Central American Odyssey: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras & Guatemala
Group Tour
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Overview
This multi-country adventure through the heartland of Central America showcases the region’s dramatic contrasts in people, culture, food, wildlife and natural beauty. While the quartet of countries that will host our journey - Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras & Guatemala – may share a relatively small geographical footprint, they pack a large punch for the intrepid traveller and offer a wide variety of experiences from learning how to make organic chocolate and picking coffee, to trekking up ...
This multi-country adventure through the heartland of Central America showcases the region’s dramatic contrasts in people, culture, food, wildlife and natural beauty. While the quartet of countries that will host our journey - Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras & Guatemala – may share a relatively small geographical footprint, they pack a large punch for the intrepid traveller and offer a wide variety of experiences from learning how to make organic chocolate and picking coffee, to trekking up volcanoes and discovering some of the architectural wonders of the Mayan civilisation, deep in the heart of the rainforest.
With both Pacific and Atlantic coastlines, as well as some stunning lakes and rivers, travel by water will be a regular feature and will offer great opportunities to spot some of the continent’s most engaging wildlife including howler monkeys, caiman and an incredible diversity of birdlife.
Today’s inhabitants of Central America provide no less variety and while many will have Spanish Colonial or African Slave ancestry, especially in Guatemala you will find many indigenous people whose rich culture we’ll take time to discover. This is an epic journey through four interlinked yet very distinct countries, each of whom have their own unique and fascinating story to tell.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses, local tourist style charter boats, your own two feet and a domestic flight.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this particular trip we will be in hotels, jungle lodges & small guesthouses. In this area of the world the accommodation is simple but charming, with plenty of colonial and Latin American character. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Granada (Nicaragua)
Day 1 Tour starts in Granada (Nicaragua)
The tour starts today in Granada. Locally known as the "Gran Sultana" it is one of Latin America's most beautiful towns. Founded in 1524 on the shores of vast Lake Nicaragua, it boasts a long history and colonial charm and is famed as one of the oldest European settlements in the western hemisphere. Granada is also a great base to visit pristine nature reserves, active and dormant volcanoes, and the artisan villages in the region. If you arrive early today we recommend a wander around the streets of the city to soak up the atmosphere, and then the group will head out to dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 2 Granada - Las Isletas - Granada
Day 2 Granada - Las Isletas - Granada
Today we head out on foot to explore the city's historic centre. We will include visits to the San Francisco Convent founded in 1529, and La Merced church. Here we can climb the bell tower and enjoy spectacular views over the city, Lake Nicaragua, and Mombacho volcano. Whilst wandering we will observe Granada’s mix of traditional Andalusian and Moorish architectural styles, home to beautiful buildings and specifically an array of doorways reflecting the influence of its two cultures. In the late afternoon we take a boat trip arounds the Las Isletas archipelago. The small forest-covered islands were formed by a volcanic eruption over twenty thousand years ago. They are home to an impresive diversity of flora and fauna as well as San Pablo fort, built in the 18th century to protect Granada against English pirates and from where we can enjoy the sunset over the city and lake.
Day 3 Granada - Nicaragua Libre - Ometepe Island
Day 3 Granada - Nicaragua Libre - Ometepe Island
After breakfast we visit the local community ´Nicaragua Libre´, idyllically located on the slopes of Mombacho Volcano. This has been set up by a co-operative of local farmers to showcase their rural community and farming techniques. Here we will be treated to a traditional lunch in a rural setting as well as a chocolate workshop to learn how to make organic chocolate from locally grown beans. We then continue our journey to the port at San Jorge to take a local ferry to Ometepe. This striking island is formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua. Its name is derived from the Nahuatl words ome (two) and tepetl (mountain), meaning 'two mountains'. We stay here for the next couple of nights.
