Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua
14 days
Central America’s magnificent cerulean seas, lush forests, ancient Maya ruins, and fiery volcanoes combine to create a genuinely awe-inspiring tropical paradise. Explore Mayan history at impressive archaeological ruins and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Guatemala, the heart of the Mayan World, with expert-guided tours.
El Salvador is a small but mighty travel destination that entices adventure seekers looking to escape the typical Central American tourist circuit. Nicaragua is a hidden gem brimming with natural beauty waiting for travelers. The country’s lush jungles are teeming with an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Tikal
Mayan Ruins, Guatemala
Lake Suchitlan
Suchitoto, El Salvador
Volcano Concepcion
Nicaragua
Leon
Colonial town, Nicaragua
Highlights
Experience the wonders of Mayan culture by taking a boat trip across the breathtaking Lake Atitlan. Enjoy Antigua Guatemala’s impressive architecture, picture-perfect venues, local cuisine, volcano views, and dreamy weather while strolling on its colorful cobblestone streets. While walking through Tikal’s causeways, you’ll marvel at the towering temples rising steeply into the jungle surroundings. Explore Suchitoto’s rich history and breathtaking views of Lake Suchitlan. Leon and Granada provide a distinctive combination of historical significance, cultural richness, and stunning natural scenery.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Guatemala City International Airport (GUA), a representative will greet you and provide transportation to Panajachel, located on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan is renowned for its stunning volcanoes, Mayan culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
The majestic Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro volcanoes provide a stunning backdrop for the lake. The surrounding villages are home to the vibrant Maya culture, where traditional dresses are still worn.
The Western Highlands is home to colorful and charming mountain towns, lakes, forests, and most of the Mayan indigenous inhabitants of Guatemala. This district is the area most tourists aware of Guatemala think about when daydreaming of a tour of this magnificent country.
Two nights in Lake Atitlan.
Today, you will embark on a boat tour of Lake Atitlan, where you can witness its surrounding villages’ vibrant colors and rich local culture. You will explore the most stunning lake in Latin America, recognized as one of the world’s natural wonders. During the tour, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of its three volcanoes and learn about the fascinating Mayan culture that still thrives in the area.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit several indigenous towns situated on the shores of the lake. This is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Maya living culture. As part of the tour, you will be visiting the following Maya villages:
1. The Painted town of Santa Catarina Palopo.
In later years, the cooperative Painting Change began painting the village houses with brilliant colors and long-established Maya drawings as preferred by the families of each home. Today, the town pops with life. Maya art has acted as a tool for positive change. All from the brilliant colors, the women – with their lively purple and blue traditional dresses – and the community, everything contributes to the charisma of this village.
2. San Juan La Laguna.
This town has an exceptional atmosphere, where Maya art cooperatives and handicraft shops outnumber cafes and pubs. Moreover, it boasts stunning views of the lake, steep mountains, and towering volcanoes.
San Juan is the predominant heart for unique Mayan art, handicrafts, and weaving. Several collectives provide opportunities for women to earn a living through these programs. San Juan is also surrounded by coffee plantations, making it one of the best places to enjoy a cup of the finest organic coffee in the world. During your visit to San Juan, your guide will take you to a coffee farm, where you can learn all about Guatemalan coffee production and taste some of the world’s best coffee.
3. Santiago Atitlan
Santiago Atitlan is in a bay between two imposing volcanoes, surrounded by forest-covered mountains. Everywhere you turn in this town, you will see a volcano. The indigenous inhabitants of Santiago go about their daily lives, and it is hard not to notice how they all wear their traditional clothes, including men. The inhabitants are friendly, and you will see them smiling contagiously at each other. Explore this place’s natural beauty and traditional culture and learn more about the indigenous way of life.
You will fall so much in love with Lake Atitlan that you will never want to travel anywhere else.
Today, you have two activity options to choose from. The first is a hike to the Mayan Face mountain, which offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure opportunity for those who enjoy hiking. The second option is the Maya market and cooking class, an excellent alternative for those not interested in hiking. When it comes to hiking up this mountain, you have two options to choose from.
Sunrise hike: Join us for a sunrise hike, where we’ll take a boat to San Clara and then hike for about an hour to reach the summit. The breathtaking sunrise and stunning views are worth the early wake-up call at 4 a.m.
Regular hike: During this hike, you can view the volcanoes, mountains, and surrounding villages. This option is perfect if you enjoy hiking and are okay with a good workout. The mountain’s summit is over 2,200 meters (7,217 feet) above sea level, which makes it a challenging climb. The hike lasts approximately 3 hours and takes you to the summit.
Local market and cooking class: If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry. We have an excellent alternative: join a cooking class taught by a local Mayan cook and learn how to prepare authentic Guatemalan food.
We start with a small excursion to the local market to purchase ingredients and to talk to local vendors. Later, we go to a cozy kitchen terrace overlooking the lake. After the class, we will have lunch together. After that, we will visit a women’s weaving cooperative just below the kitchen.
Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Antigua Guatemala. During this tour, you will explore the UNESCO-recognized ruins, plazas, churches, museums, and many other exciting places that tourists often overlook. It’s a great way to get to know the city and its rich history and culture.
During this guided tour, you will have the chance to explore the charming Antigua Guatemala, the most beautiful colonial city in the Americas. You will visit the central plaza, adorned with jacaranda trees, and wander through the cobblestone streets of brightly colored colonial buildings. Additionally, you’ll see some 16th-century ruins that are truly breathtaking. The majestic backdrop of the triple ascent of the volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango further enhances the city’s beauty.
Later, you will attend a mini-chocolate workshop to learn to make chocolates according to your preferences. You will receive a brief and straightforward explanation of the chocolate-making process. You can make chocolate with dark chocolate or milk and add various condiments. Finally, you will leave the workshop with your handmade chocolates.
Two nights in Antigua Guatemala.
Volcano Pacaya offers a unique adventure that you will enjoy. Hike the volcano, see stony ashes and dried lava, walk through lush forests, and witness red-hot flowing lava. Depending on the volcano’s activity, you may even have the chance to witness small eruptions and flowing lava firsthand.
After descending from the volcano, enjoy lunch and relax in the 12 soaking pools, 25 steam baths, and three Kawilal Hot Springs hydrotherapy baths.
If you’re not interested in hiking, we can take you on an excursion to explore the nearby colonial towns instead. These towns and plantations around Antigua Guatemala are fascinating. This excursion will give you a deeper comprehension of the region’s history, economy, and culture.
The first stop is San Juan del Obispo, where you will visit the monastery of Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala’s first bishop. The upcoming town on the route is Ciudad Vieja, once Guatemala’s second colonial capital. However, in 1541, it was destroyed by the mudflows of Volcano de Agua, resulting in a tragic history.
Next, the Valhalla Macadamia Organic Farm awaits, where you can discover the crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture. The macadamia nut farm cultivates and harvests these amazing nuts and uses them to create natural products that promote healthy skin. Visitors can enjoy a wholesome meal and unwind with a soothing facial massage using macadamia oil.
Discover the local cooperative market located in San Antonio Aguas Calientes. The market is renowned for its beautiful handicrafts, which you can appreciate and even purchase. To wrap up the tour, you will visit a jade factory where you can learn about jade’s historical and contemporary uses.
The journey begins with a flight from Guatemala City to Flores Island. Upon arrival at Flores, a local guide will escort you to the secluded Mayan ruins of Yaxha, Guatemala’s third largest Mayan site. Despite its significance, Yaxha is relatively less crowded due to its limited space, making it an ideal location for visitors who wish to explore the site without the presence of other tourists.
One of the most remarkable things about Yaxha is its proximity to a lagoon, which provides breathtaking views. The site’s name, Yaxha, meaning ‘Green Water,’ is derived from the lagoon. You can climb to the top of Pyramid 216, the tallest structure on the site, and enjoy stunning vistas of the ancient ruins, the lush jungle canopy, and the lagoon.
Later, when we return to Flores Island, we can take a sunset boat tour on Lake Peten, weather permitting. We will visit the Mayan site of Tayazal, situated on a peninsula on the lake. You can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the island from the top of the pyramids.
Two nights on Flores Island.
Today, you will have an expedition to the magic Mayan City of Tikal. Experience these must-see ruins. A captivating introduction to the monumental jungle temples, this expedition treats you to an archaeology guide and countless wildlife viewing chances.
You will visit the magnificent temples that tower over the dense jungle, and your guide will teach you about the city’s role as a vital scientific, political, and religious hub for 1,500 years. The jungle canopy surrounding the site is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including spider and howler monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots, jaguars, and many others.
The cacophony of birds and monkeys surrounds the path through the jungle. It leads to a spectacular view of the massive Mayan ruins almost a millennium old. Hike through the jungle to reach the highest temple and witness an incredible sight: an overwhelming sea of trees, with the tips of the Mayan temples of Tikal jutting out like rock boats.
A driver will take you to the Airport Mundo Maya (FRS) for your flight to El Salvador. Another driver will be waiting for you for the transfer from El Salvador International Airport (SAL) to Suchitoto.
Two nights in Suchitoto.
Suchitoto is renowned for its cobblestone streets and picturesque view of Lake Suchitlan. During a city tour, you’ll learn about the local history and culture against the stunning backdrop of the Guazapa volcano. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Suchitlan, Suchitoto is one of the most charming towns in El Salvador, boasting a blend of ancient cobblestones and well-preserved colonial architecture.
Discover the lively cultural center of El Salvador. Appreciate the historic center’s colonial buildings and cobbled streets; see the brilliant white Santa Lucia Church, and visit art galleries, handicraft shops, and markets.
We’ll visit the Los Tercios waterfall later. The waterfall may be less impressive during the dry season. However, the unique rock formations and the hike are still fascinating enough to make the trip worthwhile. To reach the ten-meter waterfall, visitors must trek through crumbling rock formations, which adds an exciting element of adventure to the experience. Additionally, guests can enjoy the breathtaking view of Lake Suchitlan from the top.
Today, you will be leaving El Salvador. Our driver will take you to the international airport for your flight to Managua, Nicaragua. Once you arrive, another driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Leon – the second-largest city in Nicaragua. Leon is famous for its many historic Spanish colonial houses and churches.
One night in Leon.
Leon is the intellectual hub of the country. Your guide will take you to the city’s most beautiful places. These include the cathedral, the murals of the revolution, Museum Ruben Dario, and Gallery Ortiz. The collection at Gallery Ortiz features work from European masters, such as Picasso and Chagall, and a stunning array of Latin American art.
During your tour, you will visit the Basilica de la Asuncion, the largest cathedral in Central America. You will also discover the cathedral’s mysterious secrets and climb to its roof to enjoy a scenic view of the city. You can hike around Leon Central Plaza and explore the nearby buildings. Later, you will visit the Ruins of Leon Viejo, the city’s original location and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will learn about the history and conflicts between the conquerors and the native population. Additionally, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Momotombo volcano rising on the banks of Lake Xolotlan.
Afterward, you’ll drive to the colonial city of Granada.
Three nights in Granada.
Today, you will drive to San Jorge to catch the ferry to Ometepe Island. This island is the largest freshwater island in the world, and it features two majestic volcanoes connected through a short strip of land. Ometepe Island is a popular destination among local and international travelers, thanks to its stunning landscapes, volcanoes, rich archaeological history, and relaxing beaches.
During your tour, you will visit the following places:
– Ojo de Agua: This natural spring is known for its cold, crystal-clear waters that have rejuvenating properties for your skin. This farm has rustic facilities like pools, hiking trails, and thatch-roof huts.
– Charco Verde: This ecological reserve covers 20 hectares of tropical forest and is home to many animal species. The lagoon of Charco Verde is famous for its emerald-green waters. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this unspoiled woodland area.
– Santo Domingo Beach: This 4-kilometer-long beach features grey sand, and the warm and shallow waters of the lake make it ideal for bathing and swimming. Relax in the constant onshore breeze or walk along the beach, framed by forest.
At the end of the tour, we will take the ferry back to San Jorge and drive to Granada.
Granada has cultural and historical significance, which has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The city boasts exquisite beauty, with palm trees rising between red-tiled roofs amidst volcanoes and lake shores.
The city’s natural beauty has inspired poets, artists, and writers. The locals’ laid-back air and happy disposition make it one of the most relaxed cities in Central America, where culture and nature blend seamlessly.
Granada is a city that stands out for its distinctive charm, which is showcased by its colonial architecture, use of horse-drawn carriages, and friendly locals. The city has a rich history dating back to the Spanish conquistadors. The churches of San Francisco, La Merced, and the neoclassical cathedral are a must-visit. During your city tour through colonial Granada, you’ll visit an ancient fortress and a cemetery with over 400-year-old tombs to experience the city’s rich history.
This adventure concludes with a transfer to Managua International Airport (MGA) for your departure.
map, expenses & price
Central America Trip
Expenses included:
-Private transportation.
-Thirteen nights of hotel accommodations.
-Domestic flights.
-Professional certified guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Daily breakfasts.
Extensions
Central America
Copan Ruinas is one of Central America’s most impressive Mayan ruins. The mesmerizing temples, intricate carvings, and ancient ruins nestled deep within the verdant jungle. And as you gaze upon this magnificent spectacle, you may be fortunate enough to witness the vibrant parrots soaring amidst the lush tree canopies. The Copan Ruinas archaeological site stands proudly next to a modern and charming town of the same name, inspiring awe and wonder in visitors worldwide. Despite not having the grandeur of Tikal’s architecture, this city has left us with remarkable sculptures and hieroglyphics that continue to inspire us today.
central america
La Ruta de Las Flores (The Flower Route) winds through the breathtaking Apaneca mountain range, which is not only the largest coffee-growing region in El Salvador but also a place of natural beauty. This journey takes you through small mountain towns surrounded by volcanoes, coffee plantations, and nature. Experience the locals’ traditions, culture, food, and customs. Ataco is a true embodiment of vibrancy and colorfulness. Its stunning cobblestone streets, diverse shops and galleries, and beautiful murals testify to the town’s rich cultural heritage. Juayua is known for its weekend food festival, a must-visit for every food lover.
