Central American Journey

17 Days | See all the incredible sights of five Central American icons

4.8 out of 5 based on 234 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $1,572
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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 17-day Central American journey, take in all the must-visit spots like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. You’ll spot colourful birds and see how indigo dying works in Suchitoto, explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan, 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).

Trip overview

Map of Central American Journey including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua
Start
Antigua, Guatemala
Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras
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
QVRJ
This trip generates 11 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
  • Soak in the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, historic cities and emerald jungles – this trip has you covered. Nature lovers rejoice!
  • Wind your way through the otherworldly ruins of Copan in Honduras, famous for the numerous elaborate stelae. These Maya ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect spot for some great pics.
  • Take part in an indigo-dying demonstration in Suchitoto (the best place to produce indigo in the world) at a local enterprise that supports working mothers in the community.
  • Join a local guide (with specialist spotting equipment) on a walk through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde, exploring the lush canopies and seeing unique Central American wildlife in this natural haven.
  • Try out your Nicaragua sign language skills when you order breakfast at an atmospheric cafe housed in a historic building managed and staffed by members of the local deaf community.

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.

Itinerary

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

View the itinerary for departures between 12 February 2024 - 31 December 2024

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

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nights)

Activities
  • 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 - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide
  • Monteverde - Hands-on breakfast in a local home
  • La Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
  • San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
  • La Fortuna - Cooking Class
Add on activities
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ236
  • Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ105
  • Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD53
  • Suchitoto - Town tour (it requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD32
  • Suchitoto - War historic walk at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD58
  • Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding - USD53
  • Leon - Leon Art Center - USD2
  • Granada - Mombacho Volcano hike - USD32
  • Granada - Monkey Island boat tour - NIO455
  • Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD58
  • Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD65
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
  • Monteverde - Frog pond - USD19
  • Monteverde - Orchid gardens - USD19
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
  • Monteverde - Children's Forest - USD20
  • La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD49
  • La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges - USD79
  • La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD21
  • La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
  • La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD84
  • La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD79
  • San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD78
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD12
  • San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD40

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.

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

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 234 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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LIDIA · Traveled September 2024
It was an amazing trip! We could expierienced the best of the 5 countries and with Manuel we got the best tour leader you could dream.
Review submitted 23 Sep 2024

Kelley · Traveled August 2024
A great introduction to Central America. Incredible guide. Itinerary needs more time in Nicaragua and would be beneficial to be able to book the big activities in Costa Rica when booking the trip.
Review submitted 05 Sep 2024

Kerryl · Traveled August 2024
A fast paced but fun trip. We visited 7 countries & had amazing food, visited incredible Mayan ruins & met wonderful people. What a journey.
Review submitted 06 Sep 2024

Sally · Traveled August 2024
We will never book Intrepid again, there attitude and complete lack of support to us as long time customers when we were not able to get visas at short notice to Honduras meant we missed half the trip. No help was given although this was offered by our tour guide and not passed on as well as to customers with other tour operates when things go wrong Intrepid fall way short we would not recommend them
Review submitted 13 Sep 2024

Alice · Traveled August 2024
An incredible experience! This was my first trip as a solo traveller and I felt super safe and supported throughout the trip. Lots of fun!
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024
Central American Journey
From
USD $1,572