This is a Private Tour
19 days from £5,349 / $6,954 pp
Explore the beauty of Central America with this 18-day journey by Select Latin America. Visit Guatemala’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and ancient Mayan ruins. Continue to El Salvador’s scenic mountains, colonial gems and nature reserves. Finally step back in time to Nicaragua’s historical cities, volcanoes and Pacific coast.
Tour Includes
Meet on arrival at the airport
Private transfers with Spanish speaking driver
English speaking guide during tours
Tours with entrances fees
Accommodation in double occupancy including taxes
Daily Breakfast and other meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Domestic Flights
Tour Excludes
International flights
Personal travel insurance
Border or migration fees
Airport fees if applicable
Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Any incidental or medical expenses.
Highlights
Colonial Antigua city
Lake Atitlán nature and culture
Tikal Mayan ruins in the jungle
Ataco & Suchitoto in El Salvador
Bahía de Jiquilisco
León & Granada in Nicaragua
Apoyo Lagoon
To book this tour or start creating your own tailor made itinerary call us on: 0207 407 1478 (UK) or contact us.
Tour Code(s):
PURCAE19D
Pricing
19 days from £5,349 / $6,954 pp
The Trip
Explore the beauty of Central America with this 18-day journey by Select Latin America. Visit Guatemala’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and ancient Mayan ruins. Continue to El Salvador’s scenic mountains, colonial gems and nature reserves. Finally step back in time to Nicaragua’s historical cities, volcanoes and Pacific coast.
Day 1: Arrive Guatemala – Antigua / Camino Real Antigua
Day 2: Antigua – tour & cooking / Camino Real Antigua
Day 3: Panajachel – Chichicastenango / Hotel Atitlán
Day 4: Panajachel – Lake Atitlán / Hotel Atitlán
Day 5: Flores – Yaxha / Isla de Flores Hotel
Day 6: Flores– Tikal / Isla de Flores Hotel
Day 7: El Salvador – Concepción de Ataco / Fleur de Lis
Day 8: Ataco – Flower route / Fleur de Lis
Day 9: Suchitoto – Santa Ana – Joya de Ceren / El Tejado
Day 10: Suchitoto – Indigo experience / El Tejado
Day 11: Bahía de Jiquilisco – kayak tour / Puerto Barillas Lodge
Day 12: Bahía de Jiquilisco – turtle conservation / Puerto Barillas Lodge
Day 13: Nicaragua – Boat trip, León / El Convento
Day 14: León – Pacific wildlife / El Convento
Day 15: Apoyo – Lagoon & Masaya volcano / San Simian Eco-lodge
Day 16: Apoyo – Lagoon relaxing / San Simian Eco-lodge
Day 17: Granada – city tour / Plaza Colon
Day 18: Granada – Mombacho Volcano & Isletas / Plaza Colon
Day 19: Managua – Transfer out.
THE LONG ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala, is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination in the country. Antigua, was the capital of the Guatemala, in the early 16th century. Built 1,500 m above sea-level. It was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but many monuments are still preserved. In under three centuries the city, was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
Day 2: Antigua – tour & cooking experience
Enjoy a privately guided half-day walking tour of Antigua (4hrs). You will find out why this city was the bustling centre of the region for the Spaniards. Starting at central plaza the guide will discuss the colonization, history & contemporary issues. Pass the Palacio de Capitanes, City Hall, El Portal and visit the Cathedral ruins & San Francisco church.
Private transfer you to San Miguel Escobar Town. On arrival, you will go into the home of a chef, (a Guatemalan wife and mother). Learn how to prepare the traditional dish at a real Guatemalan home. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch (3-4 hrs).
Day 3: Panajachel – Chichicastenango
Private transfer to Chichicastenango. One of the most colourful native markets in the Americas. Market days are every Sunday and Thursday. This draws the K’iche’ Maya of the region, plus vendors from all over Guatemala, Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others ethnic groups. Our guide. will show you the church which is an iconic monument for the indigenous and Mayan history. Here you may witness special ceremonies and mix of religions. (This service is on a private basis.)
In the afternoon take a private transfer to Lake Atitlan.
Day 4: Panajachel – Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is a stunning volcanic lake nestled in the Guatemalan Sierra Madre Mountain range. It is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. This deep lake is flanked by three volcanoes, at an elevation of 1,965 metres. Its crystal-clear waters, flora and fauna, and captivating folklore make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and culture lovers.
