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Peregrine Travel Centre

Central American Journey

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Central American Journey

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Description

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).

Trip Name
Central American Journey
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
17
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • 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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Antigua
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. With crumbling churches, vibrant markets and bohemian cafes set against a monumental volcano, Antigua is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Speaking of adventure, yours officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. If you decide to arrive in the city a little early (smart move!), there's plenty to do. Maybe satisfy your cravings and learn the art of old-world chocolate production at the ChocoMuseo or sit by the fountain and people-watch in Central Park. After the meeting, the night is yours – maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers for a tamale (a classic staple of Mesoamerica that sees dough, meat and sauces steamed and served in a corn husk).
Day 2 - Copan
Rise and shine early this morning to beat the rush-hour traffic around Antigua. Departing at around 7 am, you’ll drive towards Copan. Along the way, watch the passing scenery and learn about local life in Guatemala as you head towards the border. Cross into Honduras, arriving in the charming town of Copan 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 cafe for the afternoon.
Day 3 - Copan
This morning, meet up with a local guide and explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan – the southernmost of the great Maya sites. It's unique because of the numerous elaborate stelae (carved columns) still intact among temples, excavated vaults and walls inscribed with ancient faces. After your exploration (don’t forget your camera today!) the rest of the afternoon is free to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out some fine feathered friends at the Macaw Mountain Park or visit the Temple of Rosalila. You could also head to the nearby natural hot springs - this optional tour gives you hours of soaking in mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.
Day 4 - Suchitoto
You’ll wave goodbye to Copan this morning and head across the border to El Salvador. It’s a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got a good book or your favourite road trip games handy. When you arrive in Suchitoto, you’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk of the town – widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Admire the elaborate building facades, get your bearings and enjoy the surroundings. Then, get your chef’s hat on with a pupusa-making cooking class in a private home. Pupusa (cornmeal flatbreads) is a classic Salvadorian recipe from the Pipil culture and is usually stuffed with some delicious ingredients, like cheese or chicharron (fried pork).
Day 5 - Suchitoto
Today is a free day in Suchitoto. The town overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande – also known as Lago Suchitlan, this freshwater lake is a haven for migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. Maybe grab a historically-minded quartet for a guided walk through Cinquera Forest, where guerrilla fighters used the forest as cover during the Civil War. Or just relax around town, in a local café or at your accommodation.
Day 6 - El Cuco
This morning, head to a local designer’s home for an indigo-dying demonstration – Suchitoto is one of the best places in the world to produce indigo (used to dye clothing or other items blue). You’ll visit a local designer transforming colonial tradition into modern design and learn the history of the indigo trade. This small enterprise supports single mothers by providing them with an income for their children’s education, food and independence. Watch the demonstration, then get hands-on and try it for yourself! To decide who gets to take the creation home, the group will hold a raffle (are you feeling lucky?). After, you’ll drive to the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, home to some amazing dark-sand beaches and some of the best surf spots in the country.
Day 7 - El Cuco
Today, you're free as a bird to explore the beautiful Pacific Coast at your own pace. Alternatively, simply sit back and relax in a hammock on the beach and soak up the sunshine with a drink – life’s good.
Day 8 - El Cuco to Leon via Honduras
Rise nice and early for a full day of travel by private vehicle. Cross the border at El Amatillo and then head into Honduras, where you’ll stop for lunch. After, there’s another border crossing at Guasaule before you reach Leon – the second-largest city in Nicaragua. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the charming city streets to get your bearings. Leon is a relatively quiet city, which makes strolling the murals and contemporary architecture a real treat! Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group – as always, your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 9 - Leon
Today is a free day to make the most of Leon. Maybe visit the street food area behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral and try a Nica taco (made with maize, the taco is rolled, deep fried and then served with shredded cabbage smothered in cream). You could also take on a thrilling volcano sandboarding adventure on the black slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano. Maybe you’d just like to explore the city’s contemporary art or wander the Leon Cathedral.
Day 10 - Granada
This morning, you’ll drive to the oldest city in the 'New World' – Granada. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and admire the view at Laguna Apoyo, a volcanic crater lake formed around 23,000 years ago. Then, stop in at the lakeside town of Masaya, where you’ll go on an orientation walk with your leader and get the chance to browse the stalls at the town’s famous artisan market. Have some free time to find some lunch in Masaya, then continue on to Grenada. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture, Granada is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the leafy Parque Central and 'La Calzada' – a busy pedestrian street with plenty of bars and restaurants. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 11 - Granada
