Central American Highlights

Central American Highlights

3,520 Views
16 Days From

$4290

$3250

Central American Highlights

16 Days Starting in Antigua and ending in San Jose

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:

Explore!

Tour code:

CAQ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 18

Physical rating:

FullOn

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegans, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $4290 $3250 Operator discount: -$1040 -24%

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Traverse Central America on this fast-paced adventure through five diverse countries. 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. From fascinating history to incredible volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife, our itinerary ticks off the region's highlights and more.

Lake Atitlan - Explore the Maya Indigenous market at Chichicastenango and visit the villages surrounding the lake, where modern Maya culture continues to flourish

Land of the Maya - Explore Copan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Central America's richest archaeological treasures

Monteverde - Explore the renowned Cloud Forest Reserve on a guided walk, trying to spot elusive Costa

Highlights

  • Take in the highlights of five fascinating Central American countries in just two weeks

  • Discover rich wildlife, rainforests and volcanoes

  • Explore colourful colonial towns and sacred Mayan sites

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join Tour Antigua (Guatemala)

Location: Antigua Guatemala

Accommodation: Villa Colonial

Accommodation Name: Villa Colonial

Join trip in Antigua Guatemala, the graceful colonial city that sits just next door to the country's capital Guatemala City. Set in a beautiful valley between the volcanoes of Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, its cobbled streets and pastel-coloured buildings make it one of the most charming and picturesque cities in Central America. Despite the damage caused by a series of earthquakes and floods over the centuries, Antigua's colonial heritage has seen it designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



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 activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Antigua at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into La Aurora International Airport (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.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, we recommend a gentle stroll around the compact centre of town, famed for its well-preserved Spanish Mudejar-influenced architecture.

Day 2: Walking Tour Of Antigua, Free Afternoon To Explore

Location: Antigua Guatemala

Accommodation: Villa Colonial

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 3: Travel To Panajachel; Boat Trip On Atitlan Lake

Location: Sololá

Accommodation: Hotel Dos Mundos

Accommodation Name: Villa Santa Catarina

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we continue our journey to the town of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, which will be our base for the night. An old volcanic caldera, Lake Atitlan is considered to be one of the most spectacular lakes in the Americas and is certainly the deepest in Central America. Encircled by the volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro, the lake's fertile shores are sprinkled with small communities of farmers and fishermen who still uphold the traditions of their Maya ancestors.



Panajachel itself is an old Spanish settlement which has attracted visitors to this charming setting for years. Today, it is one of the region's most popular tourist spots, filled with galleries, handicraft shops and cafes, and is a good place to start our exploration of the area.



This afternoon, 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.



Returning to Panajachel by boat, we have the remainder of the evening to explore the town and enjoy dinner in one of its many excellent restaurants.

Day 4: Chichicastenango Market Then Drive To Guatemala City

Location: Chichicastenango

Accommodation: Hotel Pan American

Accommodation Name: Hotel Best Western Stofella

Meals Included: Breakfast

After an early start, we will head north towards the highlands of the El Quiche Province and the bustling town of Chichicastenango. 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.



Following our visit, we travel to Guatemala City. Time allowing, we may enjoy a city tour in our vehicle before arriving at our hotel.

Day 5: Visit The Unesco Site Of Copan, Free Afternoon (Honduras)

Location: Guatemala City

Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Copan

Accommodation Name: Hotel Plaza Copan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we need to depart at around 4.30am to beat the traffic in Guatemala city and get on the road to Copan. The journey takes approximately 6 hours including the border crossing into Honduras. We will cross Honduras at the border known as Frontera El Florido.



Please note- crossing borders can be quite a slow process, so ensure you have a book and snacks with you to keep you going.



When we arrive into Copan where a local guide will escort us around the spectacular ruins - one of the richest archaeological sites to be uncovered in Central America and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anyone familiar with Catherwood's incredible drawings (which first appeared in John Stephens' 1841 narrative - 'Incidents of Travel in Central America and Yucatan'), will recognise scenes and objects from this marvellous site. Stephens actually bought the entire site from a local farmer for just $50.