Day 4 Ometepe Island
Day 4 Ometepe Island
Ometepe is a wonderfully natural environment with stunning views of the two volcanoes of Concepcion and Maderas, providing quite the backdrop! Today we capture the beauty of the island by hiking through dense jungle in Charco Verde Nature Reserve. Within the reserve are the emerald waters of Chico Largo Lagoon, a mystical place that has inspired many a local legend. En route we will be keeping an eye out for howler monkeys, a myriad of birds and also butterflies. This afternoon, we will pay a visit to Finca Magdalena – a working community-run coffee plantation founded back in 1888. Here we will learn all about the cultivation of organic coffee and not without sampling the goods, of course.
Day 5 Masaya Villages - Masaya Volcano - Leon
Day 5 Masaya Villages - Masaya Volcano - Leon
Taking a ferry back to the mainland this morning, we will head to the village of San Juan de Oriente. Here we can observe the local craftsmen in their traditional workshops before enjoying the spectacular scenery over the Apoyo Lagoon from Catarina Viewpoint. After lunch, we will pay a visit to Masaya National Park - gazing down into an active volcano, only to see molten lava flowing in the Santiago crater below. Later we continue our journey to Leon, Nicaragua's second largest city and former capital.
Day 6 Leon
Day 6 Leon
Leon is steeped in revolutionary history and folklore, and played a pivotal role in the 20th century political upheavals in the country, and for many it is still hugely defined by it. Leon's legacy is captured with the revolutionary statues, and murals dotted around the city. Graffiti here is not solely the mark of a frustrated teen, but symbolic of the generations of fervent political independence and thought which still lives on in Leon. We will take a walking tour through the historic part of town, home to more than 12 colonial period churches, each unique in design. These range from Baroque to Neo-Classical tiny parish size chapels, to the mighty Cathedral, and Central America's largest church. The art museum houses works of internationally renowned artists, both classic and contemporary. We also have the opportunity to explore the local market and interact with locals going about their every day lives. In the late afternoon we head for the coastal fishing village of Las Penitas for some relaxation by the beach and a chance for a cocktail watching the sunset.
Day 7 Leon - La Union (El Salvador) - El Cuco
Day 7 Leon - La Union (El Salvador) - El Cuco
This morning we transfer to the small port of Potosi, the starting point for our journey across the Gulf of Fonseca, to La Union in El Salvador. The journey will take around 2 hours (weather dependent). The motorboat is open-sided so you may get a little damp during the crossing - all part of the adventure! If we are lucky we will get to see turtles, dolphins, and many species of birds. We will make a stop for lunch on the volcanic island of Zacatillo. On arrival in La Union we will need to go through the immigration procedures for El Salvador before continuing on to the beach town of El Cuco for the night. Please note that if the boat is not operating due to poor weather conditions then we will need to drive to El Cuco. This will be a long day's drive of 8-10 hours via Honduras into El Salvador.
Day 8 El Cuco - Suchitoto
Day 8 El Cuco - Suchitoto
We have a relaxed morning to enjoy the beautiful beach around the hotel. In the afternoon we transfer to Suchitoto, a small town with charming cobblestone streets and vibrant colonial buildings. Suchitoto is the cultural centre of El Salvador, but also boasts the natural and stunning backdrop of Lake Suchitlan, a former river that was dammed. The ecosystem offers budding ornithologists an abundance of bird species to observe, including pelicans, herons and storks.
Day 9 Suchitoto
Day 9 Suchitoto
This morning, we take a walking tour around the town centre to absorb the understated charm of the colonial architecture. We visit the home of Laura Pena, a sexagenarian who has been rolling hand-made cigars from local tobacco for decades. Today the art of cigar hand rolling has practically vanished, but we will have the opportunity at trying our hands at the traditional rolling technique. Our next stop is Pájaro Flor, a cooperative that brings together women artisans from a number of communities. Founded in the wake of the civil war, the seamstresses produce clothes using indigo - a blue dye harvested from the leaves of the xiquilite plant that has been in use since the time of the ancient Maya. We will learn about the history of indigo, the cooperative itself and even have a go at making our own scarf. Later this afternoon, for those who are interested, there is a 1.5 km walk to Los Tercios Waterfall. Its uniqueness and beauty lies in the vertical wall behind the water composed of large hexagonal columns of rock, created during volcanic activity. However, numerous folkloric legends also claim to explain the origins of rocks' shape.