This morning you’ll have breakfast with your group at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a café run entirely by deaf people. The owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities. After, the rest of the day is yours. Maybe hit the Convento y Museo San Francisco and view the collection of Indigenous stone statues. Hundreds of evergreen islets dot the waters of vast Lake Nicaragua and you can spend a few hours exploring them by boat, or hire a kayak and find your own way around, waving at the fisherman who live in wooden huts along the way. Just remember not to swim, as freshwater sharks live in the water!
Day 12 - Monteverde
Today is another early start as you get ready for a full day of travel. Journey to Monteverde, where you can begin exploring this afternoon on an orientation walk with your leader. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers. These environmentally aware settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but instead, draw their water from a semi-permanent cloud covering the region. This is truly a nature lover's paradise! More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species call Monteverde home.
Day 13 - Monteverde
Begin the day with a special morning brew, as you're welcomed into a local’s home for breakfast and the chance to sample some local Costa Rican coffees. Then, head out to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you’ll join a local guide to walk the reserve’s trails. They’ll share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye (and spotting scope) to searching for the wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. Once your tour is complete, you’re welcome to stay and continue exploring the reserve or return to your accommodation to relax.
Day 14 - La Fortuna
This morning, take a shared minibus transfer to the shores of Lake Arenal, where you’ll take a boat across the lake to the little town of La Fortuna. On a clear day, you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger and larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Once you reach La Fortuna, take another vehicle to the hotel, then freshen up and head out on a leader-led orientation walk. La Fortuna is a favourite among travel writers for a reason – words like picturesque and breathtaking spring to mind when trying to describe this town in the shadow of the volcano.
Day 15 - La Fortuna
Why not start today with a smoothie and plan how you want to explore? Perhaps take a guided nature hike through the lush forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals, or see the forest from a series of hanging bridges that offer a great vantage point for spotting wildlife like sloths and rainbow-coloured birds. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area is home to several thermal hot springs – an ideal way to relax in the middle of nature. Or maybe check out the 70-m-high La Fortuna waterfall set in the middle of the rainforest and hit the lake on a stand-up paddleboard. A boat safari in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge offers the opportunity to see lizards, crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat, so if you’re craving more wildlife, this option is perfect.
Day 16 - San Jose
Spend you final morning in La Fortuna learning the art of Costa Rican cuisine. A local family will guide you through a cooking class, and you’ll enjoy the results of your efforts for lunch. Then, watch the volcano fade into the distance on your private transfer to Costa Rica's capital – San Jose. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to see the main highlights. When you’ve got your bearings, you may like to visit the Gold Museum, which has a fantastic collection of pre-Spanish gold art. If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to the outdoor market in the Plaza de la Cultura or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. Tonight, why not join your fellow travellers for an optional farewell dinner?
Day 17 - San Jose
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. There's a lot to see and do in and around San Jose, so if you’d like to stay for longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-12-202418-12-2024AUD $ 2,188-
05-12-202421-12-2024AUD $ 2,128-
12-12-202428-12-2024AUD $ 2,188-
16-12-202401-01-2025AUD $ 2,372-
19-12-202404-01-2025AUD $ 2,965-
23-12-202408-01-2025AUD $ 2,551-
26-12-202411-01-2025AUD $ 3,020-
28-12-202413-01-2025AUD $ 2,322-
30-12-202415-01-2025AUD $ 2,372-
06-01-202522-01-2025AUD $ 3,016-
09-01-202525-01-2025AUD $ 2,624-
13-01-202529-01-2025AUD $ 2,756-
20-01-202505-02-2025AUD $ 2,676-
23-01-202508-02-2025AUD $ 2,624-
27-01-202512-02-2025AUD $ 2,624-
30-01-202515-02-2025AUD $ 2,624-
03-02-202519-02-2025AUD $ 2,828-
06-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 2,828-
10-02-202526-02-2025AUD $ 2,912-
15-02-202503-03-2025AUD $ 2,772-
17-02-202505-03-2025AUD $ 2,828-
20-02-202508-03-2025AUD $ 2,772-
24-02-202512-03-2025AUD $ 2,828-
27-02-202515-03-2025AUD $ 2,772-
03-03-202519-03-2025AUD $ 2,624-
10-03-202526-03-2025AUD $ 2,624-
13-03-202529-03-2025AUD $ 2,832-
17-03-202502-04-2025AUD $ 2,624-
24-03-202509-04-2025AUD $ 2,624-
27-03-202512-04-2025AUD $ 2,624-
31-03-202516-04-2025AUD $ 2,676-
03-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 2,624-
07-04-202523-04-2025AUD $ 2,624-
10-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 2,624-
14-04-202530-04-2025AUD $ 2,624-
17-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 2,624-
21-04-202507-05-2025AUD $ 2,624-
24-04-202510-05-2025AUD $ 2,476-
26-04-202512-05-2025AUD $ 2,476-
28-04-202514-05-2025AUD $ 2,476-
05-05-202521-05-2025AUD $ 2,476-
08-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 2,476-
12-05-202528-05-2025AUD $ 2,476-
19-05-202504-06-2025AUD $ 2,476-
26-05-202511-06-2025AUD $ 2,476-
29-05-202514-06-2025AUD $ 2,476-
02-06-202518-06-2025AUD $ 2,476-
09-06-202525-06-2025AUD $ 2,476-
16-06-202502-07-2025AUD $ 2,476-
19-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 2,476-
23-06-202509-07-2025AUD $ 2,476-
30-06-202516-07-2025AUD $ 2,476-
03-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 2,624-
07-07-202523-07-2025AUD $ 2,624-
10-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 2,624-
14-07-202530-07-2025AUD $ 2,624-
