Epic Central America: Self-Launched Adventure

Fly into Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX). Take the metro Line 5 to the city centre for under £1 — skip the overpriced taxi touts. Check into a well-reviewed hostel in the Condesa or Roma neighbourhood, both buzzing with cafes and street food. Grab tacos al pastor from a street stall and get your bearings.

🚌Mexico City Metro from airport: ~£0.50

🛏Hostel in Condesa/Roma neighbourhood — e.g. Hostel Home Mexico City (~£15–18/night dorm)

• →Arrive at MEX airport and take Metro Line 5 to the city centre (~£0.50)
• →Check into hostel in Condesa or Roma (e.g. Hostel Home or Casa Comtesse)
• →Evening street food explore — try tacos, elotes and agua fresca

Spend the day exploring Mexico City's iconic historic centre. The Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral are free to visit. Book a guided walking tour of the historic centre via GetYourGuide (~£10–15) for deep context on Aztec and colonial history. Head to Plaza Garibaldi in the evening for Mariachi music and a traditional dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants.

🚌Mexico City Metro for city travel: ~£1–2/day

🛏Hostel in Condesa/Roma neighbourhood

• →Self-guided walk around Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral (free)
• →Book a walking tour of the Historic Centre via GetYourGuide (~£12)
• →Visit the Palacio Nacional murals by Diego Rivera (free)
• →Evening at Plaza Garibaldi for Mariachi music and dinner (~£10–15)

Take an early ADO bus from TAPO bus terminal to Puebla (~2 hours, ~£5). Explore the rainbow-coloured alleyways and try a traditional cemita or mole poblano for lunch. Then board another ADO bus to Oaxaca (~4.5 hours, ~£8). Arrive in the evening and check in to a hostel near the Zócalo. The night food scene in Oaxaca is not to be missed.

🚌ADO buses Puebla–Oaxaca: ~£13 total

🛏Hostel in Oaxaca Centro — e.g. Hostal Pochon or Casa Tica (~£12–15/night dorm)

• →ADO bus from Mexico City (TAPO) to Puebla (~£5, ~2hrs)
• →Self-guided walk around Puebla's Centro Histórico and Callejón de los Sapos
• →ADO bus from Puebla to Oaxaca (~£8, ~4.5hrs)
• →Evening street food in Oaxaca's Zócalo area — try tlayudas, memelas and mole

Oaxaca is one of Mexico's cultural and culinary crown jewels — budget a full day to soak it in. Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo (free), wander the Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre for an extraordinary food crawl. Take a free self-guided walk up to the Mirador Cerro del Fortín for panoramic views. In the evening, book a mezcal tasting experience via GetYourGuide.

🚌Walking / local taxis: ~£2–3

🛏Hostel in Oaxaca Centro

• →Templo de Santo Domingo and attached cultural museum (~£2 entry)
• →Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre food crawl (~£5–8)
• →Self-guided walk to Mirador Cerro del Fortín (free)
• →Mezcal tasting experience via GetYourGuide (~£15–20)

Book a day tour from Oaxaca via a local operator or GetYourGuide that covers a traditional textile village and a mezcal distillery (~£20–30). These tours depart from Oaxaca and can drop you in Tehuantepec or return to Oaxaca — choose based on your onward plans. Alternatively, take a local bus to Teotitiá del Valle (a weaving village, ~£1) and arrange your own mezcal distillery visit nearby.

🚌Local bus or shared colectivo to Teotitlán del Valle and Tehuantepec: ~£5

🛏Basic guesthouse in Tehuantepec (~£12–15/night)

• →Local bus to Teotitlán del Valle weaving village (~£1 each way)
• →Visit artisan textile families and watch hand-loom weaving (free / small tip)
• →Self-arranged or tour-included mezcal distillery visit (~£5–10 tasting)
• →Overnight in Tehuantepec — a quieter, authentic Mexican town

Take a bus from Tehuantepec to Tuxtla Gutiérrez (~£8, ~3 hours), then a colectivo to Chiapa de Corzo for the Sumidero Canyon boat tour. Book your boat trip directly at the dock (~£8–10) and cruise the stunning canyon walls, spotting monkeys and crocodiles. Afterwards, take a colectivo or shared taxi up to San Cristóbal de las Casas (~£2). Check in and explore the golden colonial streets.

