Guatemala & Costa Rica
Craig Tall & Penny Legate
November 30 - December 17, 2025
Lake Atitlan, Antigua, Tikal, San Jose, Osa Peninsula & ArenalLast Updated: December 11th, 2025
Itinerary Outline
Nov. 30 | Travel to Guatemala (overnight)
Dec. 1 - 3 | Lake Atitlan | Casa Palopo (2 nights)
Dec. 3 - 5 | Antigua | Mesón Panza Verde (2 nights)
Dec. 5 - 7 | Tikal | La Lancha (2 nights)
Dec. 7 - 8 | San Jose | Hotel Grano de Oro (1 night)
Dec. 8 - 11 | Osa Peninsula| Lapa Rios (3 nights)
Dec. 11 - 14 | Osa Peninsula (Drake Bay) | Corcovado Wilderness Lodge (3 nights)
Dec. 14 - 17 | Arenal | Nayara Tented Camp (3 nights)
Dec. 17 | Departure
Lake Atitlan & Antigua Guide:
Maynor Ovando +(502) 5510-9191
Tikal Guide:
Luis Felipe +(502) 4056-3963
24-Hour Emergency Contact in Guatemala:
Amparo Carranza +(502) 3758-3805
Liliana +(502) 5417-5517
Grano de Oro, San Jose Hotel
+506 2255-3322
Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula Hotel
+506 8824-4560
SCP Corcovado, Osa Peninsula Hotel
+506 8665 4540 (they use whatsapp)
Arenal Nayara Hotel
+506-2479-1600
Back-up Emergency Contact (Sarah’s Team)
Virginia +34 697 30 73 39
Contact Details
Driver: $5–10 per day (more if they’re with you all day or go above and beyond).
Private Guide: $20–30 depending on length and quality of the tour.
Hotel Porters: $1–2 per bag.
Housekeeping: $2–5 per night.
Restaurants: Tip 5–10% in cash only if service isn’t already included.
Loose Spending:
Coffee/snacks, market buys, small souvenirs, or taxis: $20–40 per day.
Your destinations are mostly card-friendly, but for tipping and small vendors, having small bills and coins is key.
Tipping
Nov. 30 | Travel to Guatemala
Flight to Guatemala City (Booked Independently)
Alaska Airlines confirmation code: UHSOBU
5:47pm: Alaska Airlines Flight 524 departs Seattle (SEA) for Los Angeles (LAX)
8:33pm: Arrival at Los Angeles (LAX)
10:55pm: Alaska Airlines Flight 1353 departs Los Angeles (LAX) for Guatemala City (GUA)
6:20am (next day): Arrival at Guatemala City (GUA)
Dec. 1 | Lake Atitlan
Arrival & Private Transfer to Lake Atitlan
6:20am: Flight arrival at Guatemala City Airport in the morning. You will be greeted by your guide at the arrivals terminal followed by a private transfer to your hotel (approx. 2.5 hours).
Lake Atitlán stirs the soul with its volcanic stillness, a mirror to the heavens cradled by towering peaks. Each lakeside village hums with its own rhythm, from artisan alleys to Mayan rituals still alive. It’s not just a place you visit; it’s a landscape that rearranges your inner map.
10:00am: Arrive at your hotel in Lake Atitlan and settle into your accommodations – early check-in has been confirmed for your arrival. During your time at Casa Palopo this day, you can enjoy the amenities of the hotel, the restaurants, as well as the spa and common areas. Casa Palopo has a dock with kayaks available.
Drinks with a Scholar
6:00pm: Before dinner, enjoy cocktails at Casa Palopo’s bar with Vincent Stanzione. an American scholar who has been living in Guatemala among the indigenous communities and has produced many publications on the rich culture and history of the modern Mayan people. During the discussion you will learn about the Mayan traditions and astrology, and you will be read your own Mayan horoscope.
7:00pm: Enjoy a recommended dinner at Restaurante 6.8 located within your hotel.
Casa Palopo Relais & Chateaux | San Rafael King
Dec. 2 | Lake Atitlan
Immersive Exploration of Lake Atitlán
Embark on a private boat journey across the luminous waters of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by dramatic volcanoes and steep, terraced hillsides. Your day includes guided visits to handpicked villages, each offering a window into the living Maya culture.
