Epic Mexico to Costa Rica: Self-Launched Adventure

Welcome to Mexico! Arrive into Cancún Airport and take the ADO bus direct to Playa del Carmen (approx. £6, ~1 hour). Check into a beachside hostel on or near 5th Avenue. Spend the afternoon strolling along the famous Quinta Avenida strip, then grab a taco from a street stall for dinner. Plenty of local taquerías offer fresh fish tacos for under £3. Grab a cerveza and get acquainted with the Caribbean coast vibes.

🚌ADO bus from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen (~£6)

🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, e.g. Selina Playa del Carmen or Hostel Playa (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Stroll along 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida)
• →Eat dinner at a local taquería — try fresh fish tacos
• →Optional: rent a bicycle and explore the coastline (approx. £5/day)

Take an ADO or colectivo (shared minivan) south along the Caribbean coast to Tulum — one of the most scenic stretches of Mexico's coastline. The colectivo is the budget option at around £2 and takes about 1.5 hours. Check into a hostel in Tulum town (more affordable than the hotel zone). Self-guide around the Tulum Archaeological Zone — the clifftop ruins overlooking the turquoise sea are unmissable. Entry is ~£4. Head down to the public beach below the ruins for a swim.

🚌Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum (~£2, 1.5 hours)

🛏Hostel dorm in Tulum town, e.g. Mayan Monkey Tulum or Hostel Sheck (approx. £12–16/night)

• →Colectivo ride along the coast to Tulum
• →Self-guided walk around Tulum town and orientation
• →Visit the Tulum Archaeological Zone (self-guided, entrance ~£4)
• →Swim at the public beach below the ruins

A full free day to explore Tulum at your own pace. Rent a bike (£5–8/day) and cycle to Dos Ojos cenote — one of the most spectacular natural sinkholes in the Yucatán, with an entry fee of around £8. Bring a snorkel (rentable on site) and swim through the crystal-clear underground caves. Back in town, explore the excellent café scene — Tulum is a hub for plant-based and vegan food. In the evening, check out a beach club DJ set or a live music bar along the main strip.

🚌Bicycle rental for local transport (~£5–8)

🛏Hostel dorm in Tulum town (approx. £12–16/night)

• →Bike rental and ride to Dos Ojos cenote (~£8 entry + £5–8 bike)
• →Snorkelling in Dos Ojos cenote
• →Explore Tulum's vegetarian-friendly café scene
• →Optional evening at a beach club or live music bar

A long travel day — but an iconic one. Take an ADO bus from Tulum to Chetumal (approx. £8, ~3 hours), cross the border into Belize at Santa Elena/Subteniente Lopez, then take an express bus to Belize City (approx. £5, ~3.5 hours). From the Marine Terminal in Belize City, catch a water taxi (speedboat) to Caye Caulker (approx. £12, 45 mins). The whole journey takes around 8–10 hours. Check into a guesthouse and decompress with a sunset Belikin beer on the Split — Caye Caulker's famous swimming spot.

🚌ADO bus Tulum→Chetumal (~£8), local bus to Belize City (~£5), water taxi to Caye Caulker (~£12). Total ~£25.

🛏Guesthouse or hostel, e.g. Bella's Hostel or Yuma's House (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Long travel day through the Mexico-Belize border
• →Arrival and orientation walk around Caye Caulker
• →Sunset drinks at The Split

Caye Caulker's main draw is the Belize Barrier Reef — the second largest in the world. Book a full-day snorkelling trip directly through a local operator on the island (shop around the Front Street docks) to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Expect to pay around £35–45 including gear, guide, and transport. You'll snorkel with nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and tropical fish in spectacularly clear water. In the evening, feast on grilled lobster (in season) or shrimp at one of the waterfront shacks.