🚌Bus + colectivos: ~£12 total

🛏Hostel in San Cristóbal — e.g. Rossco Backpackers Hostel (~£10–14/night dorm)

• →Bus from Tehuantepec to Tuxtla Gutiérrez (~£8)
• →Sumidero Canyon boat tour booked directly at the dock (~£8–10)
• →Colectivo up to San Cristóbal de las Casas (~£2)
• →Evening walk around San Cristóbal's historic centre (free)

Book a half-day local tour to Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula from San Cristóbal (~£10–15, easily arranged at your hostel or a local agency). In Zinacantán, a local family will invite you to breakfast and show you their flower-growing and textile traditions. In San Juan Chamula, visit the fascinating syncretic church (£2 entry). Return to San Cristóbal to browse the indigenous markets and try Chiapas coffee and pox spirit.

🚌Included in local tour / walking

🛏Hostel in San Cristóbal

• →Half-day local tour to Zinacantán (family breakfast + textile visit) and San Juan Chamula (~£12)
• →San Juan Chamula church visit (~£2 entry fee)
• →Afternoon free: explore San Cristóbal markets and try local coffee
• →Try pox (traditional spirit) at a local bar

Take a colectivo or bus to Tuxtla Gutiérrez or San Cristóbal airport and fly to Cancún. Book in advance for best prices — Volaris, Vivaaerobus and Aeromexico all serve this route (~£40–70). Alternatively, the overnight ADO bus from San Cristóbal to Cancún takes ~18 hours (~£25) if you want to save money and time it right. Arrive in Cancún, check in to a hostel in the Hotel Zone or nearby downtown.

🚌Budget flight Tuxtla/San Cristóbal to Cancún: ~£50–70

🛏Hostel in Cancún — e.g. Mayan Monkey Hostel (~£15–18/night dorm, pool included)

• →Morning colectivo/bus to San Cristóbal or Tuxtla airport
• →Budget flight to Cancún — book via Skyscanner (Volaris/Vivaaerobus ~£40–70)
• →Check in to Cancún hostel and relax by the pool

From Cancún's ADO bus terminal, take a bus to Chiquilá (~2.5 hours, ~£5), then a short ferry crossing to Isla Holbox (~£3). No cars on the island — hire a golf buggy or walk everywhere. Drop bags at your hostel, grab fresh ceviche from a beachside stall, and watch the sunset with your feet in the sand. The nightlife is low-key and wonderful.

🚌Bus + ferry: ~£8

🛏Hostel on Isla Holbox — e.g. Hostel Ida y Vuelta or Tribu Hostel (~£14–18/night dorm)

• →ADO bus from Cancún to Chiquilá (~£5, ~2.5hrs)
• →Ferry from Chiquilá to Isla Holbox (~£3 each way)
• →Beach sunset and street food dinner on arrival
• →Golf buggy hire (shared between friends, ~£5–8pp)

Book a boat tour around Isla Holbox directly at the dock or via your hostel (~£15–20). Tours typically include a stop at Punta Mosquito to see flamingos (seasonal), snorkelling and a visit to Yalahau lagoon. Spend the afternoon swimming in the warm turquoise water, lounging in a hammock, or paddleboarding (hire ~£8/hour).

🚌Golf buggy or walking on island: ~£3

🛏Hostel on Isla Holbox

• →Boat trip around Isla Holbox including flamingo spotting and snorkelling (~£18)
• →Afternoon beach time: hammock, swimming or paddleboarding (~£8 hire)
• →Sunset drinks at a beachfront bar

Take the ferry back to Chiquilá, then a bus to Cancún (~£5) and onward ADO bus to Playa del Carmen (~£3, ~1hr). Check in to a hostel a few blocks from 5th Avenue (La Quinta). Spend the afternoon strolling the boutiques and street food vendors on La Quinta Avenida, and enjoy the lively beach club and bar scene in the evening. Playa is compact and very walkable.

