Central American Highlights

Duration

22 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

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.

Trip Details

Duration

22 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Shared boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Antigua, Costa Rica

Finishes

San Jose, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Antigua

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: San Andres Itzapa / Quetzaltenango

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.

Included Activities:

San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Quetzaltenango

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.

Included Activities:

Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience

Optional Activities:

Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free
Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class (55 USD)
Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Chichicastenango Market / Panajachel

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.

Included Activities:

Chichicastenango market visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Santiago Atitlan

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.

Included Activities:

Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Antigua

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.

Included Activities:

Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Antigua

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).

Optional Activities:

Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) (150 GTQ)
Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (30 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Copan, Honduras

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Copan, Honduras

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.

Included Activities:

Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site

Optional Activities:

Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner (50 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Copan to Suchitoto via Guatemala

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 demonstration. 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).

Included Activities:

Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Suchitoto

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.

Included Activities:

Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration

Optional Activities:

Suchitoto - Town tour (requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate) (35 USD)
Suchitoto - War historic hike (Moderate hike - 2km) at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 5 travellers to operate) (55 USD)
Suchitoto - Sunrise Kayaking on Lake Suchitlan (requires a minimum of 4 travelers to operate) (50 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Pacific Coast

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Leon

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.

Included Activities:

Leon - Leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Leon

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.

Optional Activities:

Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) (55 USD)
Leon - Leon Art Center (4 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Granada

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.

Included Activities:

Masaya - Town & Market Visit
Granada - La Laguna de Apoyo Viewpoint

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Granada

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!

Included Activities:

Granada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas

Optional Activities:

Granada - Mombacho Volcano hike (requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate) (60 USD)
Granada - Granada islets boat tour (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Monteverde

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.

Included Activities:

Monteverde - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Monteverde

Begin the day with a special morning brew, as you're welcomed into a local family's home-based cafe for breakfast and the chance to sample some local Costa Rican pour-over coffee, known as Cafe Chorreado. 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.

Included Activities:

Monteverde - Hands-on breakfast

Optional Activities:

Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour (55 USD)
Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (101 USD)
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)
Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)
Monteverde - Frog pond (20 USD)
Monteverde - Orchid gardens (18 USD)
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk (45 USD)
Monteverde - Children's Forest (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: La Fortuna

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.

Included Activities:

La Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: La Fortuna

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.

Optional Activities:

La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges (inc entrance fee, guide and shared transport) (75 USD)
La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (25 USD)
La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike (97 USD)
La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour (94 USD)
La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board (75 USD)
La Fortuna - Baldi Hot Springs (entrance fee) (66 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: San Jose

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?

Included Activities:

San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
La Fortuna - Cooking Class

Optional Activities:

San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures (74 USD)
San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) (11 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: San Jose

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.

Optional Activities:

San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures (49 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,740

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 22 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 14 Jan 2027

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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