🚌Boat included in snorkel tour

🛏Guesthouse or hostel on Caye Caulker (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Full-day snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley (£35–45, book direct on Front Street)
• →Swimming at The Split
• →Seafood dinner at a local waterfront shack

Another day on this gloriously laid-back island — live by the island motto 'Go Slow'. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from a beach hut (approx. £8–12/hour) and paddle the calm turquoise lagoon. Alternatively, book a manatee tour through a local operator (approx. £30). For lunch, grab a burrito or rice and beans from a street stall — local food is cheap and delicious here. In the evening, catch a sunset sailing trip (approx. £20–25, bookable along the dock).

🚌On foot or bicycle on the island

🛏Guesthouse or hostel on Caye Caulker (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Kayak or SUP rental along the lagoon
• →Optional manatee tour (~£30, book locally)
• →Street food lunch — rice and beans or burritos
• →Optional sunset sailing trip (~£20–25)

Take the water taxi back to Belize City Marine Terminal (£12, 45 mins), then catch a Novelo's or other local bus from the main bus terminal to San Ignacio via Belmopan (approx. £4, ~3 hours). San Ignacio is a lively, friendly town and a great base for jungle exploration. Walk the main strip — Burns Avenue — and pick a spot for dinner from the many local restaurants and barbecue stalls. Try a char-grilled chicken plate for a couple of pounds.

🚌Water taxi Caye Caulker→Belize City (~£12), local bus to San Ignacio (~£4). Total ~£16.

🛏Guesthouse or hostel in San Ignacio, e.g. Funky Monkey Lodge or Casa Blanca Guesthouse (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Water taxi back to Belize City
• →Local bus to San Ignacio via Belmopan
• →Self-guided orientation walk along Burns Avenue
• →Dinner at a local BBQ stall or restaurant

A free day to explore the incredible natural and historical sites around San Ignacio. The top self-guided option is Xunantunich — an impressive Maya ruin reached by a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. Entry is around £6 and a taxi or colectivo from town costs ~£5 return. For something wilder, book the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave tour through a local San Ignacio operator (approx. £55–70 including guide, transport, and entry) — one of Belize's most spectacular experiences. Or tube down the Macal River for around £15–20.

🚌Taxi/colectivo to Xunantunich (~£5 return)

🛏Guesthouse or hostel in San Ignacio (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Visit Xunantunich Maya ruins via hand-cranked ferry (entry ~£6)
• →Optional: Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves tour (~£55–70, book locally)
• →Optional: River tubing on the Macal River (~£15–20)
• →Evening walk along Burns Avenue

Cross the Belize-Guatemala border at Benque Viejo/Melchor de Mencos (budget for exit/entry fees ~£4). Take a shared minivan or collectivo from the border to Flores (~£6, 1.5 hours), then arrange transport directly to Tikal National Park (~£5–8, 30 mins). Buy your park entrance ticket on arrival (approx. £12). Spend the afternoon exploring the jaw-dropping ruins of this ancient Maya city — climb Temple IV for panoramic canopy views. Stay inside the park at one of the budget jungle lodges for a truly immersive experience and the chance to hear howler monkeys at dawn.

🚌Shared minivan/colectivo from border to Flores (~£6), onward to Tikal (~£6). Total ~£12.

🛏Budget lodge inside Tikal National Park, e.g. Jaguar Inn or Tikal Inn (approx. £18–25/night — slightly higher due to remote park location)

• →Border crossing into Guatemala
• →Self-guided exploration of Tikal National Park ruins (entry ~£12)
• →Climb Temple IV for canopy views
• →Optional guided ruins tour booked on site (~£6–8)

Head back to Flores in the morning (£5–8 by shuttle) and spend an hour walking around this charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá — grab lunch from a lakeside comedor (local diner) for £3–5. Then catch a direct tourist shuttle from Flores to Rio Dulce (approx. £10–15, 3–4 hours). Arrive in Rio Dulce and settle into this atmospheric Caribbean-meets-jungle river town. The famous Casa Perico/Hacienda Tijax area offers budget accommodation accessible by boat — a short and scenic ride from the main dock.

🚌Shuttle Tikal→Flores (~£6), shuttle Flores→Rio Dulce (~£12). Total ~£18.

