Costa Rica, Guatemala & Mexico in 17 days - Secrets of Central America & Riviera Maya - Charm

17 days
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Small Group Tour
Uncover the secrets of Central America as you explore the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero and fall for the natural beauty of Arenal, amidst rainforests and towering volcanoes! Discover the colonial architecture of Antigua Guatemala and discover Chichicastenango Market. Admire the waters of Lake Atitlan before kicking back in All-Inclusive bliss on the para...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Antigua Guatemala
    • Panajachel
    • Arenal
    • San José
    • Tortuguero
    • Riviera Maya

What's this trip about?

    Uncover the secrets of Central America as you explore the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero and fall for the natural beauty of Arenal, amidst rainforests and towering volcanoes! Discover the colonial architecture of Antigua Guatemala and discover Chichicastenango Market. Admire the waters of Lake Atitlan before kicking back in All-Inclusive bliss on the paradise beaches of Mexico's Riviera Maya!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 9 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CitySan José
End CitySan José

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • North America
  • New Mexico
  • Central America
  • Costa Rica
  • Guatemala

Attractions

  • Antigua
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Caribbean
  • Chichen Itza
  • La Fortuna
  • Lake Atitlan
  • Panajachel
  • Playa del Carmen
  • San José
  • Tulum

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Trip includes

    • Departures from main US departure airports.
    • International flights: US - San José, Cancún - US.
    • In-trip flights: San José - Guatemala, Guatemala - Cancún. *
    • 16 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
    • 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and All Inclusive in Riviera Maya.**
    • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
    • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: US - San José

Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight to Costa Rica.* Touch down in San Jose and transfer to your hotel. Once settled, the remainder of the day is free to explore the city's atmospheric plazas and characterful colonial-era architecture. Overnight sta...

Day 2: San José - Tortuguero

Transfer to Tortuguero this morning, stopping along the way for breakfast. Pass through the exuberant Braulio Carrillo National Park before finally arriving at your hotel in Tortuguero in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a fascinating tour of Tortuguero, includ...

Day 3: Tortuguero

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a relaxing boat trip along the canals of Tortuguero this morning, admiring the abundant flora and fauna along the way. Return to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon is free at your leisure to explore further or simply relax at the hot...

Day 4: Tortuguero - Guapiles - Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for the charming city of Guapiles this morning, arriving in time for lunch. Afterwards, continue to La Fortuna, in the shadow of the magnificent Arenal Volcano, one of the most important and spectacular natural sights in Costa Rica! Arrive at the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Arenal.

Day 5: Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring the area surrounding La Fortuna and Arenal at your leisure. Get out and about to embrace the natural environment, perhaps exploring the hanging bridges in the rainforest or hiking around the spectacular Arenal Volcano. L...

Day 6: Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend the optional horseback ride excursion.* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Optional Half-Day Horseback Ride Excursion: Set off on a scenic horseback ride to appreci...

Day 7: Arenal - San José - Guatemala City

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Costa Rica today as your transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Guatemala! Arrive in Guatemala and transfer to Antigua Guatemala, a beautifully preserved city with an abundance of colorful colonial architecture nestled in the lush central highlands. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Antigua Guatemala.

Day 8: Antigua Guatemala

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a half-day tour of Antigua, considered one of the most beautiful colonial cities in America. During the colonial period, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, which included the provinces of southern Mexico, Guatemala, El...

Day 9: Antigua Guatemala

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring at your leisure. Go shopping for local artisan crafts, people-watch from one of the old town's charming cafe terraces or pay a visit to the chocolate museum to indulge your sweet tooth! Alternatively, why not head out of...

Day 10: Antigua Guatemala - Chichicastenango - Lake Atitlán

Breakfast at the hotel. Seize the day with an early morning visit to Chichicastenango Market, located in the Central Guatemalan Highlands. Famed for its incredible handicrafts, discover a rich array of local crafts as your browse this world-famous market. Visit the lo...

Day 11: Panajachel

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a leisurely day in Panajachel to explore the wonders of Lake Atitlan. Why not take a boat trip to discover the numerous Mayan villages dotted around the lake's border or go kayaking for unobstructed views of the volcanic landscape? Other ...

Day 12: Panajachel - Guatemala City

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure, taking in the spectacular views of Lake Atitlan for the final time. In the afternoon, transfer back to Guatemala City and get settled at the hotel. Enjoy your final evening in Guatemala exploring the city's street food scene or strolling through the capital's atmospheric plazas. Overnight stay in Guatemala City.

Day 13: Guatemala City - Riviera Maya

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board a flight to the Mexican resort of Cancun. Arrive in sun-kissed Cancun, and transfer to your hotel on the Riviera Maya, to begin your stay on an All-Inclusive basis. Get settled and begin ...

Day 14: Riviera Maya

All-Inclusive. Enjoy a laid-back day at your leisure. Relax on the beach and make the most of the excellent facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, don't miss the chance to visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World with our optional excursion to legendary Chichen I...

Day 15: Riviera Maya

All-Inclusive. Another day in paradise at your leisure. Get to know the charming town of Playa del Carmen, home to quirky boutiques and a selection of bars and restaurants or simply spend the day sunning yourself at the beach. We recommend an optional visit to Xcaret ...

Day 16: Riviera Maya

All-Inclusive. Spend the day kicking back on the beach or sightseeing at your own pace. Why not pay a visit to the lively city of Cancun or find a shady spot on by the sea to while away the day with a good book? Why not opt for one of our optional excursions to make t...

Day 17: Riviera Maya - US

Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to head home. At the indicated time, transfer to Cancun airport for your flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.** * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be ab...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,199
Price per day$188
Last Updated: 12/8/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exoticca.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Why Exoticca?

Our mission is to make people’s dream trips come true

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Our team of over 50 product crafters and curators have travelled extensively to the destinations they cover. They harness their insider knowledge and unique skills to handcraft unforgettable holiday packages. Each and every one of our itineraries are designed to ensure you have the best possible experience in every destination.

Along with our passion for excellence, all our incredible packages are created under the Exoticca mantra of showing the utmost respect and admiration for other cultures and the environment.

How do we ensure quality?

Each component of our trips has been rigorously tested to ensure it meets our exceptionally high standards. For example, we only include hotels that meet the following minimum criteria:

All our hotels require a minimum of 3.5 stars (out of 5) on TripAdvisor.

They also require a minimum of 65% of “Excellent”, or “Very good” reviews from other users.

How do we achieve the lowest prices?

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Technology: We have automated all our internal processes and work directly with our suppliers to minimize costs and ensure efficiency.

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Why we love this operator
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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

All transfers,

Transportation & flights

All transfers
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and All Inclusive in Riviera Maya.**
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
exoticca-13319-38662

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