Discover Central America 14 Days
14 Days: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala
Tour overview:
If traveling all over Central America has ever been on your list, then look no further. This two-week long tour takes you to Costa volcanoes, rain forests, hot springs, “white pueblos”, lagoons, coffee farms and a number of other memorable places between Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Granada, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
Day 1 - San Jose
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. You are welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
Day 2 - San Jose – Volcanoes
This morning visit Arenal Volcano National Park, where you will enjoy magnificent views of the Central Valley and the volcano’s enormous crater, considered one of the largest in the world. Enjoy lunch at La Fortuna. Continue to visit Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, have dinner here and then transferred to your hotel. (BLD)
Day 3 - Arenal
After breakfast, visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, one of the greatest eco tourist projects of Costa Rica, with an exuberant primary rain forest where you will find a great biological diversity and incomparable scenic splendor. You will be able to appreciate the natural beauties of the majestic environment, thanks to the imposing and huge hanging bridges with beautiful trails that give it easy access and great security. (B)
Day 4 - Penas Blancas – Granada (Nicaragua – Costa Rica border)
This morning, transfer to Penas Blanca border. After immigration, continue your journey into Nicaragua. On route you will drive through the famous “white pueblos” and the town of Catarina, stopping at one of the country’s most stunning panoramic views, the Apoyo Lagoon. Upon arrival at destination, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 5 - Granada – Islands
Morning tour on the islands of Granada filled with nature and beautiful views of the volcanoes. Continue. Enjoy tour of the historic sites of Granada including a visit to the museum at San Francisco Convent and enjoy panoramic view of the city from the bell tower of La Merced Church. (B)
Day 6 - Granada – Mombacho – Masaya – Managua
Enjoy your drive to Mombacho Volcano traveling from the savanna dry region, through coffee farms and into the cloud forest. Upon arrival you will walk 2 Kms along to discover an unusual collection of orchids, ferns, butterflies, birds, and fantastic views (subject to weather conditions) of Granada its surrounding countryside. Continue to the handcraft market of Masaya and the Volcan Masaya National Park. The Masaya Volcano is one of Nicaragua’s most interesting and beautiful natural phenomena. Established in 1979 as the country’s first national park, Volcan Masaya comprises an area of over 33 square miles and more than 12 miles of scenic roads and trails, leading to and around the two impressive volcanoes and five formidable craters. (B)
Day 7 - Managua – Leon – Managua
After breakfast, you will take a city tour of Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua and then continue to Leon. The city of Leon was originally founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Hernández de Cordoba in 1524. Later travel to Leon. Visit the cathedral, the ruins of Leon, the Ortiz Guardian and the Ruben Dario Museum. Later, visit the boilers of San Jacinto, which is a little town about 12 miles northeast of Leon. Behind the village lie boiling mud holes, connected probably to the Telica volcano. Later, enjoy the rest of the day at the beach of Las Penitas. (B)
Day 8 - Managua – San Salvador
Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to San Salvador. Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your city tour of San Salvador. There you will visit the residential areas, the devils gate, Balboa Park, Los Planes (scenic view), and the city center. You will also visit Boqueron National Park and the Anthropological Museum. (B)
Note: Early morning flight is recommended (cost not included in the package)
Day 9 - Ruta De Las Flores
Today you will be traveling to the east of the country. You will see Los Chorros National Park with its beautiful cascades and pools, then continue to the Apaneca mountain range. This part of the country is known as the “Flower Route”, because during December coffee is blossoming and full of small flowers. You will visit the coffee process plant and the town of Ataco before lunch. Continue on route and enjoy the amazing views of the Izalco Volcano, once called the “Lighthouse of the Pacific” because of the constant eruptions that ended on year 1958. Over night in Ataco . (B)
Day 10 - Ataco– Joya de Ceren – Santa Ana – Copan
After breakfast, depart to Joya de Ceren National Park. This is a Mayan village that was covered by the ashes of a nearby volcano and discovered by accident in the 80s. Continue to the ceremonial center and museum of San Andres. On route to Copan take a short visit at Santa Ana with its charming city center. Arrive at Copan during the afternoon. It is suggested that you visit the Museo del Pueblo, which houses beautiful pieces that have been found in the area. (B)
Day 11 - Copan – Guatemala City - Antiga
In the morning you will visit the Copan ruins, declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site. The majority of Archaeologists agree that Copan formed part of the three largest and most lavish cultural centers of the new world. The Mayans developed a civilization based on a complex sociopolitical structure; at the same time they achieved, with amazing dexterity, in the fields of science, mathematics and astronomy. Afternoon transfer on first class bus to Guatemala City and minibus to Antigua. (B)
Day 12 - Antigua Guatemala
La Antigua, Guatemala is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Mudejar-influenced Baroque architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
Day 13 - Antigua
Today enjoy a day at leisure to pursue your own activities. (B)
Optional: Tour to Tikal National Park available upon request
Day 14 - Antigua – Departure
Transfer to airport for your flight home. (B)