🛏Riverside guesthouse or jungle lodge, e.g. Hacienda Tijax Hostel or Hotel Backpackers Rio Dulce (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Morning walk around Flores island town
• →Lunch at a lakeside comedor in Flores
• →Tourist shuttle to Rio Dulce
• →Arrive and explore the river town atmosphere

Rio Dulce is a wonderful off-the-beaten-track gem. Book a shared boat trip down the Rio Dulce gorge to Livingston (approx. £15–20, bookable through your guesthouse or local docks). The river journey through the lush canyon is breathtaking. Livingston is home to the unique Garifuna community — a fascinating Afro-Caribbean indigenous culture. Try tapado (a Garifuna seafood stew) for lunch. Visit the San Felipe de Lara Fort near Rio Dulce (~£3 entry). Return to Rio Dulce by boat in the late afternoon.

🚌Shared boat to Livingston and back (~£15–20 return)

🛏Riverside guesthouse in Rio Dulce (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Shared boat trip down the Rio Dulce gorge to Livingston (~£15–20)
• →Explore Livingston and learn about Garifuna culture
• →Try tapado seafood stew for lunch in Livingston
• →Visit San Felipe de Lara Fort (~£3)
• →Return to Rio Dulce by boat

A longer travel day — catch a tourist shuttle from Rio Dulce to Antigua (approx. £15–20, 6–8 hours, often with a stop in Guatemala City). Arrive in beautiful Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial city framed by three volcanoes. Check into a hostel in the historic centre. Explore the cobblestone streets in the early evening and grab some street tamales (corn-leaf parcels) or pepian stew from a market stall near La Merced Church — where you'll find the best-value local food.

🚌Tourist shuttle Rio Dulce→Antigua (~£18, 6–8 hours)

🛏Hostel in Antigua, e.g. The Terrace Hostel or Ummagumma Hostel (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Tourist shuttle Rio Dulce to Antigua
• →Evening stroll through Antigua's colonial streets
• →Street food dinner near La Merced Church — tamales or pepian (~£3–5)

Rise early and take a local chicken bus or tourist shuttle from Antigua to Chichicastenango (approx. £5–8, 3 hours) to visit one of Central America's most famous indigenous markets — held every Thursday and Sunday. Wander the stalls piled with handwoven textiles, ceramics, and local produce. Then hop on a chicken bus or shuttle to Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlán (approx. £3–5, 1.5 hours). Check in to your hostel with views of the volcanic lake and explore the lakeside promenade, La Calle Santander, in the evening.

🚌Shuttle or chicken bus Antigua→Chichi (~£6), Chichi→Panajachel (~£4). Total ~£10.

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Panajachel, e.g. Hostel Jere or Hotel Posada Los Volcanes (approx. £10–16/night)

• →Chichicastenango market visit (Thursday or Sunday)
• →Browse handwoven textiles and local crafts
• →Local bus to Panajachel
• →Evening stroll along La Calle Santander, Lake Atitlán

Take a public lanchaboat from Panajachel dock to San Juan La Laguna (approx. £2.50, 30 mins). This small Mayan village offers genuine cultural immersion. Visit the women's weaving cooperative where you can take a hands-on workshop in traditional backstrap loom weaving and natural dyeing (approx. £8–12). Walk through the village medicinal garden. Many cooperatives include a simple home-cooked lunch in their tour package — if not, eat at one of the village comedors for £3–5. Return to Panajachel by lancha in the afternoon. Free evening with lake views.

🚌Lancha boat Panajachel↔San Juan La Laguna (~£5 return)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Panajachel (approx. £10–16/night)

• →Lancha boat from Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna (~£2.50)
• →Hands-on weaving and natural dyeing workshop at local cooperative (~£8–12)
• →Visit to the village medicinal garden
• →Home-cooked lunch with local hosts (often included or ~£4)
• →Lancha back to Panajachel

Take a chicken bus or tourist shuttle back to Antigua (approx. £5–8, 2 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring this gorgeous UNESCO city — walk to the Santa Catalina Arch, visit the ruins of the Cathedral of Santiago (£1 entry), and wander the Central Park. Antigua has a great café culture — try a locally grown Guatemalan coffee. In the evening, many salsa schools offer drop-in hourly lessons for around £6–10 — a great way to meet other travellers. Then hit one of the rooftop bars on the main square.

