Your itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Mexico City
Arrive at any time.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don’t forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2
Day 2: Mexico City
Start the adventure off with a CEO-led walking tour through La Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. Stroll past bohemian cafes, bars, and restaurants. Your CEO will grab some street food snacks for the group ranging from street tacos to chilaquiles. Savour whatever you sample as you continue to get to know the area. Finish up the tour near the giant Bosque de Chapultepec. Then, spend the afternoon trying out the optional activities in the area like a visit to the ruins of Teotihuacán.
ACTIVITY: Get the lay of the land during a walking tour of Mexico City with your CEO. Start by visiting the La Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. Wander past the bars, restaurants, and cafes. Sample some street food snacks purchased by your CEO. The tour ends at Bosque de Chapultepec.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of free time to get to know Mexico City on your own. Choose from a variety of optional activities in the area, seek out some great food spots, or search for some unique gifts to bring back to your friends and family.
Day 3
Day 3: Mexico City/Oaxaca
Hit the road and travel south to Oaxaca from Mexico City. Once the group arrives, soak in your first experience of the vibrant culture in Oaxaca. Head out for an orientation walk to the main square and your CEO will accompany the group to the market where you can try a tlayuda, a toasted tortilla with tons of different toppings like refried beans, shredded cabbage, salsa, meat, and cheese. Cap off the day with a visit to a local chocolate-making shop and a free evening to keep the adventure going.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: All walks will be slightly different, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots. You can expect to see the Santo Domingo Cultural Centre, walk through the zocalo and the famous 20th of November market. Opt to sample some delicious Oaxacan foods along the way such as mole, tlayudas or chapulines.
ACTIVITY: Your CEO will accompany the group to the market where you can try a tlayuda, a toasted tortilla with tons of different toppings like refried beans, shredded cabbage, salsa, meat, and cheese before capping off the day with a visit to a local chocolate-making shop.
Day 4
Day 4: Oaxaca
Additional Information: You can pre-book the Hierve el Agua Day Trip during check-out and pay a visit to a petrified waterfall outside of Oaxaca.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY From museums and galleries to markets filled with locally produced arts and crafts, it’s impossible to run out of things to do in Oaxaca. Choose to stroll down more of the streets off the main square in search of street art, check out the intricately designed black pottery, hand-woven Zapotec rugs in local shops, and take in panoramic views of the city from Cerro del Fortín.
Day 5
Day 5: Oaxaca/San Cristóbal
the group will have additional free time today in oaxaca for other optional activities. afterwards, visit the alebrijes artisan community for your g for good moment. meet a local artisan, speak with them, ask any questions the group may have, and learn more about how these handicrafts are made. in the evening board and overnight bus to san cristobal.
free time: half day enjoy more free time in oaxaca. taste more delicious food from the markets, book an optional cooking class and learn how to make mole, or shop for keepsakes at the many local stores and craft markets with featuring work by the artists who call oaxaca home.
transport: curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
activity: alebrijes were created by a mexican artisan named pedro linares who was known for making piñatas and carnival masks. after falling ill and hallucinating crazy figures and creatures inside his mind, the artist decided to bring what he saw to life by creating the small figurines we know as alebrijes. often made of a mash-up between animals, these figurines are now made by oaxacan artisans out of wood and then painted with vibrant pigments and lots of patterns. learn more about how these figurines integrated themselves into oaxacan/mexican folklore and how the craft expanded from originally being made from cardboard to now being carved from copal wood. meet a local artisan and speak with them, ask any questions the group may have and to learn more about how the alebrijes are crafted.
