Explore Central America in 20 days – Mexico, Guatemala & Costa Rica
Travel across Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica—explore volcanoes, beaches, ruins, and vibrant culture on this unforgettable Central American tour
Join our 20-day immersive journey through the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
This expertly curated tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences—from the bustling streets of Mexico City and the serene beaches of Puerto Escondido to the majestic ruins of Tikal and the lush rainforests of Costa Rica.
Duration: 20 Days
Countries Visited: Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica
Tour Style: Small-group adventure
Experience Level: Suitable for travelers seeking a comprehensive and enriching journey
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Highlights
- Meeting an amazing group of intrepid travellers
- Experiencing South America but with a budget in mind
- Taking part in optional activities – such as sunrise hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or a night rainforest walk.
- Eating your fill of sushi, yakitori and ramen
- Exploring iconic sites – Chichén Itzá, Acatenango Volcano and the Manuel Antonio National Park to name a few.
Join our budget-friendly backpacking tour in South America for an enriching adventure led by a welcoming group and expert tour leader. This affordable yet extraordinary journey ensures you’ll partake in unforgettable experiences and activities that showcase the best of what this vibrant destination has to offer.
Designed for travelers seeking depth and diversity, the itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic local encounters.
With all logistics handled, you can fully immerse yourself in the adventure, with the benefits of a bilingual tour guides, and a small group dynamic.
Day 1 – Mexico City
Arrive in Mexico City and meet your group for a welcome briefing. Kick off the adventure with a night of Lucha Libre — Mexico’s colourful, high-energy wrestling scene.
Day 2 – Mexico City
Discover Mexico City’s historic heart on a walking tour, followed by an interactive Spanish class. Spend the afternoon visiting Chapultepec Castle or relaxing before a group dinner with traditional music and mezcal.
Day 3 – Puerto Escondido
Fly to the laid-back beach town of Puerto Escondido. Unwind by the sea before a sunset surf lesson led by local instructors.
Day 4 – Puerto Escondido
Enjoy a free day to relax on the beach or join an optional dolphin and whale watching tour. In the evening, opt for a magical bioluminescent swim in Manialtepec Lagoon.
Day 5 – Oaxaca
Visit a local workshop to craft your own alebrijes before heading to Oaxaca. Settle into the city with a hands-on Oaxacan cooking class and enjoy its lively cultural scene.
Day 6 – Hierve el Agua & Surroundings
Marvel at the ancient Tule Tree and swim in the mineral pools of Hierve el Agua. Explore the Mitla ruins and enjoy a mezcal tasting before a lively salsa dancing class.
Day 7 – Oaxaca to Tulum
Transfer by flight to Cancun, followed by a scenic drive to the tropical paradise of Tulum. Relax and get ready for your Yucatán adventures.
Day 8 – Chichén Itzá & Cenote
Explore the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, swim in a sacred cenote, and visit colonial Valladolid before heading back to Tulum for a relaxed evening.
Day 9 – Tulum
Cycle through Tulum to explore the beachfront ruins and take a dip in the sea. Enjoy a free afternoon to snorkel, relax, or sample tacos and mojitos in town.
Day 10 – Tulum to Guatemala
Fly to Guatemala City and transfer to the picturesque lakeside town of San Pedro La Laguna on Lake Atitlán. Settle in and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Day 11 – San Pedro La Laguna
Opt for a sunrise hike to Indian Nose viewpoint. Spend the day kayaking, cliff-jumping, or exploring the lake towns before resting up for the next adventure.
Day 12 – Acatenango Volcano Hike (Day 1)
Begin a two-day guided trek up Acatenango Volcano. Hike through forest and farmland, reaching basecamp in time to witness eruptions from nearby Volcán de Fuego.
Day 13 – Acatenango Summit & Antigua
Summit Acatenango before dawn for sunrise views above the clouds. Descend and travel to colonial Antigua for a night of well-earned celebration.
Day 14 – Antigua
Enjoy a rest day exploring Antigua’s charming streets, coffee shops, and markets. Visit the hilltop viewpoint or unwind with a spa treatment or live music.
Day 15 – Antigua to Costa Rica
Fly from Guatemala to San José and transfer to La Fortuna. Check in and relax in this lush destination at the base of Arenal Volcano.