17-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 2,624-
21-07-202506-08-2025AUD $ 2,624-
24-07-202509-08-2025AUD $ 2,624-
28-07-202513-08-2025AUD $ 2,624-
04-08-202520-08-2025AUD $ 2,476-
07-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 2,476-
11-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 2,476-
14-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 2,476-
18-08-202503-09-2025AUD $ 2,476-
25-08-202510-09-2025AUD $ 2,476-
01-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 2,476-
08-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 2,476-
15-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 2,476-
22-09-202508-10-2025AUD $ 2,476-
29-09-202515-10-2025AUD $ 2,476-
06-10-202522-10-2025AUD $ 2,476-
09-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 2,476-
13-10-202529-10-2025AUD $ 2,476-
20-10-202505-11-2025AUD $ 2,476-
27-10-202512-11-2025AUD $ 2,624-
30-10-202515-11-2025AUD $ 2,624-
03-11-202519-11-2025AUD $ 2,772-
06-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 2,772-
08-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 2,772-
10-11-202526-11-2025AUD $ 2,772-
13-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 2,772-
17-11-202503-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
20-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
22-11-202508-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
24-11-202510-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
27-11-202513-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
01-12-202517-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
04-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
08-12-202524-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
11-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 2,772-
15-12-202531-12-2025AUD $ 3,465-
18-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 3,465-
20-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 3,465-
22-12-202507-01-2026AUD $ 3,465-
25-12-202510-01-2026AUD $ 3,465-
29-12-202514-01-2026AUD $ 3,465-
05-01-202621-01-2026AUD $ 3,445-
08-01-202624-01-2026AUD $ 3,445-
12-01-202628-01-2026AUD $ 3,445-
15-01-202631-01-2026AUD $ 3,445-
19-01-202604-02-2026AUD $ 3,445-
22-01-202607-02-2026AUD $ 3,445-
26-01-202611-02-2026AUD $ 3,445-
29-01-202614-02-2026AUD $ 3,445-
02-02-202618-02-2026AUD $ 3,640-
05-02-202621-02-2026AUD $ 3,640-
07-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 3,640-
09-02-202625-02-2026AUD $ 3,640-
12-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 3,640-
14-02-202602-03-2026AUD $ 3,640-
16-02-202604-03-2026AUD $ 3,640-
19-02-202607-03-2026AUD $ 3,640-
23-02-202611-03-2026AUD $ 3,640-
26-02-202614-03-2026AUD $ 3,640-
02-03-202618-03-2026AUD $ 3,445-
09-03-202625-03-2026AUD $ 3,445-
12-03-202628-03-2026AUD $ 3,445-
16-03-202601-04-2026AUD $ 3,445-
23-03-202608-04-2026AUD $ 3,445-
26-03-202611-04-2026AUD $ 3,445-
30-03-202615-04-2026AUD $ 3,445-
02-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 3,445-
06-04-202622-04-2026AUD $ 3,445-
09-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 3,445-
13-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 3,445-
16-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 3,445-
20-04-202606-05-2026AUD $ 3,445-
23-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 3,250-
25-04-202611-05-2026AUD $ 3,250-
27-04-202613-05-2026AUD $ 3,250-
04-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 3,250-
07-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 3,250-
11-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 3,250-
18-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 3,250-
25-05-202610-06-2026AUD $ 3,250-
28-05-202613-06-2026AUD $ 3,250-
01-06-202617-06-2026AUD $ 3,250-
08-06-202624-06-2026AUD $ 3,250-
15-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 3,250-
18-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 3,250-
22-06-202608-07-2026AUD $ 3,250-
29-06-202615-07-2026AUD $ 3,250-
02-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 3,445-
06-07-202622-07-2026AUD $ 3,445-
09-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 3,445-
13-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 3,445-
16-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 3,445-
20-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 3,445-
23-07-202608-08-2026AUD $ 3,445-
27-07-202612-08-2026AUD $ 3,445-
03-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 3,250-
06-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 3,250-
10-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 3,250-
13-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 3,250-
17-08-202602-09-2026AUD $ 3,250-
24-08-202609-09-2026AUD $ 3,250-
31-08-202616-09-2026AUD $ 3,250-
07-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 3,250-
14-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 3,250-
21-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 3,250-
28-09-202614-10-2026AUD $ 3,250-
05-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 3,250-
08-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 3,250-
12-10-202628-10-2026AUD $ 3,250-
19-10-202604-11-2026AUD $ 3,250-
26-10-202611-11-2026AUD $ 3,445-
29-10-202614-11-2026AUD $ 3,445-
02-11-202618-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
05-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
07-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
09-11-202625-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
12-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 3,640-
16-11-202602-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
19-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
21-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
23-11-202609-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
26-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
30-11-202616-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
03-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
07-12-202623-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
10-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
14-12-202630-12-2026AUD $ 3,640-
17-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 3,640-
19-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 3,640-
21-12-202606-01-2027AUD $ 3,640-
24-12-202609-01-2027AUD $ 3,640-
28-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 3,640-

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Shared boat

Map

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