Playas of Paradise (Until Feb 2021)(Twin Room,Start Mexico City, End San Jose)

22 days
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USTOA

Group Tour
Central America, reveal yourself. Over 26 days this trip will see you taking in the fiery culinary culture of Mexico City, the beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef, the dreamy sunsets of Caye Caulker, the boundless biodiversity in the rainforests of Costa Rica, the ancient mastery of Tikal National Park, and so much more. Welcome to paradise.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Sunset Beach Dinner in Cancun
    • Relax on the white sand beaches
    • Relax on the white sand beaches
    • Sunset Beach Dinner in Cancun
    • Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park
    • Included flight to Antigua
    • Entrance to Selvatura Park, also known as Monteverde's Cloud Forest
    • Coffee making demonstration and tasting

What's this trip about?

    Central America, reveal yourself. Over 26 days this trip will see you taking in the fiery culinary culture of Mexico City, the beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef, the dreamy sunsets of Caye Caulker, the boundless biodiversity in the rainforests of Costa Rica, the ancient mastery of Tikal National Park, and so much more. Welcome to paradise.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMexico City
End CitySan Jose (Costa Rica)

Travel Themes

  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • New Mexico
  • Belize
  • Costa Rica
  • Guatemala
  • South America

Attractions

  • Antigua
  • Caribbean
  • Mexico City
  • Tikal
  • Tikal National Park

Activities

  • Culture
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Mexico City

It’s a busy one today, travellers. Archaeological city Teotihuacan, pyramids and Aztec temples are the focus for this leg of your journey. As you go, local guides will kindly impart their extensive knowledge on many interesting topics so you're in the know on anythi...

Day 2: Mexico City to Merida

Now you bid farewell to Mexico City before the finale of the trip where you will meet again. You’ve seen and learnt a lot, but now it is time for a change of scenery and pace – a an included flight out to the white stone city of Merida is on the cards. Soft and beauti...

Day 3: Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza

Pack up your swag of Mexican trinkets and say goodbye to the calm oasis of Merida and hello yet another incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Chichen Itza.These ancient ruins are the most famous and best preserved of their kind in Mayan history. These iconic r...

Day 4: Cancun

Just incase you don’t know the drill by now, an ice cold cerveza should remind you that Cancun is a hub of wonderful entertainment. Feel like taking things further afield? White sand beaches, snorkelling, colourful cafes lining the streets and classic locals and shopp...

Day 5: Cancun

Fun is the name of the game today in this stunning white sand beach spot. Thrillseekers could take a trip to some hidden waters deep in the tropical jungle. A bit of rural island hopping, zipling a stint at Garrafon Natural Reef Park, a visit to some ancient Mayan rui...

Day 6: Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Get ready for your next adventure this morning as we're heading to the beautiful shores of Playa del Carmen. A bit of retail therapy never hurt anyone, so how about a stroll down Paseo del Carmen shopping centre to spend some pesos?You'll fall head over heels for this...

Day 7: Playa del Carmen to Caye Caulker

Can't get enough of Playa del Carmen? We thought so! So how about adding something extra to your Mexican extravaganza by experiencing the Caribbean in all its tropical glory? Snorkelling is on the menu for those who want to see the world from an 'underwater' angle.Mex...

Day 8: Caye Caulker

Rub your eyes, blink again, and say hello to the palm-fringed paradise where life moves at a slower pace. With fresh seafood, sparkling waters and a unique Creole atmosphere, Caye Caulker's soft sands and soft reggae sounds can only be topped by its outstanding World Heritage Barrier Reef and Mangrove kayaking opportunities. Time to sample some seafood and get down to some reggae rhythms.

Day 9: Caye Caulker

You’ll need a big breakfast today because you’re free to do whatever you want, which could mean a whole lot of exploring! Belize has a spectacular Barrier Reef that is just begging to be discovered, so grab a snorkel and get out there. Back on land, its all about sand...

Day 10: Caye Caulker to Tikal National Park via Belize City

Water taxis will transport you back to the mainland across the glorious underwater playground you've become so well acquainted with over the last few days. It's time to head to Belize for exploring glorious Guatemala.It’s a super swift passing by of the beloved Belize...

Day 11: Tikal to Antigua via Flores

Rise and shine, today we'll take a locally guided tour of Tikal National Park, with ruin exploring including the Mayan Templo IV.Next it's a trip to the island of Flores, where we'll have lunch and time for shopping before flying this afternoon to Guatemala's capital ...

