Central America Uncovered - 19 days
Central America Uncovered - 19 days
Central America Uncovered - 19 days
19 Days Starting in Granada, Nicaragua and ending in San Ignacio, Belize
Visiting: Granada, Masaya, Leon, Suchitoto, Antigua, Copan, Lake Atitlan, Lake Atitlán, Santa Catarina de Polopo, Flores, San Ignacio
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2644/CAUN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
12-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 19-day journey through Central America, exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Begin in the historic city of Granada, Nicaragua, and discover the volcanic landscapes of Masaya National Park. Wander through the colonial charm of Leon and the untouched beauty of Suchitoto in El Salvador. Cross into Guatemala to explore the picturesque town of Antigua and the serene Lake Atitlan, with its vibrant local culture. Delve into the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxha, nestled in lush jungles. Conclude your adventure in Belize, staying at the eco-friendly Chaa Creek lodge, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rainforest. With guided tours, scenic excursions, and comfortable accommodations, this small group tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Central America's hidden gems.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Nicaragua! You will be met at Managua airport and transferred to our hotel in the nearby historic town of Granada. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we explore the charming city of Granada with a guided city tour, visiting some of the city's finest colonial buildings and churches. Then we take an excursion to Las Isletas, a 365-island archipelago which was formed 20,000 years ago when the Mombacho volcano erupted and giant masses of rock, ash and lava landed in Lake Nicaragua. Today these green tropical islets are a haven for birdlife and the site of luxury holiday homes owned by rich Nicaraguans. At dusk we can sit and watch a wonderful sunset over the mainland.
Day 3: Masaya Volcano And Market
Location: Masaya
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We visit Masaya National Park today and explore its incredible volcanic crater lakes, Coyotepe hilltop fort, the active crater of Masaya and the town of Masaya. In the town you can stroll around the handicraft market and perhaps purchase one of Masaya's famous handmade hammocks.
Day 4: Leon
Location: Leon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Granada - Leon. This morning we drive to Leon (2-3 hours), passing the capital city of Managua and Managua Lake. Heading north past the foothills of the Momotombo Volcano we arrive in Leon, another charming colonial city. The rest of the day is free for you to stroll around the streets and shady plazas of the city centre, where you'll find many ornate churches.
Day 5: Leon
Location: Leon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today there's a choice of optional excursions. You can visit Poneloya on the pristine Pacific coast where you can relax on the long stretch of beautiful beach and relax with a drink at one of the ramshackle local bars. Or you can explore the local mangrove forest by boat and spot the resident bird life and wildlife. Alternatively, there's a trip to Leon Viejo archaeological site, where the city of Leon was first located among the tropical trees. Following earthquakes the city was relocated in the early 17th Century.
Day 6-7: Suchitoto
Location: Suchitoto
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Suchitoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leon - Suchitoto (El Salvador). This morning we travel back to Managua airport and take a flight to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. From here we drive to the lovely colonial town of Suchitoto, located on the shores of Lago Suchitlan. Virtually untouched by tourism, this small town is easily navigated on foot. Explore its cobblestoned streets, visit the plaza which has a beautiful, whitewashed church and enjoy wonderful views of the lake and forest from restaurants along the shore.
We spend a day walking along the forest trails which surround the town, spotting migratory birds, or perhaps take a boat trip out onto the lake. Alternatively, simply relax and enjoy this relaxing haven.
Day 8-9: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Antigua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Suchitoto - Antigua (Guatamala). Bidding farewell to El Salvador we travel north-west across the border into the Guatemalan highlands and the picturesque town of Antigua. Time permitting, a stop will be made en route to visit the archaeological site of Joya de Ceren, a 600 AD Mayan town preserved under ash from the eruption of a nearby volcano.
We spend three nights in the beautiful colonial town of Antigua, which is set against a spectacular backdrop of smouldering volcanoes. This town cannot fail to enchant, with its cobbled streets, gorgeous leafy central plaza, tiled courtyards and colourful street markets. Antigua also has an abundance of huge, ruined churches, convents and monasteries, testament to a time when Antigua was the country’s capital, and its main religious centre. We explore the city on a guided tour.
Day 10: Copan
Location: Copan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day relaxing in Antigua, strolling around town, shopping for souvenirs or visiting the ruined convents and squares. Alternatively there is a full day optional excursion to the ruins of Copan in neighbouring Honduras. Copan, along with Tikal is one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites.
Day 11: Santa Catarina De Polopo
Location: Lake Atitlan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Antigua - Chichicastenango - Lake Atitlan. Today we travel into the highlands of west Antigua to Lake Atitlan, passing dramatic landscapes dominated by imposing volcanoes. En route we stop at the highland town of Chichicastenango. In this religious town there's a large, vibrant market selling brightly coloured textiles, clothes and tapestries, in addition to beautiful hand-carved masks and leather goods.
Day 12-13: Santa Catarina De Polopo
Location: Lake Atitlán
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This lake is one of the world's most captivating gems, boasting volcanic peaks that mirror themselves in its unbelievably blue waters, while traditional towns and villages grace its shores. It's an ideal destination for a few days of serenity. Our home base is the tranquil village of Santa Catarina de Polopó, just a short distance from the bustling tourist hub of Panajachel. To explore further, we embark on a motor launch journey across the lake to Santiago de Atitlán. As we journey the calm morning waters, we are treated to breathtaking views of various shoreline communities, cultivated fields, majestic residences, and the encircling gently sloping volcanoes.
