Central American Highlights





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).

- Start
- Antigua, Guatemala
- End
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Destinations
- Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua
- 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
- StyleBasix: 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 ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
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
Welcome to Guatemala! Your trip starts in the colonial city of Antigua – surrounded by volcanos, the views from this city are all you need to make the trip. Antigua is known for its Spanish buildings, many restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Your trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, followed by an optional group dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Mayan culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. As few Mayan gods survived Spanish colonialism, scholars now think that San Simon is a symbol of numerous lost deities. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, before heading to Las Fuentes Georginas – volcanically heated hot springs in Xela. Surrounded by ferns, these luxurious hot springs are also the entrance to the forest reserve, with trails to the Zunil volcano. When you start to prune, you’ll carry on Quetzaltenango, where you spend the night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Early this morning before breakfast, you’ll hop on a chicken bus – a truly local experience, chicken buses are a source of national and personal pride. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – they are old American school busses passed down to new owners who decked them out in bright colours and decorations. Each bus is unique to the independent driver, many of whom have made this their sole business. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. Whether you believe the vegetables are a gift from above or due to the high amounts of fertiliser used by locals, this colourful market is a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and maybe pick up a giant carrot. Afterward, return to your hotel for breakfast.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
- Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
- Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free
- Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class - USD55
- Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings - USD25
As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Mayan dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Chichicastenango market visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
This morning after breakfast, head for hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Mayan villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll visit the current shrine of Maximon (San Simon), where the local shamans keep watch. Your group will bring a gift of local spirits to share with the shamans, and while you drink, you’ll discuss the holy shrine, the perplexing deity and local life on the lake. Return to Panajachel in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening along the shores of Lake Atitlan.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
- Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
This morning, hop in a private transfer back to Antigua, arriving in the afternoon. Then join your leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a group dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. With crumbling churches, vibrant markets and bohemian cafes set against a monumental volcano, Antigua is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Speaking of adventure, yours officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. If you decide to arrive in the city a little early (smart move!), there's plenty to do. Maybe satisfy your cravings and learn the art of old-world chocolate production at the ChocoMuseo or sit by the fountain and people-watch in Central Park. After the meeting, the night is yours – maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers for a tamale (a classic staple of Mesoamerica that sees dough, meat and sauces steamed and served in a corn husk).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ150
- Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - USD30
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Rise and shine early this morning to beat the rush-hour traffic around Antigua. Departing at around 7 am, you’ll drive towards Copan. Along the way, watch the passing scenery and learn about local life in Guatemala as you head towards the border. Cross into Honduras, arriving in the charming town of Copan in the early afternoon. While most people use Copan as a base to explore the nearby ruins, there are plenty of other points of interest, both along the cobblestone streets and set into the lush surroundings. Maybe get started in the Central Plaza and follow your nose to a cafe for the afternoon.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
This morning, meet up with a local guide and explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan – the southernmost of the great Maya sites. It's unique because of the numerous elaborate stelae (carved columns) still intact among temples, excavated vaults and walls inscribed with ancient faces. After your exploration (don’t forget your camera today!) the rest of the afternoon is free to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out some fine feathered friends at the Macaw Mountain Park or visit the Temple of Rosalila. You could also head to the nearby natural hot springs - this optional tour gives you hours of soaking in mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site
- Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD50
You’ll wave goodbye to Copan this morning and head across the border to Guatemala and then into El Salvador. It’s a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got a good book or your favourite road trip games handy. When you arrive in Suchitoto, you’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk of the town – widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Admire the elaborate building facades, get your bearings and enjoy the surroundings. Then, get your chef’s hat on with a pupusa-making cooking class in a private home. Pupusa (cornmeal flatbreads) is a classic Salvadorian recipe from the Pipil culture and is usually stuffed with some delicious ingredients, like cheese or chicharron (fried pork).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
- Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
This morning, head to a local designer’s home for an indigo-dying demonstration – Suchitoto is one of the best places in the world to produce indigo (used to dye clothing or other items blue). You’ll visit a local designer transforming colonial tradition into modern design and learn the history of the indigo trade. This small enterprise supports single mothers by providing them with an income for their children’s education, food and independence. Watch the demonstration, then get hands-on and try it for yourself!! The rest of the day is free in Suchitoto. The town overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande – also known as Lago Suchitlan, this freshwater lake is a haven for migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. Maybe grab a historically-minded quartet for a guided walk through Cinquera Forest, where guerrilla fighters used the forest as cover during the Civil War. Or just relax around town, in a local café or at your accommodation.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration
- 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 5 travellers to operate) - USD55
- Suchitoto - Sunrise Kayaking on Lake Suchitlan (requires a minimum of 4 travelers to operate) - USD50
This morning you’ll drive to the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, home to some amazing dark-sand beaches and some of the best surf spots in the country. You'll have the afternoon free to relax.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Rise nice and early for a full day of travel as we cross the Gulf of Fonseca to reach Nicaragua by boat. In the afternoon you'll reach Leon – the second-largest city in Nicaragua. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the charming city streets to get your bearings. Leon is a relatively quiet city, which makes strolling the murals and contemporary architecture a real treat! Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group – as always, your leader will have the best recommendations.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Leon - Leader led orientation walk
Your total travel time today is approximately 6 hours. However, in the rare instance of poor weather in the Gulf of Fonseca we will travel from El Salvador to Nicaragua overland through Honduras. In this case, your total travel time will be approximately 8.5 hours and will require two border crossings.
