Destinations: Central and South America , Guatemala , Honduras , Nicaragua
Activities: Cultural Exploration , Hiking / Trekking / Walking , Ecotourism
Colonial cities, Mayan ruins, smoking volcanoes and colourful reefs
Our feature-packed journey through the heart of Central America provides a flavour of the rich and varied culture and landscapes of Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. We spend time in the lively and beautiful colonial cities of Antigua, Granada and Leon, visit some of the region's many active and dormant volcanoes, explore the mysterious Mayan ruins of Copan and relax in the Caribbean paradise of Roatan. There are lots of activities on offer, from adventurous volcano hikes in Guatemala to spectacular diving and snorkelling on the extensive reefs of Roatan, which are accessible right from the idyllic beaches. We also have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs and swim in the cooling waters of Lake Nicaragua.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Fly to Antigua Guatemala.
Day 2
After a short orientation walk with our tour leader, the remainder of the day is left free to explore the colonial city of Antigua. The compact city centre is full of historic buildings and monuments, especially in the immediate vicinity of the pleasant central square, and on clear days the three nearby volcanoes can be seen from many of it streets.
Day 3
This morning we leave Antigua for a 5-hour drive to the border with Honduras. After completing the border formalities, we continue on for a short distance to the small town of Copán Ruinas, located about 1km from the Mayan ruins.
Day 4
We visit the ruins this morning and discover not only the carved stelae but also the pyramids, plazas and ceremonial roads which make up the site. There is a large court which was used for playing the ballgame which was a key feature of Mayan rituals and recreation. In the afternoon there is an optional visit to the relaxing hot springs at Agua Caliente or the new Macaw Mountain bird park - an amazing ecological reserve housing several endangered species.
Day 5
We set off to the Caribbean coast today and stop at the Lancetilla Botanical Garden, originally the United Fruit Company’s experimental station and now the world’s second largest botanical garden. After visiting the garden to see its huge variety of Central American plants, we continue to La Ceiba where we catch the ferry to the island of Roatán.
Day 6
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Day 7
Two free days on Roatán – lots of optional tours are available, including snorkelling, scuba diving, a visit to the dolphin research centre, sailing trips and submarine rides. There is plenty of time to relax on the unspoilt white sand beaches and swim in the warm Caribbean waters, and there are lots of bars and restaurants in the island’s main towns, with West End being especially well known for its nightlife. Sunset is best enjoyed with a rum cocktail at the Sundowner bar on Half Moon Bay!
Day 8
We take the ferry back to the mainland today and drive west into the highlands and Lake Yojoa, where we stay for the night. We visit Pulhapanzak Falls in the afternoon, and there is the chance to swim in the river below the 43m high falls. In the evening, why not visit one of the popular local restaurants to try fish fresh from the lake?
Day 9
We drive through the beautiful central highlands today to the town of Danlí, close to the Nicaraguan border. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the town, which doesn’t generally feature on the tourist trail, and get a taste of rural life in Honduras..
Day 10
After crossing the border into Nicaragua, we head to León, a well-preserved colonial city and the country’s intellectual centre. Set on the banks of the Chiquito River, it has some fine examples of Spanish architecture which we will have time to explore before descending to the Pacific coast and the relaxed Suyapa Beach. The restaurants along the pristine beach are perfect for relaxing, enjoying the local seafood and watching the sun as it sets over the ocean.
Day 11
Early this morning there is an optional excursion to the bird-filled Poneloya estuary, which is also home to alligators and several mammal species. We then drive to the town of Masaya to visit the large artisan market. It is a great place to pick up local handicrafts as souvenirs, and prices tend to be lower than those in other towns. Our final destination today is Apoyo Crater Lake, the largest crater lake in Nicaragua and now a nature reserve which is home to over 140 species of bird, as well as Howler and White-faced Monkeys. We have free time this afternoon for swimming and relaxation.
Day 12
The nearby Masaya Volcano is our next stop, and is the only volcano in the Americas where it is possible to drive right up to the crater rim. The surrounding national park has seven volcanic cones, and is noted for the parakeets which have made their homes in the walls of the still-smoking Santiago crater. We continue southwards this afternoon to the town of Rivas, where we board a ferry for the one-hour crossing of Lake Nicaragua to Ometepe Island. Made up of the twin volcanoes of Concepción and Maderas, the heavily forested island has large nature reserves, friendly people and beautiful scenery.
Day 13
Today has been left free for optional excursions on the island. It is possible to hike up both of the volcanoes – Concepción is a strenuous 8-hour return trip, but Maderas, which has a small crater lake, is a more manageable 6-hour hike. There are also opportunities for lake fishing, swimming, and hikes through the lush forest to secluded waterfalls.
Day 14
We leave the island today and take the ferry back to the mainland, and drive north towards Granada, where we will have an afternoon tour. Luckily, the city avoided much of the damage inflicted on other parts of the country during the long years of struggle following the 1978-9 revolution, and its centre is full of historic buildings and churches.
Day 15
Drive to Managua; depart Managua.
Departure Dates
15/05/2010
30/10/2010
27/11/2010
29/01/2011
19/03/2011
Prices
20/03/2010: £1499
15/05/2010: £1499
30/10/2010: £1449
27/11/2010: £1499
29/01/2011: £1579
19/03/2011: £1579
Optional single supplement from: 295 GBP
Important Notes:
All departures can be combined with La Ruta Maya (AUR) - please see Trip Notes for details.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Travel by private air-conditioned minibus and boat. Some rough roads and long drives.
Accommodation
14 nights hotels.
Food
All breakfasts included.
Group Size and Age
Min. 6, max. 15, plus leader and driver.
