Land and Sea: Guatemala & Costa Rica Highlights

Welcome to Guatemala, a small Central American country renowned for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture, and colorful colonial cities! Upon arrival, you will be met and greeted by your local guide at the airport, and then be transferred to the hotel in Antigua.

Departure to the town of Chichicastenango, a K'iche' Maya cultural center surrounded by mountains. Every Thursday and Sunday, local people will gather together and make the narrow streets into the most colorful market crammed with native goods of all types, from fruits, vegetables to amazing textiles and handicrafts. Later, continue to the Church of Santo Tomás next to the market for a glimpse of their traditions. Many Maya-Quiche natives come here and celebrate their traditional rites: lighting candles, chanting, burning incense, and expressing their faith. When the tour ends, proceed to Lake Atitlán for the night.

Surrounded by three dramatic volcanoes, the beautiful scenery of Lake Atitlan has earned it the reputation of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The best way to enjoy its beauty is taking a boat to Santiago Atitilanán town. Here you will also visit the place of worship of Saint Maximon, an important Mayan folk saint in Guatemala. In the afternoon, transfer to Panajachel and continue towards Antigua.

Antigua is a Spanish colonial city in Central America as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking in Antigua is like stepping back in time: cobblestone streets, Bougainvillea falling from ruined buildings, colorful walls with characteristics balconies, brick ceilings, and parks with fountains. The tour will start at Central Park and include the major monuments. After the city tour, continue your visit to the village of San Juan del Obispo and the village of Santa Maria de Jesus. In the afternoon, depart to Guatemala City for the night.

Transfer to the airport this morning to take your connecting flight to San José, Costa Rica. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in.

After a short break, start your exploration of this city from the center of San Jose on foot. The National Theater, the Art Museum, the Cathedral, the National Stadium, and the central market all will be in your itinerary.

After breakfast, transfer to the Arenal National Park. Home to many kinds of wildlife and consisting of the majestic Arenal Volcano, the vast plains of San Carlos, and authentic rainforest, the Areal National Park located in northern Costa Rica is heaven for nature lovers. Before dinner, you will leave to visit an eco-center. It would be a great place to take a night walk, seeing the nocturnal activity of some animals such as sloths, spiders, armadillos, porcupines, amphibians, and alligators.

Today you will drive to the active north-western side of the volcano. Walk along the Las Coladas Trail to pass through the rainforest and over a large lava flow that formed in 1992. It is possible to observe a variety of plants, wildlife, and lava formations. The hike ends at a viewing point. If weather permits you will be able to see red hot lava rolling down the side of the mountain. After you visit the volcano, continue to Ecotermales Fortuna Hot Spring. The springs consist of five free-flowing pools set in a natural river gorge and water temperature ranges from 38℃ to 43℃. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy a Costa Rican home-style dinner.

Time to say goodbye. After breakfast, you will be transferred from Arenal National Park to San Jose or the beach location of your choice (Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo Beach, Flamingo Beach, Potrero Beach and Tambor Beach).