🚌Ferry + ADO bus: ~£8

🛏Hostel in Playa del Carmen — e.g. Selina Playa del Carmen or Casa Tortuga (~£14–17/night dorm)

• →Ferry back to Chiquilá + ADO bus to Playa del Carmen (~£8 total)
• →Self-guided explore of La Quinta Avenida — shopping, street food and people-watching
• →Evening beach club or bar along the seafront

Book a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£25–35 including transport and guide). Arrive early — the site gets very hot and crowded by midday. After the ruins, many tours include a stop at a cenote (natural sinkhole pool) which is an unmissable Mexican experience. Return to Playa del Carmen in the evening or continue to Tulum/Bacalar.

🚌Included in day trip: ~£30

🛏Hostel in Playa del Carmen

• →Day trip to Chichén Itzá via GetYourGuide or Klook (~£30 including guide and transport)
• →Visit El Castillo pyramid, Hall of a Thousand Columns, Platform of Skulls
• →Cenote swim included in most tours or add-on (~£5 extra)
• →Return to Playa del Carmen by evening

Take the passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel (~£8 return, 30 mins). Head to Playa Palancar in the south of the island — hire a taxi (~£8–10 one way) or rent a scooter (~£18/day) to explore. Playa Palancar has public beach access with clear, calm water perfect for snorkelling. Several beach clubs here offer day passes (~£10–15 including a sunbed).

🚌Ferry return: ~£8 + taxi/scooter: ~£18

🛏Hostel in Playa del Carmen (return by ferry)

• →Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel (~£8 return)
• →Scooter rental to explore the island (~£18/day) or shared taxi (~£10)
• →Playa Palancar beach club day pass (~£10–15)
• →Snorkelling in Cozumel's famous crystal-clear waters (gear hire ~£5)

Take an ADO bus from Playa del Carmen south to Bacalar (~£12, ~3.5 hours). Check in to a hostel on the lagoon — several have their own docks. Book an afternoon sailboat or kayak tour on the Lagoon of Seven Colours (~£12–18) for swimming stops and stunning multi-hued water views. The sunset over the lagoon is genuinely breathtaking.

🚌ADO bus: ~£12

🛏Hostel on Bacalar Lagoon — e.g. Los Rapidos Hostel or Mágico Bacalar (~£12–16/night dorm with lake views)

• →ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar (~£12, ~3.5hrs)
• →Sailboat or catamaran tour on Bacalar Lagoon (~£15)
• →Swimming in the lagoon's turquoise waters
• →Sunset drinks from a lagoon-side bar

Take a shared shuttle or ADO bus from Bacalar to the Belize border at Chetumal (~£6), cross into Belize on foot, then take a water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker (~£10–12 each way). The island is tiny, colourful and car-free. Check in to a beachside hostel, explore the laid-back Caribbean vibes, and spend the evening at The Split — Caye Caulker's famous swimming and bar spot.

🚌Bus + border + water taxi: ~£33

🛏Hostel on Caye Caulker — e.g. Bella's Backpackers or Lazy Lizard area guesthouses (~£14–18/night dorm)

• →Bus/shuttle from Bacalar to Chetumal border (~£6)
• →Border crossing into Belize (Belize entry fee ~£15)
• →Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker (~£12)
• →Explore the island on foot and swim at The Split

Book a snorkelling trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley directly with a local boat operator on the island (~£20–25pp). This is the premier snorkelling experience in Belize — expect to swim with nurse sharks, stingrays, manta rays and potentially manatees (seasonal). Finish the day with fresh seafood at a local restaurant on the island — lobster season (June–Feb) makes this especially memorable.

🚌Boat included in snorkel trip

🛏Hostel on Caye Caulker

• →Snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley (~£22)
• →Swimming with nurse sharks, stingrays and tropical fish
• →Fresh seafood lunch or dinner at a local Caye Caulker restaurant (~£8–12)
• →Evening drinks at The Split

A free day on one of the Caribbean's most relaxed islands. Swim at The Split, hire a paddleboard (~£8/hour), listen to reggae at a beach bar, or curl up in a hammock. For the adventurous, independently book a day trip to Belize's Great Blue Hole — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's top dive spots. Book via Amigos del Mar or Ramon's Village Divers (~£60–80 for a guided dive trip including flights over the hole).