Day 6
Day 6: San Cristóbal
Arrive early to Tuxtla Gutierrez, which is a city in southern Mexico and the capital of Chiapas. The group will travel by private bus to Sumidero Canyon for an included boat ride down the river. The trip is a few hours long and will take you through the canyon with some of the walls towering 2,500 feet above you. It’s sure to make you feel small. Keep a lookout for the wildlife in the area and try to spot caves as you journey on. Afterwards, continue on to San Cristobal de las Casas where you will stop for the evening.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Drive an hour before boarding a boat for a 2-hr journey through the deep Sumidero Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, birds, monkeys and maybe even a river crocodile. Marvel at the tall waterfalls, hidden caves, and unusual rock formations along the Grijalva River. After, stop in a village to visit markets and enjoy lunch.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Day 7: San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal de Las Casas is located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft). Enjoy a free day to experience this city known for its 16th-century architecture. Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day, or visit Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the group of beautiful lakes near the Guatemalan border. You have a full day to do as you please and there are plenty of activities to try out.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a free day to experience this city known for its 16th-century architecture. Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day, or visit Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the group of beautiful lakes near the Guatemalan border.
Day 8
Day 8: San Cristóbal/Palenque
get ready for a full day of travel from san cristóbal de las casas to palenque. along the way the group will stop to swim in the pristine turquoise waters of roberto barrios waterfall. arrive to palenque in the evening.
activity: visit the zapatista community of roberto barrios and swim in stunning turquoise cascade waterfalls. then, join an agroecological experience at the pej’pem center you will support local entrepreneurship and the sustainable transformation of communities in chiapas.
transport: settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 9
Day 9: Palenque
Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Mayan ruins of Palenque followed by free time for an optional jungle trail hike, or just relax at the hotel keeping an eye out for nearby birds and wildlife.
ACTIVITY: Experience the elegant jungle site of Palenque on a guided tour. See the highlights — the Temple of the Cross Group, Temple of Inscriptions and the Grand Palace. Howler monkeys sound in the distance as the fog rolls in and out of this mystical site, one of the most important centres for trade and culture during the end of the Classic Maya period.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon for an optional jungle hike or otherwise just kick back at the hotel and listen to the sounds of the jungle. Ask your CEO for more recommendations should you need them.
Day 10
Day 10: Palenque/Bacalar
Spend the day travelling to Bacalar in the eastern part of Mexico from Palenque. Sit back as the scenery changes outside your window and rest up for the next part of the trip.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 11
Day 11: Bacalar
Spend a full free day enjoying optional activities in the area, or just relax and keep the good vibes going.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of free time for optionals in the area. Explore the San Felipe Bacalar Fort or visit the lagoon again for some kayaking.
Day 12
Day 12: Bacalar/Valladolid
The group is in for a treat this morning with an included boating adventure in the lagoon. In the afternoon it’s onward to Valladolid. Travel north and inland from Bacalar to a city on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Upon arrival your CEO will lead you on an orientation walk of the small Mayan town filled with quaint taverns, vibrant indigenous culture, and loads of street food vendors. Smell the delicious aromas as you walk and sample a few snacks along the way.
ACTIVITY: Head out into the Bacalar lagoon by boat this morning for a fun adventure. Start by visiting the Canal de los Piratas for a swim in the clear waters. Then, visit Cenote Negro, an open-air cenote and also the deepest point in the entire lagoon. From there the boat will stop at Cenote Esmeralda to admire the different shades of blue. Finally stop at Cenote Cocalitos, home to stromatolites, which are living stones that are thought to be the oldest form of life on Earth. Here you’ll enjoy a prepared picnic featuring fresh fruit.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Marvel at Valladolid’s colonial buildings, which includes a 16th-century convent of San Bernardino of Siena, and the San Gervasio Cathedral. Walk through the streets of town smelling the delicious aromas from the street food vendors. Sample some delicious treats and get to know this vibrant Mayan town.
