8-Day Guatemala to Costa Rica Journey: Nature and Culture

Nestled amid three majestic volcanoes, Lake Atitlan boasts stunning natural beauty, earning it a place among the world's most enchanting lakes. To experience its splendor, we'll hop aboard a boat bound for Santiago Atitilanán town, where we'll also pay a visit to the revered Saint Maximon, a significant Mayan folk saint in Guatemala. As the afternoon unfolds, we'll journey to Panajachel before making our way to the picturesque colonial town of Antigua.

Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a captivating Spanish colonial city in Central America that feels like a journey back in time. Its charming cobblestone streets, adorned with vibrant Bougainvillea and historic buildings, evoke a sense of old-world charm. Our tour will commence at Central Park, where we'll explore the city's prominent monuments before venturing to the quaint villages of San Juan del Obispo and Santa Maria de Jesus. As the day unfolds, we'll bid farewell to Antigua and journey to Guatemala City for the night.

This morning, we'll head to the airport for your flight to San José, Costa Rica. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and taken to your hotel for check-in. After a brief rest, we'll embark on a walking tour of the city center, visiting notable landmarks such as the National Theater, the Art Museum, the Cathedral, the National Stadium, and the central market.

Following breakfast, we'll head to Arenal National Park, nestled in northern Costa Rica. Known for its diverse wildlife and stunning Arenal Volcano, With its expansive plains of San Carlos and lush rainforests, it offers a glimpse into the wonders of nature. Before dinner, we'll visit an eco-center for a night walk, where you can observe nocturnal animals like sloths, spiders, armadillos, porcupines, amphibians, and alligators. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience the wonders of natural world after dark.

Today's adventure takes us to the active northwestern flank of the volcano. We'll hike along the Las Coladas Trail, winding through the lush rainforest and across a vast lava flow formed in 1992. Keep your eyes peeled for diverse plants, wildlife, and intriguing lava formations along the way. Our hike concludes at a viewpoint where, weather permitting, you might catch a glimpse of molten lava flowing down the side of the mountain. Following our volcano excursion, we'll head to Ecotermales Fortuna Hot Spring. Nestled in a natural river gorge, these thermal springs feature five free-flowing pools with temperatures ranging from 38°C to 43°C. Before returning to the hotel, cap off the day with a Costa Rican home-style dinner.

After breakfast, you'll be taken from Arenal National Park to either San Jose or your preferred beach destination (such as Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo Beach, Flamingo Beach, Potrero Beach, or Tambor Beach). It's time to say goodbye.