🚌Walking only

🛏Hostel on Caye Caulker

• →Free day: swim, hammock, paddleboard (~£8 hire)
• →Optional: book independently a Great Blue Hole dive/snorkel day trip (~£65–80)
• →Beach volleyball, reggae bars and fresh fruit smoothies
• →Sunset drinks at The Split

Take the water taxi back to Belize City, then a shared shuttle to the Guatemala border at Benque Viejo (~£10). Cross into Guatemala and continue by shuttle to Flores (~£12 total from border), the charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá that serves as the gateway to Tikal. Many shuttles include a stop at a Mayan village community — check at your hostel for community tourism options. Check in to Flores and enjoy the lakeside views.

🚌Water taxi + cross-border shuttle: ~£35

🛏Hostel in Flores — e.g. Los Amigos Hostel (legendary budget spot, ~£10–14/night dorm)

• →Water taxi Caye Caulker to Belize City (~£12)
• →Shared shuttle from Belize City to Flores, Guatemala (~£20–25 including border crossing)
• →Optional community tourism stop at a Mayan village en route
• →Evening stroll around Flores island

Take a minibus from Flores to Tikal National Park (~1 hour, ~£5 return, easily arranged at your hostel). Entry costs ~£15. Hire a local certified guide at the entrance (~£15–20 for a 3-hour tour) — this is strongly recommended as the ruins are vast and a guide brings the history to life. Explore the Lost World Pyramid, Temple of the Jaguar and Great Plaza. The jungle soundtrack is as memorable as the ruins themselves.

🚌Minibus return: ~£5

🛏Hostel in Flores

• →Minibus from Flores to Tikal (~£5 return, organised by hostel)
• →Tikal National Park entrance fee (~£15)
• →Hire a local certified guide at the site entrance (~£18 for 3-hour tour)
• →Explore Lost World Pyramid, Temple of the Jaguar and Great Plaza

Take a shared shuttle or local bus from Flores south towards Cobán (~6–7 hours, ~£12). Many routes pass near the Candelaria Caves — ask your hostel in Flores to arrange a stop or book a brief guided visit (~£8–10). The caves are a stunning limestone system with underground rivers. Arrive in Cobán in the evening — a quiet colonial city surrounded by misty cloud forest.

🚌Shared shuttle Flores–Cobán: ~£12

🛏Guesthouse in Cobán — e.g. Hostal de Doña Victoria or similar (~£10–14/night)

• →Shared shuttle from Flores towards Cobán (~£12, ~6hrs)
• →Stop at Candelaria Caves for a guided walk (~£8–10)
• →Evening stroll in Cobán's central park

Book a day trip or take a local pickup truck from Cobán to Lanquín (~1.5 hours, ~£4), then a 4x4 truck to Semuc Champey (~£3). Book the guided hike to the El Mirador viewpoint through the park (~£5 entry + £5 guide). Swim in the spectacular turquoise cascading limestone pools — one of Guatemala's most beautiful natural wonders. Return to Cobán or overnight in Lanquín at a party hostel (e.g. Zephyr Lodge or El Retiro).

🚌Pickup trucks: ~£7

🛏Hostel in Lanquín (optional overnight) — e.g. Zephyr Lodge or El Retiro (~£10–14/night)

• →Pickup truck from Cobán to Lanquín (~£4, ~1.5hrs)
• →4x4 truck from Lanquín to Semuc Champey (~£3)
• →Semuc Champey entry + guided El Mirador hike (~£10)
• →Swimming in the turquoise limestone pool terraces

Take a shared shuttle from Cobán or Lanquín to Chichicastenango (~£12). If your timing is right (market days are Thursday and Sunday), you'll find one of the largest indigenous markets in Central America — a riot of textiles, produce, incense and Mayan ceremony. Continue by shuttle or local chicken bus to Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlán (~£5). The views as you descend to the lake are extraordinary.

🚌Shared shuttle + chicken bus: ~£17

🛏Hostel in Panajachel — e.g. Hostal Dos Mundos or Jabel Tinamit (~£12–16/night)

• →Shared shuttle to Chichicastenango (~£12)
• →Chichicastenango indigenous market (Thursday/Sunday — free entry, budget for shopping)
• →Santo Tomás Church and cemetery visit (atmospheric and free)
• →Chicken bus or shared shuttle to Panajachel (~£5)

Take a public lanchas (boat taxi) from Panajachel dock to San Marcos (~£2 each way) for a morning stroll through its spiritual village. Then continue by lancha to San Juan la Laguna (~£2), famous for its cooperative textile workshops and natural dye artists. Arrange a homestay with a local Tz'utujil Maya family through a community tourism cooperative — ask at your Panajachel hostel or book via Asociación Nuevo Amanecer in San Juan (~£20–25pp including dinner).