Day 16 – La Fortuna
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall, kayak on a volcanic lagoon, and explore Arenal’s rainforest canopy via hanging bridges. End the day soaking in thermal hot springs.
Day 17 – La Fortuna (Free Day)
Choose between adrenaline-filled canyoning and rafting, or a scenic hike to Rio Celeste’s turquoise waterfall. Optional evening rainforest tour to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Day 18 – La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio
Travel overland via Lake Arenal and Monteverde, where you’ll zipline through the jungle. Arrive in coastal Manuel Antonio in the evening.
Day 19 – Manuel Antonio
Relax on the beach or explore Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided hike. In the evening, enjoy a catamaran sunset cruise with snorkeling and a group dinner.
Day 20 – San José Departure
Transfer to San José for your final goodbyes. The tour concludes mid-morning, marking the end of an incredible Central American journey.
• Japanese Bathhouse – approx ¥5oo per person (Tokyo), Shopping, have snacks on Hoppy Street or go for Happy Hour Beers (Tokyo)
• Night out in Roppongi – approx ¥1000 if you go to a club with an all you can drink fixed fee from 7-11pm (Tokyo)
• Chanko-Nabe lunch – approx ¥1500-¥2000 per person (Tokyo)
• Cat Cafe MoCHA – Basic: ¥200/1o min + plus tax, Unlimited drinks: ¥350 + tax, Cat treats: ¥500 + plus tax (Tokyo)
• Maid Cafe – Entry fee: ¥500/60min excluding tax, food and drink aprox. ¥1500-¥2500 per person (Tokyo)
• Street Kart – $99 and must be booked before trip (Tokyo)
• Night out in Golden Gai (Tokyo)
• Tokyo Sumo District experience $80 (Tokyo)
• Robot Show – must be booked before trip (Tokyo)
• Japanese Onsen & have dinner nearby (Hakone)
• Amazake – approx. ¥500 per person (Hakone)
• Walk along Pontocho Alley – all restaurants here are very expensive and need to be booked ahead, so we suggest having dinner nearby (Kyoto)
• Calligraphy lesson $30 (Kyoto)
• Ramen dinner at Kairikiya – approx. ¥1000-¥1500 per person (Kyoto)• Karaoke – approx. ¥1000-¥1500 per person (Kyoto)
• O Okonomiyaki at Okonomiyaki village – approx ¥1500-¥2000 per person (Hiroshima)
• Ekiben – lunch (Osaka)
• Shopping in Shinsaibashi and Namba areas near Capsule Hotel (Osaka)
• Visit Tsutenkaku, an iconic tower famous for its neon lights (Osaka)
• Night out in Osaka (Osaka)
• Takoyaki Dinner (Osaka)
• Arcade challenge (Osaka)
• Karaoke bar (Osaka)
• Nightclub (Osaka)
Additional Services
If you want to stay on in Japan after the group tour has ended, you can upgrade your Japan Rail pass to 14 days for £165 or 21 days for £275. If you wish to upgrade to include this pass, you need to let us know 2 months before your departure date.
- All accommodation is included for the duration of the tour.
- Hostels, guesthouses throughout the trip are included, with camping on night 12.
- Expect to share a room with 4-8 people, depending on where you are staying. We cannot guarantee same- sex dorm rooms in high season but will try our best to accommodate any requests.
- If you would like to have your own room, you can pay a supplement for this.
- You will need to budget money for food.
- Your tour leader will take you to good local restaurants each day where you will be able to eat cheaply.
- You are also welcome to choose your own restaurants.
- Some meals are included on certain days and will be outlined in your itinerary.
Travel arrangements
Arrive into: Mexico City, Mexico : Mexico City Airport (MEX)
Depart from: San Jose, Costa Rica : Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights).
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- In-country support
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
- Bilingual adventure leaders.
- Spanish lesson for beginners
- Accommodation in hostels and hotels which meets our high standards. All have their own unique Japanese charm, and at the same time are safe, clean, and hygienic.
- All train, boat and bus tickets.
- Entry to a whole range of places plus a vast number of included activities
- All taxes and charges.
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
- Flights to and from Mexico or Costa Rica
- Aside from the many free unmissable activities we offer you, we also offer some extra activities which are great value for money, safe and fun.
- Food and Drink
- Any train/bus tickets for journeys made after the trip
- Any hostels / accomodation for after your trip has ended
More Information
You will be given a more detailed Itinerary closer to your departure.
