Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways - 17 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female63%
- Male37%
Average age
Start / End
- Antigua Guatemala
- San José
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 18Meals included
4Highlights
- Relax seaside in El Salvador
- Laugh with the locals during a chicken bus journey
- Visit five countries in 17 days.
- Connect with your hosts at community guesthouse stay in Ometepe
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Summary
From the laid-back vibes and waves of the Pacific Coast to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies, take the road less travelled on this trip through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica with other travellers your own age. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery and a chance to experience local culture with a two-night community guesthouse stay on the island of Ometepe. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation, which not only keeps costs down but also gives you a chance to really meet the locals.
Itinerary
Day 1
Antigua Guatemala
Arrive at any time. Antigua is approximately one hour's drive from the international airport in Guatemala City.
Explore the museums, colonial buildings and soak up the atmosphere in this delightful city, one of the best-restored Spanish colonial cities in the world. The entire city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding volcanoes can be seen from everywhere in the city and the colorful markets attract indigenous artisans from all over the country.
Day 2
Antigua Guatemala/Copán
The colonial highland town of Copán Ruinas is a charming and relaxing place, set along a river in the coffee growing region close to the Guatemalan border.
The Mayan ruins of Copán are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Copán contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features, including some of the most detailed carving in the Mayan world.
Day 3
Copán
Free time in Copan. Opt to visit the impressive Copan ruins and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. Knowledgable local guides can interpret the many Mayan carvings left here over 1,000 years ago. You can also journey through the countryside to some hidden jungle hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Day 4
Copán/Suchitoto
Cross the border into El Salvador and stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.
Day 5
Suchitoto/La Libertad Region
Enjoy a free morning in Suchitoto before heading to the coast in the La Libertad region. The sunsets in these small surfing towns are stunning. Grab a cold drink and enjoy!
Day 6
La Libertad Region
Enjoy a free day in the laidback beach towns of the area to take a surf lesson, eat fresh ceviche at the fish market in nearby La Libertad, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or chill out with a beer in hand.
Day 7
La Libertad Region/León
Set off early for a full day of travel by land and sea to Nicaragua, finishing up in colonial León with a brief orientation walk.
Day 8
León/Granada
Granada’s colonial charm is complemented by the active volcanoes and lakes that surround it, and there are many fun easy day trips available. Hike, cruise, or just explore the city’s markets and museums.
Walking is probably the easiest way to see all the sights of Granada.
Day 9
Granada
Free time to explore beautiful Granada's busy markets, colonial buildings and museums on foot or take a horse and carriage ride around town. Enjoy a meal on the "calzada", a pedestrian street that extends from the center of town down to Lake Nicaragua.
There are many optional activities to do just outside of town as well. Walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano, kayak around the isletas in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
Day 10
Granada/Isla de Ometepe
From the town of San Jorge, we cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island, formed from two volcanoes, one active and one dormant that rise out of the middle of the lake. The limited development and traditional communities create a welcoming relaxed atmosphere.
The group will be split up amongst different local families who will host you in their homes for two nights in a small community on the island. Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the home. This experience give you a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live.
Day 11
Isla de Ometepe
Today is a free day in Ometepe. We get to spend more time with the local host families and see more of the island. Opt to climb either of the two volcanoes on the island, view petroglyphs left by the island's original inhabitants, walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, swim in clear spring water at Ojo de Agua, lay on the beach or explore the island on bicycle.
Day 12
Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde
At 1,400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is literally in the clouds. The Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves are home to diverse and unique flora and fauna. Sloths, monkeys, kinkajous, tapirs and large cats inhabit the area. There are more species of orchids here than anywhere else in the world.
Day 13
Monteverde
The day is free to choose from many optional activities. Fly hundreds of meters above the trees on a zip-lining tour, hike through one of the cloud forest reserves, ride a horse in the mountains, visit a coffee/sugar cane farm, tour the cheese factory or check out the orchid garden, serpentarium, or frog pond in town.
Day 14
Monteverde/La Fortuna
The trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna takes us down from the cloud forest and across Costa Rica's largest lake The town of La Fortuna lies at the base of the Arenal Volcano, which dominates the landscape rising to 1670 meters high. The town has become famous as the adventure sports capital of Costa Rica.
Choose your adventure! Canyoning, white water rafting, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddlebording, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.
Day 15
La Fortuna
Choose your adventure! Canyoneering, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddleboarding, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while we're here.
Day 16
La Fortuna/San José
Return to San José for our final night out.
San José has beautiful parks, museums and theatres. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets.
Day 17
San José
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), homestay (2 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 2, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
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- Save 22%Fri 5 Sep 2025 > Sun 21 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£1,049Best offer£822
- Save 2%Sun 14 Sep 2025 > Tue 30 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure4 spaces of 18 left£1,049£1,028
- Save 22%Sun 28 Sep 2025 > Tue 14 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£1,049Best offer£822
Customer reviews & ratings
- Cory Oct, 2024 Verified
A good trip if you don't want to explore alone. Meeting new people and don't have to think about accommodation and transportation. It's very easy to explore many new country's in a short time period.
Johanna Oct, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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