Tulum to San Jose

Package Overview

From Tulum’s beaches to Costa Rica’s cloud forests, this 35-day trip packs in a bit of everything. You’ll move through five countries, mixing Caribbean stops, jungle ruins, lakes, volcanoes and laid-back towns. There’s time for island life, cultural experiences and big scenery, balanced with free days to explore how you want. Expect simple stays, a mix of local and private transport, and lots of freedom to do things your way.

Routing

Trip Duration: 35 Days

Day Wise Itinerary

Day 1 - Tulum

Welcome to Mexico! Once you make your way to the hostel, you'll have the rest of the day to settle in, explore the city, and get a first taste of this laid-back Caribbean stop. In the evening, meet your Trip Manager and fellow travellers at the Welcome Meeting.

• Accomodation: Che Tulum Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Tulum,

Day 2 - Tulum

You’ll have a full free day to enjoy Tulum however you like. Head for the beach, visit the cliffside ruins, check out a cenote, or just take it slow around town with cafes, shops, and plenty of time to do your own thing.

• Accomodation: Che Tulum Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Tulum,

Day 3 - Tulum

Another free day to enjoy Tulum your way, whether that means more beach time, a last cenote stop, or just taking it easy around town.

• Accomodation: Che Tulum Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Tulum,

Day 4 - Tulum to Bacalar

Time to lave Tulum behind this morning and catch the local bus south to Bacalar, heading from the coast to one of the Yucatán’s most laid-back lagoon towns.Once you arrive, the rest of the day is free to settle in and explore. You could relax by the lagoon, wander through town, or head to Los Rápidos if you’re up for an easy afternoon out.

• Accomodation: Viajero Bacalar Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Tulum, Bacalar,

Day 5 - Bacalar

Today, you'll head out onto the Lagoon of Seven Colours for a private catamaran experience, with time to take in Bacalar from the water and see some of its best-known spots along the way. Depending on conditions, we'll stop by places like Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Isla de los Pájaros, and the Canal de los Piratas. After the sail, the rest of the afternoon is free.

• Accomodation: Viajero Bacalar Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Bacalar,

Day 6 - Bacalar to Caye Caulker via Chetumal and San Pedro

Time to head towards Chetumal by private transfer, making our way towards Belize and the next part of the trip.From here, you’ll board the ferry bound for Caye Caulker as we set off across the Caribbean.On arrival in San Pedro, you'll briefly disembark to clear Belize immigration and customs before continuing on.Once you arrive in Caye Caulker, it’ll be a short walk to your accommodation. After check-in, the rest of the day will be free to settle in, explore the island, or ease straight into its laid-back pace.

• Accomodation: Tropical Paradise Express Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Bacalar, Chetumal, San Pedro, Caye Caulker,

Day 7 - Caye Caulker

You’ll have a full free day to enjoy Caye Caulker however you like. Plus, there's the option to join a snorkelling and island adventure if you want to make the most of Belize’s clear waters.

• Accomodation: Tropical Paradise Express Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Caye Caulker,

Day 8 - Caye Caulker

Yep, another free day to enjoy island life at your own pace. You could head out on a paddleboard, spend time by the water at The Split, or just lean into the slow pace and make the most of your final time here.

• Accomodation: Tropical Paradise Express Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Caye Caulker,

Day 9 - Caye Caulker to San Ignacio via Belize City

This morning, walk to the ferry terminal and say goodbye to island life as you make your way back to the mainland.Once you arrive in Belize City, a private transfer will be waiting to take you inland towards your next stop.After checking in, the rest of the day will be free to settle in and explore. With its local markets, cafes, and laid-back feel, San Ignacio is a good place to ease into this next part of Belize.

• Accomodation: Yellow Belly Backpackers Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Caye Caulker, Belize City, San Ignacio,

Day 10 - San Ignacio

A full free day to enjoy San Ignacio your way. You can keep it relaxed with time around town, the local market, or a riverside cafe, or go bigger with the option to join either the ATM Cave expedition or a cave tubing experience. With an early start coming up tomorrow, today works well as a choose-your-own-pace kind of day.

• Accomodation: Yellow Belly Backpackers Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: San Ignacio,

Day 11 - San Ignacio to Flores via Tikal National Park

Time to leave San Ignacio this morning and cross the border into Guatemala by private shuttle, heading for one of the region’s biggest highlights.Once you arrive, we'll explore Tikal on a guided tour, with its towering temples, ancient plazas, and jungle setting.Later, continue on to Flores and check in on arrival. The evening is all yours to relax, head out for dinner, or enjoy the lakeside setting.

