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Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua - 18
Days
Colorful
Markets, Colonial Towns, Caribbean Impressions, Maya Ruins and Volcanoes
Day
1
Arrival
at the Guatemala City airport, transfer to your hotel. Overnight
Guatemala city.
Day
2
Transfer
to Antigua Guatemala. The earlier colonial capital of Central America,
founded in 1543. We will visit the main buildings from the colonial
times such as the Main Square, the Cathedral and other buildings and
colonial spots. Overnight in Antigua.
Day
3
Departure
toward the inner highlands in Chichicastenango. Tour through the open
air market (Thursday and Sunday), where colorful handicrafts of the
region are for sale. Enter the 400 year old church of Santo Tomas, where
catholic and pagan rites take place in a mystical atmosphere. In the
afternoon we continue toward Lake Atitlan. Overnight in Panajachel.
Day
4
In
the morning we will take a boat ride to the Tzutuhil town of Santiago
Atitlan. This small town still keeps the Mayan traditions and culture.
In the afternoon continue to Quetzaltenango for Overnight.
Day
5
Today
we will tour the indigenous towns of Almolonga and Zunil very famous for
its vegetables and flowers. Take a bath in the hot springs of Fuentes
Georginas, natural bath in a gorgeous atmosphere, before continuing
through the pacific side to Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa for overnight.
Day
6
Drive
through the Motagua valley towards Honduras. En route we will pass
through the states of El Progreso and Zacapa in Guatemala. Stop in Rio
Hondo to stretch and to purchase refreshments. After customs formalities
transfer to Copan for overnight.
Day
7
Today
we will visit the legendary archaeological park of Copán. Enjoy the
impressive 63 step stairway with over 2`500 hieroglyphs and the
masterfully carved steles.
In
the afternoon visit Las Sepulturas as a residential and burial site of
the noble. Mayan. Overnight in Copan.
Day
8
Transfer
from Copán to Tela. En route we visit the Lancetilla Botanical Garden.
The garden possesses an impressive collection of trees and plants from
all over the world. We'll walk on trails leading through the Bamboo
Forest, the Orchid collection and the nature reserve harboring more than
240 species of birds. We then proceed to our hotel located right on the
beach. Typical dinner and overnight in Tela/Tornabé.
Day
9
Early
in the morning we leave by boat to explore the rock formations of the
Punta Sal National Park, the first marine park opened on the mainland.
Visiting sheltered bays well hidden among the rocks, we'll enjoy a
tropical lunch and the exuberance of the woodlands. We can also swim and
snorkel experiencing the marine life of the world's second largest coral
reef, located very close to the shore at Punta Sal. Free time to relax
on the white, sandy beach in front of your hotel. Overnight in
Tela/Tornabé.
Day
10
Transfer
to the Yojoa Lake. Due to it's elevation and geographical location, the
lake attracts the greatest concentration of birds in the country,
migrating birds from the North and South American continents, as well as
native species from the lowlands and the cloud forests visit the area
periodically. About 400 of 700 species registered in Honduras live
around this lake. Overnight in a nearby hotel.
Day
11
After
breakfast transfer to Tegucigalpa, driving through a fascinating
landscapes in Honduras. Along the way visit Comayagua with its colonial
heritage. Our Hotel is located out of town in the middle of a dense pine
forest. Leisure time to rest, walk, and breathe the fresh, pine-scented
air. Dinner and overnight stay in the mountain hotel.
Day
12
Little
is know about this land that straddles two oceans. The largest of the
Central American countries it is often in world news, but we guarantee
you will not leave without having Nicaragua teach you something new.
Today we drive towards the Nicaraguan border passing Danli. After
customs formalities we continue through the Panamericana road towards
Selva Negra, near the city of Matagalpa. Selva Negra is cloud forest
located at more than 1,455 meters above see level. Originally a coffee
farm called Hammonia from its German settlers, the farm involved into a
protected forest. Our Hotel is a bungalow style distributed along the
forest. Overnight in Selva Negra.
Day
13
Early
in the morning we discuss about the difficulty level and distance of the
morning hike to be undertaken. Observe the magnificent flora and fauna
of the cloud forest. In the afternoon we will tour a coffee plantation
visiting the old mill and ingenious systems. Free time to explore the
trails within the forest. Overnight in Selva Negra.
Day
14
After
breakfast we drive towards Leon. Founded by the Spanish "Conquistadores"
in 1524 at the bottom of the Momotombo Volcano, Leon was later relocated
in 1610- due to constant earthquakes and volcanic eruptions- further
north 53 miles from actual Managua. Overnight in Leon.
Day
15
We
will visit Leon colonial buildings among them the Cathedral, a massive
Christian monument. Inside is buried the famous Nicaraguan poet Ruben
Dario. Through a scenic road bordering the Xolotlan lake or lake of
Managua with an impressive view of Momotombo and Momotombito volcanoes
we will reach Nicaragua's capital Managua.
Capital
of Nicaragua since 1852, its name comes from the Nahuatl language
manahuac (big container of water), we take a brief city tour visiting
the old Cathedral, the Ruben Dario Theater and the recently restored
National Palace. In the late afternoon we continue to Granada for
overnight.
Day
16
City
tour in Granada, visiting the colonial buildings. Then we drive to
Masaya, a beautiful town with colorful market, the Masaya lagoon and its
National Park. Highlight of the day is the visit of the active Volcano
Mayas. We drive until the crater mirador Santiago where we can walk to
the very edge of the volcano and look all the way down to the bottom.
After this great experience we return to Granda for overnight.
Day
17
Day
tour to Ometepe Island, an incredible island located inside the lake of
Nicaragua. It is formed by two volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas. The
Concepcion is a dormant volcano and the Maderas is extinct covered by a
deep cloud forest. During the trip we can observe the rural life on the
slopes of the Concepcion Volcano. In the afternoon we take our boat back
to Granada.
Day
18
Today
our magnificent tour comes to end. After breakfast transfer to Managua
international airport on time to connect your flight back home.
Services
included: 17 nights lodging in double occupancy, daily breakfast, 1 lunch, 1dinner,
transfers according to itinerary, entrance fees according to itinerary, bilingual guide,
all excursions and local guides. Local taxes in 3 countries.
Departure:
Daily
from Guatemala City to Managua
Rates
Per Person in US Dollars:
Using private coach and private guide $2419 in double occupancy.
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