The Great Plaza is one of the most amazing achievements of the Classic Maya period and contains the greatest collection of Maya sculpture anywhere in Meso-America. Next door is the Acropolis - a group of massive pyramidal structures where royal power was once concentrated. Ascending one structure is the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway. Composed of some 2500 individual glyphs, its sides flanked by serpentine birds and snakes, this is the New World's longest inscribed Pre-Colombian text.



Copan has been the subject of exploration and investigation since the 1830s. Remarkable finds continue to be unearthed by archaeologists, making it the most thoroughly researched and understood of all Maya sites.



This afternoon has been left free for those who want to explore the site independently, or visit the accompanying museum of statues found in the site (not included). Alternatively, you may choose to participate in one of several optional activities in the area including horse riding or visiting the macaw mountain project, a tropical bird reserve that cares for rescued or endangered birds of the American tropics.

Day 6: Journey To Suchitoto (El Salvador)

Location: Copan Ruinas

Accommodation: Hotel Almendros de San Lorenzo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Almendros de San Lorenzo

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we have 2 border crossings, passing back into Guatemala before crossing into El Salvador.



Driving through scenic countryside, we arrive at the pretty town of Las Palmas, with its charming walls covered with drawings by the town's children. We make a little stop at the town's handicraft markets before continuing on to Suchitoto. Nestled between the mountains and Suchitlan Lake, this charming colonial town, with its cobblestone streets and pretty houses, is a little slice of El Salvador at its timeless best. The town was once at the heart of the country's indigo trade. Today, as a rapidly developing centre for art and culture, Suchitoto is filled with craft shops and a rich vein of historic and cultural highlights, making it a wonderful place to explore and spend the next two nights.



Today we remind you to 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 7: Free Morning In Suchitoto; Travel To La Union In Afternoon

Location: Suchitoto

Accommodation: Hotel Almendros de San Lorenzo

Accommodation Name: Comfort Inn La Union

Meals Included: Breakfast

The morning has been left free for you to spend as you wish. You may take a boat trip out onto the lake, where over 200 bird species have been recorded, including hawks and falcons.



This afternoon, our destination is the port town of La Union, around a 3.5 hour drive. On arrival, we will head out to Conchagua town for a walk and for an optional group dinner. The country's national dish is pupusas - these delicious circles of corn dough are stuffed with a mixture of black beans, vegetables, cheese, and meats - delicious!

Day 8: Journey To Nicaragua Via The Gulf Of Fonseca

Location: León

Accommodation: Hotel Austria

Accommodation Name: Hotel Austria

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start our day by driving to the port, 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 Potosi. From Potosi, its a 2.5 hour drive to Leon.



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.



Today again we remind you to 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 9: Free Day; Optional Hike To Cerro Negro Volcano

Location: León

Accommodation: Hotel Austria

Accommodation Name: Hotel Austria

Meals Included: Breakfast

After yesterday's long travel day, 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 10: Travel To Granada; City Tour And Free Afternoon

Location: Masaya Volcano National Park

Accommodation: Hotel Granada

Accommodation Name: Hotel Patio del Malinche

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we head off on a three-hour drive to the colonial city of Granada. 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 11: Morning Hiking The Mombacho Crater; Afternoon Free To Explore

Location: Granada

Accommodation: Hotel Granada

Accommodation Name: Hotel Patio del Malinche

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we have the chance to hike the scenic loop around Mombacho Volcano, located in Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. This 1.15km (1 mile) medium difficulty trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Nicaragua and the city of Granada. Along the way, a local guide will share fascinating information about the area's unique plants, animals, and volcanic history. The hike takes around 3 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of about 1345 meters (4,413feet).



This afternoon has been left free for you to continue exploring Granada at your own pace.

Day 12: Cross The Border To Costa Rica. Beach Time At Bahia Salinas

Location: San Juan del Sur

Accommodation: Gran Oceano

Accommodation Name: Nandel Beachfront

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we wave goodbye to Nicaragua and head to our final country on this journey - Costa Rica! We have a two-hour drive to the border where we will be changing vehicles once through into Costa Rica. We then have a one-hour drive to the coastal haven of Bahia Salinas. You will be into the swing of things with the border crossings by now, so remember your patience and a good book!



