Register today and get 10% off any eligible trip!     Register Now!
AdventureLink Logo
Register Login Why Book with us? Talk to an expert!
24/7: (877) 691-4488, +1 (626) 539-7506, Skype : Support.adventurelink.com
HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
17 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Travel through the heart of Central America
  •  Covet local handcrafts in Antigua's markets
  •  Tour through the ancient Mayan ruins at Copan
  • Frolic into cool Caribbean waters off Roatan Island
  •  Spot the world's only freshwater sharks in Lake Nicaragua
  • Explore the steamy Monteverde cloud forest
  • Visit La Fortuna's fiesty Arenal Volcano
  • Admire the dramatic scenery surrounding San Jose
  •  Feast on fiery Central American cuisine
  • Enjoy a cruisy day sightseeing in Granada
  • Find a comfy patch of grass in Comayagua's Parque Central

$1390USD
Prices vary by date. Make sure to pick your departure date.
Available Dates:
Available Spaces:
8 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Ready to book? Want more info?
You can also talk to an expert or book online:
BOOK ONLINE NOW
ONGOING PROMOTIONS
"Get 5% off when you book with AdventureLink before May 31st, 2012!"
SAVE 5%
Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
Promotion lasts :
From 4/25/2012 To 6/1/2012
TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Way to San Jose

Get ready for a fast-paced adventure through the best of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. From oceans teeming with marine life to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is something of a natural paradise.
Get ready for a fast-paced adventure through the best of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. From oceans teeming with marine life to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is something of a natural paradise. Whether you're shopping in colonial Antigua, exploring the intricately carved structures at Copan, diving into the crystal blue waters off the coast of Honduras or taking a night hike up an active volcano at La Fortuna, you'll get a wonderful insight into Central America during this incredible adventure.
Day 1: Antigua
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala!

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.

This meeting will be followed by an orientation walk, led by your group leader, around some of Antigua's highlights.
          
As the seat of the Spanish colonial government, Antigua was once the most important city in Central America. In 1773 the city was destroyed by an earthquake but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be admired. Walk through the quiet cobblestone streets past heavy carved-wood entrances. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if your tastes run to more active adventures hire a mountain bike and ride through the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys, covered in lush vegetation are simply beautiful.

In Antigua you shouldn't miss the Tamales, a local dish traditionally prepared on weekends, served in a corn leaf. Or you could also give the Pepian a try, a meal that consists of a rich dark sauce and three meats (chicken, beef and pork).

The best value food you find next to the artesian market close to the bus station.
Our hotel in Antigua is located near the central park and only across the street from the market.

Included Activities
  • Orientation walk
Days 2-3: Copan

After a very early start, we travel by local bus to Copan, Honduras (approx. 6 hours). Along the way, you will pass through the wild, dry country side of eastern Guatemala.


The following day you could make an optional visit of the Mayan ruins of Copan. Intricately carved and decorated, the ruins were listed a World Heritage site in 1980. Walk through the grassy plazas under the gaze of huge carved faces, staring out from ancient walls. As you walk past monuments, statues and staircases it's hard not to wonder at the mysterious disappearance of such a creative civilisation.

In Copan our hotel is within walking distance from the town centre, where you will find a variety of restaurants to taste some of the local food. 
Days 4-6: Roatan Island

Today we head by local bus towards San Pedro Sula (approx. 3 hours), then and continue to La Cieba (approx. 3 hours) before taking a ferry to Roatan (approx. 2 hours). The connections make this a long travelling day, leaving Copan early in the morning and arriving to the hotel in Roatan in the early evening.


Spend the following two days relaxing and taking part in the many water based optional activities. Roatan is known for its crystal blue waters and underwater treasures. Surrounded by over 100km (62 miles) of living coral reef, this is a diving haven. Dive, swim or snorkel through the Caribbean waters to discover thousands of species of multi-coloured fish or chill out on the powdery white sands under swaying coconut palms. For more active adventures, tear yourself away from the beach and venture into the hilly interior by bicycle or scooter. Spot 'Jesus Lizards' in the botanical gardens or visit the nearby Institute for Marine Science. English is the main language in Roatan, so in the evenings chat away with the locals in any of the lively bars and enjoy a cold light house beer.

Our hotel has nice views and is located close to West End- where you want to be in Roatan, with many restaurants and bars close by. 
Day 7: Comayagua
Bidding farewell to our beachside playground very early (approx 5:30 am) this morning, we travel by ferry back to the mainland (approx. 2 hours), and travel on to Comayagua by local bus (approx. 4.5 hours), arriving late afternoon. This is a great place to witness colonial architecture meeting modern day life and we spend the night here. We stay in a hotel close to the city centre.
Days 8-9: Granada

Today is a full day of travel across the border to Granada, Nicaragua (approx. 12 hours). A good book, music, snacks and bottled water are a must to have for today's long journey, as we take a local bus, Tica Bus, taxis and another local bus. The border crossing between Honduras and Nicaragua is easy and quick and your group leader will assist you on what you have to do at the border.


Nicaragua is a beautiful place that surprises most travellers with its friendly people, impressive natural beauty and for many it becomes their favourite country in Central America. The country has flourished in recent years and is an incredibly vibrant and unique country.

