Central American Highlights
Central American Highlights
Central American Highlights
16 Days Starting in San Jose and ending in Antigua
Visiting: Antigua Guatemala, Sololá, Chichicastenango, Guatemala City, Copan Ruinas, Suchitoto, León, Masaya Volcano National Park, Granada, San Juan del Sur, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, San José Province
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CAQ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Discover five diverse countries in this fast paced two-week adventure through Central America. Search for wildlife in Costa Rica, learn about the history of the Maya in Copan, Honduras, and get an insight into local Guatemalan life at Lake Atitlan. This region has everything to offer with fascinating history, rich culture, incredible volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Volcanoes - Active and dormant volcanoes pepper this region. Discover the impressive cones overlooking the picture perfect city of Antigua, Guatemala, and see lava bubbling in Nicaragua's Masaya volcano
Land of the Maya - Take in the sights and smells of the indigenous market at Chichicastenango and the villages around Lake Atitlan, where the modern day Maya culture still thrives
Suchitoto - Enjoy the charms of this pretty colonial town beside the shores of Lake Suchitlan, and take the opportunity to learn the art of pupusa-making - an El Salvadorean speciality
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour In San Jose (Costa Rica)
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Villa Colonial
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel
Arrive in San Jose. The cosmopolitan Costa Rican capital lies in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1150 metres. Coffee and sugar cane are big industries here and coffee is even planted between new buildings and along the roadside on the outskirts of the city.
Due to the number of evening flights into the international airport, your Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on the morning of day two, and will leave a message in reception with details on timings and everything else that you'll need for the day. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in San Jose at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code SJO) which is 18km, around thirty minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose head out to explore the city which is easy to navigate with a grid pattern of avenues and streets with a good choice of local eateries, which you may choose to sample this evening. The National museum (Museo Nacional De Costa Rica) is also well worth a visit.
Day 2: Travel To Rincon De La Vieja. Night Walk In Search Of Wildlife
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Villa Colonial
Accommodation Name: Buena Vista del Rincon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the capital for a 5-hour drive to Rincon de la Vieja where we will stay for the next two nights. Our accommodation is surrounded by nature and is the perfect place for wildlife spotting. When darkness falls, we will embark on a night walk around the paths of the lodge in search of wildlife.
Day 3: Guided Morning Walk In The National Park. Free Afternoon
Location: Sololá
Accommodation: Hotel Dos Mundos
Accommodation Name: Buena Vista del Rincon
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we will head into the Rincon de la Vieja National Park for a two-hour walk. The National Park has room for two volcanoes, of which one is still active, surrounded by a lush area of lagoons and craters, punctuated with steaming vents and pools of boiling mud. The changing elevation ranges of the park have resulted in an area of diverse habitats that house a variety of vegetation and wildlife. We'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife in the forest, from a variety of bird species (toucans, blue-crowned motmots and flycatchers among many others), as well as spider monkeys, coatis or sloths if we're lucky.
This afternoon is left free for optional activities.
Day 4: Journey To Bahia Salinas. Free Afternoon On The Beach
Location: Chichicastenango
Accommodation: Hotel Pan American
Accommodation Name: Nandel Beachfront
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we take a two-hour drive to the coastal haven of Bahia Salinas, close to the Nicaraguan border. We have the afternoon free to enjoy the beautiful beach and coastline.
Day 5: Travel To Granada, Nicaragua. City Tour And Free Afternoon
Location: Guatemala City
Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Copan
Accommodation Name: Hotel Patio del Malinche
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we wave goodbye to Costa Rica and travel across the border into Nicaragua and onto the colonial city of Granada. The driving time today will be approximately 3-hours. Atmospheric Granada is situated at the foot of Mombacho Volcano on the north-west shore of Lake Nicaragua. It was the first colonial city in Nicaragua, founded in 1524 by the conquistador Hernandez de Cordoba. Its magnificent setting, set off by baroque and renaissance buildings, is a visual delight and a superb location for our next two nights' accommodation.
On arrival, our city tour will take in highlights such as the Parque Central, the monument to the War of Independence, the plaza and the San Francisco Convent. We also aim to visit the Casa des Tres Mundos and the neoclassical Bishop's Palace. The afternoon is at your leisure. Choose to walk down to the central plaza, marvel at the striking yellow cathedral and relax in one of the many restaurants or cafes.
Day 6: Free Morning For Optional Activities; Afternoon Trip To Masaya Market And Masaya Volcano
Location: Copan Ruinas
Accommodation: Hotel Almendros de San Lorenzo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Patio del Malinche
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is left free. A recommended optional activity is a boat trip through Las Isletas on Lake Nicaragua. This is a great way to explore Lake Cocibolca, also known as Lake Nicaragua. Situated at the foot of the impressive Mombacho Volcano, the area we visit consists of around 360 small volcanic islands which were formed when the Mombacho Volcano erupted about 20,000 years ago. These small islands are inhabited by families who make their living from fishing, while other islands are host to extravagant villas owned by Nicaragua's rich and famous. Along the way, the tour guide will explain a lot about the many birds that can be seen here as well as recalling the history of the area.
This afternoon we will head to Masaya's famous and diverse artisan market, where we can find many products quite unique to Nicaragua. From there, we continue to one of Nicaragua's most stunning natural highlights, the Masaya Volcano National Park, which was the country's first national reserve and is home to two volcanoes and five craters. All being well, we will view the simply astounding geothermal activity at the Santiago Crater.
Day 7: Travel To Leon. City Tour On Arrival
Location: Suchitoto
Accommodation: Hotel Almendros de San Lorenzo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we head for Nicaragua's former capital, León where we spend the next two nights. As the country's capital for 200 years, Leon is still considered the intellectual centre of Nicaragua, and was at the heart of the revolutionary years of 1978 to 1989. Lying in the shadow of seven volcanoes, its old buildings and massive cathedral contribute to the elegant atmosphere of a city that seems almost to have been trapped in time. On arrival we will embark on a city tour.
Day 8: Free Day; Optional Hike To Cerro Negro Volcano
Location: León
Accommodation: Hotel Austria
Accommodation Name: Hotel Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today has been left free to explore this colonial gem at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy one of the optional excursions available in the area. One option is a hike on the nearby Cerro Negro Volcano - one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua. The hike takes approximately 1.5hrs at a moderate pace, and there are stunning views across to the Pacific ocean as well as the surrounding countryside. The fun is in bouncing down the volcano, as we run/jump/walk down through the scree. For something less exertive, Las Penitas Beach is a great place to relax for the day, whilst a visit to San Juan Venado Mangrove Reserve provides the opportunity to spot wildlife including crocodiles, caiman and iguanas.
Day 9: Journey To El Salvador Via The Gulf Of Fonseca
Location: León
Accommodation: Hotel Austria
Accommodation Name: Hotel Almendros de San Lorenzo
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we wave goodbye to Nicaragua and head to the smallest country in Central America- El Salvador. Don't let its size fool you; the country is teeming with towering volcanoes, a spectacular coastline, and beautiful colonial towns and villages.
We start our day by driving to the coastal town of PotosÃ, before hopping on the ferry across the Gulf of Fonseca. On the journey, you can see the islands of three countries: El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. We expect the ferry to take around 2 hours. Our destination is the port town of La Unión. On arrival, we will head out to Conchagua town for a walk and an optional group dinner. The country's national dish is pupusas\emdash these delicious circles of corn dough are stuffed with a mixture of black beans, vegetables, cheese, and meats.
We estimate our journey time today will be around 7 hours. Please be patient; crossing borders can be quite a slow process, so ensure you have a book and snacks with you to keep you going.
Day 10: Travel To Suchitoto; Free Afternoon For Optional Activities
Location: Masaya Volcano National Park
Accommodation: Hotel Granada
Accommodation Name: Hotel Almendros de San Lorenzo
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we have a 3.5-hour drive to the peaceful lakeside town of Suchitoto. The town itself seems timeless, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and an impressive colonial church in a leafy plaza. It was once at the heart of the country's indigo trade.
The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish. You may choose to take a boat trip on the lake, where over 200 bird species have been recorded, including hawks and falcons. Alternatively, you might want to visit the nearby Cascada Los Tercios- a 30-metre-high waterfall that flows over an impressive cliff of tightly packed hexagonal basalt rocks.
Day 11: Pass Into Guatemala; Travel To Guatemala City Via The 'Flower Route'
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel Granada
Accommodation Name: Hotel Plaza Copan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we pass into Guatemala, traveling along La Ruta de las Flores- one of the most beautiful regions in El Salvador. Located in the western highlands, this scenic route is known for its breathtaking landscapes.
The road winds through rolling green hills and coffee plantations, connecting the vibrant, picturesque towns that dot the countryside. In spring, the route is lined with a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers, giving La Ruta de las Flores its name. Volcanoes loom in the distance, adding a dramatic backdrop to the journey.
Along the way, we'll visit the mountain town of Concepción de Ataco, famous for its colourful streets, and stop in Apaneca, a historic town known for its local markets and mountainous surroundings.
