Costa Rica+ Guatemala. This itinerary combines our two signature Central American itineraries for an epic adventure.
San Jose (SJO)
Costa Rica
Nicoya
Peninsula
San Jose (SJO)
Costa Rica
Guatemala (GUA)
Lake Atitlan
Guatemala (GUA)
the plan
Day 1 | Airport Pickup. Welcome Meeting and time to relax at the jungle lodge - lounge by the pool, read, go for a swim or a nature walk. Home cooked dinner from our jungle lodge cook.
Day 2 | Yoga. Breakfast. Spend the morning in a blue lagoon and meeting local legends. First, go for a swim in a stunning azure river and then visit Doña Nena - a local legend who will show you how she makes coconut oil and marmalade that the whole community loves. Lunch at the lodge and then head to Banana Beach for a relaxing afternoon. Lounge in the chairs or hammocks, explore the beach and watch a spectacular sunset (our travellers confirm it's the best sunset they've ever seen). Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 3 | Yoga. Breakfast. Surf's up for a class on the beach (the group will be divided by level and all levels are welcome). Lunch. Waterfall hike + swim (be daring and jump off the cliffs) and exploration of the laidback beach town of Montezuma. Dinner
DAY 4| Yoga (optional). Breakfast. Snorkelling tour with lunch on the island. Free afternoon (ask your guide for suggestions on what to do in the area or hang out by the pool - options for the afternoon include a hike in the nearby reserve, visiting a local chocolate maker for a class and tasting, walking to the cemetery island at low tide). Dinner
DAY 5 | Yoga (optional). Breakfast. Free Day (Beach/town transfers, zip-lining, second surf lesson optional). Sunset at our secret sunset spot (fun vacation cocktails with a breathtaking view included)
DAY 6 | Yoga (optional). Breakfast. Free Day (Beach/town transfers, zip-lining, second surf lesson optional). Live music in town (did someone say reggae night?)
DAY 7 | Breakfast, airport drop off and flight to Guatemala! Land in Antigua, meet our driver at the airport. Free evening to explore the secret gardens and rooftop restaurants in this colourful city.
Day 8 | Wander historic Antigua, and opt to join in on a
foodie walking tour. Start near your hotel in Antigua, then continue to the central market to have a delicious variety of fruits, then take “chicken bus” to the next stop near San Francisco Cathedral, then head to Central Park and finish at La Merced, throughout the route you will be part of the culture, taste different local food while getting to know the history and stories of Guatemala. Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlàn (approx 3 hrs).
*If you prefer to hike the Pacaya volcano
instead, this is the day to do it! Please inform OT ahead of time so that we can help you arrange it.*
Day 9 | This morning you will take a boat to Panajachel and from there, your driver will take you to Chuimanzana through San Jose Chacaya, to have an amazing hike through beautiful landscapes until you get to the lookout Puerta del Cielo (Heaven Door).
You will be accompanied by Estelita and Xelita, who will host you at their home where you will be surrounded by incredible surrounding views while enjoying a homemade lunch. After lunch, continue the hike for about 20 minutes crossing a small river to meet the driver and head back to the hotel for the night.
Day 10 | Rise early to enjoy a morning kayak around Santa Cruz La Laguna. Boat to Santa Juan La Laguna and visit a women’s textile cooperative to see the hand weaving and the natural dye process. Visit the studios / homes of the celebrated naïf painters, and then you can hike up the Mirador Kaqasiiwaan for an amazing view of Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes.
Day 11 | Free day at the lake! Our guide Nancy will be there to show you around or give you pointers if you prefer to explore on your own.
Day 12| AM transfer back to Antigua, stopping at Chichicastenango Market, a bustling local market with interesting handicrafts. Take a guided tour through the cemetery that has a lot of secrets to tell. Free evening to explore colourful Antigua - grab dinner on a rooftop, find some live music or taste local craft beers.
Day 13| Departure Day. Transfer to Guatemala City Airport or add on hiking Acatenango - early morning departure and overnight on the volcano.
Please note, this is a fully outdoor itinerary and therefore activities and schedules are weather and tide-dependent. Expect to go with the flow - literally!
where we stay.
Relax and unwind at our quaint jungle lodge. Located in a quiet part of the Nicoya Peninsula, wake up to the early morning calls of howler monkeys, spot Scarlet macaws flying overhead, swim in the infinity pool overlooking the jungle, and enjoy
meals with your new friends in the outdoor spaces.
We’re located walking distance to a reserve with walking trails and a small town with cafes and bars (ask us where to get the best coconut frozen coffee and chocolate cake).
In Antigua, boutique hotels are selected. Think history and character, located right in town. At the lake, make yourself at home in a quaint and beautiful lakeside lodge.
Inclusions
COSTA RICA
Internal round trip flight from San Jose airport
-
Airport pick up and drop off
-
Double share bungalow accommodations
-
All meals: 6 breakfasts | 6 lunches | 6 dinners
-
Montezuma waterfall hike (guided)
-
1 yoga class
-
1 surfing lesson
-
Trip to Banana Beach and access to lounge chairs
-
River Lajas swim or Isla Cabuya visit (season dependent)
-
All transfers to activities
-
Experienced guide who is knowledgeable about the region
-
Flight from Costa Rica to Guatemala
GUATEMALA
2 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 2 Dinners
-
2 nights hostel accommodation in Antigua, 4 nights
accommodation in Lake Atitlán magic hotel -
Walking tour in Antigua
-
Arrival and departure airport transfer from GUA
(La Aurora International) -
Explore Lake Atitlán on a guided hike + kayak day trip
-
Day trip to one of Central America's largest local markets
in Chichcastenango ("ChiChi market") -
Free time to explore
-
An experienced and knowledgeable guide for the duration of
the trip
Not included:
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International flights
-
Travel insurance
-
Gratuities
-
Meals and activities not mentioned
add-ons
-
A bioluminescent kayak excursion
-
A yoga package with 4 additional classes
-
Volcano hike with overnight on top of the volcano (guided, meals and equipment included)
Emma, CA
"I cannot recommend Origin Travels enough! I went on a week long expedition to Costa Rica in November 2021 and it actually may have been the most relaxing vacation possible during the pandemic. All of our accommodation, transportation, activities and meals were arranged for us and that really took all the hassle out of travelling. If you are a solo female or group of friends who want to travel to exciting places but want some of the stress taken out of planning your adventures, Origin Travels is definitely the way to go. Bonus: The guides were lovely humans and have great taste in adventure activities so you really can’t go wrong!"
Jana, CA
“OT is amazing at responding quickly to my litany of questions. She is professional, but fun & outgoing at the same time. The concept of Origin Travels is brilliant - imho - women supporting women to safely travel to exciting & interesting venues is exactly what is needed in this present climate."
