The Best of Central America: Ruins & Remote Beaches

From ancient ruins to active volcanoes, get off the beaten track and discover extraordinary Central America. Make sure your passport has space because this exciting 33-day trip hits most of Central America, as it covers tropical rainforests, volcanoes, colonial cities, and all the breathtaking scenery in between. Explore Indigenous Mayan villages and soak in the region's incredible culture. Our CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) will ensure your accommodation and transportation are covered — so you can choose the activities and sights that interest you most — the adventure is yours to choose!

Day 1 San José
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!

Day 2 San José/La Fortuna
Options abound—soak in Arenal's hot springs or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling.

Day 3 La Fortuna
Free day to get the adrenaline pumping with rafting and other outdoor pursuits or one of many other optional activities.

Day 4 La Fortuna/Monteverde
Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde by boat and van and enjoy gorgeous scenery along the way.

Day 5 Monteverde
Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline or tour a coffee plantation.

Day 6 Monteverde/Isla de Ometepe
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.

Day 7 Isla de Ometepe
Full day on the island to spend time with your hosts and enjoy optional activities such as hiking and swimming.

Day 8 Isla de Ometepe/Granada
See Granada's colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.

Day 9 Granada
Take advantage of a free day to explore Granada or kayak the isletas in Lake Nicaragua.

Day 10 Granada/Poneloya
Arrive in the afternoon to relax on a remote northern beach on Nicaragua's Pacific coast. Surfing, swimming and beach lounging await.

Day 11 Poneloya
Spend your day enjoying the coast. Opt to explore the city of Leon or hit the beach.

Day 12 Poneloya/Cerro Verde
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.

Day 13 Cerro Verde
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.

Day 14 Cerro Verde/Suchitoto
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.

Day 15 Suchitoto/Copán
Watch diverse landscapes pass by as we travel through 3 countries in one day en route to Copán.

Day 16 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.

Day 17 Copán/Antigua Guatemala
Cross into Guatemala. Enjoy an orientation walk to explore the colonial city of Antigua.

Day 18 Antigua Guatemala
Enjoy free time to relax with a massage, explore the nearby hills by bicycle, or visit a local macadamia nut farm.

Day 19 Antigua Guatemala
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to relax with a massage or soak up the culture in one of many cafés.

Day 20 Antigua Guatemala/San Juan La Laguna
Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views. Take a boat across the lake to a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family in a Mayan Tz'utujil village. Tour the village with a local guide to learn more about daily life and see some artisan workshops.

Day 21 San Juan La Laguna/Panajachel
Return across the lake and enjoy free time in Panajachel to visit the market or relax.

Day 22 Panajachel/Rio Dulce
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.

Day 23 Rio Dulce
Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, or go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall.

Day 24 Rio Dulce/Flores
Head north to our final stop in Guatemala, Flores, a picturesque town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá.

Day 25 Flores/San Ignacio
Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of Tikal before crossing into Belize.

Day 26 San Ignacio
Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Maiden), or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Day 27 San Ignacio/Caye Caulker
Hop aboard a local bus, then board a water taxi to the island paradise of Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour.

Day 28 Caye Caulker
Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or just chill out, Belizean style. Take part in a Big Night Out with the group this evening.

Day 29 Caye Caulker
Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or just chill out, Belizean style. Take part in a Big Night Out with the group this evening.

Day 30 Caye Caulker/Mahahual
Leaving Belize and its Caribbean reggae-tinged vibe, head north to the Costa Maya, Mexico, to the beachside town of Mahahual.

Day 31 Mahahual
Enjoy a free day for beach lounging and sipping seaside margaritas.

Day 32 Mahahual/Playa del Carmen
Head up the coast to Playa del Carmen, the de facto centre of the Mayan Riviera, for a final night with the group.

Day 33 Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.