• Accomodation: Los Amigos Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: San Ignacio, Tikal National Park, Flores,

Day 12 - Flores to Lanquin

You’ll leave Flores behind today and travel by private shuttle towards Lanquín, passing through rural landscapes and mountain scenery along the way.This will be one of the longer travel days on the trip, so expect most of the day to be spent on the road. Once you arrive, you’ll check in and have the rest of the afternoon free to relax by the river or settle into the jungle surroundings.

• Accomodation: Hostal Portal de Champey (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Flores, Lanquín,

Day 13 - Lanquin

Enjoy Lanquín at your own pace today. Take it slow by the river, relax at the accommodation, or make the most of the jungle setting. There’ll also be the option to join a full-day trip to Semuc Champey and the K’an Ba Caves if you’re up for something more adventurous.

• Accomodation: Hostal Portal de Champey (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Lanquín,

Day 14 - Lanquín to Lake Atitlán

You’ll leave Lanquín this morning and travel by private shuttle towards Lake Atitlán, with mountain roads and highland scenery the whole way.This will be another longer travel day, but the views on arrival will make it worth it. Once you’ve checked in at Panajachel, the rest of the evening will be free to relax, head out for a walk, or take in your first look at the lake and volcanoes.

• Accomodation: Dreamboat Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Lanquín, Lake Atitlán,

Day 15 - Lake Atitlan to San Jorge La Laguna

You’ll have a free morning in Panajachel to make the most of the lake before moving on. Take a walk by the water, browse the local markets, or just enjoy the views and a slower start to the day.Later,  head to a nearby Maya village for an overnight homestay with a local Kaqchikel family. Dinner's with a local Kaqchikel family, where you'll get genuine insight into daily life and community traditions.

• Accomodation: Maya Homestay (Or Similar)
• Meals: Dinner
• Location Visited: Lake Atitlán, San Jorge La Laguna,

Day 16 - San Jorge La Laguna to Antigua via Lake Atitlán

Start the day with breakfast with your host family and a relaxed morning in the village.Later, you’ll head back towards Panajachel, with the option to join a cultural boat tour visiting Maya communities around the lake. In the late afternoon, continue by shuttle to Antigua, arriving in the early evening. After check-in, the rest of the night will be free to settle in and head out for dinner.

• Accomodation: Central Hostal San Sebastian (Or Similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: San Jorge La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Antigua Guatemala,

Day 17 - Antigua

Explore Antigua your way today. Wander the cobbled streets, check out churches and plazas, shop for local crafts, or find a cafe with a volcano view. There’ll also be the option to join a Pacaya hike, an Antigua bike ride and plantation visit, or the Acatenango overnight hike if you’re up for something bigger.

• Accomodation: Central Hostal San Sebastian (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Antigua Guatemala,

Day 18 - Antigua

Another free day in Antigua. Keep exploring the city, take it slow in a cafe, or join an optional visit to the Native Chocolate Museum for a closer look at one of Guatemala’s best-known local flavours.

• Accomodation: Central Hostal San Sebastian (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Antigua Guatemala,

Day 19 - Antigua to Santa Ana

Leave Antigua this morning and travel by private shuttle across the border into El Salvador, with mountain views and coffee-country scenery along the way.Once you arrive in Santa Ana, your Trip Manager will give you an orientation of the town. After that, the rest of the day will be free to relax, head out for dinner, or settle into your new surroundings.

• Accomodation: Urban Nest Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Antigua Guatemala, Santa Ana,

Day 20 - Santa Ana

Enjoy a free day in Santa Ana to explore your way — cathedral, central plaza, local eats, the lot. Feeling extra? Visit nearby lakes and hot springs, or take on the Ruta de las Flores.

• Accomodation: Urban Nest Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Santa Ana,

Day 21 - Santa Ana to La Libertad Region

Leave Santa Ana behind this morning and travel by private shuttle towards the coast, swapping city streets for sea views.The rest of the day is free to relax. This is your chance to slow things down a bit — whether that means pool time, ocean time, or both.

• Accomodation: Lagarza Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Santa Ana, La Libertad Region,

Day 22 - La Libertad Region

Today's yours to enjoy La Libertad however you like. You can stretch out on the black-sand beaches, explore more of the coastline, or keep things easy and lean into the laid-back pace. If you’re keen to get in the water, there’ll also be the option to join a surf lesson with local instructors.

• Accomodation: Lagarza Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: La Libertad Region,

Day 23 - La Libertad Region to Leon via La Union and Potosi

Leaving the coast behind early this morning, you'll set off by private shuttle towards La Unión.From here, you’ll board a public boat across the Gulf of Fonseca, trading the road for a more scenic route between countries.On arrival in Nicaragua, we'll clear immigration in Potosi before continuing the journey by private shuttle bus.Later, you’ll arrive in León and check in at your accommodation. It's a big travel day, so the rest of the afternoon and evening will be free to relax or head out and explore.