Upon reaching Santiago, we receive a warm welcome from enthusiastic local children. This town is a fantastic place to shop for brilliantly coloured textiles. These spirited children might even offer to lead us to the current abode of Maximón, the local idol known for his smoking, drinking, hat-wearing, and mischievous antics. Each village around the lake has its distinct traditional attire and speaks its own Mayan dialect. There's plenty of time here to unwind, savour the tranquillity, and marvel at the enchanting views. Alternatively, you can choose an optional excursion available to go out onto the lake by canoe, rent a bicycle, or visit one of the nearby butterfly or animal parks.
Day 14-15: Flores
Location: Flores
Accommodation Name: lakeside lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lake Atitlan - Flores. Morning of Day 14, we take an hour flight to Flores, nestled in the lush northern jungles of the country. Here, we make our base for exploring the magnificent Mayan ruins for the next two days at Tikal, which is just an hour away. Tikal, an ancient city veiled in history, boasts towering temples that pierce the forest canopy. Climbing one of these temple summits offers timeless, unforgettable views of the site. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local, we'll wander through palace complexes, discovering the grandeur of Tikal. Reaching the peak around AD 800, Tikal was one of the largest and most significant Mayan city-states before its enigmatic decline.
Our base is located in a secluded lakeside lodge on Lake Petén, explore the extensive grounds of a nearby nature reserve, encompassing jungle-clad areas along Lake Petén's shores, where lurking crocodiles and graceful wild deer may be encountered. Don't forget to gaze skyward, as the trees host a colourful array of lively birdlife, including various toucan species. Alternatively, you can unwind amidst the hotel's enchanting gardens and by the pool, relishing the serenity of your surroundings.
Day 16-18: San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Accommodation Name: Chaa Creek
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Flores - Yaxha - San Ignacio (Belize). The morning of day 16, we journey to the lesser-known Mayan ceremonial site of Yaxha, nestled on the shores of a lagoon. Following this, we embark on a picturesque drive crossing the border into Belize, passing through the town of San Ignacio and entering the low-lying Cayo district.
Our accommodation for the next three nights is Chaa Creek, one of Belize's pioneering lodges. Established by an Anglo-American couple in 1981, this tranquil jungle retreat spans 135 hectares of lush rainforest. The lodge places a strong emphasis on the region's natural beauty. Activities here include leisurely walks along orchid-lined trails, serene canoe trips along the mustard-hued waters of the Macal River to observe wildlife and birds along the shoreline. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind and revel in the stunning tropical gardens or indulge in spa treatments. Chaa Creek offers a slice of paradise with a warm and laid-back atmosphere.
Day 19: San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our incredible adventure through Central America comes to an end today. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and travel by road to Belize City airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star -
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast, one lunch, and three dinners during your tour.
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Arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and day 19
Transfers are provided upon arrival and departure on the first and last days of the tour.
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18 nights 3-4 star hotels
Stay in 3-4 star hotels for 18 nights throughout the tour.
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Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Travel comfortably in private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and transportation.
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Economy flights from Managua - San Salvador and Guatemala City to Flores
Economy class flights are included from Managua to San Salvador and from Guatemala City to Flores.
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Escorted by an English-speaking tour leader
An English-speaking tour leader will escort you throughout the tour.
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Granada excursions to Masaya market and volcano, and Lake Nicaragua's Las Isletas
Participate in excursions to Masaya market and volcano, and explore Lake Nicaragua's Las Isletas.
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Walking tour in Leon and Antigua, city tour in Granada
Enjoy guided walking tours in Leon and Antigua, and a city tour in Granada.
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Boat excursion to villages on Lake Atitlan
Take a boat excursion to explore the villages on Lake Atitlan.
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Guided tour of Tikal and Yaxha Ruins
Experience guided tours of the Tikal and Yaxha Ruins.
What's Not Included
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.
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International flights and visas
International flights and visa fees are not included in the tour package.
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Departure taxes or border taxes
Any departure or border taxes are not covered by the tour.
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Arrival tax in Managua
The arrival tax in Managua is not included in the tour package.
Age Policy
Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to check room requirements.There is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour. Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles and economy flights from Managua to San Salvador and Guatemala City to Flores, ensuring a seamless journey through Central America.
Accommodation
Enjoy 18 nights in 3-4 star hotels, including a stay at the beautiful Chaa Creek eco-lodge in Belize, nestled on the rain-forested banks of the Macal River, offering a range of activities and a serene atmosphere.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 18 nights in 3-4 star hotels, with a stay at a beautiful Belize eco-lodge on the rain-forested banks of the Macal River.
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Are there any meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes breakfast daily, one lunch, and three dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles, and there are economy flights from Managua to San Salvador and Guatemala City to Flores.
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Is there a tour guide provided during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking tour leader.
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What activities are available at Chaa Creek in Belize?
At Chaa Creek, you can enjoy leisurely walks along orchid-lined trails, serene canoe trips along the Macal River, and relax in the stunning tropical gardens or indulge in spa treatments.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for the tour is 12. There is no maximum age, but those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability form.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Guatemala?
In Guatemala, highlights include a guided tour of the Tikal and Yaxha ruins, a cruise across Lake Atitlan to Santiago de Atitlan, and exploring the picturesque colonial town of Antigua.
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What is the policy on tipping during the tour?
Tipping is not included in the tour package and is considered an entirely personal gesture.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
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Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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