🚌Chicken bus or shuttle Panajachel→Antigua (~£6, 2 hours)

🛏Hostel in Antigua (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Shuttle/chicken bus back to Antigua (~£6, 2 hours)
• →Self-guided walk to Santa Catalina Arch and Central Park
• →Visit Cathedral of Santiago ruins (~£1)
• →Guatemalan coffee tasting at a local café
• →Optional salsa dancing lesson (~£6–10)
• →Rooftop bar evening on the main square

Take a day trip to hike one of the volcanoes surrounding Antigua — the most popular is Volcán Acatenango, which offers views into the active Volcán de Fuego next door. Book through a local Antigua operator (approx. £20–30 for a guided day hike including transport and guide). Alternatively, Volcán Pacaya is easier and cheaper (£10–15 including transport and entry). Return to Antigua by late afternoon for a well-earned dinner at a local restaurant — try pepian or kak'ik (turkey soup).

🚌Transport included in volcano tour

🛏Hostel in Antigua (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Volcano day hike (Acatenango ~£25–30 or Pacaya ~£10–15, book locally in Antigua)
• →Views of active Volcán de Fuego
• →Return to Antigua for dinner at a local restaurant

Take an early tourist shuttle or chicken buses from Antigua to the El Salvador border at Valle Nuevo (approx. £10–15, ~5 hours including border crossing). Continue by local bus to San Salvador (~£2–3, 1.5 hours). Check into a hostel in the Zona Rosa or Colonia Escalón areas — the safest and most traveller-friendly neighbourhoods. Explore the historic centre — visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Mercado Central. Try a pupusa (El Salvador's national dish — stuffed corn flatbread) from a street stall for around £0.50–1 each.

🚌Shuttle/buses Antigua→San Salvador (~£13, ~6 hours total)

🛏Hostel in San Salvador, e.g. Hostel Cumbres del Volcan or Punto Hostel (approx. £10–15/night)

• →Shuttle/bus border crossing into El Salvador
• →Self-guided walk around San Salvador historic centre
• →Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace
• →Street food dinner — pupusas from a local pupusería (~£2–4)

Take a day trip from San Salvador to explore El Salvador's interior. The Ruta de las Flores is a scenic route through charming colonial villages like Juayúa and Ataco — take a local bus from San Salvador's Terminal de Occidente (approx. £3–4, 2 hours) and hop between villages. Try the famous Juayúa food festival on weekends. Alternatively, head northeast to Suchitoto (£3 by bus, 1.5 hours) — a beautiful colonial lakeside town with cobblestone streets. Return to San Salvador by evening.

🚌Local buses from San Salvador Terminal de Occidente (~£3–5 total)

🛏Hostel in San Salvador (approx. £10–15/night)

• →Day trip to Ruta de las Flores villages (Juayúa, Ataco) or Suchitoto
• →Local buses between villages (~£3–4 total)
• →Visit Juayúa food festival (weekends)
• →Explore colonial architecture and local crafts markets

A big travel day through Honduras. Take a direct international bus (Tica Bus or King Quality) from San Salvador to Managua, Nicaragua (approx. £25–35, ~10–12 hours including border crossings). Alternatively, take local buses via Tegucigalpa and the Honduras-Nicaragua border for around £15 — slower but cheaper. From Managua bus terminal, take a local bus or shuttle direct to Granada (approx. £3–5, 1 hour). Granada is one of Central America's most beautiful colonial cities — check in and explore the colourful streets at dusk.

🚌International bus San Salvador→Managua (~£30), bus to Granada (~£4). Total ~£34.

