Central American Journey: Antigua to San José – 16 Days
Five countries from Guatemala to Costa Rica, in a group of up to sixteen.
Tour overview
This 16-day journey crosses five countries of Central America at excellent value, from Guatemala to Costa Rica. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than sixteen. You stay fifteen nights in hotels, with breakfast on some days.
From colonial Antigua you cross into Honduras to explore the Maya ruins of Copán with a local guide, then visit Suchitoto in El Salvador for a pupusa demonstration and indigo dyeing, before a night on the Pacific coast.
Read more
In Nicaragua you explore León and Granada, with a visit to Masaya’s market and the Laguna de Apoyo viewpoint, then cross into Costa Rica for the cloud forest of Monteverde and two nights at La Fortuna below the Arenal volcano, ending in San José.
The physical rating is low. This trip suits travellers who want a great-value overland journey through Central America.
Trip highlights
-
The Copán ruins (Day 3)
-
Suchitoto (Days 4–5)
-
León (Days 7–8)
-
Granada (Days 9–10)
-
Monteverde cloud forest (Day 13)
-
La Fortuna and Arenal (Days 13–14)
Your route
10 stops from Antigua to San Jose
- Antigua Day 1
- Copan Days 2–3
- Suchitoto Days 4–5
- La Libertad Day 6
- Leon Days 7–8
- Masaya Day 9
- Granada Days 9–10
- Monteverde Days 11–12
- La Fortuna Days 13–14
- San Jose Days 15–16
Why choose this tour
Five countries in just over two weeks. Great value with a local leader.
Best suited to
- Travellers on a budget
- Culture and nature lovers
- Solo travellers
- First-time visitors to Central America
Day-by-day itinerary
16 days from Antigua, Guatemala to San José, Costa Rica
-
Day 1 · Antigua Antigua
A welcome meeting.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 2 · Copán Copán
Into Honduras.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 3 · Copán ruins Copán
A Maya city.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 4 · Suchitoto Suchitoto
Into El Salvador.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 5 · Suchitoto Suchitoto
Indigo dyeing.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 6 · La Libertad La Libertad
The Pacific coast.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 7 · León León
Into Nicaragua.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 8 · León León
A free day.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 9 · Masaya, Granada Granada
A colonial city.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 10 · Granada Granada
A social café breakfast.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 11 · Monteverde Monteverde
Into Costa Rica.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 12 · Monteverde Monteverde
A women’s cooperative.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 13 · Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Fortuna La Fortuna
Cloud forest and volcano.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 14 · La Fortuna La Fortuna
A free day.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 15 · San José San José
A chocolate lesson.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Lunch
-
Day 16 · San José San José
The trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Antigua (1 night) Hotel
- Copán (2 nights) Hotel
- Suchitoto (2 nights) Hotel
- La Libertad (1 night) Hotel
- León (2 nights) Hotel
- Granada (2 nights) Hotel
- Monteverde (2 nights) Hotel
- La Fortuna (2 nights) Hotel
- San José (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 15 nights in hotels
- Meals 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- Private and local transport
- Copán ruins with a local guide
- Pupusa and indigo demonstrations
- Monteverde cloud forest reserve
- Local leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 8 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want luxury hotels
- You want most meals included
- You dislike long drives
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £1,424 per person, twin share, tour only. 201 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Do I need visas?
UK citizens don’t need visas for these Central American countries for tourist stays, though small entry fees apply at some borders.
Are border crossings included?
Yes, your leader helps at each crossing.
How do you travel?
By private vehicle and local buses.
Is there free time?
Yes, in León and La Fortuna.
Can I have my own room?
A single supplement is available on request.
How many people travel together?
No more than sixteen travellers, with a local leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary