Central American Highlights

16 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 20 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

Small Group Tour
Discover five diverse countries in this fast paced two-week adventure through Central America. Search for wildlife in Costa Rica, learn about the history of the Maya in Copan, Honduras, and get an insight into local Guatemalan life at Lake Atitlan. This region has everything to offer with fascinating history, rich culture, incredible volcanic landscapes and a...
19%
$4,490
From$3,650
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Take in the highlights of five fascinating Central American countries in just two weeks
    • Discover rich wildlife, rainforests and volcanoes
    • Explore colourful colonial towns and sacred Mayan sites

What's this trip about?

    Discover five diverse countries in this fast paced two-week adventure through Central America. Search for wildlife in Costa Rica, learn about the history of the Maya in Copan, Honduras, and get an insight into local Guatemalan life at Lake Atitlan. This region has everything to offer with fascinating history, rich culture, incredible volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Volcanoes - Active and dormant volcanoes pepper this region. Discover the impressive cones overlooking the picture perfect city of Antigua, Guatemala, and see lava glow in Nicaragua's Masaya volcano Land of the Maya - Take in the sights and smells of the indigenous market at Chichicastenango and the villages around Lake Atitlan, where the modern day Maya culture still thrives Suchitoto - Enjoy the charms of this pretty colonial town beside the shores of Lake Suchitlan, and take the opportunity to learn the art of pupusa-making - an El Salvadorean speciality

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose
End CityAntigua

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States
  • Central America
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • South America
  • Chile
  • Europe
  • Spain

Attractions

  • Acropolis
  • Antigua
  • Braulio Carillo National Park
  • Central America
  • Chichicastenango
  • Copan
  • Granada
  • Lake Atitlan
  • Lake Nicaragua
  • Managua
  • Monteverde
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Pacific Coast
  • Palma
  • Panajachel
  • Salvador
  • San Antonio
  • San Francisco
  • San Juan
  • Santiago
  • Santiago Atitlan

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour Antigua (Guatemala)

Join trip in Antigua Guatemala, the graceful colonial city that sits just next door to the country's capital Guatemala City. Set in a beautiful valley between the volcanoes of Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, its cobbled streets and pastel-coloured buildings make it one of...

Day 2 Walking tour of Antigua, free afternoon to explore

This morning's walking tour takes us to some of the spectacular colonial churches for which the city is famed, including those of San Francisco, Santa Clara, La Merced and Las Capuchinas. Some of the churches have museums and ruins attached which you can choose to ent...

Day 3 Travel to Panajachel; boat trip on Atitlan Lake

This morning, we continue our journey to the town of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, which will be our base for the night. An old volcanic caldera, Lake Atitlan is considered to be one of the most spectacular lakes in the Americas and is certainly the deepes...

Day 4 Chichicastenango Market then drive to Guatemala City

After an early start, we will head north towards the highlands of the El Quiche Province and the bustling town of Chichicastenango. Steeped in Maya culture, the town is famed for its market, where you can buy everything, from chickens and copal, to pigs and pottery. T...

Day 5 Visit the UNESCO Site of Copan, free afternoon

Today we need to depart at around 4.30am to beat the traffic in Guatemala city and get on the road to Copan. The journey takes approximately 6 hours including the border crossing into Honduras, and we arrive into Copan where a local guide will escort us around the spe...

Day 6 Journey to Suchitoto (El Salvador)

This morning we have 2 border crossings, passing back into Guatemala before crossing through another Honduran border and then through into El Salvador. Driving through scenic countryside, we arrive at the pretty town of Las Palmas, with its charming walls covered with...

Day 7 In Suchitoto, optional boat trip on the lake

Today has been left free for you to spend as you wish. In the morning you may take a boat trip out onto the lake, where over 200 bird species have been recorded, including hawks and falcons. In the afternoon, options include paying a visit to the nearby Cascada Los Te...

Day 8 Transfer to the colonial town of Leon (Nicaragua)

Before leaving El Salvador this morning, we will stop off in Ilobasco - a town famous for its ceramics. The journey today is a long one, and including the stops totals approximately 13 hours. We travel through rich agricultural land towards the Honduran border, follow...

Day 9 Free Day; optional hike to Cerro Negro Volcano

After yesterday's long travel day, today has been left free to explore this colonial gem at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy one of the optional excursions available in the area. One option is a hike on the nearby Cerro Negro Volcano - one of the ...

Day 10 Travel to Granada; city tour and free afternoon

This morning we head off on a three-hour drive to the colonial city of Granada. Atmospheric Granada is situated at the foot of Mombacho Volcano on the north-west shore of Lake Nicaragua. It was the first colonial city in Nicaragua, founded in 1524 by the conquistador ...

Day 11 Free morning for optional activities; afternoon trip to Masaya Market and Masaya Volcano

This morning is left free. A recommended optional activity is a boat trip through Las Isletas on Lake Nicaragua. This is a great way to explore Lake Cocibolca, also known as Lake Nicaragua. Situated at the foot of the impressive Mombacho Volcano, the area we visit con...

Day 12 Cross the border to Costa Rica. Beach time at Bahia Salinas

This morning we wave goodbye to Nicaragua and head to our final country on this journey - Costa Rica! We have a two-hour drive to the border where we will be changing vehicles once through into Costa Rica. We then have a one-hour drive to the coastal haven of Bahia Sa...

Day 13 Travel to Monteverde. Night walk in search of wildlife

This morning, we drive three and a half hours to Monteverde - one of the most well-known places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. This evening, we will have the adventure of a night walk, in search of nocturnal species such as pacas and tarantulas.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Guided reserve walk; afternoon for optional activities

Rising early, we head into Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided walk, searching for a glimpse of the three-wattled bellbird or the Quetzal, whose feathers were traded as valuable items throughout pre-Columbian America. You have the afternoon free to explore th...

Day 15 Morning free. In the afternoon head to the capital, San Jose

This morning has been left free to enjoy the optional excursions in the area. We then make the three-and-a-half-hour drive to the capital of San Jose. On arrival we will have a short panoramic tour of San Jose including a walk along Avenida Central and, if open a stop in Mercado Central.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 16 Tour ends San Jose

The trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport tra...

Day 1 Join tour in San Jose (Costa Rica)

Arrive in San Jose. The cosmopolitan Costa Rican capital lies in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1150 metres. Coffee and sugar cane are big industries here and coffee is even planted between new buildings and along the roadside on the outskirts of the city. Du...

Day 2 Travel to Monteverde. Night walk in search of wildlife

After breakfast we will have a short panoramic tour of San Jose including a walk along Avenida Central and a stop in Mercado Central. We then leave the capital and head on a three-hour drive to Monteverde - one of the most well-known places in Costa Rica to see wildli...

Day 3 Guided reserve walk; afternoon for optional activities

Rising early, we head into Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided walk, searching for a glimpse of the three-wattled bellbird or the Quetzal, whose feathers were traded as valuable items throughout pre-Columbian America. You have the afternoon free to explore th...

Day 4 Journey to Bahia Salinas. Free afternoon on the beach

This morning we drive three and a half hours to the coastal haven of Bahia Salinas, close to the Nicaraguan border. We have the afternoon free to enjoy the beautiful beach and coastline.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Travel to Granada, Nicaragua. City tour and free afternoon

Today we wave goodbye to Costa Rica and travel across the border into Nicaragua and onto the colonial city of Granada. The driving time today will be approximately 3-hours. Atmospheric Granada is situated at the foot of Mombacho Volcano on the north-west shore of Lake...

Day 6 Free morning for optional activities; afternoon trip to Masaya Market and Masaya Volcano

This morning is left free. A recommended optional activity is a boat trip through Las Isletas on Lake Nicaragua. This is a great way to explore Lake Cocibolca, also known as Lake Nicaragua. Situated at the foot of the impressive Mombacho Volcano, the area we visit con...

Day 7 Travel to Leon. City tour on arrival

Today we head for Nicaragua's former capital, León where we spend the next two nights. As the country's capital for 200 years, Leon is still considered the intellectual centre of Nicaragua, and was at the heart of the revolutionary years of 1978 to 1989. Lying in the...

Day 8 Free Day; optional hike to Cerro Negro Volcano

Today has been left free to explore this colonial gem at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy one of the optional excursions available in the area. One option is a hike on the nearby Cerro Negro Volcano - one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua....

Day 9 Journey to the colonial town of Suchitoto (El Salvador)

We have a long drive today as we travel to El Salvador, which totals approximately 13 hours including all of our stops for visits and border crossings. Setting out through the Pacific lowlands around the Gulf of Fonseca, we cross into Honduras for a short time before ...

Day 10 In Suchitoto, optional boat trip on the lake

Nestled between the mountains and Suchitlan Lake, the charming colonial town of Suchitoto, with its cobblestone streets and pretty houses, is a little slice of El Salvador at its timeless best. The town was once at the heart of the country's indigo trade. Today, as a ...

Day 11 Drive to Copan (Honduras) via La Palma

Travelling by way of the handicraft markets of Las Palmas, we cross back into Honduras today, passing through a landscape of lush vegetation and mountainous valleys until we reach Copan. This lovely village of adobe buildings will be our base tonight, ensuring that we...

Day 12 Visit the UNESCO Site of Copan, drive to Guatemala City

This morning, a local guide will escort us around the spectacular ruins of Copan - one of the richest archaeological sites to be uncovered in Central America and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anyone familiar with Catherwood's incredible drawings (which first appea...

Day 13 Travel to Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan; boat trip to lakeside villages

This morning, we have a short visit of Guatemala City before continuing our journey to the town of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, which will be our base for the night. An old volcanic caldera, Lake Atitlan is considered to be one of the most spectacular lak...

Day 14 Drive to Antigua via Chichicastenango Market

Our journey continues by land to the bustling town of Chichcastenango. Steeped in Mayan culture, the town is famed for its market, where you can buy everything, from chickens and copal, to pigs and pottery. The best way to enjoy the market is to throw yourself into th...

Day 15 Walking tour of Antigua, free afternoon to explore

This morning's walking tour takes us to some of the spectacular colonial churches for which the city is famed, including those of San Francisco, Santa Clara, La Merced and Las Capuchinas. Some of the churches have museums and ruins attached which you can choose to ent...

Day 16 Tour ends Antigua (Guatemala)

The trip ends this morning at our hotel in Antigua Guatemala. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an ai...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,650
Price per day$228
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
31 Oct 2024
15 Nov 2024
$3,650
$980
9 spots left
15 Nov 2024
30 Nov 2024
$3,800
$990
Sold Out
03 Jan 2025
18 Jan 2025
$4,170
$1,070
10 spots left
07 Feb 2025
22 Feb 2025
$4,170
$1,070
11 spots left
21 Feb 2025
08 Mar 2025
$4,170
$1,070
16 spots left
07 Mar 2025
22 Mar 2025
$4,170
$1,070
16 spots left
21 Mar 2025
05 Apr 2025
$4,170
$1,070
16 spots left
31 Oct 2025
15 Nov 2025
$4,170
$1,070
16 spots left
14 Nov 2025
29 Nov 2025
$4,170
$1,070
16 spots left
19 Dec 2025
03 Jan 2026
$4,170
$1,070
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
R

Richard

Apr 2024

Written on

Central American Highlights

Your leader excellent, very knowledgeable and helpful. Guided to all the locations and always recommended safe places to go and superb restaurants. With regards to t...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Central American Highlights

A fantastic experience. Really loved the cultural and historical aspe...

J

John

Apr 2024

Written on

Central American Highlights

I took the tour beginning at the Guatemala end, starting on 07/03/2024. The best part of the trip for me was Guatemala, partly for the Mayan culture, and partly beca...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

M

Mark

Apr 2024

Written on

Cycle Saigon to Hanoi

Wow, what a trip. An awesome tour from Saigon to Hanoi under the excellent guidance of our tour leader Doan. Doan and his amazing local support team made the journ...

M

Margaret

Apr 2024

Written on

Treasures of Jordan

Abdullah was an excellent guide who made our trip run very smoothly with as much time as possible at the various attractions. He was very knowledgible, empathatic, s...

S

Susan Postill

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Albania

Lovely trip, beautiful country, nice people, good food,...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Explore!

premier
View Profile

About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
El Salvador: Citizens of the UK and most EU citizens do not require a visa. Nationals of Canada, Greece, Portugal and USA must buy a tourist card (current cost 10USD)on arrival, this is valid for 30 day from entry. Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Nicaragua: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. There is an entry charge of 10USD Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Honduras: Citizens from UK, New Zealand, Australia, New Zealand and most EU national do not require a visa. Guatemala: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All travellers entering or exiting Guatemala by air must complete the online immigration declaration form. You can find the form here: https://igm.gob.gt/ Print the confirmation email you receive once you have submitted the form and carry it with you. Alternatively take a screenshot of the email QR code. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
    • Breakfast : 15
  • Breakfast : 15
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-CAQ

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!