In San Juan La Laguna, known for its cooperatives and vibrant murals, you'll take part in a hands-on textile workshop led by local women who preserve natural dyeing and backstrap weaving traditions. You will also enjoy a cooking demonstration at San Juan La Laguna followed by lunch with a family.
Continue to Santiago Atitlán, a cultural stronghold with deep spiritual roots, where you'll visit the revered shrine of Maximon and learn about local religious syncretism.
End the day in San Marcos La Laguna, a peaceful village known for its holistic and artistic energy, with time to stroll, shop, or simply take in the serenity of the lake before returning by boat.
7:00pm: Enjoy a recommended dinner at Kinnik located within your hotel.
Casa Palopo Relais & Chateaux | San Rafael King (B, L)
Dec. 3 | Antigua
Private Transfer
9:30am: Depart the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlán for the cobbled charm of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city framed by three majestic volcanoes. The transfer time is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.
Lunch Reservation: El Comalote
12:30pm: Lunch reservation at El Comalote for a traditional Guatemalan lunch. El Comalote is what happens when people care about their heritage and the smallholder farmers who keep heirloom crops alive. It came about as founder Gaby Perdomo was appalled to learn that most domestic tortilla factories don't use native corn. The restaurant, a fiesta of jaunty interiors, celebrates traditional Guatemalan food, made with honest, indigenous ingredients: generously stuffed tamales; fragrant, wood-fired pepián stew – Guatemala's national dish and a hug of culinary heritage; as well as tortillas coming straight from the comal at the in-house tortillería.
Guided Walking Tour
2:00pm: Set out on a privately guided walking tour through the city’s pastel-hued streets and colonial-era ruins. With an expert local guide, uncover the layered history of this former capital — from ornate baroque churches and hidden courtyards to stories of resilience following centuries of earthquakes and eruptions. This is Antigua beyond the postcard: textured, atmospheric, and alive with culture.
Dinner Reservation: Quiltro (Pending Deposit Payment)
7:00pm: Dinner reservation at Quiltro. Chilean chef Rodrigo Salvo stacked his resumé with stints at Boragó, D.O.M., Noma and Mugaritz before opening Antigua's first fine diner in 2017. It's snug, with a smattering of tables and an open kitchen wrapped in a hulking slab of wood. Salvo's 10 or 12-course menus blend cultures in a kaleidoscope of textures and layered aromas. They're anchored by house-made meads, crafted with native honey, though Quiltro keeps a short, Chilean-centric wine list on hand too.
Mesón Panza Verde | Junior Suite (B)
Dec. 4 | Antigua
Option 1: Morning at Leisure
The morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Explore to Antigua’s cobbled streets, where you might relax in one of its hidden courtyards, sip on Guatemala’s famed coffee in a local café, or browse the town’s many artisan shops, galleries, and bookstores. Mesón Panza Verde offers a serene ambiance and inviting spaces.
Acatenango Volcano Hike
12:00pm: With your expert guide, set out for an extraordinary experience. You'll be driven by 4x4 through a private finca to a secluded base camp, where your guided hike begins. The walk is a gentle 45-minute ascent through easy-to-moderate terrain—the most accessible stretch of the Acatenango trail.
At the summit of this short hike, you'll pause for a scenic picnic with sweeping views of Guatemala’s most iconic volcanic duo. From this privileged vantage point, you’ll witness the dramatic eruptions of Volcán de Fuego, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, as it spews lava and ash into the sky—a truly unforgettable sight. This excursion offers the magic of Acatenango without the strenuous overnight trek, making it perfect for those seeking a more relaxed yet awe-inspiring adventure.
Dinner is included followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in the evening.
Note: This evening, please prepare your Tikal 48-hour Backpack.
Mesón Panza Verde | Junior Suite (B, L, D)
Dec. 5 | Tikal
Transfer to Guatemala City Airport
8:30am: After breakfast, you’ll be met at your hotel for a private transfer to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (approx. 45 minutes). Your driver will assist with your luggage and ensure a seamless check-in for your flight to the northern Petén region, the gateway to the ancient Maya world.
Note: You will leave your main luggage with our team in Guatemala City Airport and take your Tikal 48-hour Backpack.
Flight to Flores, Tikal
12:10pm: Flight 5U160 departs Guatemala City.
