Nicaragua & Beyond
Price- $1,557
10 Days | Discover the best of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala
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, verdant 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 relaxing by the sea in El Salvador, shopping in colonial Antigua 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.
Trip overview
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StartGranada, Nicaragua
EndAntigua, Guatemala
DestinationsGuatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras
StyleOriginal
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 16
ThemeExplorer
Trip CodeQBSK
Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Nicaragua. Your adventure begins in 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. Your trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel today. If you arrive early, why not stroll around the largest lake in Central America? Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake that has oceanic animal life. Tonight, enjoy an optional group dinner with your fellow travellers.
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This morning, you’ll hop on a private minibus and start your journey towards Leon. Along the way, visit the Masaya Volcano National Park, famous for the lava flow in the Santiago Crater and the largest national park in Nicaragua. View the famed lava flow and, if you like, take a short walk on one of the trails. This crater is thought to be over 9000 years old! 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. When you arrive in Leon, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this charming city. Though it's the second largest in the country, Leon is relatively free of tourists, making strolling the mural-lined streets an absolute pleasure.
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Make the most of Leon in the morning by exploring 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.
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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.
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You have a free morning to spend as you wish. This afternoon, you’ll head to Suchitoto. If you have ever been to El Salvador, you have most likely tried the national dish – pupusas – a thick cake or flatbread made with cornmeal or rice flour. Now you can learn how they’re made with 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!
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Begin the day with a guided orientation walk of Suchitoto – widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Stroll past gorgeous colonial facades and get your bearings. Birders will want to crane their necks as Suchitoto lies on a bird migration path, providing the perfect opportunity to spot your fine feathered friends. The rest of the day is yours to explore the optional activities. Suchitoto overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande, also known as Lago Suchitlan. This man-made freshwater reservoir is a haven for the migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. Maybe grab a historically minded group (of 3 or more) for a guided walk through Cinquera Forest, where guerrilla fighters used the forest as cover during the civil war.
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This morning drive to Copan in a private transfer. With breathtaking scenery, it's another excellent opportunity to grab a window seat. Arrive in the charming town of Copan 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.
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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 Mayan 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.
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This morning, hop in a private transfer and cross into Guatemala, arriving in Antigua in the afternoon. Check into your hotel and relax, before meeting up with your group for a farewell dinner of shucos – a popular Guatemalan street food like a hot dog, but with toasted bread and guacamole.
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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.
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Inclusions
Meals
Meals 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 3 dinnersTransport
Transport Private vehicle, Local bus, TaxiAccommodation
Accommodation Hotel (9 nights)
Activities
- 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 - Guided visit to Archaeological site
Add On Activities
- Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding - USD45
- Leon - Juan Venado Island Kayaking - USD90
- Suchitoto - Birdwatching Walk (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD25
- Suchitoto - War historic walk at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD50
- Suchitoto - Town tour (it requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD30
- Copan - Macaw Mountain Bird Park (entrance fee) - HNL230
- Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD50
- Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ225
- Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ100
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