LA TO SAN JOSE BOLT
45 days from
- Trek Code:
- BLS
- Destination:
- Central America
- Departs:
- May-Dec
- Accommodation:
- Budget Lodging
- Age Range:
- 18-38
- > Explore 6 amazing Central America countries
- > Explore Mayan ruins of Tikal, Palenque & Copan
- > Enjoy rain forests and Caribbean waters
Tour Overview
From the laid back Californian state, cross the border into Baja Peninsula and the start of your all-encompassing Central American BOLT expedition travelling through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Included are the un-missable sites and off the beaten track treasures allowing you to experience cultures, incredible landscapes and ancient histories plus outstanding Mayan ruins, local cuisine, idyllic Caribbean islands and beaches as well as local markets, star-studded skies and Tequila! Experience local friendliness at its best and with your included Spanish sessions to enrich your journey and enable you to communicate and dig beneath the surface. With the assistance of your local tour leader, dance the night away to a mariachi beat, try tamales washed down with a local Mezcal, follow jungle trails to towering Mayan ruins and walk streets paved in history on your Central American overland adventure.
- > Visit USA, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua & Costa Rica
- > Visit UNESCO world heritage sites
- > Overnight ferry from Baja Peninsula to mainland Mexico
- > Full day Tequila excursion including tasting
- > Stargazing in the Baja desert
- > Pass the impressive cactus forest and boulder fields
- > Informal Spanish language sessions with tour leader
- > Sparkling Caribbean Sea and sprawling jungle
- > Agua Azul waterfalls
- > Entrance into Palenque & Tikal archaeological sites
- > Shop until you drop in colourful markets
- > Water taxis to Caye Caulker, Roatan & Ometepe Islands
- > Swim in the Caribbean waters in Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, Roatan Island
- > Natural hot water spring evening swim
- > Visit Masaya shield volcano
- > Scenic walks and hikes
- > Walking tours in Ensenada, Guerrero Negro, San Ignacio, Loreto, La Paz, Mazatlan, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Mérida, Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, Rio Dulce, Roatan Islands and more
- > Guided excursion to Chichen Itza
- > Tour leader: Services of a professional bilingual tour leader and local guides
- > Transport: All transport by BOLT (Buses or Local Transport)
- > Accommodation: All 42 nights included (27 x twin, 9 x twin/triple, 4 x multi share & 2 sleeper coaches).
- > Wi-Fi: The majority of hotels/hostels have Wi-Fi available in rooms or common area.
- > Group size: 18 maximum
Our BOLT tours (Buses Or Local Transport) offer the same great TrekAmerica experience, but using the most appropriate and affordable style of travel for the countries we visit. You'll stay in a mix of hotels and hostels, with most nights on a twin or triple share basis. Buses, collectivos, taxis, ferries and overnight buses get you from A to B, so you get to see the best that these awesome countries have to offer whilst travelling the same way the locals do, with the help and security of your local tour leader.
- Various optional activities are available with a selection of the most popular listed below. All activities are arranged and paid locally with your tour leader. Please see the day by day itinerary for a full list of activities available each day.
- > Visit indigenous cave paintings US$65-$85
- > Trip to Isla Coronado US$65
- > Scuba diving US$140
- > Teotihuacan Pyramids US$28
- > Oaxaca archeological sites and tours US$25 each
- > Sumidero Canyon boat tour (5hrs) US$24
- > Horseback riding US$15
- > Cenotes and natural water parks US$109-$159
- > Ragamuffin boat snorkelling tour US$45
- > Caye Caulker crocodile cruise US$22
- > Kayaking US$10-15 per hour
- > La Finca hot springs US$35
- > Mountain biking US$20
- > Macadamia Nut Farm US$28
- > Snorkelling US$30-$69
- > Canopy tours US$45-$65
- > Horseback riding US$30-$50
- > Granada city tour US$10
- > Volcano trekking US$10-$15
Our range of 3 - 4 day Mini Adventures are just the ticket for extending your tour and experiencing North America's most incredible 'must see' highlights. Check out the following adventures relevant to this tour.
- LA & GRAND CANYON MINI
-
> Tour Hollywood's highlights
> Grand Canyon National Park
> Experience Historic Route 66
> Photo stop at the Hoover Dam
> Limousine tour of Las Vegas - > View Mini Adventure
If you are spending extra time in our gateway cities, you can now plan in advance by pre-booking unique city sightseeing day tours in addition to your TrekAmerica trip.
