Original
Explorer
Central American Journey
17 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
circle300 reviews
location_on 17 days
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Start
Antigua, Guatemala
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Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
tour
Trip Code
QVRJ
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 16
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Physical Rating
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
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Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights)
From £1,452(17 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Is this trip right for you?
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Compared to the other countries you visit on this trip, Costa Rica can sometimes seem expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.
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You cover heaps of ground on this trip, with several border crossings and long travel days. This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. Although this can be tiresome, it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
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Central America is generally hot and humid year-round. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Air conditioning may not always be available in your rooms. Occasionally, properties may require an additional charge for air conditioning.
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This trip can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
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There will be times when you have to walk with your luggage, and for this reason, we recommend packing light and using a backpack or something easy to carry.
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If you are traveling with a UK passport, a visa is now required to enter Honduras. Please ensure you check the Important Notes and Essential Trip Information for more details.
Itinerary
See all the incredible sights of five Central American icons
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).
- DAY 1Day 1 • Antigua
- DAY 2Day 2 • Copan, Honduras
- DAY 3Day 3 • Copan, Honduras
- DAY 4Day 4 • Copan to Suchitoto via Guatemala
- DAY 5Day 5 • Suchitoto
- DAY 6Day 6 • El Cuco
- DAY 7Day 7 • El Cuco
- DAY 8Day 8 • El Cuco to Leon via Honduras
- DAY 9Day 9 • Leon
- DAY 10Day 10 • Granada
- DAY 11Day 11 • Granada
- DAY 12Day 12 • Monteverde
- DAY 13Day 13 • Monteverde
- DAY 14Day 14 • La Fortuna
- DAY 15Day 15 • La Fortuna
- DAY 16Day 16 • San Jose
- DAY 17Day 17 • San Jose
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
airport_shuttle Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat
bed Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights)
festival Included activities
circleCopan - Guided visit to Archaeological site
circleSuchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
circleSuchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
circleSuchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration
circleLeon - Leader led orientation walk
circleMasaya - Town & Market Visit
circleGranada - La Laguna de Apoyo Viewpoint
circleGranada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
circleMonteverde - Leader-led orientation walk
circleMonteverde - Hands-on breakfast in a local home
circleLa Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
circleMonteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide
circleSan Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
circleLa Fortuna - Cooking Class
museum Optional activities
circleAntigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ150
circleAntigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - USD30
circleCopan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD50
circleSuchitoto - Town tour (requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate) - USD35
circleSuchitoto - War historic hike (Moderate hike - 2km) at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD55
circleSuchitoto - Sunrise Kayaking on Lake Suchitlan (requires a minimum of 4 travelers to operate) - USD50
circleLeon - Volcano Sand Boarding (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD55
circleLeon - Leon Art Center - USD4
circleGranada - Mombacho Volcano hike (requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate) - USD60
circleGranada - Granada islets boat tour (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD25
circleGranada - Laguna Apoyo swimming and kayaking tour (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD40
circleMonteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD55
circleMonteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD101
circleMonteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
circleMonteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
circleMonteverde - Frog pond - USD20
circleMonteverde - Orchid gardens - USD18
circleMonteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
circleMonteverde - Children's Forest - USD25
circleLa Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges (inc entrance fee, guide and shared transport) - USD75
circleLa Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD25
circleLa Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
circleLa Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD94
circleLa Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD75
circleLa Fortuna - Baldi Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD66
circleSan Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD74
circleSan Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
circleSan Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD49
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Thursday May 29, 2025
Saturday Jun 14, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left
£1,826£1,461
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Monday Jun 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left
£1,843£1,474
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Monday Jun 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left
£1,826£1,461
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Monday Jun 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left
£1,865£1,492
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Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left
£1,936£1,452
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Monday Jul 07, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left
£2,140£1,819
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Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Saturday Jul 26, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left
£1,975£1,678
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Monday Jul 14, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 13 spaces left
£1,936£1,646
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Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Saturday Aug 02, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left
£1,936£1,646
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Monday Jul 21, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left
£2,002£1,702
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Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left
£1,936£1,646
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Monday Jul 28, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 2 spaces left
£2,140£1,819
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Monday Aug 04, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Trip size max: 16 - 10 spaces left
£1,826£1,552
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Important notes
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1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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2. Please be careful when booking flights to Antigua; make sure you fly into Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights to Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
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3. Please be careful when booking flights from San Jose; make sure you fly out of Juan Santamaría International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.
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4.As per updated Nicaragua entry requirements, customers are currently required to supply a copy of their passport front page to their booking agent no later than 15 days prior to departure.
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5. Should you have any questions or need assistance with the Honduras pre-registration, your leader will be able to assist on Day 1 of your tour. For more information, visit the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the ‘Essential Trip Information.
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6. IMPORTANT FOR UK PASSPORT HOLDERS: You must obtain a multiple entry visa to Honduras before traveling on this trip. Due to reported delays in securing embassy appointments, we recommend checking appointment availability with the Honduran Embassy before confirming your travel plans. See the Passports, visas and entry requirements section in your Essential Trip Information for details.
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7. Under Honduran law, travelers under age 21 who are traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent must have written, notarized permission to travel (in Spanish) from the non-traveling parent(s) or guardian(s). Please check with your local embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
Reviews (280)
5 stars
240
4 stars
30
3 stars
6
2 stars
2
1 star
2
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Miguel
May 07, 2025
Highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves a fast-paced tour with many options!
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Sarah
May 07, 2025
Amazing part of the world. Had a great time exploring jungles/ rivers/volcanoes and learning about the amazing flora and fauna of the region
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Nicole
May 07, 2025
What a fun trip through Central America. I felt super comfortable and never unsafe at anytime during this tour. Loved being in Central America.
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Doreen
May 04, 2025
I totally recommend our guide Juan Ma Perez - what a very special person he is to have had as our guide
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Michael
May 02, 2025
I cant do this now, but would be happy to later
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Douglas
Apr 26, 2025
Our trip was “Original”. As an “older” traveller I found the accommodations, transport, food and included activities all at least good and some great. Our guide was incredible, organized, hard working, knowledgeable and accessible at all times. He provided recommendations on ATMs, where to eat what and prepped us for multiple border crossings.
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Filia
Apr 25, 2025
Fantastic! What an epic adventure! Highly recommend
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Katerina
Apr 12, 2025
Absolutely incredible way to see the highlights of Central America. Walter our trip leader was so informative and approachable, I’m so glad that we did this trip and had Walter as our leader.
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Sian
Apr 11, 2025
We were so lucky to have Maya show us this awesome part of the world. I really recommend people doing this tour, I loved Nicaragua and El Salvador - off the beaten track and really enjoyable places to visit!
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Percy
Apr 09, 2025
Great trip with Juan Ma - great group leader. A taste of five countries during a hectic travel schedule, and busy days with a variety of inclusions and optional activities.