Nicaragua & Beyond

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
Nicaragua & Beyond
10 Days
From AUD $2660
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(16 reviews)

Nicaragua & Beyond

Nicaragua & Beyond

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

On this 10-day exploration of Central America, you’ll cover four different countries, changing landscapes and heaps of natural and archaeological wonders.

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 Maya 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.
  • Don your chef hat and taste the local cuisine with a traditional Salvadorian pupusa-making class in a local home in Suchitoto, El Salvador.
  • Head into Cinquera Forest to visit a small mountain community, learning about the area’s importance during a tour with a former guerilla fighter.

Trip Details

Duration

10 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

1
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)
2
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)
3
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)
4
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)
5
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)
6
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)
7
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)
8
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)
9
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 a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.

Included Activities:

  • Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 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.

Optional Activities:

  • Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) (150 GTQ)
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (30 USD)
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 $2,660
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

On this 10-day exploration of Central America, you’ll cover four different countries, changing landscapes and heaps of natural and archaeological wonders.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 18 Oct 2025

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
5.0
Stephen
Traveled, April 2024

04/22/2024

A very enjoyable trip, the guide and group were great, visiting some relatively unknown site that are well worth a visit. Locals are all extremely friendly and almost always felt completely safe. Can highly recommend!

5.0
Rachel
Traveled, March 2024

04/19/2024

Excellent trip, highly recommend to anyone, and despite the concerns about the countries we visited, always felt safe. Whilst there were long travel days, it never felt rushed, we always had time to explore on our own. The team leader Juan was fantastic, so knowledgeable about all the countries we visited!

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