- LOS ANGELES
- All city day tours are operated by local experts who are dedicated to take you behind the scenes so you know it like a local! When booking your TrekAmerica trip, simply select your chosen city tour from the Tour Extras section on the online booking form.
- > View City Tours
Trip Itinerary
Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.
As this tour departs at 0730 we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation. Please request hotel details at the time of booking.
Local Payments:
Some meals included as per the itinerary with all other meals paid individually in local restaurants. Some meals included as per the itinerary with all other meals paid individually in local restaurants.
Budget approximately US$68 for border-crossing fees (additional fees may apply for air departures).
Mexico combined entry & exit fee US$25 (Keep proof of payment)
Guatemala exit fee US$3
Belize exit fee US$20
Honduras entry fee US$4
Nicaragua entry fee US$13
Nicaragua exit fee US$3
Fees are subject to change. Please consult local embassies to confirm exact costs.
Important:
You will need adequate travel insurance to join this trip. Download our
insurance tips pdf
for more information.
-
Day: 1 Los Angeles & Ensenada
Leave Tinseltown behind and cross the border into Mexico, a land of iconic Mayan ruins, mouth-watering cuisine, music to put a shuffle in your step, and incredible white sand beaches. Armed with a fresh stamp in your passport you are ready for your Central American adventure! Ensenada boasts a stunning location on the Pacific coast, so why not pull up a seat for a sundowner and sample some of the famous local wines.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
-
Day: 2-3 Guerrero Negro
Guerrero Negro is the point of entry to the state of Baja California Sur offering small-town Baja charm and indigenous cave paintings.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
Optional activities: Guerrero Negro salt company tour US$10-$20 | Berrendos bird watching tour (3.5hrs) US$37-$50 | Visit indigenous cave paintings US$65-$75
-
Day: 4 San Ignacio
San Ignacio is a classic little Baja pueblo oasis in the Vizcaino desert, accessed by a sprawling cactus forest. Be sure to take the time to visit the main plaza in town to taste local Baja cuisine, and if you want to brush up further on your Spanish, our informal session today helps you do just that. Tonight, the desert provides the perfect setting for some high-definition stargazing.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
-
Day: 5-6 Loreto
Pristine azul seas, playful dolphins and sparkling sunshine greet you as you roll into Loreto. With 250km of coastline and 14 islands, sailing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling all on the menu. If you prefer dry land, hiking, horseback riding and cave painting tours will keep you more than occupied.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
Optional activities: Islands of Loreto Marine Park US$85 | Cave painting US$85 | Trip to Isla Coronado US$65 | Mission de San Javier tour US$85 | Sea fishing US$360 per boat | Scuba diving US$140
-
Day: 7 La Paz
Viva La Paz! A true Mexican paradise, a visit to the Malecon (beachside promenade) is an absolute must. Hang with the locals and make sure you visit one of La Paz's many fascinating cantinas for a local beer. Perhaps use this opportunity to learn a little more Español with your new friends.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
-
Day: 8-9 Overnight Ferry to Mazatlan
Board the overnight ferry to the mainland and enjoy an included dinner on board. This epic crossing is a great way of maximising your time, and showing you the Mexican peninsula which most travellers miss. Explore Mazatlan's coastline on a boat tour or perhaps dip in for a scuba dive and stop by a local beach bar where you say goodbye to the sun, listen to Mexican music, and sip local drinks.
Accommodation: Overnight ferry in twin share cabins & 1 night Budget Lodging in twin share, dinner included.
-
Day: 10 Guadalajara
Depart early morning for your first class transfer towards Guadalajara where you have a chance to stretch your legs with a walk around this fascinating city. Guadalajara, the birthplace of Mariachi music is also famous for its tasty tacos and your Tour Leader knows an excellent place to take you.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share
-
Day: 11 Full Day Tequila Excursion
Tequila, whose name means "the place of cutting" or "the place of tributes" is the proud producer of the spirit both famous and infamous with good times. It's a beautiful place with stunning landscapes and streets and churches steeped in history. Learn all about the famous Tequila process for the blue agave and traditions, and of course partake in some tequila tasting!
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share
-
Day: 12 Guanajuato
Leave Guadalajara City early morning on your first class coach for Guanajuato, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico with a maze of alleyways and a main street which runs beneath the city. Pay a visit to Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), which is so narrow that lovers standing on each side of the alley can reach over and share a kiss!
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in multi share dorms
-
Day: 13 San Miguel de Allende
Say 'hola' to San Miguel de Allende, a picturesque city with colonial architecture and enchanting cobblestone streets. The Plaza Principal called El Jardin, is the town's focal point and the Neo-Gothic spires of the parroquia beside the Jardin provide the perfect landmark.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share, breakfast included
-
Day: 14-15 Mexico City
One of the largest cities on earth, there's plenty to keep you occupied for a couple of weeks, let alone 2 nights. Stop by the archaeological site of Teotihuacan; see an original Frida Kahlo painting at the Coyoacan art Museum or dance to world class DJs in one of the many regular club nights. Head off en-masse to "Salon Sol", a traditional place located downtown and enjoy snacks, drinks & live music.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share, 1 breakfast included
Optional activities: Chapultepec downtown tour US$14 | South tour to Tlalpan US$14 | Teotihuacan Pyramids US$28 | Anthropology Museum US$8
-
Day: 16-17 Oaxaca
Join your tour leader for a guided walking tour through Oaxaca, a city famous for its arts and crafts. Buy souvenirs at a local market and slow the pace down by visiting some great archaeological sites - Mitla & Monte Alban are particularly beautiful.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 2 breakfasts included
Optional activities: Monte Alban archeological site US$25 | Mitla &Tule Tree archeological sites US$25 | Artisan villages & markets US$25 | Oaxaca city tour (3.5hrs) US$25
-
Day: 18 Overnight Transfer to San Cristobal
The morning and afternoon is at leisure before joining your overnight transfer to San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper coach, breakfast included
-
Day: 19-20 San Cristobal de Las Casas
Popular with travellers for decades, picture-perfect San Cristobal is set in a highland valley surrounded by pine forest. Explore San Cristobal's cobbled streets and markets, soak up the unique ambience and share a traditional group meal of Tamales Chiapanecos, before hitting the local bars. Visit the Sumidero Canyon and indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 1 breakfast included
Optional activities: : Sumidero Canyon boat tour (5hrs) US$24 | Indigenous villages tour (5hrs) US$18 | Horseback riding US$15 | Rancho Nuevo Cave & Chiflon Waterfalls (11hrs) US$25
-
Day: 21 Palenque
Take a private transfer to Palenque with a stop at Agua Azul, a group of waterfalls which create beautiful natural ponds. Make sure you take your swimwear as there will be time for a refreshing dip.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share, breakfast included
-
Day: 22 Palenque & Overnight Transfer to Merida
Pottery shards found during excavations show that people lived in Palenque as early as 300 B.C. Discover a rich history with an included entrance ticket into the enigmatic Palenque Archaeological site and ruins. You may like to hire a local guide around the site as your tour leader is unable to guide you here. This evening you board your bus for an overnight transfer to Merida.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper coach
-
Day: 23 Merida
The capital of the state of Yucatan, there's always something going on in Merida - cheap eats, thriving markets and regular festivals ensure a full day of sights and sounds.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
-
Day: 24-25 Chichen Itza & Playa Del Carmen
En route to Playa Del Carmen pause to see the fabled site of Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Continue to Valladolid, a bustling Mayan city where the townspeople still wear traditional Mayan clothing and buildings around the Main Plaza are pretty in pastel. Playa del Carmen awaits, with a full day tomorrow to explore Tulum or visit Xcaret, an awesome natural park with tons of weird and wonderful wildlife and Cenontes (underground caves).