We plan to reach Guatemala City by early evening.
Please note- crossing borders can be quite a slow process, so ensure you have a book and snacks with you to keep you going.
Day 12: Travel To Lake Atitlan Via Iximche Archaeological Site
Location: San Juan del Sur
Accommodation: Gran Oceano
Accommodation Name: Hotel Best Western Stofella
Meals Included: Breakfast
We will leave Guatemala city behind this morning for Lake Atitlan. Our first stop on route is the fascinating archaeological site of Iximche. We will stop here for a two-hour guided tour, where we will learn all about the history of this site which dates back to the 15th century.
Our final stop of the day is Santa Catarina Palopo, a small village on the shores of Lake Atitlan where we will be staying for the next two nights. There are magnificent views of the impressive volcanic peaks of Atitlan (3537m), San Pedro (3020m) and Toliman (3158m) towering over the lakeside, and the lake's fertile shores are sprinkled with small communities of farmers and fishermen who still uphold the traditions of their Maya ancestors.
Day 13: Boat Trip On Atitlan Lake
Location: San Juan del Sur
Accommodation: Hotel De Campo Cano Negro
Accommodation Name: Villa Santa Catarina
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we head out by boat to explore two of the many Mayan villages surrounding the lake. Santiago Atitlan lies at the base of the volcanic peaks of Toliman and Atitlan, and is home to the Tzutujil Maya people. The Tzutujil can trace their ancestry back to the post-classic period of the Maya (around 900-1500 AD). They still wear a traditional form of dress, with the women in particular sporting colourful blouses with embroidered geometric and bird designs. This is a busy village with lots of visitors and locals going about their business. Our second stop, on our return to Panajachel, is to the quieter island of San Antonio and the textile and ceramic co-operatives found there.
Day 14: Travel To Antigua Via Chichicastenango Market And Pascual Abaj Shrine
Location: Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Accommodation: Pozo Azul Tent Suites
Accommodation Name: Villa Colonial
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we will head to the bustling town of Chichicastenango, the 'sacred town' of the indigenous Quiche. Steeped in Maya culture, the town is famed for its market, where you can buy everything, from chickens and copal, to pigs and pottery. The best way to enjoy the market is to throw yourself into the melee and haggle with the traders, or escape to the beautifully colourful cemetery located just a short walk from the market. It is also the perfect place to pick up souvenirs of your visit.
We will continue our journey making another stop at the colourful local market of Solola where we can get a sense of Guatemalan daily life, as well as Pascual Abaj shrine- where traditional Maya shamans regularly perform ceremonies.
We aim to arrive into Antigua in the late afternoon.
Day 15: Walking Tour Of Antigua, Free Afternoon To Explore
Location: San José Province
Accommodation: Villa Tournon
Accommodation Name: Villa Colonial
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning's walking tour takes us to some of the spectacular colonial churches for which the city is famed, including those of San Francisco, Santa Clara, La Merced and Las Capuchinas. Some of the churches have museums and ruins attached which you can choose to enter later in the afternoon. The city is also famous for its jade, not only green but the rarer black and lilac, and we will visit a museum explaining more about this industry.
This afternoon has been left free for you to continue exploring at your own pace. You may choose to do a short hike up Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views of the city, or enjoy a bit of bargain hunting in what is regarded as one of the best cities for shopping in Central America. There is everything here, from high-end jewellery to street vendors selling locally-produced crafts and textiles. Alternatively, try the choco-museum for a Mayan hot chocolate, which comes with pure chocolate, hot milk, honey and chili powder to mix to your personal taste.
Day 16: Tour Ends Antigua (Guatemala)
Location: San José Province
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends this morning at our hotel in Antigua Guatemala.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from La Aurora International Airport (airport code: GUA). The drive between the airport and our hotel is only 40km but can take between 1.5 and 4 hours depending on the traffic and the time of day.
What's Included
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 8
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Fully Guided
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Accommodation
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Why Book this Tour
Experience five Central American countries in just two weeks, crossing 2500km in 15 days. Learn about the Maya history and culture from ancient times at the Copan Ruins, Honduras, to present day at the colorful Maya market of Chichicastenango. Stay in the pretty colonial towns of Suchitoto in El Salvador, and Leon and Granada, Nicaragua, and view wildlife at Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica.
Meals
Breakfasts: 15
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
18
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
1 nights comfortable camping
4 nights premium hotel
10 nights comfortable hotel -
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for the camping?
No, bedding is provided
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Transfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.