Original
Explorer
Central American Journey
17 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
300 reviews
17 days
Start
Antigua, Guatemala
Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
Trip Code
QVRJ
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights)
From £1,452(17 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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.
Is this trip right for you?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights)
Included activities
Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site
Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration
Leon - Leader led orientation walk
Masaya - Town & Market Visit
Granada - La Laguna de Apoyo Viewpoint
Granada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
Monteverde - Leader-led orientation walk
Monteverde - Hands-on breakfast in a local home
La Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide
San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
La Fortuna - Cooking Class
Optional activities
Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ150
Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - USD30
Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD50
Suchitoto - Town tour (requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate) - USD35
Suchitoto - War historic hike (Moderate hike - 2km) at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD55
Suchitoto - Sunrise Kayaking on Lake Suchitlan (requires a minimum of 4 travelers to operate) - USD50
Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD55
Leon - Leon Art Center - USD4
Granada - Mombacho Volcano hike (requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate) - USD60
Granada - Granada islets boat tour (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD25
Granada - Laguna Apoyo swimming and kayaking tour (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD40
Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD55
Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD101
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
Monteverde - Frog pond - USD20
Monteverde - Orchid gardens - USD18
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
Monteverde - Children's Forest - USD25
La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges (inc entrance fee, guide and shared transport) - USD75
La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD25
La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD94
La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD75
La Fortuna - Baldi Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD66
San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD74
San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD49
Dates and availability
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Important notes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Miguel
May 07, 2025
Highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves a fast-paced tour with many options!
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
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.
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
Michael
May 02, 2025
I cant do this now, but would be happy to later
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.
Filia
Apr 25, 2025
Fantastic! What an epic adventure! Highly recommend
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.
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!
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.
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