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Central American Highlights

Trip Type:

22 Days
| 1 - 16 People

Starts From:

NZD $5,195.00 /Person
Tropical cloud forests alive with jungle melodies and native wildlife, vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes, historic cities and shared moments with locals – …
Central American Highlights

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).

Itinerary

Day 1: Antigua

Day 2: San Andres Itzapa / Quetzaltenango

Day 3: Quetzaltenango

Day 4: Chichicastenango Market / Panajachel

Day 5: Santiago Atitlan

Day 6: Antigua

Day 7: Antigua

Day 8: Copan, Honduras

Day 9: Copan, Honduras

Day 10: Copan to Suchitoto via Guatemala

Day 11: Suchitoto

Day 12: Pacific Coast

Day 13: Leon

Day 14: Leon

Day 15: Granada

Day 16: Granada

Day 17: Monteverde

Day 18: Monteverde

Day 19: La Fortuna

Day 20: La Fortuna

Day 21: San Jose

Day 22: San Jose

Trip Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts and 1 dinners are included

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat, Chicken bus

Accomodation

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 - Breakfast at women's cooperative cafe
  • La Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
  • Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide
  • San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
  • La Fortuna - Tortilla Making Class and lunch
Trip Highlights
  • 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.
Dates & Availability

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Provided by
Intrepid
Reference Code: QBSBC
Trip Location
Trip Starts: Antigua, Guatemala
Trip Ends: San Jose, Costa Rica
Countries Visited: Costa Rica

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details

Costa Rica
| 22 Days
| 1 - 16 People