Day 13
Day 13: Valladolid/Tulum
After a short, but sweet visit in Valladolid the group will travel to the Chichen Itzá ruins for a guided tour. These ruins hold the history, beliefs, and rituals that defined ancient Mayan civilization. See the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the famous Castillo, the cenote, and the Nunnery. Afterwards, travel to Tulum for a free evening. Tulum is filled with trendy beach clubs where you can dance the night away, or stretch out on white sand beaches to admire the colors at sunset.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichén Itzá and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: EVENING Take this time to soak in the spectacular coastline of Tulum. Swim in the cobalt waters off of the white sand beaches. Hunt down some delicious street food and have a picnic in the sand. Or if you’re still feeling adventurous, head out for some cave and cavern exploring in the nearby cenotes.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a night out on the town with your travel friends and truly let your hair down in the fun and lively atmosphere of Tulum.
Day 14
Day 14: Tulum/Playa del Carmen
Travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen where you can enjoy time to explore on your own. Tonight, head out with your fellow travellers to 12th Street, where there’s tons of bars and clubs to choose from.
Day 15
Day 15: 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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, the diving mecca of Cozumel, or play in the waves and enjoy the beach!
Day 16
Day 16: 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: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Arrive at the Mexican border then go to immigration to get passports stamped and pay the exit fee. After a quick trip on the bus, grab your luggage and pass through Belizean immigration and customs. Get back on the bus with your stuff and get ready to start exploring Belize.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Day 17
Day 17: Caye Caulker
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas–the Caribbean awaits!
Day 18
Day 18: Caye Caulker
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas–the Caribbean awaits!
Day 19
Day 19: Caye Caulker/San Ignacio
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.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Like in many places around the world, education for women in the village of San Antonio isn’t prioritized. Girls don’t typically attend school beyond primary levels. So a women’s cooperative was founded here, as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills, and share centuries-old Mayan techniques and knowledge. Visit the pottery workshop, which is newly expanded with an investment from G Adventures. Meet some of the women who’ve found community within its walls and gain insight into the tradition of throwing pots. Afterward, enjoy lunch together with these inspiring and unforgettable women, sampling traditional foods of the Cayo region.
Meals: Lunch
Day 20
Day 20: San Ignacio
Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Day 21
Day 21: 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: MORNING Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
ACTIVITY: MORNING Grab your bags from the vehicle and head to immigration after paying the exit fee. Passports get stamped in immigration and then passed to your CEO for the short walk (200m) to the Guatemalan border where the entrance fee is paid. Lend a hand loading luggage into the vehicle while your CEO gets all the passports stamped. Welcome to Guatemala!
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 22
Day 22: 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: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 23
Day 23: Rio Dulce
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.
ACTIVITY: Take a boat down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean Sea passing through El Golfete and El Canyon before arriving to Livingston. Float past mangroves and lily pads and the Boquerón Canyon, where a sheer limestone cliff rises 122m (400 ft) out of the river, covered in vines, trees and moss. Arrive at the small fishing village of Livingston known for its unique Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population, with their unique art, music and delicious coconut seafood soup, “tapado”.
ACTIVITY: El Manglar Restaurant in Guatemala is a women-led community tourism initiative founded by the Cayo Quemado Women’s Committee with the aim of creating new job opportunities within the community. During your visit you will begin with a welcome given by the women of the committee and receive a brief introduction to the workshop. Then, there will be a short walk around the property, including a full explanation of the project, it’s impact, and culture before you all sit down for lunch at the restaurant. Every traveler that visits Cayo Quemado has a direct impact on their community.
Meals: Lunch
Day 24
Day 24: 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: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 25
Day 25: 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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time in Antigua. Relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture of this colonial town’s many museums and cafes, attend a chocolate workshop, visit one of the local coffee or macadamia nut plantations, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Day 26
Day 26: 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.
Additional Information: Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 27
Day 27: Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
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.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Climb aboard and get your float on.
ACTIVITY: Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlán, arrive by boat to the laid-back village of San Juan La Laguna and immediately feel at home. Meet your host family, stash your stuff, then set off to explore the area. Admire the paintings of local artists, watch weavers who use traditional techniques to dye wool, go for a hike and admire the view across the lake. Feel good knowing you are supporting local families eager to benefit from tourism in their community.
