Nicaragua & Beyond
El Salvador
Loading...
On this 10-day exploration of Central America, you’ll cover four different countries, changing landscapes and heaps of natural and archaeological wonders. Stroll along striking black-sand beaches, verdant rainforests and ancient ruins as you make your way to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. This is a trip full of outdoor experiences and local know-how. Whether relaxing by the sea in El Salvador, shopping in colonial Antigua or exploring the intricately carved structures at Copan archaeological site, get local insight from local leaders and travel with like-minded people on this insightful, fun and historical adventure.
Availability
From 10/08/2024 to 04/01/2027
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
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 Mayan civilization.
Visit an Indigenous artists’ village in Nicaragua to meet with a local artist who makes traditional masks – an important part of the history of the country's revolution.
See the lava flow and crater at Masaya Volcano National Park – the first and largest national park in Nicaragua and a fascinating place to explore.
Don your chef hat and taste the local cuisine with a traditional Salvadorian pupusa-making class in a local home in Suchitoto, El Salvador.
Experience an El Salvador of the past in the colonial town of Suchitoto, before hitting the waves and savouring the present on the black-sand beaches of El Tunco.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Adelante Foundation.
Donations help them empower female entrepreneurs from low-income parts of Honduras to grow their businesses and build a livelihood with microfinance.
Breakfasts Included: 2.
Lunches Included: 1.
Dinners Included: 2.
Hotel (9 nights).
Private vehicle,Local bus,Taxi.
Age: min 15.
Group Size: 1 - 16.
Leon - Leader-led orientation walk.
Monimbó - Indigenous artists village visit.
Masaya Volcano National Park - Entrance Fee.
Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration.
Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk.
Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site.
.
Itinerary
-
1 - Granada Hola! Welcome to Nicaragua. Your adventure begins in the oldest city in the 'New World'. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture and oozing colonial charm, Granada is set on Lake Nicaragua's banks and surrounded by active volcanoes. Your trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel today. If you arrive early, why not stroll around the largest lake in Central America? Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake that has oceanic animal life. Tonight, enjoy an optional group dinner with your fellow travellers.
-
2 - Leon This morning, you'll hop on a private minibus and start your journey towards Leon. Along the way, visit the Masaya Volcano National Park, famous for the lava flow in the Santiago Crater and the largest national park in Nicaragua. View the famed lava flow and, if you like, take a short walk on one of the trails. This crater is thought to be over 9000 years old! After, continue your journey, stopping at the Monimbo artist village. Meet with a local artisan who makes the traditional masks used during the revolution. Get to know the artist and learn about the significance of the masks, how they are created and the Indigenous perspective of the revolution. Then head to the local market that is at the center of daily life in Monimbo where you'll enjoy an included lunch of local specialties. When you arrive in Leon, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this charming city. Though it's the second largest in the country, Leon is relatively free of tourists, making strolling the mural-lined streets an absolute pleasure.
-
3 - Leon Make the most of Leon in the morning by exploring the city at your leisure. The street food behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral is some of the best in town, so why not grab a 'Nica taco'? Made with maize, rolled and then deep fried, these beauties are usually served with shredded cabbage and smothered in cream. Maybe take a kayaking tour at Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve - float along the waterway between the mangrove forest and the island's coast and watch out for wildlife that live here in abundance. Otherwise, a thrilling volcano sandboarding adventure could be just the thing for the adventure seekers out there.
-
4 - Pacific Coast, El Salvador Prepare for a long driving day today as you cross into Honduras, then to El Salvador to get to your overnight stop. Along the way, your leader will engage you in an absorbing discussion about life and challenges for modern Central Americans.
-
5 - Suchitoto You have a free morning to spend as you wish. This afternoon, you'll head to Suchitoto. If you have ever been to El Salvador, you have most likely tried the national dish - pupusas - a thick cake or flatbread made with cornmeal or rice flour. Now you can learn how they're made with an evening workshop with your group. The ingredients can be found worldwide, so if you want to make your own pupusas when you get home, you'll enjoy this hands-on experience!
-
6 - Suchitoto Begin the day with a guided orientation walk of Suchitoto - widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Stroll past gorgeous colonial facades and get your bearings. Birders will want to crane their necks as Suchitoto lies on a bird migration path, providing the perfect opportunity to spot your fine feathered friends. The rest of the day is yours to explore the optional activities. Suchitoto overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande, also known as Lago Suchitlan. This man-made freshwater reservoir is a haven for the migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. Maybe grab a historically minded group (of 3 or more) for a guided walk through Cinquera Forest, where guerrilla fighters used the forest as cover during the civil war.
-
7 - Copan This morning drive to Copan in a private transfer. With breathtaking scenery, it's another excellent opportunity to grab a window seat. Arrive 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 caf?. Alternatively, head to the Macaw Mountain Bird Park - a bird rescue, rehabilitation and release centre, this nature reserve is on ten acres of forested land, surrounded by streams and very close to the ruins. Tonight, rejoin your group for a traditional Honduran dinner of Baleadas - these Honduran tacos are made with flour tortillas and stuffed with various ingredients, depending on the season, like refried beans, cheese, avocado and cream.
-
8 - Copan Head out early on a guided visit to the Copan archaeological site. These magnificent Mayan ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Discovered in 1570 by Diego Garc?a de Palacio, this continues to be one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. Take your time and enjoy exploring the most important cultural destination in Honduras. The rest of your day is free, so you can visit the bird park if you didn't get to yesterday. Tonight, why not visit the nearby natural hot springs. This optional tour gives you hours of soak time in the mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.
-
9 - Antigua This morning, hop in a private transfer and cross into Guatemala, arriving in Antigua in the afternoon. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.
-
10 - Antigua Your trip ends today and with no activities planned, you're free to leave anytime after checkout. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. There is lots to do in Antigua, like salsa dance lessons and chocolate-making workshops.
- The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 01 August 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
- Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes, surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date or flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY.
- Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details).
- These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details..
- We receive payment from third party travel service providers when you use us to book travel and travel-related products and services with them on your behalf.
- Our liability to you is limited in certain situations, and we may charge you a cancellation fee(s) in certain circumstances. See our booking terms and conditions for further details.
- We may provide your personal information to third parties, including travel service providers with whom you make a booking. See our privacy policy for further details.
Tell us about your travel plans
Loading...
Why choose Flight Centre?
Not only do we have an incredible, worldwide team with decades of experience and a genuine passion for travel, we also have the widest choice of travel options covering tours, cruises, holiday packages and more. Flight Centre gives you free holiday planning and personalised service, Interest Free* Holiday Finance so you can book now, pay later, and 24/7 worldwide customer care on 133 133.