From $1,670 Was $1,965
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
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. On this 17-day Central American journey, take in all the must-visit spots like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. You’ll spot colourful birds and see how indigo dying works in Suchitoto, explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan, stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde. This adventure is perfect for those who like to experience a destination 'la forma natural' (the natural way).
Highlights
- Soak in the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, historic cities and emerald jungles – this trip has you covered. Nature lovers rejoice!
- Wind your way through the otherworldly ruins of Copan in Honduras, famous for the numerous elaborate stelae. These Maya ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect spot for some great pics.
- Take part in an indigo-dying demonstration in Suchitoto (the best place to produce indigo in the world) at a local enterprise that supports working mothers in the community.
- Join a local guide (with specialist spotting equipment) on a walk through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde, exploring the lush canopies and seeing unique Central American wildlife in this natural haven.
- Try out your Nicaragua sign language skills when you order breakfast at an atmospheric cafe housed in a historic building managed and staffed by members of the local deaf community.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2485
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Shared boat
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: QVRJ
Starts: Antigua, Costa Rica
Finishes: San Jose, Costa Rica
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (16 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $1,670 ($98 /day)
Itinerary
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 - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (236 GTQ)
- Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) (105 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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 (53 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
You’ll wave goodbye to Copan this morning and head across the border to 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 cooking class in a private home. 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)
Today is a free day 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.
Optional Activities:
- Suchitoto - Town tour (it requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) (32 USD)
- Suchitoto - War historic walk at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) (58 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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! To decide who gets to take the creation home, the group will hold a raffle (are you feeling lucky?). After, 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.
Included Activities:
- Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you're free as a bird to explore the beautiful Pacific Coast at your own pace. Alternatively, simply sit back and relax in a hammock on the beach and soak up the sunshine with a drink – life’s good.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise nice and early for a full day of travel by private vehicle. Cross the border at El Amatillo and then head into Honduras, where you’ll stop for lunch. After, there’s another border crossing at Guasaule before you 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)
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 (53 USD)
- Leon - Leon Art Center (2 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. 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. Have some free time to find some lunch in Masaya, then continue on to Grenada. 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)
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 (32 USD)
- Granada - Monkey Island boat tour (455 NIO)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
Begin the day with a special morning brew, as you're welcomed into a local’s home for breakfast and the chance to sample some local Costa Rican coffees. Then, 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. Once your tour is complete, you’re welcome to stay and continue exploring the reserve or return to your accommodation to relax.
Included Activities:
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide
- Monteverde - Hands-on breakfast in a local home
Optional Activities:
- Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour (58 USD)
- Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (65 USD)
- Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)
- Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)
- Monteverde - Frog pond (19 USD)
- Monteverde - Orchid gardens (19 USD)
- Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk (45 USD)
- Monteverde - Children's Forest (20 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, 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
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) (49 USD)
- La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges (79 USD)
- La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (21 USD)
- La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike (97 USD)
- La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour (84 USD)
- La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board (79 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (78 USD)
- San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (12 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (40 USD)
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Amberlie - Traveled, April 2024
The trip notes are a shamozzle but the trip itself was a smooth ride with an incredible guide (JuanMa) across five countries. It was a fast pace but a good taster of these places. Accommodation, transport and activities exceeded expectations, especially given our fabulous guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Marthe - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was amazing! So many things to see and different optional activities to do, it s a great itinerary! Some long travels involved but definitely worth it! Sergio is a fantastic tour leader as well, very knowledgeable and caring of his people :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Artemis - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent trip! My views on Central America have changed for the better! Loved mingling with the locals and supporting good causes! Thank you choko for going the extra mile and making this journey easy and fun for all!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Kim - Traveled, March 2024
