- 4.9/5 415 Latest reviews
- Destination: Guatemala, Costa Rica
- Duration: 8 Days
- Tour Type: Group Tour
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This small-group journey begins in Guatemala City and concludes in San José, highlighting the very best of Guatemala and Costa Rica. Discover authentic Mayan culture in Chichicastenango as you explore its famous market and visit the historic Church of Santo Tomás. Cruise across the stunning waters of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by dramatic volcanoes, and visit the lakeside town of Santiago Atitlán to gain insight into local traditions and daily life. Continue to Antigua, where you’ll enjoy time wandering through its beautifully preserved Spanish colonial streets. The adventure then continues in Costa Rica’s Arenal National Park, where lush rainforests and abundant wildlife await. Unwind after your explorations by soaking in the region’s renowned natural hot springs, the perfect way to end this nature-filled experience.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4
Guatemala
Chichicastenango: Market, Church of Santo Tomas
Lake Atitlan: Town of Santiago Atitlan
Antigua: City Tour, San Juan del Obispo
5 - 8
Costa Rica
San Jose: Walking Tour of the City
Arenal National Park: Rainforest, Hot Spring
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala & Transfer to Antigua
Welcome to Guatemala, a captivating Central American nation known for its dramatic volcanoes, rich Mayan heritage, and vibrant colonial towns. After landing, you will be warmly received by your local guide at the airport and comfortably transferred to your hotel in the historic city of Antigua.
- Antigua Guatemala
- Day 2: Antigua to Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlán
Travel from Antigua to the highland town of Chichicastenango, an important cultural hub of the K’iche’ Maya, nestled among scenic mountains. On market days, the town’s streets come alive with vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, colorful textiles, and handcrafted goods. After exploring the market, visit the nearby Church of Santo Tomás, where Mayan spiritual traditions are still practiced through candle lighting, incense burning, prayers, and chants. At the end of the visit, continue your journey to Lake Atitlán for an overnight stay.
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- Lake Atitlán
- Day 3: Lake Atitlán Exploration & Return to Antigua
Encircled by three striking volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is celebrated as one of the most scenic lakes in the world. The ideal way to appreciate its natural beauty is by boat, traveling across the lake to the town of Santiago Atitlán. During your visit, you will see the shrine of Saint Maximón, a revered figure in Mayan folk spirituality. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Panajachel and continue onward to Antigua.
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- Antigua Guatemala
- Day 4: Discover Antigua & Transfer to Guatemala City
Antigua is a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial city and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling through its streets feels like a journey into the past, with cobblestone lanes, ivy-draped ruins, vibrant façades, traditional balconies, vaulted brick ceilings, and leafy plazas with fountains. The city tour begins at Central Park and covers the main historic landmarks. Afterward, continue to the nearby villages of San Juan del Obispo and Santa María de Jesús. In the afternoon, travel onward to Guatemala City for your overnight stay.
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- Guatemala City
- Day 5: Fly to San José & City Highlights Tour
This morning, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to San José, Costa Rica. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and escorted to your hotel for check-in.
After a brief rest, set out on a walking tour of downtown San José. Visit key landmarks including the National Theatre, Art Museum, Cathedral, National Stadium, and the lively Central Market, offering a great introduction to the city’s culture and daily life.
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- San José
- Day 6: San José to Arenal National Park & Night Wildlife Walk
Following breakfast, travel to Arenal National Park, a paradise for nature enthusiasts in northern Costa Rica. The area is known for its impressive Arenal Volcano, the wide plains of San Carlos, and lush tropical rainforest, all supporting a rich variety of wildlife. Before dinner, visit a local eco-center, an ideal setting for an evening walk. During this night tour, you may observe nocturnal creatures such as sloths, armadillos, porcupines, spiders, amphibians, and even alligators in their natural habitat.
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- Arenal Vocanal
- Day 7: Arenal Volcano Hike & Hot Springs Experience
Today’s excursion takes you to the active northwestern flank of Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a walk along the Las Coladas Trail, which winds through dense rainforest and across a vast lava field formed during the 1992 eruption. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse plant life, wildlife, and unique volcanic formations. The trail concludes at a scenic lookout, where, weather allowing, you may spot glowing lava flowing down the volcano’s slopes. After exploring the volcano, head to Ecotermales Fortuna Hot Springs, featuring five naturally flowing pools nestled in a river canyon, with temperatures ranging from 38°C to 43°C. Before returning to your hotel, savor a traditional Costa Rican home-style dinner.
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- Arenal Vocanal
- Day 8: Departure from Arenal – Transfer to San José or Beach Resort
It’s time to bid farewell to Arenal. After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer from Arenal National Park to San José or to your selected beach destination, such as Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo Beach, Flamingo Beach, Potrero Beach, or Tambor Beach, to continue your journey or conclude your tour.
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