Guatemala & Beyond
9 days
From
$ 876
Duration9 days
Discover the best of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. From beautiful black-sand beaches to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is something of a natural paradise. Whether you're shopping in colonial Antigua, exploring the intricately carved structures at Copan or relaxing by the sea in El Salvador, you'll get a wonderful insight into Central America during this incredible adventure.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 9 daysService level: Basic
-
Physical Grading: Light
-
Ends in: Lago de NicaraguaAges: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Antigua
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. The meeting will be followed by an orientation walk around Antigua with your leader. Once the seat of the Spanish colonial government and the most important city in Central America, the city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but many of the colonial buildings have been restored. For dinner tonight, perhaps head out with the group and sample tamale (a local dish served in corn leaf), or some pepian (a rich, meaty stew).
Day 2: Copan
Get ready for a long travel day. You'll start early (make that very early) in the morning, at about 4 am, to avoid rush hour traffic around Guatemala City. You'll travel by private minibus to Copan in Honduras. The 8-hour drive will take you through the wild countryside of eastern Guatemala. Copan is a charming town set into lush surroundings. On arrival, perhaps take a stroll through the cobbled streets and check out the central plaza. You might even like to make an optional visit to the nearby natural hot springs.
Day 3: Suchitoto
This morning is free to explore Copan and its surrounding. You may choose to visit the World Heritage-listed Mayan ruins of Copan, the southernmost of the great Mayan sites for which Central America is famous. The ruins are unique because of the 21 stelae (columns) that have been discovered here. They also feature temples, excavated vaults and huge faces carved into the walls. As you stroll past ancient monuments, statues and staircases, it's hard not to wonder at the mysterious disappearance of such a creative civilisation. Alternatively, two kilometres (1.2mi) out of town you'll find the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve. This reserve is dedicated to the conservation of the Central American macaw and well worth a visit. Alongside macaws you'll also find toucans, motmots, parrots, kingfishers and orioles. Most of these birds have been confiscated from smugglers or donated to the park by owners who can no longer care for them. At approximately 1 pm, wave goodbye to Copan and travel by private minibus across the border into Suchitoto in El Salvador. The road trip should take approximately seven hours. A beautiful colonial town with colourful houses and cobbled streets, Suchitoto feels a world away from modern El Salvador.
Day 4: Suchitoto
This morning your leader will take you on a walking tour of Suchitoto. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy a range of optional activities around the area. The town of Suchitoto overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande. Also known as Lago Suchitlan, this freshwater lake is a haven for migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. You might like to take a boat or kayaking tour of the lake. Alternatively, you could go for a hike in the nearby Cinquera rainforest, or explore the Maya ruins of Cihuatan.
Day 5: El Cuco
At about 10 am this morning start heading south-east by private minibus along the Pacific to coastal El Cuco (today's drive is approximately five hours long). There are some great dark-sand beaches close to town, including the beautiful Playa El Esteron and Playa Las Flores, one of the best surf spots in the country. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a seafood dinner along the water.
Day 6: El Cuco
Explore El Cuco as you please. Perhaps gather some group members for a hike of the nearby Conchagua volcano or take a free yoga class.
Day 7: Leon
Today is a full day of travel across the Gulf of Fonseca to Nicaragua. Leave El Cuco at 5 am to La Union (approximately one hour) before a 3-4 hour boat trip through the Gulf of Fonseca to the Nicaraguan town of Potosi. The boat crossing through the Gulf of Fonseca can get choppy and the boat may take some water. If your pack is not waterproof, please wrap your valuables and electronics in a plastic bag. Once in Potosi, passports are checked before continuing by private minibus to Leon (approximately four hours). After time to unpack and settle in, your leader will take you on a walking tour of Leon. Established in the early 1500s, Leon is the second-oldest city in Nicaragua. Despite its age, Leon remains a youthful city full of art galleries, busy streets and a thumping nightlife where you can walk from one bar to the next.
Day 8: Granada
Make the most of Leon this morning before departing at 2 pm for Granada, perhaps by grabbing a lazy breakfast at one of the city cafes. The bus ride to Granada takes approximately three hours. Founded in 1524, Granada is the oldest city in the 'New World'. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture and oozing colonial charm, the city is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes. Your leader will take you on a walking tour of Granada, visiting busy markets, Parque Central and 'La Calzada', a lively pedestrian street known for its busy bars and restaurants.
Day 9: Granada
This Central American adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no activities planned for the final day. If you'd like to stay in Granada, our travel specialists can help arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
End place: Lago de Nicaragua
Inclusions
Included
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Suchitoto - Leader led walking tour
- Leon - Leader-led orientation walk
- Granada - Leader-led city tour
-
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Private boat, Taxi -
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights)