Nicaragua & Beyond
Experience Overview
On this 10-day exploration of Central America, you’ll cover four different countries, changing landscapes and heaps of natural and archaeological wonders. Stroll along striking black-sand beaches, colourful rainforests and ancient ruins as you make your way to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. This is a trip full of outdoor experiences and local know-how. Whether wandering the slopes of a volcano in Nicaragua, visiting small mountain communities in El Salvador or exploring the intricately carved structures at Copan archaeological site, get local insight from local leaders and travel with like-minded people on this insightful, fun and historical adventure.
Highlights
- Take a guided tour of the Copan ruins and archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important sites of the Maya civilisation.
- Visit an Indigenous artists’ village in Nicaragua to meet with a local artist who makes traditional masks – an important part of the history of the country's revolution.
- Drive up through the cloud forest at Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve and head on a hike to one of the crater lakes with an expert local guide.
- Don your chef hat and taste the local cuisine with a traditional Salvadorian pupusa-making class in a local home in Suchitoto, El Salvador.
- Head into Cinquera Forest to visit a small mountain community, learning about the area’s importance during a tour with a former guerilla fighter.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2429
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Local bus,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QBSK
Starts: Granada, El Salvador
Finishes: Antigua, El Salvador
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,150 ($215 /day)
Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Nicaragua. Your adventure begins in Granada, the oldest city in the 'New World'. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture and oozing colonial charm, Granada is set on Lake Nicaragua’s banks and surrounded by active volcanoes. As your trip only spends limited time here, you might like to arrive a few days early to fully explore this very walkable city. Your trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel today. Then tonight, enjoy an optional group dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll hop on a private minibus and start your journey towards Leon. Along the way, visit the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. There you’ll join a local guide for a ride in a 4x4 to the top of the volcano, where you’ll learn about the surrounding cloud forest and head out on a hike to one of the four craters. After, continue your journey, stopping at the Monimbo artist village. Meet with a local artisan who makes the traditional masks used during the revolution. Get to know the artist and learn about the significance of the masks, how they are created and the Indigenous perspective of the revolution. Then head to the local market that is at the center of daily life in Monimbo where you'll enjoy an included lunch of local specialties. After, head back out on the road to Leon, where you’ll have a free evening. Though it's the second largest city in the country, Leon is relatively free of tourists, making strolling the mural-lined streets an absolute pleasure.
Included Activities:
- Monimbó - Indigenous artists village visit
- Granada - Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your morning with a leader-led walk through Leon, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. The street food behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral is some of the best in town, so why not grab a 'Nica taco'? Made with maize, rolled and then deep fried, these beauties are usually served with shredded cabbage and smothered in cream. Maybe take a kayaking tour at Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve – float along the waterway between the mangrove forest and the island’s coast and watch out for wildlife that live here in abundance. Otherwise, a thrilling volcano sandboarding adventure could be just the thing for the adventure seekers out there.
Included Activities:
- Leon - Leader Led Walking Tour
Optional Activities:
- Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding (53 USD)
- Leon - Juan Venado Island Kayaking (90 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Prepare for a long driving day today as you cross into Honduras, then to El Salvador to get to your overnight stop. Along the way, your leader will engage you in an absorbing discussion about life and challenges for modern Central Americans.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hit the road headed for Suchitoto, stopping in at El Salvador’s capital city along the way. While San Salvador might historically have a reputation of being unsafe for travellers, these days it has a much safer and more comfortable atmosphere. You’ll be able to experience this difference during a leader-led walk and a visit to the UNESCO-listed El Rosario Church. Its brutalist exterior sits in contrast to both the Historic District it’s located in, as well as its surprising interior. Then continue to Suchitoto in the afternoon. For dinner, you’ll learn how to make the national dish – pupusas – a thick cake or flatbread made with cornmeal or rice flour, during an evening workshop with your group. The ingredients can be found worldwide, so if you want to make your own pupusas when you get home, you’ll enjoy this hands-on experience!
Included Activities:
- San Salvador - El Rosario church
- San Salvador -Leader-led orientation walk
- Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll head out to Cinquera Forest, which borders Suchitoto. Here, you will meet with a former guerilla fighter to learn about the forest's significance during the Salvadoran Civil War, see the former camps and take a tour around the small mountain community. Return to Suchitoto in the afternoon and then head out on a leader-led walk of the well-preserved town, widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador.
Included Activities:
- Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
- Suchitoto - Cinquera Community tour with former guerilla
Optional Activities:
- Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration (35 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning head across the border to Guatemala and then into Honduras to Copan in a private transfer. With breathtaking scenery, it's another excellent opportunity to grab a window seat and arrive in the early afternoon. While most people use Copan as a base to explore the nearby ruins, there are plenty of other points of interest, both along the cobblestone streets and set into the lush surroundings. Maybe get started in the Central Plaza and follow your nose to a café. Alternatively, head to the Macaw Mountain Bird Park – a bird rescue, rehabilitation and release centre, this nature reserve is on ten acres of forested land, surrounded by streams and very close to the ruins. Tonight, rejoin your group for a traditional Honduran dinner of Baleadas – these Honduran tacos are made with flour tortillas and stuffed with various ingredients, depending on the season, like refried beans, cheese, avocado and cream.