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 2 breakfasts included
Optional activities: Coba Ruins with cenote tour US$75 | Xcaret, Xel-Ha & Xplor natural water parks US$109-$159 each
-
Day: 26-27 Caye Caulker, Belize
Take a bus and water taxi towards Caye Caulker, Belize. With a population of only 1,200 people, it has a real cosy island appeal. Take off your shoes and dip your feet into the clear seas and tuck into fresh local lobster.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share, 1 breakfast included
Optional activities: Ragamuffin boat snorkelling tour US$45 | Cave tubing US$87 (inc transfer and lunch) | Bike rental US$8 (full day) | Crocodile Cruise US$22 | Night fishing US$200 for 4 people | Kayaking US$10-15 per hour
-
Day: 28-29 Tikal & El Remate, Guatemala
Say "adios" to Caye Caulker and board your water taxi to Belize City. Across the border awaits El Remate, a sleepy typically Guatemalan village where it's so laid back, it's almost horizontal. Nearby lies Tikal National Park, a massive area containing some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Mayan civilization and the largest excavated site in the American Continent.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share
-
Day: 30-31 Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Meaning "Sweet River', Rio Dulce is a melting pot of Caribbean charm and natural beauty. Hop on a tuk tuk to a hot spring or make a beeline for the local markets, where the food is to die for.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
Optional activities: La Finca hot springs US$35 | Visit to Livingston town (transfer and entrance) US$26
-
Day: 32-33 Antigua, Guatemala
Honduras is next on the list, with Antigua City providing ample entertainment - feel free to explore the city; shops with textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and antiques or climb on a mountain bike for a change of pace. Why not add a touch of culture and pay a visit to Macadamia nut and coffee plantations.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 1 breakfast included
Optional activities: Mountain biking US$20 | Macadamia Nut Farm US$28
-
Day: 34-35 Copan, Honduras
Copan Mayan Ruins, known in ancient times as "Xukpi", was the art and astronomy capital of the Mayan world. Carved monuments and intricate, swirling art surpasses any other Mayan city. Take an included dip in the Natural Hot Water Springs located just outside the city. A bumpy ride and a splash in this natural oasis is a brilliant way to bond with your group.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 2 breakfasts included
-
Day: 36-37 Roatan Island, Honduras
Snorkelling, canopy tours and horse riding are only a few things that await you at Roatan Island, and life moves at a much slower pace, allowing you to completely relax in an island paradise.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
Optional activities: Snorkelling US$30-$69 | Roatan Iguana Farm Tour US$45 | Canopy tours US$45-$65 | Horseback riding US$30-$50 | Roatan canopy zipline & reef snorkelling tour US$88
-
Day: 38 La Ceiaba & San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Wave goodbye to the lovely Roatan Islands and continue your journey to San Pedro Sula, where you'll find amazing markets. Try your hand at bartering for local specialities such as leather, textiles, silver and much more. Dust off your boots for a hike through Cusuco National Park, visit Taulabe Caves and Pulapanzak Waterfalls, or a climb up for a horseback ride on a coffee tour.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in multi share dorms
-
Day: 39-40 Leon, Nicaragua
Another day and another whole new country to explore! This time it's Nicaragua, and Leon provides the perfect introduction as one of the oldest cities with some of the best colonial architecture in the country. Its centre boasts museums, art galleries, colourful colonial architecture and an imposing cathedral.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
Optional activities: Leon city tour US$15
-
Day: 41-42 Managua & Granada, Nicaragua
A rare opportunity to stop at Masaya, an awesome active volcano located 20 km south of Managua, Nicaragua, where the locals have baptised it "La Boca del Infierno" or "The Mouth of Hell". Granada is your home for the next 2 nights. Take a trip to 'Monkey Island' where its cheeky residents will put a smile on your face!
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in multi share dorms
Optional activities: Granada city tour US$10 | Mona Monkey Island tour US$60
-
Day: 43-44 Isla Ometepe, Nicaragua
Ometepe Island gets its name from the Aztec language, meaning "Two hills", due to the mountains formed by the two volcanoes. Trek to the volcanoes or try sand boarding down the dunes, for a taste of adventure.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
Optional activities: Volcano trekking US$10-$15 | Kayaking US$15 per hour
-
Day: 45 San Jose, Costa Rica
Leaving Ometepe for San Jose, Costa Rica, your adventure is nearing an end. Why not extend your stay in San Jose and head out to the markets or sample the vibrant nightlife of this sprawling metropolis.
This tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs. If you would like to BOLT on additional nights here, please enquire at the time of booking.
Book Your Trip Online
You can easily book your trek online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe and protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.
Status Key
Guaranteed: Tour will definitely operate. Book Now!
Available: Tour will be guaranteed once minimum numbers reached. Book Now!
Limited: Tour is guaranteed with last few seats remaining. Book Now!
Contact Us: Seats may be available. Please contact us.
How to Book Online
1. Pick your chosen available departure date.
2. Select the number of passengers to book.
3. Click on the book button to be taken to our secure online booking engine.
4. Complete all personal details and payment information.
5. Your tour will be confirmed immediately by e-mail.
Photo Gallery
Click any image below to view in an enlarged gallery.
Leave a review on Facebook
Let the world know about this great tour via Facebook and help us introduce TrekAmerica to future Trekkers.
-
Log into your facebook account below and post a message.
-
Share this adventure with your friends by leaving the box ticked to post your comment to your wall.
Note: If the log in button is not appearing below please refresh your browser.