive. Plan your activities for the next day and enjoy some of the nightlife this beautiful colonial city has to offer.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 06:00 - 07:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk – Antigua

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Antigua Cooking Class

Day 12

Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy a free day in Antigua. Opt to relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture in one of the city's many cafés, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Pacaya Volcano Hike

Day 13

Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel

Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views.
Travel through the hills and fertile fields of the Guatemalan highlands to the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.

The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.

Day 14

Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna (1D)

Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings at the lake's markets.

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- Boat 00:30 - 00:45 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Posadas Mayas Homestay

Day 15

San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala

Return to Antigua, and enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area.

Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills or taking a salsa lesson.

Transport:
- Boat 00:30 - 00:45 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Big Night Out

Day 16

Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy free time to relax with a massage, explore the nearby hills by bicycle, or visit a local macadamia nut farm.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Day 17

Antigua Guatemala/Copán

Set off today on a full day of travel from Antigua across the border to neighboring Honduras, arriving to the town of Copán Ruinas in the evening.
The colonial highland town of Copán Ruinas is a charming and relaxing place, set along a river in the coffee growing region close to the Guatemalan border.

The Mayan ruins of Copán are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Copán contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features, including some of the most detailed carving in the Mayan world.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Guatemala-Honduras)

Day 18

Copán

Free time in Copán. Opt to visit the ruins of Copán or soak in hot springs.
Free time in Copan. Opt to visit the impressive Copan ruins and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. Knowledgable local guides can interpret the many Mayan carvings left here over 1,000 years ago. You can also journey through the countryside to some hidden jungle hot springs for a relaxing soak.

Day 19

Copán/Suchitoto

Cross the border into El Salvador and stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Guatemala - El Salvador)

Additional Notes: Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.

Day 20

Suchitoto/La Libertad Region

Enjoy a free morning in Suchitoto before heading to the coast in the La Libertad region. The sunsets in these small surfing towns are stunning. Grab a cold drink and enjoy!

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

Day 21

La Libertad Region

Enjoy a free day in the laidback beach towns of the area to take a surf lesson, eat fresh ceviche at the fish market in nearby La Libertad, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or chill out with a beer in hand.

Day 22

La Libertad Region/León

Set off early for a full day of travel by land and sea to Nicaragua, finishing up in colonial León with a brief orientation walk.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)
- Boat 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (El Salvador - Nicaragua)
- Orientation Walk

Day 23

León/Granada

Journey to Granada and see its colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
Granada’s colonial charm is complemented by the active volcanoes and lakes that surround it, and there are many fun easy day trips available. Hike, cruise, or just explore the city’s markets and museums.

Walking is probably the easiest way to see all the sights of Granada.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk – Granada
- Big Night Out

Day 24

Granada

Free time to explore beautiful Granada's markets, buildings and museums. Opt to kayak in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
Free time to explore beautiful Granada's busy markets, colonial buildings and museums on foot or take a horse and carriage ride around town. Enjoy a meal on the "calzada", a pedestrian street that extends from the center of town down to Lake Nicaragua.

There are many optional activities to do just outside of town as well. Walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano, kayak around the isletas in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.

Day 25

Granada/Isla de Ometepe (1D)

Get to know local friends during a 2-night G Adventures-supported community homestay on Ometepe. Try the local cuisine and test out some language skills.
From the town of San Jorge, we cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island, formed from two volcanoes, one active and one dormant that rise out of the middle of the lake. The limited development and traditional communities create a welcoming relaxed atmosphere.

The group will be split up amongst different local families who will host you in their homes for two nights in a small community on the island. Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the home. This experience give you a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live.

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- Local Bus 00:15 - 00:30 Hr(s)
- Ferry 01:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle

Included Activities:
- Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay

Day 26

Isla de Ometepe (1B, 1D)

Enjoy free time to explore Ometepe. Opt to climb Volcano Concepción or Volcano Maderas, take a cultural tour, visit the beach at Santo Domingo, or visit el Ojo de Agua for a refreshing swim and lunch. You can also view pre-Columbian petroglyphs or the small museum of indigenous artifacts in Altagracia.
Today is a free day in Ometepe. We get to spend more time with the local host families and see more of the island. Opt to climb either of the two volcanoes on the island, view petroglyphs left by the island's original inhabitants, walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, swim in clear spring water at Ojo de Agua, lay on the beach or explore the island on bicycle.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay

Day 27

Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde (1B)

Take a ferry back to the mainland and cross the border into Costa Rica, finishing up in the cloudforest air of Monteverde.
At 1,400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is literally in the clouds. The Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves are home to diverse and unique flora and fauna. Sloths, monkeys, kinkajous, tapirs and large cats inhabit the area. There are more species of orchids here than anywhere else in the world.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 Hr(s)
- Ferry 01:30 Hr(s)
- Local Bus 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Nicaragua - Costa Rica)

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk

Day 28

Monteverde

Free day in Monteverde. Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline, or tour a coffee plantation.
The day is free to choose from many optional activities. Fly hundreds of meters above the trees on a zip-lining tour, hike through one of the cloud forest reserves, ride a horse in the mountains, visit a coffee/sugar cane farm, tour the cheese factory or check out the orchid garden, serpentarium, or frog pond in town.

