As a traveler with years of experience exploring Central America, I have discovered that one of the most complete ways to enjoy this region is by combining the energy of its volcanoes with the serenity of its beaches. Here I propose two itineraries of between 10 and 14 days, designed to cross borders and live extreme, contemplative and authentic experiences. They offer details about transportation, level of difficulty, permits and practical planning.
Itinerary 1: Guatemala + Costa Rica + Belize (12-14 days)
Days 1–3: Ascent to the Acatenango volcano (Guatemala)
The Acatenango volcano, at almost 4,000 m altitude, is one of the most iconic ascents in Central America. Many travelers choose to do it in two days: they camp in a refuge and go up at dawn to contemplate the eruptions of the neighboring Fuego.
- Difficulty: High. You walk between 4 and 6 hours to reach the camp at 3,400 m and then 1–2 more hours to the summit. Acclimatization is recommended in Antigua (1 500 m) for 48 hours.
- Permits and logistics: Entrance for about 12 USD (Q100) and certified guide are mandatory. Tours include transportation, food, shop or cabin, and equipment for about 90–150 USD. You can get cheaper services according to the backpacking mode.
- Transport route: From Guatemala City or Antigua, a shuttle is hired based on La Soledad and returns after the descent.
Days 4–6: Relax on the beaches of Costa Rica (Guanacaste)
After the demand of the volcano, it’s time to rest in front of the sea. From Guatemala City, you can fly to Liberia (Costa Rica) or do the land route by bus and ferry.
- Suggested destination: Tamarindo, Conchar or Playa Grande.
- Local transport: Shared shuttle from Liberia or from Tamarindo to La Fortuna for about 47–62 USD; journey of 4–6 h.
- Activity level: Low. Ideal for swimming, surfing, yoga and resting watching sunsets.
Days 7–9: Arenal Volcano and hot springs
- Destination: La Fortuna, home of the Arenal volcano.
- Activities: Tours of trails in the national park, bathing in hot springs, visits to waterfalls or suspension bridges. Excursions accessible to all.
- Transportation: Shuttle Tamarindo–Arenal ̃5 h, 57 USD; also available in private mode.
Days 10–14: Belize Beaches – Ambergris Island or Caye Caulker
This section requires land route + ferry or flight from Costa Rica. Alternative: return to Liberia and fly to Belize.
- Activities: Snorkeling in the second largest barrier in the world, kayaking, breaks by the sea.
- Transportation and permits: Consider at least one full day for international transfer.
- Itinerary 2: Nicaragua + Costa Rica (10 days)
Days 1–3: Ascent to the Masaya volcano (Nicaragua)
This active volcano is accessible by car and on foot. It even allows you to see the crater with its lava lake.
- Difficulty: Moderate. It does not require several days of physical preparation or acclimatization.
- Logistics: Entrance 5–10 USD, shuttle from Managua and local guide on site.
Days 4–6: Gulf of Nicoya Islands (Costa Rica)
After crossing the border, I take transport to Puntarenas and direct ferry to islands such as Isla San Lucas or Chira.
- Trip profile: Screening between light hiking, quiet beach and local life.
Days 7–10: Surfing and nature in Costa Rica
Finish your route on beaches such as Nosara, Tamarindo or in natural parks such as Manuel Antonio or Corcovado, depending on your interest in surfing, fauna and coastal life.
Practical suggestions for both itineraries
- Documentation: Check border requirements; most countries allow tourist entry for 90 days.
- Collective transport: Combine shared bus, shuttles, ferries; rent a car among several for more flexibility.
- Travel insurance: Essential in volcanic, trekking and marine activities.
- Activity and rhythm: Leave at least one day off in between for recovery or unforeseen events.
- Estimated budget: Between 40 and 80 USD per day in medium route; includes moderate accommodation, local food, transportation and basic excursions.
Comparison of itineraries
Duration of the trip:
Guatemala + Costa Rica + Belize: 12 to 14 days, designed to calmly explore each destination.
Nicaragua + Costa Rica: Covers 10 days, ideal for those who have a tighter itinerary.
Main Volcano:
Acatenango (Guatemala): a challenge of high difficulty, with steep slope and altitude close to 4,000 m
Masaya (Nicaragua): accessible and low to moderate difficulty, suitable for most travelers.
Beach experience:
Beaches included: Rome on the vibrant coast of Guanacaste in Costa Rica and in the Caribbean waters of Belize.
Beaches included: relaxation in the Costa Rican Pacific: Gulf of Nicoya, Nosara or Manuel Antonio, between jungle and sea.
Modes of transport:
Guatemala-Costa Rica-Belize: combined flights, land buses and international ferry, with greater logistics.
Nicaragua–Costa Rica: land route in local or shared buses, + ferry, no flights, more direct.
Logisticar complexity:
First route: medium-high, due to the management of several countries, modes of transport and borders.
Second route: logistics of medium difficulty, with simpler routes and fewer stages.
Extra tips
Acclimatization: Dedicate at least two previous days in Antigua before the trek to the Acatenango.
Equipment: Use three thermal layers, jacket, hat, gloves, canes and bottles. You can rent gear in Antigua for ̃10–50 Q each.
Local guides: Prioritize companies with good reputation, certified guides and sustainable practices, such as Lava Trails or Old Town Outfitters.
Reservations: Plan shuttles between Tamarindo-Arenal in advance; they usually take off at 8 AM and 2 PM, last 5–6 hours and cost between 47 and 69 USD.
Both itineraries pose a deep and authentic experience in Central America, combining in a balanced way the imposing strength of the volcanoes with the serenity of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. From the demanding ascent to the Acatenango volcano, where the ranned air and the views of the erupting Fuego volcano leave an indelible mark, to the quiet observation of the incandescent crater of the Masaya, every moment offers a vibrant contrast.
After these encounters with the primordial energy of the earth, the itineraries immerse you in the calm and beauty of the coasts of Costa Rica and Belize: soft sand beaches, turquoise waters and sunsets that invite rest and contemplation. In Costa Rica, you can choose between surfing and the vibrant beach life of Tamarindo, or the more harmonious tranquility of Nosara, while in Belize islands such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris await you, ideal for diving, swimming or simply disconnecting at the slow pace of the sea.
In addition to geography and nature, these routes are designed to connect with the local culture. In Guatemala, spending three days in Antigua and the road to Acatenango allows you to interact with communities, try traditional dishes and understand ancestral rituals. In Nicaragua, the Masaya volcano offers a direct experience of active volcanoes, more accessible but equally impressive. In all stages, you can integrate community tourism activities, visits to local markets or cultural tours that enrich the trip with regional stories and flavors.
These itineraries are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your own travel style: you can choose between staying in hostels with a good atmosphere, eco-lodges immersed in nature, or even family residences that offer cultural immersion. You can also adjust the duration according to your pace – add days of rest on the beach, extend the stay in the volcanic area for additional hiking, or even include alternative routes to indigenous communities and lesser-known national parks.
In summary, it is not just about visiting volcanoes and beaches, but about integrating adventure, culture and relaxation into the same experience. Traveling through Central America with these routes means choosing to live each landscape with the necessary intensity, explore each culture with curiosity and disconnect every day in an authentic way, always respecting your budget and preferences.