Day 10 Suchitoto - San Salvador - Joya de Ceren - Ataco
Day 10 Suchitoto - San Salvador - Joya de Ceren - Ataco
After breakfast we dip into the country’s bustling capital city with a visit to the National Palace, El Rosario Church and the tomb of human rights advocate Monseñor Romero. We will then continue to Joya de Cerén or the Pompeii of America, which was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1993. Here we admire a pre-Columbian Maya farming village preserved remarkably intact under layers of volcanic ash when the village was buried by an eruption around 600 AD. The drive from here is a spectacular one via Nahuizalco, one of the most traditional towns in the area. Famed for handicrafts and furniture made from tulle and willow, we will then continue up the mountain to Salcoatitán. Located at a little over 1,040 metres, it proved the perfect place for the first coffee plantations in the 1860s. Upon arrival in Ataco, we will be making our own dinner tonight during a stuffed pupusa cookery demonstration. This is a traditional dish in El Salvador made of thick corn flatbreads filled with cheese, beans, loroco and pork. Simple but delicious!
Day 11 Ataco - Cerro Verde National Park - Santa Ana
Day 11 Ataco - Cerro Verde National Park - Santa Ana
This morning we head to the National Park Cerro Verde, an ancient volcano surrounded by the Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes. Our walk up Santa Ana volcano starts in jungle terrain before gradually ascending above the tree line for great views to the crater. We will enjoy a picnic lunch at the rim where we can see the beautiful turquoise lake below, Izalco and Cerro Verde volcanoes, and the ocean on the horizon. If you would prefer a more relaxed option the National Park has a bird sanctuary with a collection of birds such as emerald Toucanet, magpies, woodpeckers, motmots and hummingbirds. Later in the afternoon we drive to Santa Ana, the second largest city in El Salvador. The walk is approximately 7- 8km and will take 4-5 hours round trip
Day 12 Santa Ana - Copán (Honduras)
Day 12 Santa Ana - Copán (Honduras)
We start the day with a walking tour of Santa Ana where we explore the city's colonial heritage, as it still boasts many traditional houses. In the heart of the city we visit the stunningly beautiful Neo-Gothic Cathedral. The original version was completed in 1575, but it was hit by lightning in the early 19th century and was re-built between 1906 and 1959. The opulent renaissance style Theatre and the Palacio Municipal are also worth visiting. After lunch in the city centre, we transfer to Copán. This will involve traversing the south east section of Guatemala before arriving in Copán, Honduras where we stay for the next two nights.
Day 13 Copán
Day 13 Copán
Today's focus will be the mystical Mayan site of Copán Ruinas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century. Copán, with its temples, plazas and terraces, comprises a typical architectural complex characteristic of the Mayan civilization. The lengthy inscription on the Hieroglyphic Stairway Plaza is of considerable historical significance. The Museum of Mayan Sculpture, is also acclaimed by experts as unique in the Mayan World, boasting the masterpiece of the life sized replica of the famed Rosalila Temple, discovered in 1989. Our lunch spot will be at the Hacienda San Lucas, a beautifully preserved hacienda located in the hills overlooking the site of Copán. Los Sapos, translated as 'The Toads', which lies adjacent to the hacienda, has a collection of old Maya stones and carvings of toads scattered across the site. Archaeologists have interpreted this to be a site for Maya fertility rites, offering one of the oldest labour and delivery rooms known in Honduras. For those who are interested, there is an easy walk back to the centre of Copán to allow you to stretch your legs in the late afternoon. The evening is free for you to wander around this small town and sample some of the local cuisine.