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle

Day 29

Monteverde/La Fortuna

Transfer to La Fortuna along bumpy roads, then break up the journey with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Arenal before a short ride to the town.
The trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna takes us down from the cloud forest and across Costa Rica's largest lake The town of La Fortuna lies at the base of the Arenal Volcano, which dominates the landscape rising to 1670 meters high. The town has become famous as the adventure sports capital of Costa Rica.

Choose your adventure! Canyoning, white water rafting, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddlebording, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.

Transport:
- Shared Van 00:30 - 00:45 Hr(s)
- Boat 00:45 Hr(s)

Day 30

La Fortuna

Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Choose your adventure! Canyoneering, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddleboarding, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.

Day 31

La Fortuna/San José

Journey through the mountains to the capital for a final night out.
Return to San José for our final night out.

San José has beautiful parks, museums and theatres. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets.

Transport:
- Local Bus 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Sarapiqui River Rafting

Day 32

San José

Depart at any time.

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

Tour Details

accommodation

Simple hotels/hostels (28 nts, most multi-share), homestay (3 nts).

flights

International flights are not included

guide

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

optional

Other activitiies and services are not included

others

Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San Ignacio
Your G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", Lívingston
Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna
Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay, Isla de Ometepe
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen
Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
Your Discover Moment: Antigua Guatemala
Your Big Night Out Moment: Antigua Guatemala
Your Big Night Out Moment: Granada
Your Discover Moment: Granada
Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna. Guided tour of Tikal. Orientation walks in Antigua, León, and Granada. Beach time in Caye Caulker and El Tunco. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
1. Please note that this tour is a combination of several G Adventures tours. As such, your group CEO, fellow passengers, or vehicle may change between the individual tour sections.

2. As this trip crosses national borders, please be prepared to pay some border fees for certain countries ranging from $1 to $38 USD. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

QUINTANA ROO TOURIST TAX
Please note there may be an approximately $45 USD tourist tax at Cancún International Airport, however it is usually included in international tickets. Please verify with your airline if the departure tax is included in your airfare.

3. Please note the use of drones is banned in Nicaragua.

4. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.Playa del Carmen
- Cenote Visit (40-60USD per person)
- Tequila Tasting (850-1100MXN per person)
- Coco Bongo Disco and Show (90USD per person)

Tulum
- Tulum Ruins Visit

Akumal
- Akumal Beach Visit (20USD per person)

Caye Caulker
- ***Bike with Purpose Rental*** (1-30USD per person)
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour
- Sunset Sailing Boat Tour (60USD per person)
- Fishing (250-450USD per person)

Xunantunich
- Xunantunich Visit (65USD per person)

Barton Creek
- Barton Creek Cave Canoeing (120USD per person)

Caves Branch
- Cave Tubing (95USD per person)

San Ignacio
- Horseback Riding (80USD per person)

Caracol
- Caracol Ruins Tour (125USD per person)

Actun Tunichil Muknal
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit (140USD per person)

Antigua Guatemala
- Salsa Lesson (10USD per person)
- Cycling (30-50USD per person)
- ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop (24USD per person)
- Finca Valhalla Visit (5-10USD per person)
- Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour (25USD per person)
- Acatenango Volcano Climb (145USD per person)
- Massage (30-60USD per person)
- Finca Filidelfia Coffee Tour (25USD per person)
- Pacaya Volcano Hike

Panajachel
- Massage

Lago de Atitlán
- Kayaking
- Swimming

San Juan La Laguna
- Shopping

Copán
- Copán Ruins Guided Tour (25USD per person)
- Luna Jaguar Hot Springs Visit (50USD per person)

Playa El Tunco
- Surfing Lesson (60USD per person)

Granada
- Masaya Volcano Day Excursion (40USD per person)
- Mi Museo Cultural Museum (5USD per person)
- Hiking
- Laguna de Apoyo Visit (35USD per person)

Masaya
- Market Exploration

Isla de Ometepe
- Swimming (Free)
- Hike Concepcíon Volcano (45USD per person)
- Ometepe Island Cultural and Pre-Columbian Petroglyphs Tour (45USD per person)
- Ojo de Agua (Swimming Hole) (10-15USD per person)

Monteverde
- CASEM Coop Visit
- Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit (20USD per person)
- Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour (40USD per person)
- Monteverde Horseback Riding (45USD per person)
- Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit (25-50USD per person)
- Sky Walk (55USD per person)
- Ziplining (60USD per person)

La Fortuna
- Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle (149USD per person)
- Baldi Hot Springs (64USD per person)
- La Fortuna Waterfall Swim (20USD per person)
- Venado Caves Exploration (78USD per person)
- Birdwatching
- Horseback Riding (59USD per person)
- Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning (90USD per group)

Arenal
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour (65USD per person)
- Mountain Biking (79USD per person)

Sarapiquí
- Sarapiqui River Rafting (99USD per person)

transport

Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.

Good to know

Currency

MXN

Mexican Peso

Mexico

Customer reviews

Overall

4.8

Itinerary

3.6

Guide

4.6

Transport

4.1

Accommodation

3.9

Food

3.8

Operator

4.7

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.