Meals: Dinner
Day 28
Day 28: 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: Climb aboard and get your float on.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Day 29
Day 29: 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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore Guatemala’s former capital city.
Day 30
Day 30: 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: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Day 31
Day 31: 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.
FREE TIME: Free time in the town of Copán. Opt to visit the Copán Ruins, explore the hills, or soak in hot springs.
Day 32
Day 32: 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.
Additional Information: Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Day 33
Day 33: 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!
FREE TIME: MORNING Enjoy a free morning to check out this colonial city.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 34
Day 34: 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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you’d like in this beach town.
Day 35
Day 35: 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: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.
ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Take a brief walk of the historic center of León. Pass through the central park, the local market, and various historical churches.
Day 36
Day 36: 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: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Day 37
Day 37: 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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time to explore beautiful Granada’s markets, buildings and museums, view Masaya Volcano’s smoldering crater, kayak in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
Day 38
Day 38: Granada/Isla de Ometepe
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.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you’re here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails.
Meals: Dinner
Day 39
Day 39: Isla de Ometepe
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.
FREE TIME: Free time in Ometepe. Spend 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, 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.
ACTIVITY: Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you’re here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 40
Day 40: Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde
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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Be prepared to walk with bags approximately 10 minutes between the Nicaragua and Costa Rica border stations.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 41
Day 41: 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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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.
Day 42
Day 42: 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: Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Day 43
Day 43: 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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Day 44
Day 44: 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: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 45
Day 45: San José
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Meals Included
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Group Size
18
Solo Travellers
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Local Dress
Important Notes
Important note for Nicaragua: New regulations now require visas for certain nationalities, including Australian and New Zealand passport holders. Requirements can change at short notice, so all travelers should check with the nearest consulate or official sources before travel.
Please note the use of drones is banned in Nicaragua.
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
About Accommodation
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
What to Take
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Big Night Out: Tulum
Experience Tulum’s party pulse by heading out with the group for a curated Big Night Out. Beach clubs glow under palm fronds while jungle bars turn up the beats—choose your vibe and dance beneath warm Caribbean skies.
Your CEO points you to favorite spots, from craft-cocktail hideouts to open-air venues made for moving. This is the Riviera Maya’s after-dark scene at its most spirited.
Sumidero Canyon Boat Safari, Chiapas
Cruise the Grijalva River through Sumidero Canyon, where sheer limestone walls soar above the boat and waterfalls ribbon down fern-covered cliffs. Keep watch for herons, spider monkeys, and basking crocodiles along the banks.
Glide past caves and rock formations formed over millennia while your guide shares the canyon’s geology and legends. This is Chiapas at its most dramatic—towering canyon walls and jungle meeting in a dazzling corridor of green.
Roberto Barrios Waterfalls Swim, Chiapas
Walk forest paths to a chain of turquoise travertine pools where you can swim beneath gentle cascades. The Roberto Barrios falls are less crowded than their famous neighbors, offering tranquil spots for a dip and photos.
Listen to birdsong and the rush of water while you explore natural ledges and limestone shelves. It’s a refreshing, low-key immersion in the lush Chiapas countryside.
Palenque Maya Ruins Guided Tour
Step into the jungle to explore Palenque’s Temple of the Inscriptions, the Palace, and the Cross Group with a local guide. Howler monkeys echo through the canopy as limestone temples emerge from mist.
Learn how this Classic-era city became a hub of power and art, deciphering friezes and stelae that illuminate royal life and ritual. Few sites blend archaeology and rainforest atmosphere so evocatively.
Bacalar Lagoon Boat Adventure & Cenotes Picnic
Head onto the Lagoon of Seven Colors to float its shifting blues and greens. Stop at the Canal de los Piratas for a swim, drift above Cenote Negro and Cenote Esmeralda, and see Cocalitos’ ancient stromatolites.