Granada is Nicaragua's oldest city and over the years has managed to hold on to its colonial charm and with a surrounding countryside that includes active volcanoes and lakes, it is a great place to spend some time.

We have a full free day here to bargain hard in the markets, hike, cruise and explore the neighbouring landscapes. Explore the cobblestone streets surrounded by colourful buildings or tour the 'islets' on Lake Nicaragua by boat, take an evening stroll through the streets and witness Granada's national sport: chatting with neighbours across the street from their open front room.

Another optional activity is a day trip out to Mombacho or Masaya Volcano National Parks to get up close to some steaming giants. There is also a modern side of Granada and a good night on the town is never far away.
Our hotel is right in the historic centre of town and you don't have to go far to find restaurants and bars. 
Days 10-11: Ometepe Island

From Granada we travel by local bus and boat (approx 6-7 hours) to the island of Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua.

Lake Nicaragua is the largest in Central America and the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world. Ometepe is a mainly agricultural island with rural villages and watermelon, coffee, banana and citrus plantations. Wildlife abounds here and as well as monkeys and green parrots, and the lake itself is famous for the world's only species of freshwater shark. A great experience is sitting on the shore of the lake when the fishermen come back from their long day bringing in what they have caught.


You have a full free day here, and might want to take an optional hike to the Madera Volcano, which at 1340m (4395 ft), is no walk in the park. Otherwise check out the petroglyphs or chill out on the beach.

Located right on the shores of beautiful Lake Nicaragua, our accommodation is the perfect place to relax or head out for exciting activities. 
Days 12-13: Monteverde

We continue travelling south by local bus to Monteverde, Costa Rica. (7 to 9 hours depending on border crossing conditions)

The pasture land surrounding Monteverde was once covered in dense forest. Unfortunately, only a small area remains untouched. This area is lush, full of wildlife and protected as the Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde. This is truly a nature lover's paradise. Cloud forest is similar to rainforest but instead of the moisture coming from rain, it comes from the almost permanent cloud that covers the region.


In our free time here you may choose to explore Monteverde by foot, horse, mountain bike or ride over the rainforest canopy on a zip line. You could also arrange a local guide to take on a walk around the park. There are more than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals that call Monteverde home so the knowledge and experience of a local guide can make a huge difference on the enjoyment of this walk. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Our accommodation is owned by a local Costa Rican family and located a short walk from the town - a great place to start your explorations. 
Days 14-15: La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano National Park

Travelling by local bus we reach La Fortuna (approx. 6-7 hours), our base for exploring the Arenal Volcano and its wild surrounds.


Set in the plains of Costa Rica, the volcano sits on the shores of Lake Arenal, a large artificial lake. With strong winds sweeping in from the Caribbean, the lake is one of the best windsurfing destinations in the world. The volcano is quite active and at night time you can often see glowing lava blast into the sky as the cone glows red. There is an optional night hike around the base of the volcano for up close views. With monkeys calling through the night, the experience is altogether unforgettable.

You will have free time here to try some of the optional activities such as a day trip to the waterfall, a canopy tour for a bird's eye view of the forest or a full day of adrenaline pumping white water rafting. Otherwise head out into the beautiful surrounds and explore by bike or horse. At the end of a long day of exploring you can ease into the Baldi hot springs and hope for a clear sky for the ultimate bathing view, the Arenal Volcano and its glowing lava.
Our comfortable hotel is located right in the heart of La Fortuna. 
Days 16-17: San Jose

A local bus ride (approx 5 hours) takes us to San Jose which sits in the middle of the fertile Valle Central, ringed by volcanoes and jagged mountains just begging to be explored.


The city itself has all the sights and modern conveniences you would expect from a capital city. A good place to start exploring is the main plaza, a fantastic place to get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping head to the out door market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
In San Jose we stay in a hostel, located only a few steps from Paseo Colon.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 10:00am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel reception. There may be a small service fee. 
TRIP INCLUDES
  • Accommodation: Hotel (16 nts)
  • The services of a group leader
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • No meals included  (Allow USD $300 for meals not included.)
  • International or internal flights 
  • Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges
  • Visa and passport fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities and sightseeing
  • All personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Did you know that you can customize this trip?

Customizing a trip is a great way to:

  • Change anything about the itinerary you don't like.
  • Change the size of the group or make this a private tour.
  • Change the duration or departure date of the trip.
  • Because we use the local operator, this customization usually won't cost you extra!
Contact us to customize this trip
SEND TRIP TO A FRIEND
Email this Trip to:
Seperate multiple emails by a new line.
Customize your message:
SEND
Customize the Brochure
Download Brochure
AS SEEN ON

Company

About Us Our Blog API Terms of Use Privacy Policy
California Seller of Travel #2088061-40
Real Time Web Analytics

Customers

Why book with AdventureLink? Invite Friends - Get $100 Trip Credit! Talk to an Expert - Get Travel Advice & Booking Help

Tour Operators

List your Trips on AdventureLink Tour Operator Portal Login

Affiliates

Become an Affiliate Affiliate Widgets

Help & Support

Contact Us Support Portal
Call Us or Our Experts:
(877) 691-4488
+1 (626) 539-7506
Skype : Support.adventurelink.com