🛏Hostel in Granada, e.g. Oasis Granada or Hostal Cocibolca (approx. £10–15/night)

• →International bus to Managua, Nicaragua (Tica Bus or local buses)
• →Border crossings through Honduras or direct route
• →Local bus from Managua to Granada
• →Evening walk around Granada's colourful colonial streets

Spend a day exploring Granada — Nicaragua's colonial gem on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Walk to the yellow-and-white Cathedral of Granada, climb the bell tower for panoramic city views (£1–2). Visit the Convento y Museo San Francisco (£2 entry). Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city (£6–8). In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the Las Isletas archipelago on Lake Nicaragua — 365 tiny volcanic islands teeming with wildlife (approx. £10–15, bookable at the lake dock). Dinner in the buzzing Central Park area.

🚌Local horse-drawn carriage and boat (included in activities)

🛏Hostel in Granada (approx. £10–15/night)

• →Self-guided walk around Granada's colonial centre
• →Climb Granada Cathedral bell tower (~£1–2)
• →Visit Convento y Museo San Francisco (~£2)
• →Horse-drawn carriage city tour (~£6–8)
• →Boat tour of Las Isletas archipelago (~£10–15)

Take a local bus from Granada to Rivas (approx. £2, 1.5 hours), then a public ferry from San Jorge dock to Ometepe Island (approx. £2, 1–2 hours). Ometepe is a magical island formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua. Rent a bicycle or motorbike on the island (£5–15/day) and explore at your own pace. Visit the ancient petroglyphs at Punta Jesus Maria, swim in the Ojo de Agua natural spring pools (£3 entry), and gaze up at Volcán Concepción and Volcán Maderas. Stay in an eco-lodge or guesthouse on the island.

🚌Bus Granada→Rivas (~£2), public ferry to Ometepe (~£2). Total ~£4.

🛏Eco-lodge or guesthouse on Ometepe, e.g. Finca Magdalena or Hotel Villa Paraíso (approx. £10–18/night)

• →Bus from Granada to Rivas (~£2), ferry to Ometepe (~£2)
• →Rent bicycle or motorbike for island exploration (~£5–15/day)
• →Visit Punta Jesus Maria petroglyphs
• →Swim at Ojo de Agua natural spring pools (~£3)
• →Views of twin volcanoes Concepción and Maderas

A free day on Ometepe to choose your adventure. The most popular option is a guided hike up Volcán Maderas (the dormant, cloud forest-covered volcano) — book through your guesthouse or locally for around £15–20 including a guide (mandatory for safety). The hike takes 6–8 hours and culminates at a crater lake. Alternatively, join a kayaking tour around the island's lagoons and shoreline (approx. £15–20). Or simply relax — Ometepe has a wonderfully slow pace. Sunset drinks looking out over the lake are unmissable.

🚌Bicycle or on foot on the island

🛏Eco-lodge or guesthouse on Ometepe (approx. £10–18/night)

• →Optional guided hike up Volcán Maderas (~£15–20 with mandatory guide)
• →Or kayaking tour around Ometepe's lagoons (~£15–20)
• →Sunset viewing over Lake Nicaragua
• →Wildlife spotting — howler monkeys, birds, butterflies

Return by ferry to San Jorge dock (£2), then take local buses via Rivas and Peñas Blancas to the Costa Rica border (approx. £5, 2 hours). Cross into Costa Rica and take a bus to San José (approx. £5–8, 4–5 hours). Peñas Blancas to San José is straightforward with Tica Bus or local Transnica services. Check into a hostel in San José's Barrio Amón — the charming colonial neighbourhood. Explore the lively Mercado Central for dinner — a sensory overload of fresh produce, casado plates, and coffee.

🚌Ferry Ometepe→San Jorge (~£2), buses to border and San José (~£13). Total ~£15.

🛏Hostel in San José, e.g. Hostel Pangea or Casa Ridgway (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Ferry back to mainland Nicaragua (~£2)
• →Local buses to Costa Rica border at Peñas Blancas
• →Border crossing into Costa Rica
• →Bus to San José
• →Evening at Mercado Central for local food

Spend the day exploring San José. Start at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) beneath the Plaza de la Cultura (approx. £10). Walk through Barrio Amón and Barrio Otoya to admire the Victorian architecture. Visit the Mercado Borbón for a cheap and authentic lunch — the casado (rice, beans, salad, protein) is Costa Rica's staple meal for around £3–5. In the afternoon, visit the Jade Museum (Museo del Jade, approx. £8). Book a day-trip or onwards transport for the next leg of your adventure.

🚌On foot and local buses within San José (~£2–3)

🛏Hostel in San José (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Visit Museo del Oro (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) (~£10)
• →Walk through Barrio Amón colonial district
• →Lunch at Mercado Borbón — casado plate (~£3–5)
• →Visit Museo del Jade (~£8)
• →Book onwards transport for next destinations

Take a public bus from San José's Quepos terminal (or Tracopa terminal) to Quepos/Manuel Antonio (approx. £7, 3.5 hours). Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's most visited parks — and for good reason. It combines pristine beaches with dense rainforest and abundant wildlife. Entry costs approx. £18 (book online in advance as daily visitors are capped). Hire a local guide at the park entrance for around £20 to spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, and agoutis that you'd otherwise miss. Stay in Quepos or the village of Manuel Antonio.

🚌Public bus San José→Quepos (~£7, 3.5 hours)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Quepos or Manuel Antonio village (approx. £14–20/night)

• →Public bus San José→Quepos/Manuel Antonio (~£7, 3.5 hours)
• →Manuel Antonio National Park visit (entry ~£18, pre-book online)
• →Hire local wildlife guide at park entrance (~£20)
• →Wildlife spotting — sloths, white-faced monkeys, toucans
• →Swim at Playa Manuel Antonio inside the park

Another day in the Manuel Antonio area. Take a kayak tour along the coastline (approx. £30–40, bookable through local operators in Quepos) for a different perspective on the rainforest meeting the Pacific Ocean. Alternatively, go snorkelling at Biesanz Beach or explore the trails independently within the national park (return entry ~£18). In the evening, Quepos has a lively strip of restaurants and bars — try ceviche and a local Imperial beer at a seafood spot on the waterfront.

🚌Local buses between Quepos and Manuel Antonio (~£1)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Quepos (approx. £14–20/night)

• →Kayak tour along the Manuel Antonio coastline (~£30–40)
• →Or second day in Manuel Antonio National Park (~£18 entry)
• →Snorkelling at Biesanz Beach
• →Seafood dinner in Quepos — try ceviche

An adventurous travel day — take the public bus back toward San José or a shared shuttle (approx. £8–15) and connect to Monteverde. The classic route involves a bus to Puntarenas or Sardinal, then a local bus to Santa Elena/Monteverde (total approx. £8–12, 5–6 hours). Arrive in the cloud forest town of Santa Elena and check in. In the late afternoon, walk the Santa Elena streets and visit one of the excellent cheese or chocolate shops — Monteverde is famous for both. Book a zipline tour for tomorrow morning.

🚌Shuttle/buses to Monteverde (~£12, 5–6 hours)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Santa Elena, e.g. Sloth Backpackers or Pensión Santa Elena (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Shared shuttle or public buses to Monteverde (~£10–15, 5–6 hours)
• →Arrive in Santa Elena cloud forest town
• →Explore the village — chocolate and cheese shops
• →Book zipline or canopy tour for following day

A big day in the cloud forest. Start with an early morning guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve — entry is approx. £18, guided tours approx. £25–30 extra. You'll walk through mist-shrouded forest looking for the iconic resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbirds, and howler monkeys. In the afternoon, book a zipline canopy tour (approx. £35–50 via local operators like Selvatura or 100% Aventura) — one of the best in the world, flying over the cloud forest canopy. Return to Santa Elena for dinner.