Day 12: Antigua

Don your explorers cap today and head off for some ME time, the day is in your hands. Being able to choose your own adventure today could take you up Pacaya Volcano on a guided hike. If you’d rather produce those endorphins by making (and eating) your own chocolate, t...

Day 13: Antigua to San Jose

This morning we'll take to the skies, Costa Rica bound. Who's ready for some Pura Vida vibes?Do you know the way to San Jose? Well yeah, we do, cos' here we are! Today we'll head out to explore daily Costa Rican life at the Plaza & sample some local delicacies at the Mercado Central (Central Market).

Day 14: San Jose to Arenal

We leave the city's charms behind and make for Arenal, one of the most incredible volcanoes in Costa Rica.Welcome to Arenal. This volcano is near perfectly formed and famed for its hot springs and healing properties so you know what that means - spa times and treatments galore. Later, grab some munch in town with the crew, or continue to kick it in the hotel pool.

Day 15: Arenal / La Fortuna

Rapelling through a rainforest canyon and waterfalls this morning will be the perfect wake up call. This optional activity is one you won't forget, and if you have a bit of a fear of heights, this is the best way to conquer them. Not keen? No problem. Head back to the...

Day 16: Arenal/La Fortuna to Playa Tamarindo

See you later volcano lands, more of Costa Rica is calling and hell yeah we're listening. Playa Tamarindo has the reputation of being Costa Rica's numero uno surf and party destination, and for good reason. This northern beach town boats tasty waves and golden sands dotted with lounge bars and fabulous restaurants. We're staying right by the beach, and loving every second of it.

Day 17: Playa Tamarindo

A bohemian atmosphere permeates every inch of this paradise. Pass the day in the water, snorkelling or scuba diving amongst rainbow fish, or getting amongst the surf. There's an optional catamaran cruise this afternoon, because really who doesn't love getting out ther...

Day 18: Playa Tamarindo to Monte Verde

Shake out your beach towel and pack away those swimmers (for now). Today we're making for the mountains!With clean air filling your lungs our next spot awaits, and the misty forests of Monte Verde are sure to take your breath away. This leafy wildlife hotspot is home ...

Day 19: Monte Verde

Yes, yes and yes is what you will as we explore the tropical Selvatura Park – most likely whilst ziplining down a mind-blowing 1km long line. But that’s not all on offer. We’ll also be walking the hanging bridges amongst the lush Monte Verde cloudforest – there are ei...

Day 20: Monteverde to Jaco

With Monteverde in our rearview mirror we'll make our way this morning to Jaco, the gorgeous gateway to some incredible national parks.Beachside Jaco is known for its surfing, nightlife and as leads to some awe-inspiring national parks. If you're feeling adventurous, ...

Day 21: Manuel Antonio Day Trip

This morning we'll head over to Manuel Antonio, a beautiful national park.Manuel Antonio serves up a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, pristine beaches and dazzling coral reefs. Get your cameras ready and be on the hunt for wildlife as we walk through this mindboggling hub of biodiversity.After a day of exploration this evening we'll arrive back at our hotel for some poolside relaxation.

Day 22: Jaco to San Jose

After a final adventure op in Jaco (kayaking anyone?) we'll make our way back to San Jose where our trip will come to a close.What an adventure it's been. One thing's for sure, we'll never forget our encounter with paradise.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,739
Price per day$215
Last Updated: 0/19/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Contiki.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Mar 2024

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I would highly recommend Contiki, everything was amazing, great Travel Manager and Local Guide giving a good insight into the old and new culture. Fantastic experien...

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Mar 2024

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Thai Island Hopper West

I wish I could give it ten stars, had such a blast with a great group of people, the whole trip was amazing I did all the activities and was surprised that the inclu...

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Mar 2024

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Contiki took care everything so well! We went from amazing experiences to amazing experience, and everything went incredibly smoothly. We did things we would never h...

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Tour Operator

Contiki

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We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.

No two travellers are the same and we know that, which is why we offer eight unique ways to explore the world. We have a number of options to choose from to create a vacation that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style.

We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not traveling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.

With over 270 trips around the world and plenty of departure dates to work into your schedule, you'll never be short of options on where to go for your next great adventure.

About the company:
Contiki are the world leaders in social youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our core values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re about people’. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘Travel.Together.’ which means to travel with one another, the destinations we visit, the cultures we enjoy and the environment, too.

Why we love this operator
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
What they’re known for
Social travel for 18-35 year olds around the world.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • You can expect to refuel with hearty breakfasts and delicious dinners from us but we'll also give you the opportunity to sample the best local cuisine. Taste all the best local delicacies - from simple street eats to gourmet fare.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
contiki-MXSJ15

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