Ultimate 6-Week Central America Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Guatemala City Arrival

Guatemala City, Guatemala on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Saul

Enjoy traditional Guatemalan breakfast dishes such as eggs with refried beans and fresh fruit, perfect for starting your day in Guatemala City.
GTQ50, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Explore an extensive collection of Mayan artifacts and gain insight into Guatemala's rich history, open from 9am to 5pm.
GTQ30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Fonda de la Calle Real

Taste authentic Guatemalan cuisine including pepian or kak’ik soup in a traditional setting.
GTQ70, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Antigua Guatemala

Travel approximately 1 hour southwest to the picturesque colonial town of Antigua.
GTQ150 (shuttle), 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Antigua Town Centre

Stroll through cobblestone streets, visit the Santa Catalina Arch, and admire the colonial architecture.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Los Tres Tiempos

Enjoy a mix of Guatemalan and international dishes with a cozy ambiance, open until 9pm.
GTQ120, 1h30m

Day 2: Antigua Culture & Volcano Views

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fernando’s Kaffee

Enjoy locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries to fuel your day.
GTQ40, 1h0m

9:00am

Hike Pacaya Volcano

Join a guided 3-hour hike to Pacaya Volcano, known for its lava fields and stunning views. Tours operate from 7am to 4pm.
USD40 (tour), 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rincon Tipico

Savour traditional Guatemalan dishes like tamales and grilled meats in a lively setting.
GTQ60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Jade Museum

Discover the cultural significance of jadeware in Mayan history, museum open 9am–5pm.
GTQ40, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax in Central Park Antigua

Unwind in the peaceful park and watch local life unfold around you.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Cuevita de Los Urquizu

Taste local Guatemalan dishes including pepian with a vibrant atmosphere.
GTQ80, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Flores & Tikal

Flores, Guatemala on May 26, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before early transfer to La Aurora Airport for flight to Flores.
Included hotel, 0h45m

7:00am

Fly to Flores

Catch a domestic flight (approx. 1 hr) to Flores, gateway to Tikal National Park.
USD100, 1h0m

8:30am

Arrival and Check-in

Settle at hotel in Flores and prepare for afternoon Tikal visit.
USD50 (hotel), 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Mundo

Enjoy fresh local and international dishes in a colourful setting.
GTQ60, 1h0m

1:30pm

Afternoon Visit to Tikal National Park

Explore the majestic ancient Mayan ruins with guided tours available; park open 6am to 6pm.
USD25 park entry + USD15 guide, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Flores

Head back to Flores and relax after the day's exploration.
Included, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Don Sam

Try local lake fish dishes or international fare with lakeside views.
GTQ70, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to Copán Ruinas, Honduras

Copán Ruinas, Honduras on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast before departure for Copán Ruinas by shuttle or bus.
Included hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Flores to Copán Ruinas

Travel approximately 4 hours by shuttle crossing the Guatemala-Honduras border.
USD50 shuttle, 4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Café San Rafael

Relax and enjoy a meal featuring Honduran coffee and fresh local dishes.
HNL150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Copán Archaeological Site

Tour one of the most renowned Mayan cities with its intricate stelae and sculptures; site open 7am-5pm.
HNL150 entry + HNL100 guide, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Casa de Café

Savour traditional Honduran dishes with organic coffee and desserts.
HNL120, 1h30m

Day 5: Copán to San Salvador

San Salvador, El Salvador on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast before an early departure.
Included hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to San Salvador

Take a shuttle or private transfer approx. 5 hours to the capital city of El Salvador.
USD60 shuttle, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at La Pampa Argentina

Enjoy succulent grilled meats and international dishes near San Salvador downtown.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral

Discover El Salvador's colonial architecture and cultural sites, open until 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Lo de Pepes

Sample authentic Salvadoran pupusas and traditional dishes in a local atmosphere.
USD10, 1h30m

Day 6: El Salvador to Nicaragua

Granada, Nicaragua on May 29, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before bus or flight to Nicaragua.
Included hotel, 0h45m

7:00am

Travel from San Salvador to Managua

Fly or take a bus to Managua, then transfer to Granada (approx. 2 hours from Managua).
USD120 flight + USD10 taxi, 3h30m

11:00am

Arrival and check-in at Granada

Settle into accommodations and enjoy the colonial charm of Granada.
USD50 hotel, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café de las Sonrisas