On arrival into Bahia de Salinas we have the afternoon free to enjoy the beautiful beach and coastline.

Day 13: Travel To Monteverde. Night Walk In Search Of Wildlife

Location: San Juan del Sur

Accommodation: Hotel De Campo Cano Negro

Accommodation Name: Claro de Luna

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we drive three and a half hours to Monteverde - one of the most well-known places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. This evening, we will have the adventure of a night walk, in search of nocturnal species such as pacas and tarantulas.

Day 14: Guided Reserve Walk; Afternoon For Optional Activities

Location: Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Accommodation: Pozo Azul Tent Suites

Accommodation Name: Claro de Luna

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rising early, we head into Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided walk, searching for a glimpse of the three-wattled bellbird or the Quetzal, whose feathers were traded as valuable items throughout pre-Columbian America. You have the afternoon free to explore this forest haven; you may wish to participate in the many amazing optional activities in the area such as an exhilarating zip-wire experience as you whiz through the canopy, or perhaps exploring the forest on suspension bridges strung at canopy height. Alternatively, the area's butterfly farm and orchid gardens are both well worth a visit.

Day 15: Morning Free. In The Afternoon Head To The Capital, San Jose

Location: San José Province

Accommodation: Villa Tournon

Accommodation Name: Autentico Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning has been left free to enjoy the optional excursions in the area. We then make the three-and-a-half-hour drive to the capital of San Jose. On arrival we will have a short panoramic tour of San Jose including a walk along Avenida Central and, if open a stop in Mercado Central.

Day 16: Tour Ends San Jose

Location: San José Province

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose.



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 Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code: SJO), approximately a 30 minute drive from our hotel.

What's Included

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

    Breakfast: 8

  • Fully Guided

  • Accommodation

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Country Entry Visas

  • 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

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Moderate

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    18

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • 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

  • Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for the camping?

    No, bedding is provided

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Transfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Rachel  

Central American Highlights

The trip is a superb mix of culture, history and v

The trip is a superb mix of culture, history and viewing natural wonders including the volcanoes and wildlife.

Sheila  

Central American Highlights

I was delighted so many breakfasts were included i

I was delighted so many breakfasts were included in the trip - it made a considerable difference.

Anne  

Central American Highlights

We felt this was an excellent itinerary with a bri

We felt this was an excellent itinerary with a brilliant guide. The wildlife, the culture and history were wonderful with the added bonus of arriving in Antigua at Easter time, in time for the religious ceremonies. The catholic processions were amazing. It would beod to flag these up on the tours that at Easter.

Jane  

Central American Highlights

This was a really enjoyable trip, we saw so much f

This was a really enjoyable trip, we saw so much from the rainforests to the Mayan ruins, encountered amazing wildlife and some stunning scenery. It was busy, with some long days, but it was worth that to see five beautiful countries in the wonderful company of our guide Miguel.

Susan  

Central American Highlights

If there is a “best guide” award, I would like to

If there is a “best guide” award, I would like to nominate Miguel Vasquez. He was amazing.

Catherine  

Central American Highlights

Good introduction to these five countries.

Good introduction to these five countries.

Philip  

Central American Highlights

Miguel Vasquez was the star of this tour. He made

Miguel Vasquez was the star of this tour. He made the numerous border crossings trouble free, always assisted anyone wishing to change money whilst keeping the safety of the whole group paramount.

Jill  

Central American Highlights

No Just a fabulous trip to a part of the world new

No Just a fabulous trip to a part of the world new to me.

Andrew  

Central American Highlights

Loved the trip and would strongly recommend!

Loved the trip and would strongly recommend!

Angela  

Central American Highlights

Apart from two hotels they were leagues above our

Apart from two hotels they were leagues above our expectations and the whole trip was excellent

Read all 10 reviews

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1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Saturday

Jan 03, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
$4290 $3250

Operator discount: -$1040

Friday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$4400

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Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$4200

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Mar 21, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$4290 $3930

Operator discount: -$360

Friday - Saturday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$4060

Friday - Saturday

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$4200

Friday - Saturday

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$4200

Friday - Saturday

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$4200

Friday - Saturday

Dec 19, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$4330
Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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