Nicaragua & Beyond

Nicaragua & Beyond

10 Days Starting in Granada and ending in Antigua

Visiting: Granada, Leon, Leon to El Cuco via Honduras, Suchitoto, Copan, Antigua

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QBSK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $1850 $1572 Operator discount: -$278 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

On this 10-day exploration of Central America, you’ll cover four different countries, changing landscapes and heaps of natural and archaeological wonders. Stroll along striking black-sand beaches, colourful rainforests and ancient ruins as you make your way to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. This is a trip full of outdoor experiences and local know-how. Whether wandering the slopes of a volcano in Nicaragua, visiting small mountain communities in El Salvador or exploring the intricately carved structures at Copan archaeological site, get local insight from local leaders and travel with like-minded people on this insightful, fun and historical adventure.

Highlights

  • Take a guided tour of the Copan ruins and archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization.

  • Visit an Indigenous artists’ village in Nicaragua to meet with a local artist who makes traditional masks – an important part of the history of the country's revolution.

  • See the lava flow and crater at Masaya Volcano National Park – the first and largest national park in Nicaragua and a fascinating place to explore.

  • Don your chef hat and taste the local cuisine with a traditional Salvadorian pupusa-making class in a local home in Suchitoto, El Salvador.

  • Experience an El Salvador of the past in the colonial town of Suchitoto, before hitting the waves and savouring the present on the black-sand beaches of El Tunco.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Adelante Foundation. Donations help them empower female entrepreneurs from low-income parts of Honduras to grow their businesses and build a livelihood with microfinance.

  • Take a guided tour of the Copan ruins and archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation.

  • Experience an El Salvador of the past in the town of Suchitoto, before hitting the waves and savouring the present on the black-sand beaches of El Tunco.

  • Take a guided tour of the Copan ruins and archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important sites of the Maya civilisation.

  • Drive up through the cloud forest at Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve and head on a hike to one of the crater lakes with an expert local guide.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Granada

Location: Granada

Accommodation: Hotel

Hola! Welcome to Nicaragua. Your adventure begins in Granada, the oldest city in the 'New World'. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture and oozing colonial charm, Granada is set on Lake Nicaragua’s banks and surrounded by active volcanoes. As your trip only spends limited time here, you might like to arrive a few days early to fully explore this very walkable city. Your trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel today. Then tonight, enjoy an optional group dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Leon

Location: Leon

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, you’ll hop on a private minibus and start your journey towards Leon. Along the way, visit the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. There you’ll join a local guide for a ride in a 4x4 to the top of the volcano, where you’ll learn about the surrounding cloud forest and head out on a hike to one of the four craters. After, continue your journey, stopping at the Monimbo artist village. Meet with a local artisan who makes the traditional masks used during the revolution. Get to know the artist and learn about the significance of the masks, how they are created and the Indigenous perspective of the revolution. Then head to the local market that is at the center of daily life in Monimbo where you'll enjoy an included lunch of local specialties. After, head back out on the road to Leon, where you’ll have a free evening. Though it's the second largest city in the country, Leon is relatively free of tourists, making strolling the mural-lined streets an absolute pleasure.

Included Activities:
-Monimbó - Indigenous artists village visit
-Granada - Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve

Day 3: Leon

Location: Leon

Accommodation: Hotel

Start your morning with a leader-led walk through Leon, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. The street food behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral is some of the best in town, so why not grab a 'Nica taco'? Made with maize, rolled and then deep fried, these beauties are usually served with shredded cabbage and smothered in cream. Maybe take a kayaking tour at Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve – float along the waterway between the mangrove forest and the island’s coast and watch out for wildlife that live here in abundance. Otherwise, a thrilling volcano sandboarding adventure could be just the thing for the adventure seekers out there.

Included Activities:
-Leon - Leader Led Walking Tour

Optional Activities:
-Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding
-Leon - Juan Venado Island Kayaking

Day 4: Leon To El Cuco Via Honduras

Location: Leon to El Cuco via Honduras

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Prepare for a long driving day today as you cross into Honduras, then to El Salvador to get to your overnight stop. Along the way, your leader will engage you in an absorbing discussion about life and challenges for modern Central Americans.

Day 5: Suchitoto

Location: Suchitoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, hit the road headed for Suchitoto, stopping in at El Salvador’s capital city along the way. While San Salvador might historically have a reputation of being unsafe for travellers, these days it has a much safer and more comfortable atmosphere. You’ll be able to experience this difference during a leader-led walk through the city and a visit to the UNESCO-listed El Rosario Church. Its brutalist exterior sits in contrast to both the Historic District it’s located in, as well as its surprising interior. Continue to Suchitoto, where you’ll have a free evening to get settled.