Enjoy vegan-friendly local and international cuisine in a social enterprise café.
USD8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Granada Walking Tour

Explore the beautiful churches, plazas, and colorful markets of Granada. Tours run from 9am to 4pm.
USD15, 2h30m

4:00pm

Relax at the Islets of Granada

Boat tour around the nearby islets (starts until 4pm), enjoying nature and birdwatching.
USD25, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante El Zaguan

Sample traditional Nicaraguan dishes in an elegant colonial setting.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 7: Ometepe Island Adventure

Ometepe Island, Nicaragua on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast to prepare for island exploration.
Included hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Ferry to Ometepe Island

Ferry departs from San Jorge; 1 hour crossing to the island famous for its twin volcanoes.
USD3 ferry, 1h0m

9:30am

Rent bicycle or scooter

Explore the island independently; rentals available from 8am to 6pm.
USD15 per day, Full day

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Campestre

Traditional Nicaraguan food with great views overlooking volcanoes.
USD10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Charco Verde Nature Reserve

Walk scenic trails and relax by the lagoon, open daily until sunset.
USD5, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Finca Magdalena

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes with fresh, local ingredients in a beautiful setting.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 8: San Juan del Sur Beach Day

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before travel south.
Included hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Ometepe to San Juan del Sur

Taxi and bus combination about 2.5 hours, heading to the popular beach town.
USD20, 2h30m

11:00am

Check in and Beach Time

Relax or surf on the famous beaches with warm Pacific waters.
Free, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at El Timon

Beachfront seafood restaurant known for fresh ceviche and grilled specialties.
USD18, 1h0m

3:30pm

Sunset Walk to Christ of the Mercy Statue

Enjoy panoramic views of the bay with a short hike to the statue, open daylight hours.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Outback Steakhouse

International cuisine with reliable quality, late hours until 10pm.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 9: Cross to Costa Rica – Liberia

Liberia, Costa Rica on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast and pack for transfer to Costa Rica.
Included hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Peñas Blancas Border and Liberia

Cross border via shuttle (~3–4 hours total) to Liberia, Costa Rica.
USD30, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Liberia

Craft coffee and light fare in the heart of Liberia city.
CRC3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Museo de Guanacaste

Learn about regional history and biodiversity; open 9am–4pm.
CRC1000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Liberia Central Park

People-watch and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this city hub.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Tierra Mar

Seafood and Costa Rican classics with fresh local ingredients.
CRC8000, 1h30m

Day 10: Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

La Fortuna, Costa Rica on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before travel.
Included hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to La Fortuna

Drive approximately 3 hours from Liberia to La Fortuna, gateway to Arenal Volcano.
USD40 shuttle, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Soda Viquez

Try traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado, economical and popular.
CRC3000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Enjoy hiking marked trails with views of Arenal Volcano, open 8am–5pm.
CRC1500, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Tabacón Hot Springs

Experience natural hot springs fed by the volcano, open until 10pm.
USD65, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Kappa Sushi

Fresh sushi and Asian fusion cuisine open till 10pm.
CRC8000, 1h30m

Day 11: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde, Costa Rica on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a healthy breakfast.
Included hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Monteverde

Approximately 3-hour drive to Monteverde, known for its cloud forests.
USD50 shuttle, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Stella's Bakery

Famous for fresh baked goods and hearty sandwiches.
CRC4000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore extensive trails and spot exotic wildlife; open 7am to 4pm.
CRC2500, 3h0m

5:00pm

Canopy Zipline Tour

Experience thrilling zip lines through the forest; tours run till sunset.
USD60, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Celajes

Upscale Costa Rican dining with excellent local produce.
CRC9000, 1h30m

Day 12: San José City Highlights

San José, Costa Rica on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before travel.
Included hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to San José

Drive about 3 hours to the capital city of Costa Rica.
USD40 shuttle, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Taste authentic Costa Rican casados in this iconic eatery.
CRC3000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit National Theatre and Gold Museum

Tour artistic and cultural highlights open until 4pm.
CRC2000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll Barrio Amón

Explore this historic neighbourhood with art galleries and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Café Mundo

Eclectic menu featuring Latin and international cuisine in a bohemian setting.
CRC8000, 1h30m