1:10pm: Flight arrival at Flores.
Arrival and Transfer to La Lancha
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to La Lancha, a lush lakeside retreat nestled in the rainforest near Lake Petén Itzá. Owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the property is an intimate blend of rustic luxury and artistic soul, adorned with Guatemalan textiles, carved wood furniture, and jungle sounds all around. Settle into your casita, unwind with a view of the lake, and feel the pace of life slow down.
Evening Drinks with a Local Scholar
As the jungle begins to sing with dusk, enjoy a private cocktail hour in an atmospheric setting joined by a local archaeologist: Rómulo Sánchez. He is a practicing archaeologist and professor in the Archaeology Department at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC). He has co-directed the Tayasal Archaeological Project in the Petén region, leading research on the Itza Maya and their post-classic and colonial history. His work focuses on the cultural transitions of the Maya lowlands and the preservation of Guatemala’s archaeological heritage, making him one of the country’s most respected field archaeologists and educators. This enriching conversation offers a compelling prelude to your visit to Tikal the next day, providing context to the ancient civilization’s cosmology, architecture, and political intrigue.
La Lancha | Lakeview Casita King (B)
Dec. 6 | Tikal
Tikal Ruins
7:00am: Rise early to explore one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the Americas: Tikal, once a powerful capital of the ancient Maya. With your expert guide, venture deep into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where towering temples pierce the jungle canopy and howler monkeys echo through the trees. Climb Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas at 70 meters (230 feet), for panoramic views above the treetops.
As you walk through vast plazas, ball courts, and ceremonial complexes, your guide will bring the ruins to life with stories of dynasties, astronomical mastery, and spiritual rituals that shaped the ancient world. Learn how Tikal thrived from 200 to 900 AD, home to more than 100,000 people at its height, and gain insight into the mysteries that led to its decline. The site’s wild setting enveloped by dense rainforest and alive with toucans, coatis, and tropical flora, makes the experience all the more transportive.
Leisure
12:00pm: Return to La Lancha and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. You might take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking Lake Petén Itzá, paddle out in a kayak, or curl up in a hammock with a book and the soundtrack of the jungle around you. For those craving further discovery, optional excursions such as a visit to nearby Flores town or a sunset cruise on the lake can be arranged. Or simply linger in the moment — surrounded by the whispers of the ancient Maya and the serenity of the forest.
La Lancha | Lakeview Casita King (B)
Dec. 7 | Guatemala City & San Jose
Airport Transfer & Flight to Guatemala City
8:00am: Private transfer to Flores Airport. Your guide will assist with check-in for your flight to Guatemala City, marking the close of your time in the Maya heartland.
10:40am: Flight 5U141 departs Flores for Guatemala City.
11:40am: Flight arrival at Guatemala City. Your host and driver will be at disposal for lunch in Guatemala City prior to your flight departure to San Jose.
Lunch & Tour of Guatemala City
Recommended lunch at Quintana. Following lunch, we can arrange a short tour of the Historic Center of Guatemala City, and a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology, which is located very close to the airport. After exploring Guatemala City with your expert guide, private transfer to the airport for your flight to San Jose.
Flight to San José, Costa Rica
8:15pm: Flight departs Guatemala City to San Jose.
9:45pm: Upon arrival at Juan Santa María International Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and privately transferred to your hotel for a night’s rest at Hotel Grano de Oro – a charming turn-of-the-century mansion tucked away on a quiet street in San José. If you can’t located your driver, please call +506 2255-3322.
Hotel Grano de Oro | Deluxe Room (B)
Dec. 8 - 10 | Osa Peninsula
Flight to Puerto Jiménez & Transfer to Lapa Ríos
8:30am: After breakfast, board a commercial flight from San José to Puerto Jiménez, gateway to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth: the Osa Peninsula.
10:40am: Sansa Flight departs San Jose to Puerto Jimenez.
Luggage policy: 1 checked piece with maximum weight of 40 pounds/18 kilograms [size up to 45 linear inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width)] and 1 carry on with maximum weight of 10 pounds/4.5 kilograms (per person).
11:30am: Upon arrival, join a shared transfer through rainforest-lined roads to Lapa Ríos Lodge, a world-renowned eco-lodge perched on a private nature reserve overlooking the Golfo Dulce.