Lake Atitlan Kayak (45m) & Villages Tour (6-7 hrs). Take a boat transfer to Santa Cruz, the kayaking starting point. Prepare for an adventure! Kayak for approximately 45min along the shore. Enjoy spectacular views of three stunning volcanoes, Atitlan, San Pedro, and Toliman. Boat transfer back to hotel. Private boat trip to visit the villages of San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, two very special towns around the Lake. Santiago is home to Maximon, a venerated pagan saint who smokes tobacco and drinks moonshine. He resides in a different house each year. San Juan la Laguna is a quieter town, less visited and is home to several textile co-ops and art galleries.
Day 5: Flores – Yaxha Sunset
Fly to Flores in El Peten province. Watch the sunset from the beautiful Yaxha ruins. This lesser visited Mayan ceremonial site is set atop a hill overlooking two lakes with picturesque views. At dusk, climb to the top of the temple and enjoy drinks as the sun sets over the surrounding rainforest and nearby lake Yaxha. Experience the sounds of the jungle as darkness sets in. Under the cover of darkness, accompanied with torches, spot nocturnal animals along the way back.
Day 6: Flores – Tikal
Tikal is the most impressive of all the Mayan sites in Central America. Tikal National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979. The territory covers 16 square kilometres and comprises more than 3,000 structures and temples. For centuries Tikal was lost to the jungle that grew over and around it. As you explore the ruins you have a good chance of seeing mammals such as spider monkeys, coatimundis and howler monkeys.
At its peak some 1,500 years ago, Tikal was home to an estimated 100,000 Maya. During the classic and late classic periods (200 to 900 AD) it dominated the Maya area of Central America. Many of the temples were built to pay tribute to past rulers and to please deities. A gradual decline in population ended in the abandonment of the site by the end of the 10th century. Today there are remains of palaces, residences, ball courts and five temples, that rise above the forest canopy.
Day 7: El Salvador – Concepción de Ataco
Private transfer to border near Ataco in El Salvador. At Las Chinamas, private transfer to the mountains of Apaneca. Stay in Ataco.
Day 8: Ataco – Flower route
Tour the ‘Flower Route’, that offers panoramas of coffee plantations, lagoons and dense cloud forest. First you visit Juayúa, a charming town famous for its weekend food festivals. Then travel to Nahuizalco, famous for handicrafts and furniture made from tulle and wicker. The last village is Ataco, which produces colourful textiles. Ataco is a classic Central American highland coffee village, with a friendly population and a perpetual spring. What really sets it apart are the many colourful murals.
Day 9: Santa Ana – Joya de Ceren – Suchitoto
Santa Ana is a historic town, don’y miss the National Theatre, the central plaza and the Gothic cathedral. Then continue to Joya de Cerén, known as the “Mayan Pompeii”. One of the most important archaeological discoveries made in Latin America in recent decades. Joya de Ceren was buried by several volcanic eruptions and the town under 14 layers of ash. Villagers were able to flee in time, no bodies have been found. They left behind utensils, pottery, furniture, and even half eaten food in their haste to escape. Head to the colonial town of Suchtoto.
Day 10: Suchitoto – Indigo experience
Suchitoto is a picturesque colonial town located in El Salvador. Famous for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. A popular destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Salvadoran history and culture.
In the morning, take a walking tour of Suchitoto with a local guide. You’ll explore the central plaza and the stunning Santa Lucia Cathedral. Stroll through the streets, discover the local theatre, art gallery, markets, indigo workshops, and coin museum. Learn about the area’s history.
In the afternoon, enjoy an indigo workshop. Indigo, a natural dye from the xiquilite plant, was vital to the Mayans for rituals, medicine, pottery, and painting. When the Spanish arrived in 1524, indigo became a new source of wealth. By 1558, King Charles I of Spain ordered its production in Guatemala and Cuscatlán (El Salvador). The trade route went through Granada to Cartagena de Indias, then to Spain. In the 17th century, an ounce of indigo was as valuable as gold. Salvadoran indigo is renowned as the finest in the world. Travellers will learn about the indigo process and design their own shawl.
Day 11: Bahía de Jiquilisco – kayak tour
Jiquilisco Bay is a natural treasure in the Eastern part of the country that has abundant flora and fauna. It was declared a RAMSAR site and a Biosphere Reserve. Bahia de Jiquilisco is home to many species that live in the mangrove forests. Take a Kayak tour through the mangroves.
Day 12: Bahía de Jiquilisco – turtle conservation
Join this half-day tour to capture and release giant turtles (Hawksbill or Black Turtles). Find out what the ICAPO project (hawksbill.org) is doing to protect sea turtles. Tourists help the sustainability of the conservation project. By going on this trip, you will be helping to support the ongoing research to help save the Hawksbill Turtle. The trip includes turtle weighing and measurement, skin sampling and turtle tagging. These trips are led by professionals, vets or biologists who work with the conservation program. Rest of day at leisure to enjoy this wonderful Bay, or other activities.
