Central America Uncovered - 19 Days

Welcome to Nicaragua! You will be met at Managua airport and transferred to our hotel in the nearby historic town of Granada. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

This morning we explore the charming city of Granada with a guided city tour, visiting some of the city's finest colonial buildings and churches. Then we take an excursion to Las Isletas, a 365-island archipelago which was formed 20,000 years ago when the Mombacho volcano erupted and giant masses of rock, ash and lava landed in Lake Nicaragua. Today these green tropical islets are a haven for birdlife and the site of luxury holiday homes owned by rich Nicaraguans. At dusk we can sit and watch a wonderful sunset over the mainland.

We visit Masaya National Park today and explore its incredible volcanic crater lakes, Coyotepe hilltop fort, the active crater of Masaya and the town of Masaya. In the town you can stroll around the handicraft market and perhaps purchase one of Masaya's famous handmade hammocks.

Granada - Leon. This morning we drive to Leon (2-3 hours), passing the capital city of Managua and Managua Lake. Heading north past the foothills of the Momotombo Volcano we arrive in Leon, another charming colonial city. The rest of the day is free for you to stroll around the streets and shady plazas of the city centre, where you'll find many ornate churches.

Today there's a choice of optional excursions. You can visit Poneloya on the pristine Pacific coast where you can relax on the long stretch of beautiful beach and relax with a drink at one of the ramshackle local bars. Or you can explore the local mangrove forest by boat and spot the resident bird life and wildlife. Alternatively, there's a trip to Leon Viejo archaeological site, where the city of Leon was first located among the tropical trees. Following earthquakes the city was relocated in the early 17th Century.

Leon - Suchitoto (El Salvador). This morning we travel back to Managua airport and take a flight to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. From here we drive to the lovely colonial town of Suchitoto, located on the shores of Lago Suchitlan. Virtually untouched by tourism, this small town is easily navigated on foot. Explore its cobblestoned streets, visit the plaza which has a beautiful, whitewashed church and enjoy wonderful views of the lake and forest from restaurants along the shore.

We spend a day walking along the forest trails which surround the town, spotting migratory birds, or perhaps take a boat trip out onto the lake. Alternatively, simply relax and enjoy this relaxing haven.

Suchitoto - Antigua (Guatamala). Bidding farewell to El Salvador we travel north-west across the border into the Guatemalan highlands and the picturesque town of Antigua. Time permitting, a stop will be made en route to visit the archaeological site of Joya de Ceren, a 600 AD Mayan town preserved under ash from the eruption of a nearby volcano.

We spend three nights in the beautiful colonial town of Antigua, which is set against a spectacular backdrop of smouldering volcanoes. This town cannot fail to enchant, with its cobbled streets, gorgeous leafy central plaza, tiled courtyards and colourful street markets. Antigua also has an abundance of huge, ruined churches, convents and monasteries, testament to a time when Antigua was the country’s capital, and its main religious centre. We explore the city on a guided tour.

Spend the day relaxing in Antigua, strolling around town, shopping for souvenirs or visiting the ruined convents and squares. Alternatively there is a full day optional excursion to the ruins of Copan in neighbouring Honduras. Copan, along with Tikal is one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites.

Antigua - Chichicastenango - Lake Atitlan. Today we travel into the highlands of west Antigua to Lake Atitlan, passing dramatic landscapes dominated by imposing volcanoes. En route we stop at the highland town of Chichicastenango. In this religious town there's a large, vibrant market selling brightly coloured textiles, clothes and tapestries, in addition to beautiful hand-carved masks and leather goods.

This lake is one of the world's most captivating gems, boasting volcanic peaks that mirror themselves in its unbelievably blue waters, while traditional towns and villages grace its shores. It's an ideal destination for a few days of serenity. Our home base is the tranquil village of Santa Catarina de Polopó, just a short distance from the bustling tourist hub of Panajachel. To explore further, we embark on a motor launch journey across the lake to Santiago de Atitlán. As we journey the calm morning waters, we are treated to breathtaking views of various shoreline communities, cultivated fields, majestic residences, and the encircling gently sloping volcanoes.

Upon reaching Santiago, we receive a warm welcome from enthusiastic local children. This town is a fantastic place to shop for brilliantly coloured textiles. These spirited children might even offer to lead us to the current abode of Maximón, the local idol known for his smoking, drinking, hat-wearing, and mischievous antics. Each village around the lake has its distinct traditional attire and speaks its own Mayan dialect. There's plenty of time here to unwind, savour the tranquillity, and marvel at the enchanting views. Alternatively, you can choose an optional excursion available to go out onto the lake by canoe, rent a bicycle, or visit one of the nearby butterfly or animal parks.

Lake Atitlan - Flores. Morning of Day 14, we take an hour flight to Flores, nestled in the lush northern jungles of the country. Here, we make our base for exploring the magnificent Mayan ruins for the next two days at Tikal, which is just an hour away. Tikal, an ancient city veiled in history, boasts towering temples that pierce the forest canopy. Climbing one of these temple summits offers timeless, unforgettable views of the site. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local, we'll wander through palace complexes, discovering the grandeur of Tikal. Reaching the peak around AD 800, Tikal was one of the largest and most significant Mayan city-states before its enigmatic decline.

Our base is located in a secluded lakeside lodge on Lake Petén, explore the extensive grounds of a nearby nature reserve, encompassing jungle-clad areas along Lake Petén's shores, where lurking crocodiles and graceful wild deer may be encountered. Don't forget to gaze skyward, as the trees host a colourful array of lively birdlife, including various toucan species. Alternatively, you can unwind amidst the hotel's enchanting gardens and by the pool, relishing the serenity of your surroundings.

Flores - Yaxha - San Ignacio (Belize). The morning of day 16, we journey to the lesser-known Mayan ceremonial site of Yaxha, nestled on the shores of a lagoon. Following this, we embark on a picturesque drive crossing the border into Belize, passing through the town of San Ignacio and entering the low-lying Cayo district.

Our accommodation for the next three nights is Chaa Creek, one of Belize's pioneering lodges. Established by an Anglo-American couple in 1981, this tranquil jungle retreat spans 135 hectares of lush rainforest. The lodge places a strong emphasis on the region's natural beauty. Activities here include leisurely walks along orchid-lined trails, serene canoe trips along the mustard-hued waters of the Macal River to observe wildlife and birds along the shoreline. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind and revel in the stunning tropical gardens or indulge in spa treatments. Chaa Creek offers a slice of paradise with a warm and laid-back atmosphere.

Today our incredible adventure through Central America comes to an end today. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and travel by road to Belize City airport.