3-Night Stay at Lapa Ríos
Check into your Deluxe Bungalow, an open-air sanctuary designed to immerse you in the surrounding jungle while offering upscale comfort (think polished hardwood floors, solar-heated showers, hammocks with sweeping ocean views, and the constant soundtrack of tropical wildlife).
Your stay includes three nights on a full board basis, with delicious locally sourced meals served in an open-air restaurant with views over the canopy. Each day includes two guided experiences (on a shared basis), curated to introduce you to the pristine beauty and abundant life of the region — from waterfall hikes and birdwatching with expert naturalists, to early-morning wildlife walks and night tours alive with the calls of frogs and owls.
Shared return transfers between Puerto Jiménez and the lodge are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but the bar offers an excellent selection of Costa Rican craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
Lapa Rios | Deluxe Bungalow (B, L, D)
Dec. 11 | Osa Peninsula
Transfer from Lapa Ríos to Corcovado Lodge
11:00am: After your final breakfast at Lapa Ríos, set out on a scenic overland and transfer to the wild heart of the Osa Peninsula: Corcovado Lodge (approx. 2.5 hours), an intimate outpost deep in the rainforest and just steps from the Pacific. When you get to Drake Bay, you’ll take a 30-minute shared boat ride to the beach in front of the hotel. There will be a wet landing (no pier) with the assistance of the staff. This thoughtfully designed eco-lodge offers off-the-grid elegance surrounded by untouched wilderness.
3-Night All-Inclusive Stay
Enjoy three nights at Corcovado Lodge on a fully inclusive basis, where the days are curated around exploration, rest, and a deep connection with nature. Your stay includes all meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients — expect nourishing Costa Rican and international cuisine served in the open-air jungle dining room, where monkeys often pass through the treetops.
Enjoy daily guided excursions (listed in the next slide), tailored to your interests and fitness level, with expert naturalists leading you through rainforest trails, mangrove estuaries, and coastal pathways teeming with wildlife.
Corcovado Lodge | Rainforest Villa (B, L, D)
Dec. 12 | Osa Peninsula
Private Caño Island Snorkeling Tour
8:00am: Depart the lodge for a private marine adventure to the famed Caño Island Biological Reserve, one of Costa Rica’s top snorkeling and diving destinations. The 30-minute boat ride across the turquoise Pacific offers the chance to spot spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and even humpback whales (seasonally), all set against a stunning coastal backdrop. The sea conditions can vary, making the journey either breezy or adventurous depending on the tide.
Upon arrival, you'll enjoy two guided snorkeling sessions in distinct locations selected by your expert guide and captain, based on visibility and sea conditions that day. Dive into warm, crystal-clear waters to explore a vibrant underwater world teeming with reef sharks, parrotfish, angelfish, rays, and coral formations — all part of a thriving marine ecosystem protected by the reserve.
This experience includes all necessary snorkeling gear, park entrance fees, a certified naturalist guide, and fresh water on board.
What to bring: towel, sunblock, refillable water bottle, camera, sandals or water shoes.
What to wear: bathing suit, short pants, and a long-sleeved shirt; a light rain jacket is recommended in the rainy season.
Dec. 13 | Osa Peninsula
Private Corcovado National Park Tour
7;15am: Set off for a privately guided hike into Corcovado National Park, often described by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on Earth. Located just next to your lodge, this area alone harbors a staggering 2.5% of the planet’s biodiversity. Your guide, equipped with a high-powered spotting scope, will lead you on a 4-hour round-trip hike through a lush network of rainforest trails.
Keep your eyes peeled for scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, coatis, sloths, and — with a bit of luck — the elusive Baird’s tapir or a glimpse of a puma. This immersive experience offers a rare look into a nearly untouched world where jaguars still roam and giant ceiba trees stretch toward the sky.
After your hike, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch and a leisurely afternoon to rest, swim, or reflect on the richness of what you’ve witnessed.
Included: Certified nature guide, professional wildlife spotting gear, park entrance fee, water, and fresh fruit.
What to wear: Long pants, closed hiking shoes or brave boots.
What to bring: Sunblock, insect repellent, sun hat, refillable water bottle.