Between swims, enjoy a simple picnic and learn how minerals and depth create Bacalar’s famous hues. Calm water, soft breezes, and dazzling color make this a standout inland “caribbean” day.
Valladolid Orientation Walk & Street Snacks
Wander pastel lanes and plazas on a CEO-led stroll past the Convento de San Bernardino de Siena and the Cathedral of San Servacio. Sample Yucatecan bites from market stalls as daily life unfolds around shaded zócalos.
Hear how Maya and Spanish traditions intertwine in this small colonial city. Tips on local cenotes, cantinas, and roadside specialties make it easy to plan more exploring.
Chichén Itzá Guided Tour
Explore the UNESCO-listed city of the Itzá with a local expert. Stand before El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkán), walk the Great Ball Court, and learn how astronomy, ritual, and power shaped this metropolis.
From the acoustic feats of the ball court to the Cenote Sagrado, every stop reveals sophisticated engineering and layered symbolism. It’s a vivid window into the beliefs and science of the Maya world.
San Antonio Women’s Pottery Cooperative & Local Lunch (G for Good), Belize
Visit a community-run studio where artisans shape clay using centuries-old Maya techniques—hand-coiling, burnishing, and firing in outdoor kilns. Conversations with the makers highlight culture, resilience, and fair-wage enterprise.
Sit down together for a Cayo-style meal—fresh tortillas and home-cooked dishes—while learning how tourism sustains training and opportunity. Your visit directly supports this women-led cooperative and its future.
Tikal National Park Guided Tour, Guatemala
Walk jungle trails to Temple IV, the Grand Plaza, and towering pyramids that make Tikal one of Mesoamerica’s most compelling cities. Macaws flash overhead as your guide brings dynasties and deciphered glyphs to life.
From sky-high views to mossy causeways, this UNESCO site blends epic scale with rainforest soundscapes. It’s a masterclass in Maya architecture, astronomy, and statecraft enfolded by nature.
Rio Dulce to Livingston Scenic Boat & Garifuna Coast
Journey by boat along the Río Dulce, skimming mangroves, lily pads, and cliff-lined passages like Boquerón Canyon. Watch river life unfold from stilted homes to fishermen casting nets on El Golfete.
Arrive at Caribbean-flavored Livingston, where Garifuna music and culture infuse the streets. Guides share natural history and local stories that connect Guatemala’s inland waters to its sea-facing soul.
Caribbean Gastronomic Experience “El Manglar” (G for Good), Cayo Quemado
Be welcomed by a women-led community initiative nestled among mangroves. Stroll the gardens and hear how sustainable tourism creates training and jobs for families along the river.
Settle in for a lunch highlighting coastal flavors—coconut, lime, plantain—while learning about the project’s impact and traditions. Your visit helps expand opportunities for this grassroots enterprise near Livingston.
Antigua Orientation Walk on Cobblestones
Get your bearings in UNESCO-listed Antigua with a relaxed CEO-led walk past the Arco de Santa Catalina, Iglesia de La Merced, and Parque Central framed by Volcán de Agua.
Hear insights on cafes, markets, and hidden courtyards while learning how colonial architecture and modern creativity blend in this pocket-sized city. Perfect for plotting the rest of your time amid ruins and rooftops.
Big Night Out: Antigua Guatemala
Join the group for a Big Night Out amid candlelit courtyards, salsa beats, and craft-cocktail bars tucked behind wooden doors. Antigua’s compact center makes it effortless to venue-hop.
Your CEO shares favorite spots for live music and late-night snacks, balancing laid-back lounges with energetic dance floors. Expect warm hospitality and a distinctly Guatemalan colonial-after-dark charm.
Lake Atitlán Boat Ride & Posadas Mayas Homestay (G for Good), San Juan La Laguna
Cross the lake with volcanoes on the horizon to the Tz’utujil village of San Juan La Laguna. Settle into a family-run Posadas Mayas homestay where hospitality, language practice, and home-cooked meals open everyday life.