Included Activities:
-San Salvador - El Rosario church
-San Salvador -Leader-led walking tour

Day 6: Suchitoto

Location: Suchitoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

Today you’ll head out to Cinquera Forest, which borders Suchitoto. Here, you will meet with a former guerilla fighter to learn about the forest's significance during the Salvadoran Civil War, see the former camps and take a tour around the small mountain community. Return to Suchitoto in the afternoon and then head out on a leader-led walk of the well-preserved town, widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. For dinner, you’ll learn how to make the national dish – pupusas – a thick cake or flatbread made with cornmeal or rice flour, during an evening workshop with your group. The ingredients can be found worldwide, so if you want to make your own pupusas when you get home, you’ll enjoy this hands-on experience!

Included Activities:
-Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
-Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
-Suchitoto - Cinquera Community tour with former guerilla

Optional Activities:
-Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration

Day 7: Copan

Location: Copan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

This morning drive to Copan in a private transfer. With breathtaking scenery, it's another excellent opportunity to grab a window seat and arrive in the early afternoon. While most people use Copan as a base to explore the nearby ruins, there are plenty of other points of interest, both along the cobblestone streets and set into the lush surroundings. Maybe get started in the Central Plaza and follow your nose to a café. Alternatively, head to the Macaw Mountain Bird Park – a bird rescue, rehabilitation and release centre, this nature reserve is on ten acres of forested land, surrounded by streams and very close to the ruins. Tonight, rejoin your group for a traditional Honduran dinner of Baleadas – these Honduran tacos are made with flour tortillas and stuffed with various ingredients, depending on the season, like refried beans, cheese, avocado and cream.

Optional Activities:
-Copan - Macaw Mountain Bird Park (entrance fee)

Day 8: Copan

Location: Copan

Accommodation: Hotel

Head out early on a guided visit to the Copan archaeological site. These magnificent Mayan ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, this continues to be one of the most important sites of the Maya civilisation. Take your time and enjoy exploring the most important cultural destination in Honduras. The rest of your day is free, so you can visit the bird park if you didn't get to yesterday. Tonight, why not visit the nearby natural hot springs. This optional tour gives you hours of soak time in the mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.

Included Activities:
-Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site

Optional Activities:
-Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner

Day 9: Antigua

Location: Antigua

Accommodation: Hotel

This morning, hop in a private transfer and cross into Guatemala, arriving in Antigua in the afternoon. Then join your leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.


Included Activities:
-Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Day 10: Antigua

Location: Antigua

Your trip ends today and with no activities planned, you’re free to leave anytime after checkout. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. There is lots to do in Antigua, like salsa dance lessons and chocolate-making workshops.

Optional Activities:
-Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo
-Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour)

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (9 nights)

  • Leon - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Monimbó - Indigenous artists village visit

  • Masaya Volcano National Park - Entrance Fee

  • Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration

  • Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk

  • Copan Ruins - Visit

  • Meals

    1 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 3 dinners

  • Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site

  • Granada - Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve

  • Leon - Leader Led Walking Tour

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What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Local bus , Taxi

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Granada. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 3. Please be careful when booking flights to Granada; make sure you fly to Managua - Augusto C. Sandino International Airport [MGA]. Managua’s Airport is the closest airport to Granada. Please do not book flights to Granada Airport [GRX] as this is in Spain.
  • 4. Please be careful when booking flights from Antigua; make sure you fly from Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights from Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
  • 5. As per updated Nicaragua entry requirements, customers are currently required to supply a copy of their passport front page to their booking agent no later than 15 days prior to departure.
  • 6. Should you have any questions or need assistance with the Honduras pre-registration, your leader will be able to assist on Day 1 of your tour. For more information, visit the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the ‘Essential Trip Information.’

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Local bus , Taxi

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    As this trip covers destinations across four countries, you’ll make several border crossings. While these are usually straightforward, please prepare to be patient while local authorities process papers.

    This is a fast-paced trip, designed to cover the highlights of four countries in a short amount of time

    Central America is tropical, so expect a hot and humid climate. Protect yourself from the sun, wear comfortable, light clothing and stay hydrated – especially when out on walking tours. Air conditioning may not always be available in your rooms. Occasionally, properties may require an additional charge for air conditioning.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024
$2065

Saturday - Monday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
$1940

Saturday - Monday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024
$1850 $1572

Operator discount: -$278

Saturday - Monday

Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024
$2140

Saturday - Monday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025
$2035

Saturday - Monday

Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 20, 2025
$2095

Saturday - Monday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025
$2110

Saturday - Monday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025
$2110

Saturday - Monday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025
$2110

Saturday - Monday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025
$2110

Saturday - Monday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025
$2115

Saturday - Monday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$2035

Saturday - Monday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$2035

Saturday - Monday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
$2035

Saturday - Monday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$2035

Saturday - Monday

May 10, 2025 - May 19, 2025
$1955

Saturday - Monday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
$1955

Saturday - Monday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025
$1955

Saturday - Monday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025
$1955

Saturday - Monday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
$1955

Saturday - Monday

Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025
$1955

Saturday - Monday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
$1955

Saturday - Monday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025
$1955

Saturday - Monday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025
$2035

Saturday - Monday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025
$2035

Saturday - Monday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025
$2110

Saturday - Monday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025
$2110

Saturday - Monday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025
$2110

Saturday - Monday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 05, 2026
$2110

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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