🚌Public lanchas: ~£4

🛏Community homestay in San Juan la Laguna (~£20–25 including dinner)

• →Public lancha from Panajachel to San Marcos (~£2)
• →Morning walk through San Marcos (spiritual retreat village)
• →Lancha to San Juan la Laguna (~£2)
• →Homestay with Tz'utujil Maya family including shared dinner (~£22)

Rise at 4am for a guided pre-dawn hike up Indian Nose (Rostro Maya / Mayan Face Mountain) above San Juan — the best sunrise viewpoint over Lake Atitlán. Guides can be arranged locally the evening before (~£8–10pp). Enjoy hot chocolate at the summit. Return to Panajachel by lancha, then take a shared shuttle from Panajachel to Antigua (~£10, ~3 hours). Check into your hostel in the heart of this UNESCO-listed colonial city.

🚌Local guide + lancha + shuttle: ~£15

🛏Hostel in Antigua — e.g. The Terrace Hostel or Tropicana Hostel (~£12–16/night dorm)

• →Pre-dawn Indian Nose sunrise hike with local guide (~£9)
• →Sunrise over Lake Atitlán and volcanoes
• →Hot chocolate at the summit (bring your own flask or buy from guide)
• →Shared shuttle Panajachel to Antigua (~£10, ~3hrs)

Antigua is genuinely one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas — spend a full free day exploring at your pace. Start with huevos rancheros and Guatemalan coffee at a rooftop café. The ruined colonial churches, cobblestone streets and volcano backdrop are endlessly photogenic. Climb the Cerro de la Cruz for views over the city, browse the artisan market, and visit the Santa Catalina arch. The evening dining and bar scene around La Merced church is outstanding.

🚌Walking only

🛏Hostel in Antigua

• →Breakfast at a rooftop café (try Rainbow Café or Café No Sé)
• →Self-guided walk: Parque Central, Cathedral, Santa Catalina Arch (all free or <£2)
• →Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint hike (free, 30 mins)
• →Antigua artisan market browse
• →Evening at La Merced area restaurants

Book the Acatenango overnight trek in advance through a reputable local operator in Antigua — Old Town Outfitters, Wicho & Clark or OX Expeditions all come highly recommended (~£30–40pp including guide, camping gear, dinner and breakfast). This is one of Central America's most epic experiences: a 4–5 hour ascent through cloud forest to a high-altitude basecamp with direct views of the live Fuego Volcano. Watch lava bursts light up the night sky.

🚌Shuttle from Antigua to trailhead (included in trek): ~£5

🛏Camping at Acatenango basecamp (included in trek price)

• →Acatenango overnight trek booked via Old Town Outfitters or Wicho & Clark (~£35pp including gear, guide, dinner + breakfast)
• →4–5 hour ascent through cloud forest to basecamp
• →Sunset views of Fuego Volcano and lava bursts after dark
• →Campfire dinner and stargazing at 3,700m

Rise before dawn to push to the summit of Acatenango (3,976m) for a truly world-class sunrise above the clouds. Descend with your guides and take the shuttle back to Antigua. Shower, refuel with a huge lunch, and spend the afternoon recovering and exploring the city. Celebrate your achievement at one of Antigua's excellent restaurants or rooftop bars in the evening.

🚌Shuttle return from trailhead: included in trek

🛏Hostel in Antigua

• →Pre-dawn summit push to Acatenango peak (3,976m)
• →Sunrise above the clouds with Fuego views
• →Guided descent and shuttle back to Antigua
• →Celebratory lunch and evening dinner/drinks in Antigua (~£10–15)

For the 40-day version, book a budget flight from Guatemala City (GUA) to San José, Costa Rica (SJO) in advance — Avianca, Copa and LATAM all serve this route (~£80–130). Take a shuttle from Antigua to Guatemala City airport (~£10). Arrive in San José and check into a hostel in the Barrio Amón or Escalante neighbourhood. These areas are safer and more interesting than the city centre.