Explore artist collectives and weaving cooperatives using natural dyes, and absorb lake views steeped in Maya tradition. Your stay supports community-led tourism and cultural preservation.
León Orientation Walk
Discover Nicaragua’s revolutionary spirit and colonial grace on a walk past the UNESCO-listed Basílica Catedral de la Asunción, bustling markets, and mural-lined streets.
Your CEO shares local tips and context—coffee spots, street-food favorites, and museums—so you can return to climb cathedral rooftops for wide views over volcano-dotted plains or linger in shaded plazas.
Granada Orientation Walk & Evening on La Calzada
Stroll Granada’s pastel lanes to the bright-yellow Catedral de Granada, Parque Colón, and artisan shops. Learn how this lakeside city blends baroque facades with a laid-back, tropical pace.
As evening settles, follow the aromas along Calle La Calzada toward Lake Nicaragua—cafés spill onto the cobbles, musicians tune up, and the city’s colonial ambiance glows softly under streetlamps.
Big Night Out: Granada
Head out as a group for a Big Night Out in Granada’s atmospheric center. Choose from open-air courtyards, relaxed cantinas, or live-music venues where rhythms drift in from the street.
With your CEO’s recommendations, it’s easy to balance lively spots and mellow lounges, savoring the warm evening air and Granada’s colonial-nighttime mood.
Puesta del Sol Community Homestay (G for Good), Isla de Ometepe
Settle into lakeside guesthouses run by a local cooperative and experience island life beneath the twin cones of Ometepe. Share home-cooked meals, practice Spanish, and hear stories of farming, fishing, and festivals.
Walk village paths to sunset viewpoints, learn about volcanic soils and traditional crops, and enjoy breezes off Lake Nicaragua. Your stay directly supports this community-owned project and its families.
Teotihuacán Pyramids Excursion
Venture out from Mexico City to walk the Avenue of the Dead between the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Trace the rise of Teotihuacán’s urban planners, merchants, and priests amid frescoes and obsidian workshops.
Climb view points for sweeping perspectives and context on this once-massive metropolis. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour; ask your CEO for the best timing and options.
Hierve el Agua Petrified Waterfalls & Mineral Pools
Travel into Oaxaca’s highlands to see Hierve el Agua’s “frozen” cascades and soak your feet where mineral springs brim at cliff’s edge. Trails and viewpoints reveal wide valleys and agave-studded slopes.
Many travelers pair this with a stop at a traditional mezcal palenque to learn about roasting, crushing, and distilling agave. This outing is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán Indigenous Villages
From San Cristóbal, visit Tzotzil Maya communities to witness living traditions—pine-strewn church floors fragrant with copal, and backstrap-loom weaving in family workshops.
Guides explain customs blending pre-Hispanic and Catholic practices, offering respectful insight into community life in the Chiapas highlands. This cultural visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel, Caye Caulker
Skim over coral gardens to spot parrotfish, turtles, and eagle rays in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. At nearby Shark Ray Alley, watch docile nurse sharks and southern stingrays glide through crystalline water.
Guides share reef ecology and safety tips before you slip in from the boat. This classic Belize experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Expedition, Belize
Trek and wade a jungle river into the ATM Cave, where pottery and ancient remains illuminate Maya ritual landscapes. Expect swimming, scrambling, and passages that open to cathedral-like caverns.
Expert guides interpret archaeology and geology in one of Central America’s most dramatic underground sites. This high-adventure outing is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Xunantunich Maya Site & Mopan Ferry Crossing
Ride a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River and climb El Castillo for sweeping views to Guatemala. Explore plazas and stelae while learning how Xunantunich fit into regional trade and politics.
