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Tulum to San Jose
Tour Description:
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.
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Dates & Pricing
| Friday 15 Jan 27 — Thursday 18 Feb 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 29 Jan 27 — Thursday 04 Mar 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 12 Feb 27 — Thursday 18 Mar 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 26 Feb 27 — Thursday 01 Apr 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 19 Mar 27 — Thursday 22 Apr 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 09 Apr 27 — Thursday 13 May 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 30 Apr 27 — Thursday 03 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 07 May 27 — Thursday 10 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 21 May 27 — Thursday 24 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 11 Jun 27 — Thursday 15 Jul 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 02 Jul 27 — Thursday 05 Aug 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 23 Jul 27 — Thursday 26 Aug 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 13 Aug 27 — Thursday 16 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 03 Sep 27 — Thursday 07 Oct 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 24 Sep 27 — Thursday 28 Oct 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 08 Oct 27 — Thursday 11 Nov 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 15 Oct 27 — Thursday 18 Nov 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 26 Nov 27 — Thursday 30 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,115 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 10 Dec 27 — Thursday 13 Jan 28 | Starting at $4,295 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 24 Dec 27 — Thursday 27 Jan 28 | Starting at $4,295 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
3 Dinner (D)
3 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
Mexico City: You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.
Included Experience
Bacalar: Board a private catamaran and cruise across Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colours with an expert captain and guide. Over three hours, you'll visit Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Isla de los Pájaros and Canal de los Piratas, with drinks, snacks and safety gear included.
Tikal National Park: Walk through one of the Maya world’s most impressive sites, with towering temples rising above the jungle canopy. Your guide will bring Tikal’s history, mythology and UNESCO-listed ruins to life as you explore ancient plazas and ceremonial spaces.
Lake Atitlán: Be welcomed into the home of a local Kaqchikel family in San Jorge La Laguna for a genuine look at daily life by the lake. Share dinner, learn about local customs and support a homestay programme that gives back to the community.
Antigua Guatemala: Explore Antigua’s must-see spots with your Trip Manager, from Parque Central and the Catedral de San José ruins to the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. You’ll also see the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina, with Volcán de Agua stealing the background on a clear day.
Santa Ana: Get to know Santa Ana’s key sights, including the cathedral, Parque Libertad, Teatro Nacional, Palacio Municipal and Mercado Central. It’s a simple, useful intro to the city before you head off exploring your way.
Granada: Start at Parque Central, where Granada’s bright yellow cathedral sets the tone.Then wander towards Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced, with the option to climb the bell tower later for 360-degree views over the city and Lake Nicaragua.
Wanna do your bit to help the planet while out on the road? This is your chance to help support the local ecosystem. As you work, you’ll learn all about the local trees, and the benefits that replanting them has for the ecosystem and the wildlife that lives here.
3 Dinner (D)
3 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
Mexico City: You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.
Included Experience
Bacalar: Board a private catamaran and cruise across Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colours with an expert captain and guide. Over three hours, you'll visit Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Isla de los Pájaros and Canal de los Piratas, with drinks, snacks and safety gear included.
Tikal National Park: Walk through one of the Maya world’s most impressive sites, with towering temples rising above the jungle canopy. Your guide will bring Tikal’s history, mythology and UNESCO-listed ruins to life as you explore ancient plazas and ceremonial spaces.
Lake Atitlán: Be welcomed into the home of a local Kaqchikel family in San Jorge La Laguna for a genuine look at daily life by the lake. Share dinner, learn about local customs and support a homestay programme that gives back to the community.
Antigua Guatemala: Explore Antigua’s must-see spots with your Trip Manager, from Parque Central and the Catedral de San José ruins to the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. You’ll also see the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina, with Volcán de Agua stealing the background on a clear day.
Santa Ana: Get to know Santa Ana’s key sights, including the cathedral, Parque Libertad, Teatro Nacional, Palacio Municipal and Mercado Central. It’s a simple, useful intro to the city before you head off exploring your way.
Granada: Start at Parque Central, where Granada’s bright yellow cathedral sets the tone.Then wander towards Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced, with the option to climb the bell tower later for 360-degree views over the city and Lake Nicaragua.
Wanna do your bit to help the planet while out on the road? This is your chance to help support the local ecosystem. As you work, you’ll learn all about the local trees, and the benefits that replanting them has for the ecosystem and the wildlife that lives here.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYTulum
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 free to relax. This is your chance to slow things down a bit — whether that means pool time, ocean time, or both.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
San Jose
And just like that, 35 days of non-stop Central America's colours, culture and chaos has officially come to an end.