If you are healthy and looking for an adventure this tour is the perfect choice for you.
Many different types of traveller join this tour. What everyone has in common is their excitement for learning more about and travelling in South America. The main demographics of this group are early 20´s to late 30´s.
Each tour has an enthusiastic and knowledgeable leader, who is fully trained and English speaking. All leaders will have fully equipped first aid kits.
Our local operator will bring a lot of things that you’ll require for this hike, including: backpacks, lamps, a top fleece, jackets, warm hats & gloves, a sleeping bag and blankets. You can rent hiking boots and poles for a small fee. However, if you have your own boots – bring them along! In addition, you may want to bring your own thermal layers. Our local operators are more used to the weather here than you are, so if you feel the cold we’d recommend bringing your own thicker jackets and additional layers to ensure you’re comfortable.
Typically, 17 people take part in each tour with a maximum of 20 people.
Yes! There are laundry facilities at the accommodation along the route. Your tour leader will tell you when it is best to do laundry, based on when there is enough time in one place for laundry to dry.
You’ll be able to store your luggage in your room. There are safes in the room and a safe for valuables at reception. The bags will be stored at the hostels where they are tagged and recorded. On a couple of occasions, they will be stored at storage facilities in railway stations.
Please keep luggage to one check-in bag and to a size convenient for easily moving between locations, and for storage in hostel dormitory/shared rooms. We highly recommend a large backpack (50-70L). Laundry facilities are available throughout the trip to make packing lighter possible. For those taking domestics flights on their trip, please be aware carriers operate a standard 15kg limit on checked-in luggage.
You can find all of our set departure dates on the calendar at the top of the page. You can join a trip at any point – if you need to discuss a situation like this, such as joining a tour late, email our team.
This tour starts in Mexico City and ends in San José. Throughout, all your local travel is included, excluding airport transfers.
At the time of writing, there are no vaccinations required. However, you should always visit your GP or local travel clinic to find the most up to date information about vaccinations.
Yes! Please contact us and we can send you the pricing for this.
You can join this tour as a solo traveller, as a couple, pair or group.
Throughout your tour, you will be able to communicate with your tour leader.
Staff at Oyster’s head office and in-country will be responsible for your safety and welfare while you are on the tour. This will start from the moment you arrive at the meeting point. Before and after these times, you will be outside Oyster’s responsibility and should make sure that you act safely and avoid risk. This is also true if you choose to leave the project during your time off. We will give you plenty of guidance and advice about this.
All bedding is provided at the hostels. Towels are not supplied but can be rented from the hostel reception for a small fee.
Each evening, the leader will offer to lead a group meal and will take you to a good, hygienic restaurant. However, if you would prefer to go somewhere different, you can. Leaders will suggest places for lunch and breakfast.
Project Reviews
“I went on the 31 day SE Asia trip. All planned out reaaally well and had a great time, Oyster helped me through the steps and it was easy to get in touch. The actual tour leaders were equally as good. Thank you.” Emma, Southeast Asia tour, March 2025 “The last few weeks I have been travelling around South East...
“I w
“The last few weeks I have been travelling around South East Asia with Oyster Worldwide, completing my Gold The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This has been a truly once in a lifetime experience, meeting many new people from all around the world and learning about the Asian culture and lifestyle. From volunteering at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand to partying on a yacht in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, I enjoyed every second of it. Oyster Worldwide have been super professional and helpful throughout the whole experience and made a complex and daunting trip, a breeze in the park!”
Great time, amazing country. Itinerary is amazing and hostels are so much better than I ever imagined.”
Honestly the trip is AMAZING. The wonderful sites, the kind people, the night life, food and drink. Also I cannot get over how cheap Tokyo was. Ive not left yet but I cant wait to come back already. The Hostels have acceded everyone expectations. They’re so nice some of them seem more like hotels. Also I cannot praise Shana enough she is a fantastic tour guide. She is always willing to help but also great to hang out with on her chill time. Ive also been lucky with the group of people Ive been with as we all get on so well.
“My feedback is overall very positive. I had a great experience and made some good friends on the way. The organised tour gave me the opportunity to see locations and do more activities than I would have seen or done I had been gone on my own.Got a question or want to chat to Project Manager Sami who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0)1892 771976or email: – [email protected].