It’s an elegant, compact site ideal for a half-day of archaeology with jungle ambiance. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Pacaya Volcano Hike, near Antigua
Hike lava fields and ash slopes on the active Volcán Pacaya, tracing recent flows across a stark, otherworldly landscape. On clear days, neighboring cones line the horizon.
Guides share insight into Guatemala’s volcanic belt, and you may even toast marshmallows over warm fumaroles when conditions allow. This trek is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Copán Ruins Archaeological Park
Explore the artistic capital of the Maya world, famed for its sculpted stelae and the Hieroglyphic Stairway. Guides decode stories of rulers and cosmology etched into stone with exquisite detail.
Shady plazas, macaw calls, and forested mounds add to the site’s serenity. This visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Walk
Enter the mist to discover a world of orchids, bromeliads, and moss-draped trees. Naturalist guides point out hummingbirds, trogons, and—if you’re lucky—the resplendent quetzal.
Learn how altitude and trade winds create this rare ecosystem and why conservation here matters far beyond Costa Rica. This walk is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Monteverde Zipline Canopy Adventure
Fly across valleys and treetops on a network of high-speed ziplines, feeling cool cloud-forest air rush past. Platforms reveal sweeping views of emerald ridges and distant volcanoes.
Guides handle the gear while you handle the thrill—often with optional Tarzan swings or rappel elements. This adrenaline-filled experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Masaya Volcano Night Visit, Nicaragua
Peer into the glowing crater of Masaya after dusk, when incandescent magma paints the caldera red. Interpretive stops frame the volcano’s history and the park’s rugged lava fields.
Short walks and overlooks make this an unforgettable, camera-ready glimpse into Nicaragua’s fiery geology. This outing is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Arenal Volcano View & Thermal Hot Springs, La Fortuna
Walk rainforest trails for framed views of Arenal Volcano before sinking into mineral-rich hot springs amid tropical foliage. It’s the perfect mix of soft adventure and deep relaxation.
Evenings often bring atmospheric mist and starry breaks—ideal for lingering in warm pools. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour; your CEO can suggest venues to match your mood.
Mexico City Street Food Crawl & Roma–Condesa Walk
Walk leafy boulevards through Roma and La Condesa with your CEO, pausing at curbside stands to sample classics like tacos al pastor, tlacoyos, or chilaquiles. Trace the city’s creative spirit in parks, galleries, and Art Deco facades that frame everyday life.
Finish near the green expanse of Bosque de Chapultepec, fueled by flavors and stories behind Mexico City’s thriving street-food scene. Expect plenty of tips on where to eat, drink, and explore more during your stay.
Oaxaca Market Tastes & Chocolate Workshop
Explore Oaxaca’s vibrant heart with a guided stroll through the zócalo and Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Join your CEO to taste local staples—mole, tlayudas, and chapulines—while learning how regional ingredients shape Oaxacan identity.
Continue to a local chocolatier to discover the craft behind Oaxacan-style cacao. The aromas of cinnamon, almond, and toasted cacao nibs set the scene as you sample blends that echo the region’s deep culinary heritage.
Alebrijes Artisan Community Workshop, Oaxaca (G for Good)
Visit a cooperative workshop to learn how artisans carve and paint alebrijes from copal wood. Meet makers keeping this surreal folk art alive with meticulous brushwork and patterns inspired by nature and myth.
Hear the origin story—how fevered dreams became vibrant figures—and see how community-led tourism supports families, preserves techniques, and celebrates living Oaxacan folklore. Expect time for questions and a close-up look at the creative process.
Welcome Meeting & First Night Out, Mexico City
Meet your group and meet your Tour Director (CEO) to set the tone for the adventure ahead. Get practical tips, swap intros, and feel the buzz of the city as you step into the social rhythm of the world’s largest Spanish-speaking capital.
Cap the evening by joining the group for a Big Night Out in lively neighborhoods where music spills from doorways and plazas hum. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to connect with new friends and feel Mexico City’s after-dark energy.