🚌On foot and local taxi within Monteverde (~£5)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Santa Elena (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Morning guided walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (entry ~£18, guide ~£25)
• →Wildlife spotting — resplendent quetzal, monkeys, birds
• →Afternoon zipline canopy tour over cloud forest (~£35–50)
• →Optional night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife (~£15–20)

Take a shared shuttle from Santa Elena to La Fortuna/Arenal (approx. £20–25, 3–4 hours — the 'jeep-boat-jeep' route across Lake Arenal is the scenic and popular option). La Fortuna sits in the shadow of the perfectly cone-shaped Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon, walk the Arenal 1968 trail through old lava fields right up to the volcano base (entry approx. £12). In the evening, soak in one of the hot springs fed by volcanic geothermal energy — the public Baldi or Tabacon hot springs range from £8–30 depending on the complex.

🚌Jeep-boat-jeep shuttle (~£22, 3–4 hours)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in La Fortuna, e.g. Arenal Backpackers Resort or Hostel Bubba's (approx. £12–18/night)

• →Jeep-boat-jeep shuttle Santa Elena→La Fortuna (~£22, scenic Lake Arenal crossing)
• →Walk the Arenal 1968 lava trail (~£12 entry)
• →Soak in volcanic hot springs (public springs from £8)
• →Views of Arenal Volcano at sunset

La Fortuna is Costa Rica's adventure capital. Spend the day choosing from a menu of incredible activities: white water rafting on the Sarapiquí or Toro river (approx. £40–55, bookable through local operators along the main street), canyoning (£40–50), or a guided hike up the Arenal Volcano trails. A slightly cheaper but brilliant option is to hike to La Fortuna Waterfall (£4 entry, a 15-min walk down to a stunning 70m cascade — bring swimwear!). In the evening, enjoy the lively restaurant scene in La Fortuna town.

🚌Local taxi or on foot within La Fortuna (~£3)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in La Fortuna (approx. £12–18/night)

• →White water rafting on the Toro or Sarapiquí River (~£40–55)
• →Or hike to La Fortuna Waterfall (~£4 entry) and swim in the pool
• →Optional canyoning (~£40–50)
• →Evening in La Fortuna town — dinner and bar scene

Take a bus from La Fortuna back to San José (approx. £5–8, 4 hours), then connect by bus from the Caribe terminal to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast (approx. £8–10, 4–5 hours). Puerto Viejo is Costa Rica's most laid-back Caribbean town — reggae music, rasta colours, incredible Afro-Caribbean food, and some of the country's best beaches. Check into a hostel and head to the Soda Tamara or any local soda (family restaurant) for a plate of rice and beans cooked in coconut milk — a Caribbean staple.

🚌Buses La Fortuna→San José→Puerto Viejo (~£15 total, ~9 hours)

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Puerto Viejo, e.g. Rocking J's or Hostel Jacaranda (approx. £10–16/night)

• →Bus La Fortuna→San José (~£6, 4 hours)
• →Bus San José→Puerto Viejo (~£9, 4–5 hours)
• →Arrive on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast
• →Dinner at a local soda — rice and beans in coconut milk

Spend the morning exploring Puerto Viejo — rent a bicycle (£5–8) and cycle to the nearby beaches of Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva, which are among Costa Rica's most beautiful. Keep an eye out for sloths hanging in the trees along the road. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Centre in the morning (£10, pre-book online) to learn about wildlife rehabilitation. In the afternoon, take the bus back to San José (approx. £8–10, 4–5 hours) for your departing flight from Juan Santamaría Airport. Congratulations — you've completed an epic journey through six countries!

🚌Bus Puerto Viejo→San José (~£9, 4–5 hours)

🛏Airport hotel or hostel in San José if needed (optional, approx. £12–18)

• →Morning bicycle ride to Playa Cocles, Chiquita, and Punta Uva (~£5–8 bike rental)
• →Visit Jaguar Rescue Centre (~£10, pre-book)
• →Final bus back to San José for departure (~£9, 4–5 hours)
• →Reflect on 32 days across six incredible countries!