Day 14 Copán - Quiriguá - Rio Dulce (Guatemala)
Day 14 Copán - Quiriguá - Rio Dulce (Guatemala)
Today we head across the border into Guatemala which is a stone's throw from Copán. Our journey takes us via the archaeological ruins of Quiriguá. Lying along the Motagua River in the south-eastern part of Guatemala, these ruins date back to the Maya Classic Period (AD 200-900), and are located at the crossroads of trade routes between Guatemala and the ancient site of Copán. Culturally, this site offers an array of extraordinary preserved and deciphered stelae, depicting watershed events in Mayan history. We then head north to the Rio Dulce region. Meandering its way through the verdant landscapes of the Rio Dulce National Park the ‘Sweet River’, as it is known in Spanish, runs from Lake Izabal down to the coast and the glittering waters of the Bahia de Amatique. We stay in this natural haven for the night.
Day 15 Rio Dulce - Yaxhá - Flores
Day 15 Rio Dulce - Yaxhá - Flores
Today, we will head north to the amazing site of Yaxhá. Although less well known than Tikal, the ruins at Yaxhá are very impressive with over 500 structures, including temples and a twin-pyramid complex. Climbing to the top of one of the restored temples will give us a truly amazing panorama of the surrounding jungle and the Yahxá and Sacnab lakes, and we’ll spend sunset here before continuing on to Flores.
Day 16 Flores - Tikal - Flores
Day 16 Flores - Tikal - Flores
We’ll have a leisurely start this morning and there may be some free time in Flores to explore something of its densely packed streets and colonial architecture. Ideal for exploring on foot, Flores is filled with narrow cobbled streets and interesting plazas, its red-roofed buildings adding to its enchanting appeal. Leaving Flores mid morning, we will visit the remarkable ruins of Tikal, set within the lush landscapes of the Parque Nacional Tikal. Considered by many to be the finest collection of Mayan ruins on earth, this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site lies encased in a remote jungle setting. Abandoned over a thousand years ago, the city was once one of the largest and most powerful in the Mayan world, its temples and pyramids spreading across an area of over 16 square kilometres. Deserted since the end of the 9th century AD the city lay lost for centuries, before it was rediscovered in 1848 and its temple complexes again stood testimony to the incredible ingenuity of Mayan engineering. The site is still only partially excavated and the jungle trails that wind through the expansive plazas and past towering Mayan pyramids, enhanced by the choral accompaniment of howler monkeys and toucans, only add to its feeling of remoteness. The views from atop Temple 4 provide vistas that overlook the jungle canopy and stretch out as far as Mexico and Belize.
Day 17 Flores - Guatemala City - Lake Atitlán
Day 17 Flores - Guatemala City - Lake Atitlán
After an early flight to Guatemala City, we will visit Iximché Mayan Ruins - a hidden gem enroute to the spectacular shores of Lake Atitlan. This is the deepest lake in Central America and considered by many as one of the most beautiful in the Americas. An old caldera, the lake’s volcanic origins are still very much in evidence, the deep escarpments that surround it still being sprinkled with volcanic peaks that attest to its violent beginnings. Heading down to Lake Atitlan we then gaze upon a setting that Aldous Huxley once described as ‘really too much of a good thing’. Covering over 130 square kilometres, the lake’s fertile shores are dotted with farms producing coffee, corn, avocados and strawberries, whilst the villages that blanket the basin still retain the deep seated traditions of their Mayan heritage. We continue to the small town of Santa Catarina Palopó later this afternoon, where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 18 Lake Atitlán
Day 18 Lake Atitlán
Today we take a boat trip to visit some of the villages dotted around the lake. At Santiago Atitlán, populated by Tz’utujil-speaking Mayans, we visit the colourful market and observe the spectacularly dressed Mayan women. The local church is adorned with dozens of statues of saints dressed in indigenous clothes, representing a unique fusion of Catholicism and Mayan motifs. The church’s three altarpieces represent the three volcanoes surrounding the town, and these play a prominent part in local myths. During our visit we will go in search of Maximón, a Mayan and Spanish-Catholic deity, also known as San Simon. Venerated as a folk saint he has a dubious track record of womanising, smoking and drinking, and we will hear many tales about his exploits. Today, the effigy of Maximón moves residence between local families and is relocated each year during the procession of Holy Week. Later we visit the village of San Juan La Laguna, famed for its traditional artisans producing paintings and intricate textiles using organic dyes. Returning to Santa Catarina we have the opportunity of visiting the local project of Pintando Santa Catarina, introduced to regenerate the village and local economy by encouraging visitors using the medium of local art. The concept of 'art inspires life' can be seen in bold and grand colourful designs on houses all around the village.