Optional Activities:
- Copan - Macaw Mountain Bird Park (entrance fee) (230 HNL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head out early on a guided visit to the Copan archaeological site. These magnificent Mayan ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, this continues to be one of the most important sites of the Maya civilisation. Take your time and enjoy exploring the most important cultural destination in Honduras. The rest of your day is free, so you can visit the bird park if you didn't get to yesterday. Tonight, why not visit the nearby natural hot springs. This optional tour gives you hours of soak time in the mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.
Included Activities:
- Copan - Guided visit to Archaeological site
Optional Activities:
- Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner (53 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hop in a private transfer and cross into Guatemala, arriving in Antigua in the afternoon. Then join your leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.
Included Activities:
- Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip ends today and with no activities planned, you’re free to leave anytime after checkout. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. There is lots to do in Antigua, like salsa dance lessons and chocolate-making workshops.
Optional Activities:
- Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (236 GTQ)
- Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) (105 GTQ)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Stephen - Traveled, April 2024
A very enjoyable trip, the guide and group were great, visiting some relatively unknown site that are well worth a visit. Locals are all extremely friendly and almost always felt completely safe. Can highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Rachel - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent trip, highly recommend to anyone, and despite the concerns about the countries we visited, always felt safe. Whilst there were long travel days, it never felt rushed, we always had time to explore on our own. The team leader Juan was fantastic, so knowledgeable about all the countries we visited!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Bryce - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip to visit 4 countries. Some long days of driving but they went by fast and we enjoyed the journey. Loved our guide Juan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Paul - Traveled, March 2024
This is a well intended and thought out tour with an enthusiastic well intentioned guide. He and the tour however, were let down by poor accommodation, even poorer transport and tour numbers designed for profit and not safety or comfort.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2024
Paul - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing overview of four countries! Great mix of cultural, historical and physical activities. Juan, our guide, was incredible! Be prepared for lots of time in the bus though -- it's not easy to cover four countries in 10 days. Also, I'd advise adding on at least an extra night in both Granada & Antigua, as you don't really get to see much of them on the trip itself.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Naveena - Traveled, February 2024
Nicaragua and beyond with Intrepid was an awesome experience. Even the difficult land border crossings were made bearable with our excellent tour leader Juan Guido preparing us well ahead of time. Central American culture, its rich history and the very friendly people only added to this trip’s positive vibes. We made amazing long lasting friendships as well. All in all our first Intrwpid journey is surely not going to be our last. Here’s to more traveling with intrepid travels then.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Amanda - Traveled, January 2024
Our tour guide, Ray, did an amazing job navigating the border crossings, and explaining the history and activity options for each country. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to see the highlights and experience the culture of these 4 countries. There were plenty of activity options to choose from, and also the freedom to do your own thing. I felt safe during the entire trip and would definitely do another tour with Intrepid based on my experience. Thank you Ray for a great adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/02/2024
Steven - Traveled, January 2024
Overall the trip was very good. Our guide, Ray, did an excellent job especially for someone who had never been to 3 of the 4 countries. I have two tips for people taking this tour. Do not participate in the horseback riding in Copan. If you want to go horseback riding do it somewhere else. It was not safe. The optional hot springs in Copan are over an hour away from the hotel. The local guide made it seem like they were 5 minutes away.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Sara - Traveled, January 2024
A wonderful trip to see new cities and countries I wouldn't have otherwise visited on my own. There was much more driving than I would have liked, and I do feel this trip needs a minimum of two extra days to really enjoy the visits AND to break up the driving (some driving days were 8 hours). It didn't feel like much was really included besides the transport and the accommodation. That being said, I had a great time because some of the destinations had really great optional activities, but do think this trip needs to be longer so you can spend more than just a few hours in some of the destinations. With some tweaking of the trip structure, I think it can be awesome!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Mandy - Traveled, January 2024
Sadly the worst Intrepid trip that I have done. Did not follow the itinerary and led by a guide who as not from the countries we were visiting did not feel qualified to give anything other than very basic information. Did enjoy travelling with a great group of people but the whole trip could have been so much better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
George - Traveled, January 2024
Way too much ground transportation and border crossing. Guide was not from any country we visited so couldn't give us any information. Very little included and trips expensive.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2024
Kit - Traveled, June 2024
This is a whistlestop tour - 4 countries in only 10 days - but despite the amount of ground covered it was surprisingly in depth!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2024
Amanda - Traveled, May 2024
We were so lucky to travel with our group leader, Dennis. He is proud to be Guatemalan and enthusiastic to share Central American culture with travelers. His level of organization, kindness, patience, and FUN was beyond excellent. His commitment to sharing local experiences & knowledge with the group was enriching and made the trip amazing. I am so grateful for this experience. We had a great group of travelers and an even better leader!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Josh - Traveled, May 2024
Wow! What an authentic piece of Central America you get to see on this trip. Your eyes are opened to the beautiful countries and people who live in Central America across the different day. Inclusions are amazing… Optional trips, amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2024
Shannon - Traveled, May 2024
The trip was a whirlwind of fun! So cool to travel to four different countries, and border crossings were made as seamless as possible. Our trip leader Dennis was great throughout the entire visit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Sarah - Traveled, May 2024
This tour gives an incredible opportunity to explore Central America in such an authentic way. The itinerary gives a wide cultural experience through four counties with activities run by local residents that enhance the knowledge gained throughout the trip. I highly recommended this, particularly to those who are first time travellers to Central America (as I was).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2024
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