• Accomodation: Poco a Poco Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: La Libertad Region, La Union, Potosi, León,

Day 24 - Leon

You’ll have the day free to explore León at your own pace. Visit the cathedral, wander the colourful streets, or head up to the cathedral rooftop for wide views over the city. If you’re after something more active, there’ll also be the option to take on the Cerro Negro volcano hiking and boarding adventure.

• Accomodation: Poco a Poco Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: León,

Day 25 - Leon to Granada

Time to travel by shuttle to Granada, arriving around midday.After check-in, the rest of the day will be free to explore Granada at your own pace. You can wander the colourful streets, relax in a cafe or plaza, or check out Cafe de las Sonrisas — a social enterprise spot with a great story behind it. There’ll also be the option to join an Isletas boat tour if you want to get out on the water.

• Accomodation: Hostal De Boca en Boca (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: León, Granada,

Day 26 - Granada to Ometepe via San Jorge

You’ll leave Granada this morning and travel by shuttle to San Jorge.From here, you’ll board the public ferry across to Ometepe, with lake and volcano views setting the scene on the way over.Once you arrive, a Local Guide will meet you and take you to your homestay. Settle in for the start of your island stay, with dinner included and a more local, day-to-day side of Ometepe ahead.

• Accomodation: Puesta Del Sol Homestay (Or Similar)
• Meals: Dinner
• Location Visited: Granada, San Jorge, Ometepe,

Day 27 - Ometepe

A free day to experience Ometepe your way. If you’re up for a challenge, there’ll be the option to join a hiking experience and take on more of the island’s volcanic landscape.

• Accomodation: Puesta Del Sol Homestay (Or Similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Location Visited: Ometepe,

Day 28 - Ometepe to San Juan del Sur via San Jorge

Leave Ometepe today and make your way back to the port, saying goodbye to island life as you head off towards the mainland.From here, you’ll board the ferry back to San Jorge before continuing by road.Later, we'll travel by private shuttle to San Juan del Sur and check in on arrival. The rest of the day will then be free to settle in and enjoy your first look at this easygoing beach town.

• Accomodation: Nalu Nalu Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Location Visited: Ometepe, San Jorge, San Juan del Sur,

Day 29 - San Juan del Sur

Enjoy a free day to enjoy San Juan del Sur however you like. Keep it easy with beach time, cafes, and sunset views, or head out and explore more of the coastline. Plus, there's an option to join a scientific whale and dolphin boat tour if you want to get out on the water and see a different side of this part of Nicaragua.

• Accomodation: Nalu Nalu Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: San Juan del Sur,

Day 30 - San Juan del Sur to Monteverde

Today, we'll travel south by private shuttle, crossing the border into Costa Rica and heading for the cooler mountain air of Monteverde.By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Monteverde and settle into Santa Elena, the gateway to the cloud forest. The rest of the evening will be free to grab dinner, explore the town, and ease into your first taste of Costa Rica.

• Accomodation: Hotel Quetzal Inn (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: San Juan del Sur, Monteverde,

Day 31 - Monteverde

You've got a few ways to take on the cloud forest today. Go big with an optional zipline through the treetops, keep it slower with a walk across the hanging bridges, or get involved in a tree-planting experience that gives back to the local environment. After dark, opt in for a guided night walk and see a different side of Monteverde.

• Accomodation: Hotel Quetzal Inn (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Monteverde,

Day 32 - Monteverde to Arenal

Travel by shared shuttle, with a bus-boat-bus journey taking you from the cloud forest down towards your next stop.By early afternoon, you’ll arrive in La Fortuna, where rainforest scenery, waterfalls, trails, and plenty of adventure all come into play. Once you’ve settled in, there’ll also be the option to head to the Arenal Hot Springs later on.

• Accomodation: Viajero Arenal Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Monteverde, Arenal,

Day 33 - Arenal

You have the option to start the day with canyoneering for a proper adrenaline hit in the rainforest. Or, if you’re after something more grounded, you can join a nature walk and tortilla-making experience with the Solano-Oviedo family, with a closer look at local life and conservation efforts around Arenal.

• Accomodation: Viajero Arenal Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Arenal,

Day 34 - Arenal to San Jose

Jump on a public bus and travel to San José with mountain views and small towns rolling by as you make your way into Costa Rica’s Central Valley.After arriving around late afternoon, we'll head straight to the hostel to check in. Later on, there’ll be the option to come together for a farewell dinner and round off the trip as a group.

• Accomodation: Viajero San José Hostel (Or Similar)
• Meals:
• Location Visited: Arenal, San José,

Day 35 - San Jose

And just like that, 35 days of non-stop Central America's colours, culture and chaos has officially come to an end.

• Accomodation:
• Meals:
• Location Visited: San José,