Day 19 Lake Atitlán - Chichicastenango Market - Antigua
Day 19 Lake Atitlán - Chichicastenango Market - Antigua
This morning we head to the highland market town of Chichicastenango. The town's colourful and lively market is famed throughout the region and it is an ideal place to pick up a bargain or two amongst the pigs and pottery. You will also have a chance to visit the 400 year old Church of St Tomas, where a unique mix of Mayan ceremony and Catholic faith demonstrates a fascinating centuries old collaboration between the two religions. Heading south we make a stop to see the Stone faced idol, Pascual Abaj, situated on a hill side above the town. The local people or 'Chuchkajaues' make offerings and say prayers at this site. After taking lunch with a local family we drive to the charming city of Antigua. Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by volcanic peaks, Antigua has been described as one of the finest colonial cities left in the Americas. Dating back to the early part of the 16th century, this World Heritage gem is blessed with a stunning collection of beautifully preserved colonial buildings that have survived centuries of earthquakes, floods and the relentless onset of progress.
Day 20 Antigua
Day 20 Antigua
Guatemalan coffee is considered to be amongst the finest in the world, and this morning we will take a tour of one of the region’s small, independent coffee producers. Supported by a number of organisations that promote environmentally responsible agriculture, the tour affords a chance to see how the coffee is picked and washed, graded and then roasted over open fires, before being hand ground on a traditional grindstone. We finish by sampling a cup of freshly brewed local coffee with the family. Returning to Antigua we embark on a walking tour of the city exploring its historical core. This includes a number of its ruined churches and convents such as the 16th century churches of Iglesia San Francisco. The cathedral of La Merced, in its heyday, was one of the Central America’s largest. This evening we will head out for a farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants in the city.
Day 21 Tour ends in Antigua
Day 21 Tour ends in Antigua
The tour ends this morning in Antigua
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Patio Del Malinche, Granada
Situated two blocks from the central cathedral, this charming boutique hotel offers a stylish stay in a restored colonial home, in the heart of the city. Accommodation is centred around two principal patios, the first with a garden and seating for breakfast and relaxing, and the second with a small pool for cooling off in the mid-day warmth. The 20 modern rooms are simple and compact, presenting touches of colonial charm such as the wicker-style furniture, local-patterned fabrics and wooden beams running across the ceiling. Many of the rooms offer direct access to the central garden and outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy spectacular views of Mombacho Volcano from the hotel’s second floor. Patio del Malinche is family owned and operated by a charming Spanish couple who support their workers by subsidising their children’s education and also carries out social work with local communities.
Hotel Villa Paraiso, Ometepe Island
Located on Santo Domingo beach, Hotel Villa Paraíso was the island’s first quality hotel owned by a Nicaraguan doctor and Austrian nurse. The hotel’s private cabins are nestled amongst the island’s tropical vegetation, connected via walkways. The style of the hotel is rustic and tropical with exposed brick, log cabin foundations and cool tile flooring. There are different category cabins including river view and family cabins. Most rooms come equipped with air-conditioning and a private terrace area with seating and a hammock. Bathrooms are modern and simple and include standard amenities. La Mariscada Restaurant offers local cuisine, with speciality island seafood dishes. During your leisure time you can make use of the hotel’s proximity to a freshwater spring and outdoor swimming pool overlooking the river or, go for a walk on the beach in front of the hotel. Excursions can be organised by the hotel including horseback riding and boat and bicycle rental.
El Convento, León
A favourite among travellers, the Hotel El Convento is a ground-up restoration of the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Elegant décor and colonial-style, dark-wood furniture can be found throughout the hotel, rooms and well-manicured gardens. The on-site restaurant, El Victoriano, offers an eclectic international menu available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rooms are simple with tiled flooring, air-conditioning and small touches of stylish furniture pieces. Guests can contemplate the hotel's history in the peaceful, central garden for a bit of down time or make use of the hotel's small outdoor pool and humble fitness room. Ideally located in the heart of the city centre the hotel is just two blocks from the central park amongst a variety of shops, restaurants and wonderful colonial architecture. The owners, the largest private art collectors in Central America, have also converted three colonial homes connected to the San Francisco church across from the hotel into an art museum. Their artistic identity can be seen from the antiques, original colonial art works and native crafts dotted throughout the hotel.
El Tejado Hotel, Suchitoto
A simple but lovely property, El Tejado offers a clean and comfortable stay in Suchitoto. Located just outside of the town centre, you can enjoy stunning views over the lake from the peaceful terrace and some of the rooms. The staff are attentive and the food delicious, with spacious, clean rooms and a great outdoor pool area.
Hotel Fleur de Lis, Ataco
Hotel Fleur de Lis is a wonderful hideaway in the heart of Ataco. Rooms are modest but clean and comfortable with en suite bathrooms, and you can enjoy some of the best views in town from the rooftop area. The restaurant offers a great range of international dishes, or you are within walking distance of a number of good local restaurants. The team are attentive and welcoming, overall making this a very pleasant place to stay.
Remfort Hotel, Santa Ana
Located centrally, the Remfort Hotel is a clean and comfortable 3* option in Santa Ana. Modern but simple, rooms are well-appointed, and there is a small on site pool and restaurant. Staff are attentive and the property is clearly well-looked after. Overall a great option for anyone staying one or more nights in Santa Ana.
Hotel Plaza Copan, Copan
Located just 1km from the archaeological site of Copan, the Plaza Copan Hotel is a great base from which to explore this area. The property's relaxed atmosphere and rustic charm reflects that of stunning Copan town, with just 20 rooms and a beautiful outdoor pool area.
Villa Maya, Flores
About 20 minutes from the entry town of Flores, Villa Maya is a four-star hotel sat on a quiet lake protected by the surrounding rainforests. Its location offers a similar jungle experience to the lodges found deeper in the forests, whilst providing easy access to both the airport in Flores and the area’s exquisite Mayan ruins. The extensive grounds are styled with local wood - the exposed beams create a rustic charm - and Guatemalan textiles, and include facilities such as inside and outside dining, a bar and a small, outdoor pool. The outdoor terraces provide splendid spots to catch the sunrise or sunset over the lake.
Villa Santa Catarina, Lake Atitlan
Set above the shores of Lake Atitlan, Villa Santa Catarina boasts a stunning location, leafy garden and modern amenities. The bursts of colour and beautiful textiles used throughout its 38 rooms draw inspiration from the nearby village, famous for its traditional costumes. The stylish rooms either offer views of the pool, Lake Atitlan or the surrounding mountains. There is a wonderful restaurant and bar on site, but with Panajachel town only a ten-minute drive away, there are also other dining options available nearby.
Meson De Maria, Antigua
Created to uphold the history oozing from every pore of the city, Meson de Maria perfectly does just that set in a converted historic building and designed with beautiful antique decor. Due to the protected nature of the building, the boutique hotel houses just 20 intimate rooms set around two charming courtyards. The Standard rooms and Suites are each exquisitely finished with a historic elegance and plenty of charm. Stays are offered on a bed and breakfast basis which allows guests to make use of the plethora of dining options throughout the city, views of which can be appreciated from the hotel’s roof terrace. This is one of our favourite mid-range options.
