Day 1 to 1 – Arrive Antigua
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is one of the most delightful colonial towns in Central America. To fully explore this beautiful town, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation before the start of your tour.
The local indigenous can be seen throughout the cobbled streets and plazas of the city in their colourful costumes, selling their crafts and textiles. As the cultural centre of Guatemala, Antigua is an ideal place to experience the traditional music, architecture and art of the country. Rich in ornate churches, convents, parks, plazas, cafés, restaurants, bars and colourful street markets and surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanoes, Antigua is one place you will never forget.
Optional Excursions
Pacaya volcano climb – US$20 • Walking tour – US$30 • Chocolate making class – US$30 • Coffee farm tour – US$25
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Posada Los Bucaros or similar
Day 2 to 3 – Copán
Today we leave Guatemala where we are required to pay an approximate 10Q departure tax. We then embark on a lengthy bus ride to Honduras into the charming town of Copán. Please note, you will also be required to pay a small entrance fee of US$3. Within walking distance of the village is one of the best-kept and most intriguing of all the ancient Maya sites, the Copán ruins. On your guided tour you will see the intricately carved stelaes (carvings/statues) depicting the 16 rulers of this once magnificent and influential city, the spectacular staircase, ball courts and enormous main plaza.
In the afternoon you can enjoy a trip up to hot springs surrounded by the lush vegetation of the surrounding hills, a horse-trek through the countryside, or a coffee tour of a local plantation (all optional).
Included Excursions
Guided tour of Copán ruins
Optional Excursions
Hot springs and BBQ – US$45 • Coffee tour (includes lunch) – US$35 • Butterfly and bird park – US$10
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Lauros or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Basic Breakfast(s)
Day 4 to 6 – Roatán Island
From Copán we take two local buses through coffee growing districts for the coastal town of Tela before moving on to La Ceiba, about six hours in total. After that, we have a 1.5 hour trip by ferry across to Roatán. This is the largest of the beautiful sun-soaked Caribbean Bay Islands. Development on the island means there is plenty to do, but it is also easy to find a deserted beach lapped by warm Caribbean waters. Here you will find palm-fringed lagoons, turquoise water, friendly locals, lively nightlife and stunning underwater scenery, with some of the cheapest diving and snorkelling in the world! You can elect to swim with dolphins, a truly unforgettable experience, or get into the true Caribbean sprit with a sunset cruise (optional).
After a few days on Roatán, we fly to Tegucigalpa where we will drive to Leon, Nicaragua.
Please note: For your flight from Roatan Island, Tucan Travel will cover the cost of your checked baggage up to 18kg, with each passenger entitled to check in one bag.
Included Excursions
Roatán Island
Optional Excursions
Snorkelling with dive boat – US$20 • Scuba diving – US$30 per dive • Scuba diving introduction dive (up to 15m) – US$100 • Botanical gardens – US$5 • Swim with dolphins – US$68- US$242 • Kayak rental – US$20 per hour • Butterfly garden – US$5 • Scooter rentals – US$35 per day • Glass bottom boat – US$20 • Fishing trips – US$60 per hour
Accommodation
3 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Seagrape or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast Box, 2 Breakfast(s)
Day 7 to 9 – León
From Roatan we have a short flight to Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras. After paying the US$3 departure tax, we take a six hour private transfer to the lovely colonial town of León in Nicaragua. On arrival you will be required to pay an entrance fee of US$12. We have plenty of free time here to take a break in the shady gardens and plazas. This is an especially good place to buy leather work souvenirs. There are various museums, churches the cathedral and the Plaza de la Constitution to explore.
Optional Excursions
Volcano Boarding – $30 – US$35pp depending on numbers • Telica Nighttime Volcano Hike – $45 – US$65pp depending on numbers • Leon City Tour – $25pp
Accommodation
3 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Real Leon or similar
Meals
2 Local Breakfast(s)
Day 10 to 11 – Granada
After taking a combination of taxis and collectivo vans to Managua, and the tobacco growing regions, we arrive in Granada, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Granada is one of the most characteristic and colourful colonial towns in Central America. Founded in 1524 at the foot of the Mombacho Volcano, due to its Moorish feel, this lovely town will remind many of its Spanish counterpart. Here there are many optional excursions to visit the surrounding countryside, including a visit to the Masaya National Park, with its double-crested active volcano, and the Masaya handicraft markets nearby (great for buying hammocks). Alternatively, you can choose to go for a boat tour of the islands on the lake or a trek and/or zipline through the Mombacho Volcano Cloud Forest.
With two free days in Granada you also have plenty of time to take a day trip into Managua to explore. After years of civil war and the devastating earthquake of 1972, the city centre was left in shambles. There are still buildings with huge cracks and weeds growing through them, the strange old Cathedral being one. However, this now peaceful city is in the process of rebuilding itself. The recently restored National Palace offers a fascinating tour into the past.
Optional Excursions
Horse and cart – US$20 per hour • Masaya markets and volcano – US$35 • Isletas tour – US$30 • Mombacho canopy tour – US$45
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel El Club or similar
Meals
1 Local Breakfast(s), 1 Breakfast(s)
Day 12 to 13 – Ometepe Island
Travelling onwards for two hours via local bus, we cross the vast Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. This lake was once a large ocean bay, but seismic activity caused the land to rise, cutting it off from the sea. This has left the lake with fresh water sharks and other salt-water species. We take a ferry to the unspoilt and tranquil island of Ometepe, located in the middle of the lake. This is the ‚true heart of Nicaragua‘, and is the perfect place to escape from the fast-paced normalities of life.
The name of the island means „between two hills“ and was formed by the two volcanoes, Concepción and Madera. The fertile volcanic soil provides the local population with perfect farming conditions for the many crops grown. You may choose to hire a local guide and spend your free time touring the island and searching for ancient stone statues and petroglyphs which have been found all over the island. Those feeling athletic can go for volcano hikes or horseback riding on the black sand beach, while the less energetic can spend their time lying in hammocks, or taking a dip in the lake or the nearby freshwater spring. Either way, you can be sure that Ometepe Islands beauty, tranquillity, and kind-hearted residents will make this a highlight of your trip.
Included Excursions
Ometepe Island
Optional Excursions
Volcano Maderas trek – US$35 • Volcano Concepcion trek (8-10 hrs, you must physically fit to complete this walk) – US$35
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Villa Paraiso or similar
Meals
2 Breakfast(s)
Day 14 to 14 – San José
The capital city of Costa Rica, San José, is nestled in a fertile valley among coffee and sugar-cane farms. There is not much left of the colonial era architecture, due to the damage done by earthquakes, but it is certainly worth seeing the National Theatre, built in 1897. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a performance whilst you’re here. The Gold, Jade and National Museums are also particularly recommended for a visit
There are plenty of interesting optional day trips that can be undertaken within a close vicinity of San José such as visits to the Poás or Irazú volcano, white water rafting, the Turu BaRi Topical Park or the Rain Forest Aerial Tram.
Please note: If you are are travelling into Costa Rica from Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama then you will need a valid yellow fever certificate.
Optional Excursions
Jade Museum – US$15 • Museum National – US$4 • Theatro National – US$5
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Rosa del Paseo Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 15 to 15 – Depart San José
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
