Embark on a 16-day expedition across the cultural and natural marvels of Central America with “Essence of Central America.” This immersive journey weaves through five dynamic countries—Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—bringing together ancient civilizations, colonial heritage, active volcanoes, lush jungles, and vibrant communities. Ideal for travelers who seek more than sightseeing, this itinerary offers connection, discovery, and excitement every step of the way.
From the UNESCO treasures of Antigua and Copan to the tranquil crater lakes of Nicaragua and the untamed biodiversity of Costa Rica’s national parks, every day unveils a new layer of the isthmus’ unique spirit. You’ll hike through canyons, board down volcanoes, explore indigenous traditions, and unwind in nature-rich reserves. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and thoughtful pacing, this tour balances history, culture, nature, and adventure seamlessly.
Arrival: Guatemala International Airport (Google Map)
Departure: Costa Rica International Aiport (Google Map)
2 – 3 Hours Before Flight Time
Explore the real soul of Central America across five countries—Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—where volcanoes, ruins, canyons, and coastlines await. From the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the misty jungles of Corcovado, this trip offers a perfect blend of cultural discovery and outdoor adventure.
🌍 Explore 5 countries in 16 days
⛰️ Volcano boarding, canyon hikes & crater lakes
🏛️ Mayan ruins, colonial cities & UNESCO sites
🌿 Indigenous visits, artisan markets & hot springs
🌊 Nature reserves, wildlife tours & beach relaxation
Begin your adventure in the heart of Guatemala with a warm welcome and evening briefing at your hotel near the airport. It’s the perfect time to meet your tour leader and fellow travelers before the journey begins.
Transfer to the colonial gem of Antigua Guatemala. Dive into the city’s cobbled streets and historic landmarks on a guided walking tour, taking in churches, plazas, and the famous Santa Catalina Arch.
Depart Antigua and cross into Honduras through a scenic route. Arrive in Copán, a quiet town surrounded by lush hills and coffee farms, perfectly positioned for exploring the ancient Mayan ruins nearby.
Visit the world-renowned Copán archaeological site with a local guide. Discover intricately carved stelae, temples, and ancient artwork. Optional activities in the afternoon include visiting a bird sanctuary or soaking in natural hot springs.
Cross the borders of Guatemala and El Salvador en route to Suchitoto, the artistic and cultural hub of the country. Enjoy a guided town walk and admire colonial architecture and local artisan markets.
Relax or choose an optional adventure like a guided guerrilla history hike in Cinquera Forest or a sunrise kayaking tour on Lake Suchitlan. This is your day to unwind or explore at your pace.
Travel through the lush countryside of El Salvador and Honduras as you head toward Nicaragua’s hidden gem—Somoto Canyon. This remote destination offers dramatic scenery and a taste of off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Visit the majestic León Cathedral, a UNESCO site, before gearing up to board down the ashen slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano at sunset—an adrenaline-pumping Nicaraguan adventure.
Head toward Granada, stopping first at the artisan market in Masaya and the scenic Catarina Lookout for views of Apoyo Lagoon. Settle into Granada with an afternoon orientation walk.
Choose your own adventure: hike Mombacho Volcano, kayak through Las Isletas, or take a day tour to Masaya Volcano. Alternatively, relax and explore Granada’s vibrant streets and cafes.
Spend the day swimming, kayaking, or relaxing at Laguna de Apoyo, a peaceful crater lake surrounded by forest. Return to Granada in the afternoon fully refreshed
Cross the Peñas Blancas border and arrive in Liberia, Costa Rica’s “White City.” Take a short sightseeing tour of this historic town and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Select one of three optional tours: hike through Rincón de la Vieja, join a full-day adrenaline combo, or cruise through the wetlands of Palo Verde National Park for incredible wildlife spotting.
Travel across the Central Highlands to the Costa Rican capital. Take a guided city tour to discover landmarks like the National Theater, Metropolitan Cathedral, and vibrant central markets.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Take with you unforgettable memories of an epic Central American journey through five diverse countries.
Ciudad de Guatemala’s Airport + Hotel Nearby
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala.
With crumbling churches, vibrant markets and bohemian cafes set against a monumental volcano, Antigua is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Speaking of adventure, yours officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel located near the airport. There, our tour guide will talk to you about different things related to your itinerary.
Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua + 🏛️ Antigua City Tour
Begin your adventure with a comfortable transfer from Guatemala City to the beautifully preserved colonial gem of Antigua Guatemala. As you leave the bustle of the capital behind, enjoy scenic views of the Guatemalan highlands and the towering silhouettes of surrounding volcanoes.
Upon arrival in Antigua, step into a city steeped in history, culture, and charm. Your guided walking tour will take you through UNESCO-listed cobblestone streets, past colorful facades, majestic churches, and charming plazas. Discover landmarks like La Merced Church, the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, and the Central Park—a lively gathering place surrounded by colonial architecture and vibrant local life.
Learn about Antigua’s fascinating past as the former capital of the Spanish Kingdom of Guatemala, its resilience through earthquakes, and its modern-day renaissance as a cultural hub. Along the way, your guide will share local stories, point out hidden details, and recommend artisan markets and cafés for you to explore afterward. The rest of the day is on your own.
🚐 Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Copán, Honduras
Leave the colonial beauty of Antigua Guatemala behind as you embark on a scenic cross-border journey to the mystical town of Copán, located in the lush hills of western Honduras. This comfortable ground transfer takes you through breathtaking highland landscapes, rural villages, and verdant valleys that showcase the natural beauty of Central America.
Along the way, your driver will assist with the border crossing process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition into Honduras. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey as you make your way toward one of the most significant archaeological treasures of the Mayan world.