Day 13: Nicaragua – Boat trip, León
Transfer to La Union, El Salvador, then take a boat to Potosí, Nicaragua. Your driver will meet you at the migration point to take you to your next destination in Nicaragua. Note: You may need to step into shallow waters and walk on the beach to reach the port, so wear shorts and water shoes. Transfer to León at 13:00. The 117 km journey takes about 2 hours on a well-maintained road. León, seen as Nicaragua’s intellectual heart. It is is a picturesque colonial town with a rich history, vibrant political spirit, art, great food, and nightlife. Explore its stunning colonial architecture, museums, nearby beaches, and volcanic landscapes.
Day 14: León – Pacific wildlife
Take a morning boat tour to Juan Venado Nature Reserve at Las Peñitas Beach. Home to various bird and reptile species, Juan Venado offers a unique wildlife experience. You’ll be transferred from León to the Pacific Bay of Las Peñitas, known for its wetlands and turtle and bird nesting sites. Your guide will navigate through the inlet to the Pacific Ocean, where you can walk or swim.
In the afternoon, our guide will pick you up at the hotel for a city tour to explore León’s history and culture. Discover the gorgeous historic centre, learn about the city’s past and colonial architecture. Visit several of León’s famous churches, including the León Cathedral, the largest in Central America. Along the way, visit the Ortiz Gurdian Museum, which houses works by renowned classic and contemporary artists. Then experience daily life at the local fruit and vegetable market. The tour concludes with remarkable views from the cathedral’s picturesque rooftop.
Day 15: Apoyo – Lagoon & Masaya volcano
Today head to the crater lake of Apoyo Lagoon, where dry forest meets crystal-clear waters. Along the way, visit Masaya Volcano and the famous Artisan market. The 120 km transfer from León to Apoyo Lagoon takes about 3 hours on a well-maintained road. Apoyo Lagoon, formed 20,000 years ago, is one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful natural landmarks. Surrounded by tropical dry forests, it offers serenity and diverse wildlife. This includes iguanas, hummingbirds, and howler monkeys. The protected reserve features eco-lodges and opportunities for hiking, swimming, kayaking, and diving.
At Masaya Volcano National Park, drive to the summit to view the active crater’s bubbling lava lake. The tour continues to Masaya’s artisan market, for quality Nicaraguan handicrafts.
Day 16: Apoyo – Lagoon relaxing
Today, immerse yourself in the pristine surroundings of Apoyo Lagoon. This ancient crater lake is one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful natural landmarks. The serene environment teeming with diverse wildlife, including iguanas, hummingbirds, and howler monkeys.
Spend your day relaxing by the lagoon, swimming in its waters, or various activities. Hike the nearby trails, kayak on the lagoon, or enjoy the tranquillity of this reserve. Stay at an eco-lodge by the lake, with comfortable accommodation and stunning views.
Day 17: Granada – city tour
Today, transfer to Granada, a beautiful colonial town by Lake Nicaragua. The 18 km journey from Apoyo Lagoon takes about 30 minutes on a good road. In the afternoon, explore Granada’s history and culture on a guided tour. Founded in 1524, Granada is one of Latin America’s most beautiful cities and a World Heritage Site. It boasts Spanish colonial charm, with excellent hotels, fine restaurants, and interesting museums. The city is also a base for exploring volcanoes, beaches, national parks, and the water world of Las Isletas.
Discover Granada’s historic centre on foot or by classic horse-drawn carriage. Visit key sites like the San Francisco Convent and La Merced Church. Here you can climb the bell tower for spectacular views over the city, Lake Nicaragua, and Mombacho Volcano. The tour concludes in the oldest part of the city, around the Xalteva Church and old city walls. If you prefer, we can arrange a tour on foot or by bicycle instead.
Day 18: Granada – Mombacho Volcano & Isletas
Visit the Mombacho Volcano Reserve for a short hike through the lush cloud forest. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy panoramic views. Travel to the reserve by 4×4 truck, stopping for local coffee at a plantation. Near the summit, take a guided hike and look out for monkeys, sloths, dart frogs, and the Mombacho salamander. Enjoy views over Granada, Las Isletas archipelago, and Masaya Volcano.
In the afternoon, explore the Isletas of Granada by kayak on Lake Nicaragua. Navigate through calm waters, spotting birds, wildlife, and observing local fishermen. As you reach the quiet canals, you’ll get close to various bird species. It’s a perfect way to experience this spectacular part of Nicaragua.
Day 19: Managua – Transfer out.
Your Nicaragua experience has come to an end. Transfer to the Airport for your flight back home.
Please note all itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to logistical reasons, severe weather conditions, disasters, emergencies, or political events.
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