🚌Shuttle + budget flight: ~£110

🛏Hostel in San José — e.g. Selina San José or Casa del Parque (~£14–18/night dorm)

• →Shuttle from Antigua to Guatemala City airport (~£10)
• →Budget flight Guatemala City to San José (~£100)
• →Check in to San José hostel
• →Group dinner at a local Costa Rican restaurant — try casado (rice, beans, salad, protein ~£6–9)

Start with a self-guided morning walk around San José — the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) is excellent (~£9 entry). Then take a public bus from the Gran Terminal del Caribe to Sarapiquí (~£4, ~2.5hrs). En route, ask your hostel to arrange a stop at the Pierella Butterfly Garden (~£10 entry). Check in at a budget eco-lodge or hostel in the jungle.

🚌Public bus: ~£4

🛏Budget eco-lodge or hostel near Sarapiquí — e.g. Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge dorms or La Quinta (~£15–20/night)

• →Self-guided San José walk: visit Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (~£9)
• →Public bus from San José to Sarapiquí (~£4, ~2.5hrs)
• →Optional stop at Pierella Butterfly and Ecological Garden (~£10)
• →Evening wildlife walk around your eco-lodge grounds

Book white-water rafting on the Sarapiquí River through your eco-lodge or via GetYourGuide (~£40–50, Class II–IV rapids through jungle). In the afternoon, visit a leaf-cutter ant colony on a guided nature walk (often included with your accommodation). After dark, join a guided night safari walk (~£15–20) to spot tree frogs, sloths, caimans and nocturnal insects.

🚌Transfers included with activities

🛏Budget eco-lodge near Sarapiquí

• →White-water rafting on the Río Sarapiquí (~£45)
• →Guided leaf-cutter ant and rainforest ecology walk (often included with eco-lodge)
• →Guided night safari walk (~£18)

Take the Río Frío boat+bus combo route from Sarapiquí towards La Fortuna (~£12–15, ~3 hours) — a scenic journey across jungle rivers. Arrive in La Fortuna, dominated by the magnificent Arenal Volcano. Book a local farm visit (finca) through your hostel or a community tourism provider (~£15–20pp) for a hands-on Costa Rican casado cooking and farm experience with a local family.

🚌Boat+bus combo: ~£14

🛏Hostel in La Fortuna — e.g. Arenal Hostel Resort or Gringo Pete's (~£14–18/night dorm)

• →Boat+bus combo Sarapiquí to La Fortuna (~£14, ~3hrs)
• →Arenal area finca/farm community visit (~£18pp including traditional Casado lunch)
• →Evening views of Arenal Volcano from La Fortuna town

Book a guided hanging bridges tour through the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges park (~£20–25 self-guided, ~£30 guided) for canopy-level wildlife spotting — toucans, howler monkeys and sloths are common. In the afternoon, visit the natural hot springs — Tabacón and Baldi are the most famous, but the free public hot springs along the river near the Tabacón bridge are just as good at no cost.

🚌Local taxi or shuttle to bridges: ~£8 return

🛏Hostel in La Fortuna

• →Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges self-guided tour (~£22)
• →Wildlife spotting: toucans, howler monkeys, sloths
• →Free natural hot springs along the Tabacón River (bring a towel)
• →Optional: Baldi Hot Springs resort entry (~£25)

Hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall (~£15 entry, ~30 min hike down, worth every step) for a swim in the pool beneath the 75m cascade. The afternoon is free — optional activities include ziplining with Arenal Canopy Adventure (~£55–65), bungee jumping (~£40), or simply relaxing by your hostel pool with views of Arenal Volcano.

🚌Local taxi to waterfall: ~£6 return

🛏Hostel in La Fortuna

• →La Fortuna Waterfall hike and swim (~£15 entry)
• →Optional: ziplining with Arenal Canopy Adventure (~£60)
• →Optional: bungee jumping (~£40)
• →Afternoon poolside relaxation at hostel

Take a shared shuttle from La Fortuna to Liberia (~£15, ~2.5hrs), then a public bus to Nicoya and onwards to Sámara (~£8, ~3hrs total). The journey passes through Guanacaste's dry tropical forests and ranching country. Arrive in Sámara — a beautiful, chilled Pacific beach town. Check in to a hostel, grab fish tacos from a beachside soda (local café) and enjoy the beach as the sun goes down.

