Nicaragua to Belize Discovery

24 Days | An epic discovery of Mayan history, natural wonders and Central American culture

Explorer
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CHF  3,540
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Take a 24-day adventure into the heart and mind of Central America – hitting all the must-see spots, as well as hidden gems, in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. See the crater lake and cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano, tour Maya ruins at Copan archaeological site and Tikal National Park, cruise on Lake Atitlan and learn all about the fascinating deity San Simon. There are colourful markets to visit (via chicken bus, of course), historic cities to wander and nature reserves to revel in. Explore optional activities in Antigua, learn some Spanish so you can chat to the diverse locals and then kick back in Caye Caulker, where you end the journey on white sands surrounded by snorkelling opportunities and lazy, beach lifestyles.

Trip overview

Map of Nicaragua To Belize Discovery including Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua
Start
Granada, Nicaragua
Finish
Caye Caulker, Belize
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QVSBC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Hop on a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Maya descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
  • Gaze in wonder at the jungle-shrouded limestone temples of Tikal National Park – one of Central America's most impressive Maya sites, as howler monkeys call from the canopy.
  • Relax and recharge on the white sands of Caye Caulker, a tiny Belizean island made for beach BBQs, snorkel trips and lazy afternoons spent swinging in a hammock.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves some long days of travel by private and local transport. While this can be tiring, it's also a fantastic way to rub shoulders with the locals.
  • As this trip covers destinations across multiple countries, you’ll cross several borders. While these are usually straightforward, please prepare to be patient while local authorities process papers.
  • 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.
  • While your leaders on this trip will bridge any language gaps you have, you'll find meeting locals easier the more Spanish words you know. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is an excellent way of showing you care.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Nicaragua To Belize Discovery including Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Local bus, shared boat, ferry, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (21 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Activities
  • Monimbó - Indigenous artists village visit
  • Granada - Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve
  • Leon - Leader Led Walking Tour
  • San Salvador - El Rosario church
  • San Salvador -Leader-led walking tour
  • Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
  • Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
  • Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site
  • Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
  • Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
  • Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
  • Chichicastenango market visit
  • Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
  • Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
  • Antigua - Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Livingston - River boat trip to Garifuna town
  • Flores - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Santa Ana Vieja - Cooperativa Nuevo Horizonte visit
  • Flores - Tortilla Making Workshop
  • Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Add on activities
  • Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding - USD53
  • Leon - Juan Venado Island Kayaking - USD90
  • Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration - USD35
  • Copan - Macaw Mountain Bird Park (entrance fee) - HNL230
  • Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD53
  • Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - USD5
  • Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class - USD55
  • Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings - USD25
  • Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ105
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ236
  • San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - BZD200
  • San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24
  • San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD11
  • San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry - BZD10
  • San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - BZD263
  • Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
  • Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD44
  • Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) - USD8
  • Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
  • Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242

Dates and availability

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Important notes

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. 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.

5. 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.’

6. On your final day, you’ve got the power to choose where your adventure takes you. If you like, you can stay in Caye Caulker for another couple of nights relaxing beachside – we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Otherwise, jump on an included water taxi transfer from the Caye Caulker ferry port back to Belize City where you can also book additional nights’ accommodation, or where your leader can assist you to catch a taxi from the port to the airport for an onward connection. You will need to make your own way from your hotel in Caye Caulker to the ferry port. To allow for transfer times, please book a flight after 12 pm (midday).

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

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Nicaragua to Belize Discovery
From
CHF  3,540