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Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Pintando El Cambio
Santa Catarina Palopó is one of the 19 municipalities of Sololá, Guatemala and it borders part of the Northeastern side of Lake Atitlan. It spans 8 square kilometres and is home to 6,000 inhabitants, most of whom identify as Maya Kakchikel and are under the age of 30.
Given that the population in the area has increased, the yield of traditional economic activities like agriculture and fishing is not enough; which means they are no longer a sustainable option for families. Today’s main economic activities are tourism, textile manufacturing, and the sale of artisanal products. However due to the fact that there are few local businesses, scarce development opportunities it means that today 70% of the population of Santa Catarina live in extreme poverty.
The community has decided to create a beautiful environment by using the town as a blank canvas. Each family chooses the colours and designs they will use to paint their house. Painting all the houses will take around two and a half years. Throughout the world there are towns, communities and neighborhoods that have used art to renew themselves, generate social change and develop economically. In short, 'art inspires life'.
This regeneration project has proved popular with travellers and locals alike and is increasing visitor numbers to the town. This in turn leads to a much needed income to locals who can benefit from an array of initiatives and businesses, not least of all the sales of textiles and other artwork.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
Should you prefer to transit the USA, we would recommend that you leave a 5 to 6-hour connection for any outbound flights in order to allow sufficient time to get through immigration and in case of flight delays.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| AM 008 | London Heathrow (LHR) 22:30 | Mexico City Airport (MEX) 04:15 |
| AM 650 | Mexico City Airport (MEX) 09:55 | Managua Airport (MGA) 12:40 |
| AM 679 | Guatemala Airport (GUA) 16:48 | Mexico City Airport (MEX) 19:00 |
| AM 007 | Mexico City Airport (MEX) 22:50 | London Heathrow (LHR) 15:05 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders do not require a visa for Nicaragua, El Salvador or Guatemala. However, as of 15 August, UK passport holders will require a visa for Honduras. You will need to submit documentation to the Embassy of Honduras in London in order to make an in-person appointment. Additionally, all travellers entering or exiting Guatemala by air must complete an online immigration pre-clearance form prior to departure and present the confirmation email or screenshot of the QR code to airport officials. More details will be provided in the Pre-departure Information.
If you choose to transit the United States, you will also require a visa or a Electronic System for Travel Authorisation
(ESTA) visa waiver. Please note that as of January 2016 US policy
(subject to change) has stated that anyone wishing to
travel to or via the USA must have a biometric passport. In addition, anyone
who has travelled to several countries including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan,
Libya, Cuba, Yemen or Somalia since March 2011, is required to apply for a US
visa (rather than just an ESTA). If you are affected by this, the process is
fairly straightforward and you can read more about it here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/us-visa .
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras or Guatemala.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present in some parts of Nicaragua, Honduras &
Guatemala and precautions are essential. There is also a risk of Zika virus in all four countries. You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country
listed as a transmission risk.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
The months of November to April are generally considered to be the drier months in Central America and the best time to visit. However there may still be some short sharp downpours from time to time. A sturdy umbrella is more practical and comfortable than a rain jacket to deal with these! Please also note that mists are not uncommon and may impact visibility at sites such as Tikal. At this time you can expect daytime temperatures to be around 26C to 32C and night time temperatures to be low double figures. It can be fairly humid year-round.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour. However, please note we will be covering long distances during the tour and there will be some long driving days. There are some included walks on this tour and the volcano ones can be challenging due to the terrain and heat. You can of course opt out of the walks if you would prefer. There are also a number of boat trips and you will need agility to board some of the boats, although assistance will always be on hand. Whilst vegetarians can be catered for the food choices may be limited. The accommodation is simple and comfortable but may not have all the amenities and facilities in more developed countries, but the charm and character will more than compensate for this.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 10806 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.