🚌Shuttle + bus: ~£23

🛏Hostel in Sámara — e.g. Hostel Sámara Pacific or Flying Scorpion (~£12–16/night dorm)

• →Shared shuttle La Fortuna to Liberia (~£15)
• →Public bus Liberia to Sámara (~£8)
• →Arrive in Sámara: beach walk, fish tacos and sunset

Sámara is one of Costa Rica's best spots to learn to surf thanks to its gentle, protected bay. Book a 2-hour surf lesson with C&C Surf School or Pato Surf (~£25–30pp). Spend the afternoon on the beach and explore the quieter bays of Playa Buena Vista or Playa Barrigona (accessible by bike hire, ~£10/day). In the evening, join a salsa class at a local beach bar (~£8–10).

🚌Bike hire: ~£10

🛏Hostel in Sámara

• →Surf lesson with C&C Surf School or Pato Surf (~£28, 2 hours)
• →Beach bike hire to explore nearby bays (~£10/day)
• →Evening salsa class at a local beach bar (~£9)

Embrace the pura vida lifestyle with a completely free day in Sámara. Sleep in, paddleboard in the bay, snorkel off the rocks, or take a kayak tour to nearby Isla Chora (book locally, ~£18). Optional dolphin and whale-watching boat trips depart from the beach (~£30–40). In the afternoon, swing in a hammock, read a book and eat the freshest ceviche of your life at a beachside soda.

🚌Walking / bike

🛏Hostel in Sámara

• →Paddleboard or kayak hire (~£10–12/hour)
• →Optional: kayak tour to Isla Chora (~£18)
• →Optional: dolphin and whale watching trip (~£35)
• →Beachside hammock, book and ceviche

Take a shared shuttle or public buses from Sámara to Quepos/Manuel Antonio (~£20–25 via shuttle, ~5–6hrs with connections). Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's most visited national park and for good reason — it combines pristine Pacific beaches with incredible wildlife. Check in to a hostel in Quepos or on the road to the park, and spend the evening planning your park visit.

🚌Shared shuttle: ~£22

🛏Hostel near Manuel Antonio/Quepos — e.g. Backpackers Manuel Antonio or Wide Mouth Frog (~£14–18/night dorm)

• →Shared shuttle Sámara to Manuel Antonio (~£22, ~5hrs)
• →Check in and evening at a Quepos restaurant
• →Plan next day's national park visit

Manuel Antonio National Park entry must be booked online in advance at sinac.go.cr (~£15). Arrive early (7am opening) for the best wildlife spotting. Hire a local licensed guide at the entrance (~£18–22pp for 2 hours) — they carry telescopes and will find sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws, and Jesus Christ lizards you'd otherwise walk right past. After the guided portion, spend the afternoon on one of the park's stunning beaches.

🚌Public bus from Quepos to park entrance (~£1 return)

🛏Hostel near Manuel Antonio

• →Manuel Antonio National Park entry — book in advance online (~£15)
• →Licensed local guide hire at entrance (~£20 for 2hrs — highly recommended)
• →Wildlife: 3-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws
• →Beach afternoon in the park (Playa Manuel Antonio)

A final free day to do as much or as little as you like. Optional activities include white-water rafting on the Río Naranjo (~£55), sport fishing (~£80+), sunset catamaran cruise (~£45–55), or simply returning to the beach for snorkelling and relaxation. In the evening, head to a rooftop bar in Quepos for your final Costa Rica sunset over the Pacific.

🚌Public bus or walking

🛏Hostel near Manuel Antonio

• →Optional: sunset catamaran cruise (~£50)
• →Optional: white-water rafting on Río Naranjo (~£55)
• →Beach snorkelling or relaxing at Playa Biesanz
• →Final evening sunset drinks at a Quepos rooftop bar

Take a shared shuttle or public bus from Quepos to San José (~£8–12, ~3hrs) in time for your departure flight from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). If you have time to spare before your flight, Escalante in San José has excellent coffee shops and restaurants for a final Costa Rican breakfast. Safe travels!

🚌Shuttle to San José: ~£10

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Shuttle or public bus Quepos to San José (~£10, ~3hrs)
• →Final breakfast in San José's Escalante neighbourhood
• →Depart from SJO airport