Dec. 14 | Arenal
Airport Transfer & Flight to San José
9:00am: This morning, bid farewell to the remote Osa Peninsula as you transfer from Corcovado Lodge to Drake Bay Airport for a scenic commercial flight to San José. After a 3 minute car ride, hop on the shared boat to the bay followed by a 30 minute drive to Drake Airport.
11:00am: Sansa Flight RZ1106 departs Drake Bay airport to San Jose.
Luggage policy: 1 checked piece with maximum weight of 40 pounds/18 kilograms, size up to 45 linear inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width)] and 1 carry on with maximum weight of 10 pounds/4.5 kilograms (per person).
11:50am: Upon arrival at San Jose, a private driver will meet you for a picturesque transfer north to the lush highlands of Arenal (approx. 2 hours 40 minutes), where the iconic volcano rises dramatically from the surrounding jungle.
Arrival at Nayara
Check into the acclaimed Nayara Tented Camp, where luxury and nature blend seamlessly. Your spacious Nayara Tent features hardwood floors, a four-poster bed, an open-air rainforest shower, and your very own plunge pool fed by mineral-rich hot springs. Surrounded by tropical gardens and the sounds of nature, the rest of your day is yours to relax and settle into this exceptional sanctuary.
Afternoon at Leisure
Enjoy the many pleasures of Nayara Tented Camp at your own pace. Indulge in a spa treatment inspired by local traditions, relax in the thermal mineral pools, take a yoga class, or wander the tropical gardens where toucans and hummingbirds flutter overhead.
Nayara Tented Camp | Nayara Tent (B)
Dec. 15 | Arenal
Arenal Hanging Bridges & Volcano Hike with Picnic Lunch
9:00am: Explore the stunning biodiversity of Arenal with a full-day private excursion. Begin at the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a network of suspended walkways and trails winding through the forest canopy, offering a rare perspective of wildlife and plant life at every level of the jungle. Afterward, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by nature, then head out for a guided hike along the base of Arenal Volcano.
Your naturalist guide will share fascinating insights about the area’s volcanic history, flora, and fauna as you walk over ancient lava fields and through lush secondary forest, all with sweeping views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.
Return to your camp for a late afternoon and evening at leisure.
Nayara Tented Camp | Nayara Tent (B, L)
Dec. 16 | Arenal
Day at Leisure
Enjoy the thermal baths and a full day at leisure with the option to add on activities through the camp at your own pace.
Nayara grounds are bursting with wildlife. You can spot sloths and monkeys on our trails or join a bird-watching walk at dawn. The resort is also a botanist and gardener’s paradise. The trails are teeming with tropical plants and exotic flowers, from heliconias and orchids to plantain trees. Guests can also take part in hands-on coffee and chocolate tastings, discovering Costa Rica’s rich agricultural heritage, or enjoy a moment of wellness with yoga and meditation sessions surrounded by the rainforest.
Nayara Tented Camp | Nayara Tent (B)
Dec. 17 | Departure
Private Transfer to Liberia Airport
7:30am: After an early breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Liberia Airport (approx. 3 hours) for your international departure. This is the recommended pick-up time by the hotel. If you wish to be picked-up later, the hotel cannot be held responsible for any delays en route or missed flights.
Flight to Seattle (Booked Independently)
1:25pm: Flight American Airlines 1338 departs Liberia (LIR) for Miami (MIA)
5:20pm: Flight arrival at Miami
7:35pm: Flight American Airlines 2363 departs Miami for Seattle (SEA)
11:15pm: Flight arrival at Seattle (SEA)
Inclusions
See our Booking Terms & Conditions here.
Accommodation: All accommodations as described in the itinerary with the listed categories.
Transport: All transfers in private with a dedicated driver in a comfortable AC vehicle, as described in the itinerary.
Touring & Activities: All experiences, activities, tours with English speaking guides, all required entrances fees and passes, as described in the itinerary.
Meals: All meals as listed in the itinerary (“B”, “L” or “D”).
Flights: All domestic and internal flights are included.
Guatemala City > Flores
Flores > Guatemala City
Guatemala City > San Jose
San Jose > Puerto Jimenez
Drake Bay > San Jose
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Restaurant reservations and coordination. All insider recommendations for your trip. Local team on call 24-hours a day during your trip.
Exclusions
Flights from and to Seattle
Travel insurance
Meals and activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips