Heart of Central America

Intrepid Travel · 15 days

4.0

1 Reviews

View Map

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take a wild ride through the heart of Central America – a place of diverse culture, Maya civilisations and modern religions.

Highlights

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 civilisation.  
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. 
Drive up through the cloud forest at Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve and head on a hike to one of the crater lakes with an expert local guide.
Visit Chichicastenango market – known as Chichi for short – and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Mayan garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery. 
Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Mayan descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon and share a bottle of local spirits with them as they tell you stories of local life.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Local bus,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Granada, El Salvador

Finishes

Antigua, El Salvador

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Granada

Hola! Welcome to Nicaragua. Your adventure begins in Granada, 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. As your trip only spends limited time here, you might like to arrive a few days early to fully explore this very walkable city. Your trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel today. Then tonight, enjoy an optional group dinner with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Leon

This morning, you’ll hop on a private minibus and start your journey towards Leon. Along the way, visit the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. There you’ll join a local guide for a ride in a 4x4 to the top of the volcano, where you’ll learn about the surrounding cloud forest and head out on a hike to one of the four craters. 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. After, head back out on the road to Leon, where you’ll have a free evening. Though it's the second largest city in the country, Leon is relatively free of tourists, making strolling the mural-lined streets an absolute pleasure.

Included Activities:

Monimbó - Indigenous artists village visit
Granada - Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Leon

Start your morning with a leader-led walk through Leon, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore 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.

Included Activities:

Leon - Leader Led Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) (55 USD)
Leon - Juan Venado Island Kayaking (55 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Leon to El Cuco via Honduras

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Suchitoto

This morning, hit the road headed for Suchitoto, stopping in at El Salvador’s capital city along the way. While San Salvador might historically have a reputation of being unsafe for travellers, these days it has a much safer and more comfortable atmosphere. You’ll be able to experience this difference during a leader-led walk and a visit to the UNESCO-listed El Rosario Church. Its brutalist exterior sits in contrast to both the Historic District it’s located in, as well as its surprising interior. Then continue to Suchitoto in the afternoon. For dinner, you’ll learn how to make the national dish – pupusas – a thick cake or flatbread made with cornmeal or rice flour, during 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!

Included Activities:

San Salvador - El Rosario church
San Salvador - Leader-led orientation walk
Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Suchitoto

Today you’ll head out to Cinquera Forest, which borders Suchitoto. Here, you will meet with a former guerilla fighter to learn about the forest's significance during the Salvadoran Civil War, see the former camps and take a tour around the small mountain community. Return to Suchitoto in the afternoon and then head out on a leader-led walk of the well-preserved town, widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador.

Included Activities:

Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
Suchitoto - Cinquera Community tour with former guerilla

Optional Activities:

Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration (44 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Suchitoto to Copan, Honduras via Guatemala

This morning head across the border to Guatemala and then into Honduras to Copan in a private transfer. With breathtaking scenery, it's another excellent opportunity to grab a window seat and arrive 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 café. 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.

Optional Activities:

Copan - Macaw Mountain Bird Park (entrance fee) USD (10 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Copan, Honduras

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 García de Palacio, this continues to be one of the most important sites of the Maya 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.

Included Activities:

Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site

Optional Activities:

Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner (50 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Antigua

This morning, hop in a private transfer and cross into Guatemala, arriving in Antigua 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 dinner.

Included Activities:

Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Antigua

Enjoy a free day to explore the city, with nothing scheduled until a meeting to welcome any new travellers joining you on your adventure. Maybe grab some roasted beans from a street vendor and munch them while you stroll around. If you’ve got a historical bent, perhaps check out the 18th-century ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara. Why not get a taste of local tradition with a chocolate-making workshop in the ChocoMuseo, or strut your stuff with a salsa dance lesson?

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Quetzaltenango

This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Maya 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. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening.

Included Activities:

San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Quetzaltenango

Early this morning before breakfast, hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – each bus is unique to the independent driver, who deck them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. The traditional dress and the lively negotiations you’ll see will be equally impressive, and will have you truly feeling like a local. In the afternoon take an optional trip to the Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings. You’ll walk down a cloud forest trail to a series of pools of varying temperatures with views into the surrounding trees. Soak it all then, then return to your accommodation for the evening.

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 13: 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 Maya 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 14: Antigua

This morning, hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya 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 be specially invited into a local home where the shrine of Maximon (San Simon) resides. Your leader will explain the shrine’s significance and give you insight into local life on the lake. Tonight, take a minibus back to Antigua.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Antigua

Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.

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 $4,760

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Take a wild ride through the heart of Central America – a place of diverse culture, Maya civilisations and modern religions.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 08 Nov 2025

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Heather

Traveled, February 2024

03/16/2024

5 days in Guatemala was an excellent trip full of cultural experiences and an excellent guide in Isaias.

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

Book Now