HIGHLIGHTS:
- Salsa lesson in Guatemala- Guided visit of Copan Ruins- Guided visit of Masaya Volcano and National Park- Guided visit to Monteverde Cloud forest
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive Antigua Arrive in Antigua at any time.
Day 2 Antigua Once the most important city in all of Central America, enjoy the beautiful architecture of this UNESCO-designated, World Heritage Site. Take a mountain bike ride out into the countryside or explore the fascinating markets, shops and museums within the city.
Day 3-4 Copan Walk through grassy plazas filled with intricately carved and decorated monuments, statues and staircases at the unique Mayan ruins of Copan.
Day 5-7 Roatan A scuba diving haven, Roatan is famous for its marine treasures. Blue waters invite swimming, diving, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Bay Islands.
Day 8-9 Leon Off to politically progressive Leon. This was the nation's capital from the colonial period until 1857. Many well preserved Spanish colonial buildings and churches line the streets, along with the largest cathedral in Central America.
Day 10-11 Granada Visit Masaya Volcano on our way to Granada - Nicaragua's oldest colonial city. Walk or bike the city?s historic avenues to visit the impressive cathedral, the colourful market or the Convento de San Francisco, a museum complex housing festival masks and a collection of 2,000-year old statues. Optional activities include a scenic boat trip or guided kayak excursion among the 365 little islands (isletas) of Lake Nicaragua.
Day 12-13 Ometepe Travel to San Jorge on the shores of Lake Nicaragua where we board our ferry for Ometepe Island. This unspoiled island paradise formed out of the lava flowing in between two volcanoes, Madera (1394m) and Concepcion (1610m), is a nature lover?s dream with abundant wildlife. Take a walk through its lush forest for a chance to see howler monkeys and green parrots.
Day 14-15 San Juan del Sur Low-key relaxation by the sea. San Juan del Sur is set on a stunning horseshoe-shaped cove, where hiking, fishing, biking, surfing and sunset tours are just some of the possible activities. You can also take a short boat ride to even more deserted beaches such as Playa Remanso or Playa Majagual.
Day 16-17 Monteverde Travel into the cool cloudforest of Monteverde for a glimpse of the lush ecosystems of Costa Rica. Take time to bird watch, go horseback riding, mountain biking or breath in the fresh mountain air on a trek over the cloudforest canopy.
Day 18-20 La Fortuna La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal Volcano, is an excellent base for exploration. A night hike around the volcano is an unforgettable adventure. Try a full day of whitewater rafting, go horseback riding, tour the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, or relax and soak in hot springs.
Day 21 San Jose Return to San Jose in the evening and enjoy one last night out on the town.
Day 22 Depart San Jose
Accommodation: Simple hotels and beach hotels (21 nts).
Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10
Local Payment: USD300
Meals Included: No meals included.
Reverse Itinerary: This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code CRSA.
Transport: Taxis, public bus, van, ferry, internal flight.
Trip Reference: CGAS