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Take the road less travelled through Central America with other travellers your own age - so you can be sure to get down with other adventurers that'll keep up. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery - from tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies to colonial cities bouncing to a decidedly more human beat. You'll blaze your own path as you discover a region of volcanoes, craters, beaches, and lush forests. Sticking to budget accommodation and public transport will keep costs down and keep you rooted in local life.
Your G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay, Isla de Ometepe
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Discover Moment: La Fortuna
Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
Your Big Night Out Moment: Granada
Your Discover Moment: Granada. Orientation walk around Granada and Antigua. Beach time in Poneloya. Free time in La Fortuna, Monteverde, Ometepe, and Granada. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Max 18, avg 14.
Connect with local hosts in a G Adventures-supported community guesthouse project, laugh with the locals during a chicken bus journey, bliss out on a remote stretch of Nicaraguan beach, stroll through Antigua's colonial streets, explore Mayan ruins.
2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
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1. Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.
2. As this trip crosses national borders, please be prepared to pay some border fees for certain countries ranging from $1 to $10 USD. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
3. 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.
4. This tour arrives to Antigua early evening on Day 16. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional post-trip accommodation nights.
5. YELLOW FEVER
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering Costa Rica and Nicaragua if you have travelled to certain countries with Yellow Fever risk prior to arriving. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
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. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Public bus, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Costa Rica Water Activities:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• Sport Sandals or Water Shoes (if you plan to do waterfall rappelling and/or rafting)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.
A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Honduras entrance tax: $3USD
Guatemala entrance tax: 10Q ($1.25USD)
La Fortuna
- La Fortuna Waterfall Swim (15USD per person)
- Birdwatching
- Venado Caves Exploration (78USD per person)
- Horseback Riding (66-68USD per person)
Arenal
- ***Baldi*** (64USD per person)
- Whitewater Rafting (61-86USD per person)
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour (60USD per person)
- Mountain Biking (79USD per person)
- Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning (90USD per person)
Monteverde
- Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit (17USD per person)
- Ziplining (50USD per person)
- Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour (35USD per person)
Isla de Ometepe
- Hike Concepcíon Volcano (45USD per person)
- Ometepe Island Cultural and Pre-Columbian Petroglyphs Tour (40USD per person)
- Swimming (Free)
Granada
- Masaya Volcano Day Excursion (35USD per person)
- Swimming
Volcán Mombacho
- Mombacho Volcano Trails Hike (35USD per group)
Poneloya
- Surfing (20USD per person)
Cerro Verde
- Santa Ana Volcano Hike
Copán
- Luna Jaguar Hot Springs Visit (45USD per person)
- Copán Ruins Guided Tour (25USD per person)
- Horseback Riding (25USD per person)
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights we use multi-share accommodation, on a single-sex basis (typically 4-6 people per room). We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.
Couples: Please note that due to the variety of accommodation used in Central America, couples will be split into separate rooms when we use multi-share hostels. Pending availability, couples may be able to pay extra while on tour to have their own room in some destinations.
We will be travelling through countries where cold water showers are the accepted norm. In keeping with our authentic tours, most of our hotels will not have hot water showers.
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
Effective January 1st, 2018, those traveling to Nicaragua from Panama via Costa Rica will now be asked to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination at border crossings.
As of November 1st, 2007, the Costa Rica government, requires those entering Costa Rica from certain countries in South America and Sub-Sahara Africa, to have an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. Those affected countries are: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, French Guiana and Venezuela.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure.
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.
Like any city where tourism is on the increase, crime also tends to increase and while San José is not a noticeably dangerous city, there are certain precautions you should take. Make sure that you are aware of your things at all times and don't go out carrying expensive gear or jewellery.
Simple hotels/hostels (13 nts, most multi-share), beach hostel (2 nts, multi-share), community guesthouse (2 nts).
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC), in Honduras the Lempira (HNL), in El Salvador the US Dollar (USD), in Guatemala the Quetzal (QTQ).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend you bring travellers cheques, as it is very difficult to exchange them in each country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Tipping of your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer is very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5- 7 USD per person, per day is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount will always be welcome.
Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore the La California barrio with your fellow travellers. Stop in at one of the many bars to get to know your group over a few drinks. Cheers to new friends and new adventures!
Arrive at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and the other group members.
Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy capital, San José has beautiful parks, museums and an ornate National Theatre. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets, head to the central plaza, shop for souvenirs and pass the time people-watching.
Options abound-soak in Arenal's hot springs or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling.
La Fortuna, the town near the Arenal Volcano, is an excellent base for adventure. Hike the area's nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall, or join a canopy tour and catch a bird's eye view of the forest greenery. Take an unforgettable night hike around the foot of the volcano, accompanied by a soundtrack of monkeys and the rumblings of the volcano.
Other optional activities include: full-day Class III & IV white water rafting on the Balsa or Toro Rivers, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders' paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents.
After a long day of exploring, the Baldi Hot Springs might just be the answer for your tired muscles. Soak in one of the natural thermal baths and hope the clouds part long enough for a glimpse of Arenal´s slopes.
Free day to get the adrenaline pumping with rafting and other outdoor pursuits or one of many other optional activities.
Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde by boat and van and enjoy gorgeous scenery along the way.
Costa Rica is a natural gem because of its breathtaking flora and fauna. Travelling into the cool cloud forest of Monteverde, appreciate how lush ecosystems truly are works of art. Take time to bird watch, ride a horse, mountain bike, or zip line over the forest canopy.
Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline or tour a coffee plantation.
Get to know local friends during a two-night community guesthouse stay on Ometepe Island. Test out some language skills, opt to climb a volcano, or visit the local swimming hole.
From the town of San Jorge, we cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island. The group will be split up amongst different families who will host you in their homes. Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the home.
Explore the island, pass plantain plantations and other small villages, to get a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live. Enjoy a challenge? Hike Concepción Volcano. If not, check out the pre-Columbian petroglyphs, try the Tarzan swing at a nearby jungle swimming hole, or enjoy the beach.
Full day on the island to spend time with your hosts and enjoy optional activities such as hiking and swimming.
See Granada's colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
Nicaragua has flourished in the past few years and boasts both incredibly friendly people as well as impressive natural beauty. Granada's colonial charm is complimented by the surrounding active volcanoes and lakes, making day trips a fun and easy option.
Walking is probably the easiest way to see all the sights of Granada, your Chief Experience Officer will give you an initial orientation walk in the city, after which you will have plenty of time to explore in more depth.
Take advantage of a free day to explore Granada or kayak the isletas in Lake Nicaragua.
For a relaxing afternoon, spend a couple of hours in a boat touring some of the 350+ ¨Isletas¨ or little islands found near Granada in Lake Nicaragua.
Other optional activities include visiting the nearby extinct Mombacho Volcano, now shrouded in vegetation. Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and has a long park ideal for strolling. The nearby markets of Masaya house vendors selling great Nicaraguan handicrafts such as hammocks, pottery, and paintings.
Arrive in the afternoon to relax on a remote northern beach on Nicaragua's Pacific coast. Surfing, swimming and beach lounging await.
Our accommodation is in a large, multi-share mixed-gender beach lodge dorm right on the beach with an attached bar and restaurant. There's not much on our stretch of beach, but that's part of the beauty of Nicaragua's northern Pacific coast.
Spend your day enjoying the coast. Opt to explore the city of Leon or hit the beach.
After a long day of travel via bus, boat, and private vehicle, arrive to El Salvador's Cerro Verde National Park, home of the famous trio of volcanos, Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana.
Spend a free day in Cerro Verde at leisure. Opt to hike up to the edge of Santa Ana's Volcano crater for some more spectacular views. Or choose to take a dip in Lake Coatepeque, there are many ways to keep busy in one of El Salvador's most beautiful national parks.
In the morning enjoy a guided tour in Cerro Verde National Park taking in the lush surroundings. Travel to El Salvador's colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.
Watch diverse landscapes pass by as we travel through 3 countries in one day en route to Copán.
Enjoy a free day in Copán. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Copán or explore the colonial highland town on horseback and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way, or journey to some local hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Cross into Guatemala. Enjoy an orientation walk to explore the colonial city of Antigua.
After a long travel day arrive to Antigua, where you can stretch your legs during an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This tour arrives to Antigua in the early evening. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional post-trip accommodation nights.
Depart at any time.
There is much to see and do in this picturesque town. If you have time, opt to extend your trip to explore more of Guatemala.
Details
Duration: 18 Days
Merchandising: IDB Project
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Trip Type: Small Group
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Service Level: Basic
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
18 day 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour
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