Highly recommend this trip. Benjamin, our guide enhanced the trip with his wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. Accommodation and Buses were comfortable and clean. Central America is a must to visit. Loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Ingunn - Traveled, February 2024
I went on this Intrepid trip to challenge myself and doing something fun while on sick leave due to an incident at work. Central America may not be the most rational choice under such circumstances but it all went well. Excellent guide and excellent travel mates.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Annika - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was really good organised, the transportation, the check in at the hotels and the border crossings! It is a good way to travel, espacially in regions where you don‘t speak the local language and sometimes english is not an option! We had a good trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Hendrik - Traveled, February 2024
Great organisation, communicative guide. Perfect for single travellers who don‘t mind company
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Jarmo - Traveled, February 2024
The tour of Central America was a comprehensive overview of different countries. There were also free days included, so continuous traveling did not become too exhausting. The tour leader Leo took good care of the group and provided information about the different countries. The selected accommodation places were somewhat modest, but sufficient for short stays. Overall, a recommended trip for all ages.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Stephanie - Traveled, February 2024
This was a great introduction to Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, with opportunities to see a good range of the region's abundant wildlife, enjoy beautiful lakes, cloud forests and volcanoes and plenty of activities for both nature loves and adrenaline junkies. We covered a lot of ground - and many border crossings - very smoothly and efficiently thanks to Intrepid and our group leader, so we could focus on enjoying everything the region has to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Edward - Traveled, February 2024
I would not have been comfortable crossing all the borders with out our guide who made all the border crossings easy. There are some long travel days but that is necessary to cover all the countries this trip visits. Granada optional activities were great and especially The Masaya volcano at night. Great trip, great friends and great guide. I highly recommend it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Nicki - Traveled, February 2024
A great introduction to Central America. Knowledgeable guide who made the many border crossings easy. We had a great group which made the trip very enjoyable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Katie - Traveled, February 2024
This trip is great for solo travelers with no Spanish language skills (ie me). You see all of Central America, have some unique experiences including home cooking, Sherman ceremonies and knowledge of local guides. There are some long travel days on the 3rd leg, but the overall amount of time spent in each place felt good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Jane - Traveled, February 2024
Incredible tour! If you get Ben as your tour guide, you will have the best tour of your life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, February 2024
The Central American Journey was one of the best trips I have done. The destinations, people and activities were excellent. Our Sloth (Sid) encounter was one of the highlights as well as our Quetzal sighting in Monteverde. The Volcano sandboarding and zip lining also a highlight. Most of all it was our “Travel Family” and our guide Ben that made the trip the best ever.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Sarah - Traveled, April 2024
What a great way to get a taster of Central America. 5 countries in 17 days is a whirlwind but it's a fantastic way to see the area. Definitely recommend adding days before and after, especially in Antigua/Guatemala as there is heaps to see there that you'll otherwise miss.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Chris - Traveled, April 2024
Best trip ever. Great locations, good experience. Freddy, the tour guide is the best ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Lynsey - Traveled, April 2024
If I had to choose one word for this tour I’d choose ADVENTURE. I surfed, kayaked, zip lined, and sand boarded down a volcano for the first time! Lots of opportunities for adrenaline rushes on this trip! Central America gets bad press for being unsafe but please don’t let that stop you from visiting as its countries and people are wonderful! If you get Juan manuel Perez as your guide you are going to have the most incredible experience, he is so knowledgeable, patient, professional and caring, and very approachable, don’t hesitate to book this trip now!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2024
Alisha - Traveled, April 2024
Highly recommend this trip - you will see and experience so much within 2.5 weeks even if you're an experienced traveler. Our guide Juan was the best tour leader you could imagine and it felt like traveling with friends. Thanks Juan!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2024
Richard - Traveled, April 2024
It was an excellent trip with so many highlights along the way. Juan was an amazing guide, so knowledgeable and patient with everyone. Each country was memorable in its own right and I would highly recommend this trip to anyway wanting to visit Central America.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2024
Joseph - Traveled, April 2024
An absolutely amazing trip with an even more amazing Tour Guide! Highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Central America!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
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