Please check the Money Matters section of your Essential Trip Information for entry and exit fees which can be paid in cash in US dollars.
Today is a free day to make the most of Leon. Maybe visit the street food area behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral and try a Nica taco (made with maize, the taco is rolled, deep fried and then served with shredded cabbage smothered in cream). You could also take on a thrilling volcano sandboarding adventure on the black slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano. Maybe you’d just like to explore the city’s contemporary art or wander the Leon Cathedral.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD55
- Leon - Leon Art Center - USD4
This morning, you’ll drive to the oldest city in the 'New World' – Granada. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and admire the view at Laguna Apoyo, a volcanic crater lake formed around 23,000 years ago. Take some free time for lunch near the viewpoint. Then, stop in at the lakeside town of Masaya, where you’ll go on an orientation walk with your leader and get the chance to browse the stalls at the town’s famous artisan market before continuing to Granada. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture, Granada is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the leafy Parque Central and 'La Calzada' – a busy pedestrian street with plenty of bars and restaurants. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Masaya - Town & Market Visit
- Granada - La Laguna de Apoyo Viewpoint
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning you’ll have breakfast with your group at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a café run entirely by deaf people. The owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities. After, the rest of the day is yours. Maybe hit the Convento y Museo San Francisco and view the collection of Indigenous stone statues. Hundreds of evergreen islets dot the waters of vast Lake Nicaragua and you can spend a few hours exploring them by boat, or hire a kayak and find your own way around, waving at the fisherman who live in wooden huts along the way. Just remember not to swim, as freshwater sharks live in the water!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Granada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
- 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
Today is another early start as you get ready for a full day of travel. Journey to Monteverde, where you can begin exploring this afternoon on an orientation walk with your leader. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers. These environmentally aware settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but instead, draw their water from a semi-permanent cloud covering the region. This is truly a nature lover's paradise! More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species call Monteverde home.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Monteverde - Leader-led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
A USD 3 fee is required when exiting Nicaragua. Reaching the Costa Rican border also requires a 1 km walk, where you must carry your luggage. Proof of onward travel is usually required to enter Costa Rica, so if you're flying out of San Jose, bring a printed copy of your flight details in case the border officials ask to see them.
Begin the day with a special morning brew, as you're welcomed into a local’s home for breakfast and the chance to sample some local Costa Rican coffees. The rest of your day is free to explore Monteverde at your own pace. You might like to zoom through the treetops on a ziplining adventure, or for a more relaxed experience, discover Costa Rica's agricultural heritage on a coffee and chocolate tour. Tonight, you’ll have the option to end your day on a magical note with a night walk through the cloud forest to spot nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Monteverde - Hands-on breakfast in a local home
- 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
Some of the above optional activity prices include an entrance fee only. Transportation will need to be paid in addition to the entrance fee and is subject to change depending on the number of participants.
This morning, head out to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you’ll join a local guide to walk the reserve’s trails. They’ll share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye (and spotting scope) to searching for the wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. This afternoon, take a shared minibus transfer to the shores of Lake Arenal, where you’ll take a boat across the lake to the little town of La Fortuna. On a clear day, you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger and larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Once you reach La Fortuna, take another vehicle to the hotel, then freshen up and head out on a leader-led orientation walk. La Fortuna is a favourite among travel writers for a reason – words like picturesque and breathtaking spring to mind when trying to describe this town in the shadow of the volcano.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- La Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Why not start today with a smoothie and plan how you want to explore? Perhaps take a guided nature hike through the lush forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals, or see the forest from a series of hanging bridges that offer a great vantage point for spotting wildlife like sloths and rainbow-coloured birds. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area is home to several thermal hot springs – an ideal way to relax in the middle of nature. Or maybe check out the 70-m-high La Fortuna waterfall set in the middle of the rainforest and hit the lake on a stand-up paddleboard. A boat safari in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge offers the opportunity to see lizards, crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat, so if you’re craving more wildlife, this option is perfect.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- 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
Some of the above optional activity prices include an entrance fee only. Transportation will need to be paid in addition to the entrance fee and is subject to change depending on the number of participants.
Spend you final morning in La Fortuna learning the art of Costa Rican cuisine. A local family will guide you through a cooking class, and you’ll enjoy the results of your efforts for lunch. Then, watch the volcano fade into the distance on your private transfer to Costa Rica's capital – San Jose. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to see the main highlights. When you’ve got your bearings, you may like to visit the Gold Museum, which has a fantastic collection of pre-Spanish gold art. If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to the outdoor market in the Plaza de la Cultura or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. Tonight, why not join your fellow travellers for an optional farewell dinner?
- Hotel (1 night)
- Lunch
- San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
- La Fortuna - Cooking Class
- San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD74
- San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
Today’s travel time is approximately 5 hours.
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. There's a lot to see and do in and around San Jose, so if you’d like to stay for longer, just speak to your booking agent.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD49
Inclusions and activities
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat
Hotel (21 nights)
- 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
- 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 5 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
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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.
- 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
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.
7. Under Honduran law, travelers under age 21 who are traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent must have written, notarized permission to travel (in Spanish) from the non-traveling parent(s) or guardian(s). Please check with your local embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
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