Central American Highlights

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From
GBP £2,545

Journey into the very heart of Central America

Tropical cloud forests alive with jungle melodies and native wildlife, vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes, historic cities and shared moments with locals – this pocket of Central America is a slice of paradise. On this 22-day Central American journey, take in all the must-visit spots like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. From gorgeous Antigua, journey to the Guatemalan Highlands, away from the tourist crowds of Central America and experience authentic modern Mayan culture. Depart the highlands and head for Lake Atitlan, surrounded by mountainous volcanoes. Then make your way to Honduras to explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan before continuing to El Salvador and see how indigo dyeing works in Suchitoto. Cross into Nicaragua, land of lakes and the colonial cities of Leon and Granada. In Costa Rica, stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde. This adventure is perfect for those who like to experience a destination 'la forma natural' (the natural way).

Map of Central American Highlights including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua
Trip code: QBSBC
Start
Antigua, Guatemala
End
San Jose, Costa Rica
Destinations
Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador
Meals
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat
Accommodation
Hotel (21 nights)
Days
22
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 15
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
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
This trip generates 29 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Copan ruins and archaeological site – one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation.  
  • Participate in a pupusa-making cooking class in a local home (what better way to pick up a local recipe to bring home?) during your time in Suchitoto.
  • Try out your Nicaragua sign language skills when you order breakfast at a local cafe housed in a historic building that’s managed and staffed by members of the local deaf community.
  • Marvel at the size and stature of the Arenal Volcano as it dominates the horizon, perhaps as you relax in La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
  • Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.

Itinerary

Map of Central American Highlights including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua

Inclusions and activities

Meals

10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat

Accommodation

Hotel (21 nights)

Included activities
  • San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
  • Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
  • Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
  • Chichicastenango market visit
  • Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
  • Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
  • Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site
  • Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
  • Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
  • Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration
  • Leon - Leader led orientation walk
  • Masaya - Town & Market Visit
  • Granada - La Laguna de Apoyo Viewpoint
  • Granada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
  • Monteverde - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Monteverde - Hands-on breakfast in a local home
  • La Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide
  • San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
  • La Fortuna - Cooking Class

Optional activities
  • Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free
  • Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class - USD55
  • Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings - USD25
  • Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ150
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - USD30
  • Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD50
  • Suchitoto - Town tour (requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate) - USD35
  • Suchitoto - War historic hike (Moderate hike - 2km) at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD55
  • Suchitoto - Sunrise Kayaking on Lake Suchitlan (requires a minimum of 4 travelers to operate) - USD50
  • Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD55
  • Leon - Leon Art Center - USD4
  • Granada - Mombacho Volcano hike (requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate) - USD60
  • Granada - Granada islets boat tour (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD25
  • Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD55
  • Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD101
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
  • Monteverde - Frog pond - USD20
  • Monteverde - Orchid gardens - USD18
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
  • Monteverde - Children's Forest - USD25
  • La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges (inc entrance fee, guide and shared transport) - USD75
  • La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD25
  • La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
  • La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD94
  • La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD75
  • La Fortuna - Baldi Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD66
  • San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD74
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
  • San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD49

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Compared to the other countries you visit on this trip, Costa Rica can sometimes seem expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.
  • You cover heaps of ground on this trip, with several border crossings and long travel days. This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. Although this can be tiresome, it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
  • Central America is generally hot and humid year-round. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Air conditioning may not always be available in your rooms. Occasionally, properties may require an additional charge for air conditioning.
  • This trip can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
  • There will be times when you have to walk with your luggage, and for this reason, we recommend packing light and using a backpack or something easy to carry.
  • If you are traveling with a UK passport, a visa is now required to enter Honduras. Please ensure you check the Important Notes and Essential Trip Information for more details.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. 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.

2. Please be careful when booking flights to Antigua; make sure you fly into Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights to Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.

3. Please be careful when booking flights from San Jose; make sure you fly out of Juan Santamaría International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.

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. IMPORTANT FOR UK PASSPORT HOLDERS: You must obtain a multiple entry visa to Honduras before traveling on this trip. Due to reported delays in securing embassy appointments, we recommend checking appointment availability with the Honduran Embassy before confirming your travel plans. See the Passports, visas and entry requirements section in your Essential Trip Information for details.

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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Central American Highlights
From
GBP £2,545