Arriving in Copán, you’ll be welcomed by a tranquil town full of charm and history. Surrounded by mountains and coffee farms, this destination sets the stage for an unforgettable cultural experience that blends ancient civilizations with modern Honduran hospitality.
Copan, Honduras
This morning, meet up with a local guide and explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan – the southernmost of the great Maya sites. It’s unique because of the numerous elaborate stelae (carved columns) still intact among temples, excavated vaults and walls inscribed with ancient faces.
After your exploration (don’t forget your camera today!) the rest of the afternoon is free to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out some fine feathered friends at the Macaw Mountain Park or visit the Temple of Rosalila. You could also head to the nearby natural hot springs – this optional tour gives you hours of soaking in mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.
Copan to Suchitoto via Guatemala
You’ll wave goodbye to Copan this morning and head across the border to Guatemala and then into El Salvador. It’s a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got a good book or your favourite road trip games handy. When you arrive in Suchitoto, you’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk of the town – widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Admire the elaborate building facades, get your bearings and enjoy the surroundings.
Free Day at Suchitoto
Today is a free day in Suchitoto. The town overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande – also known as Lago Suchitlan, this freshwater lake is a haven for migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. Maybe grab a historically-minded quartet for a guided walk through Cinquera Forest, where guerrilla fighters used the forest as cover during the Civil War. Or just relax around town, in a local café or at your accommodation.
Optional Tours:
🚐 Transfer from Suchitoto, El Salvador to Somoto Canyon, Nicaragua
Leave behind the cobbled charm and artistic ambiance of Suchitoto, El Salvador’s cultural gem, as you journey toward one of Nicaragua’s most spectacular natural attractions—Somoto Canyon. This full-day overland transfer offers a rich tapestry of scenic landscapes, from the gentle hills of northern El Salvador to the more rugged and wild terrain of northern Nicaragua.
Enjoy a comfortable ride through picturesque towns and farmland as you make your way toward the El Salvador–Honduras border, then briefly travel through southern Honduras before entering Nicaragua. Your driver will assist you through the immigration procedures at both borders to ensure a smooth and efficient crossing.
As you approach Somoto, the scenery shifts dramatically to reveal a world of towering rock formations, winding rivers, and dramatic canyons. The Somoto Canyon, a relatively undiscovered natural wonder, awaits with its breathtaking beauty and opportunities for adventure, such as hiking, tubing, and swimming, things we will do tomorrow.
🏞️ Somoto Canyon Tour + Transfer to Leon
Prepare for an unforgettable day of adventure and natural beauty with a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Somoto Canyon, one of Nicaragua’s most spectacular geological wonders. Carved by the Coco River over millions of years, the canyon offers a breathtaking landscape of towering rock walls, crystal-clear waters, and narrow river passages.
Your local guide will lead you through an immersive canyoning experience that may include hiking, swimming, tubing, and even optional cliff jumps, depending on your comfort level. Along the way, learn about the canyon’s history, its ecological importance, and its recent rise as a hidden gem for eco-adventurers.
After the tour, we will have lunch in Somoto and after that, we will head for 4 hours to the colonial city of Leon where we will spend the night.
🏛️ León Cathedral Tour + 🌋 Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding Sunset Tour + 💤 Night in León
Start your day at 9:00 am after breakfast, dive into the cultural heart of León, one of Nicaragua’s most historic and vibrant cities. On your guided tour of León Cathedral—the largest in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—you’ll explore its vast interiors, and panoramic rooftop views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. Learn about its colonial architecture, artistic treasures, and pivotal role in Nicaraguan history.
In the afternoon at 2:00 pm after lunch, shift gears and get ready for adrenaline-fueled adventure with a trip to Cerro Negro, one of the youngest and most active volcanoes in Central America. After a scenic drive and a moderate hike to the summit, you’ll gear up for volcano boarding—a thrilling descent down the ashy slopes on a custom board. To top it all off, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunset from the volcano’s ridge, where the golden light paints the dramatic landscape in vivid hues.
Return to León in the evening and unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in this dynamic city known for its revolutionary spirit, bohemian atmosphere, and warm hospitality. Stroll its colonial streets, dine in a local eatery, or simply relax after a day full of cultural discovery and volcanic adventure.
Transfer to Granada + Masaya Market + Catarina Lookout
This morning, you’ll drive to the oldest city in the ‘New World’ – Granada. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and admire the view at Laguna Apoyo, a volcanic crater lake formed around 23,000 years ago. Take some free time for lunch near the viewpoint.
Then, stop in at the lakeside town of Masaya, where you’ll go on an orientation walk with your leader and get the chance to browse the stalls at the town’s famous artisan market before continuing to Granada. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture, Granada is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes.
When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the leafy Parque Central and ‘La Calzada’ – a busy pedestrian street with plenty of bars and restaurants. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace.
Free Day in Granada
Enjoy a relaxed day to explore the timeless beauty of Granada, Nicaragua’s most elegant colonial city, at your own pace. Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with colorful facades, visit charming cafés and artisan shops, or unwind in Central Park while soaking in the city’s vibrant local life.
For those seeking a bit more adventure or discovery, several optional tours are available to enrich your experience, let us know if you want to join.
🌿 Mombacho Volcano Nature Tour: Take a short drive to the majestic Mombacho Volcano, where you can hike through cloud forests, visit fumaroles, and admire sweeping views over Granada, the lake, and the islets below. $65 USD PP
🌊 Relaxation Day at Laguna de Apoyo from Granada
Enjoy a full day of relaxation at the stunning Laguna de Apoyo, a crystal-clear volcanic crater lake nestled between Granada and Masaya. Just a short drive from the city, this natural haven offers the perfect setting to unwind, swim, and connect with nature.
Here, you will spend the day at a lakeside beach club, where you can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply lounging in a hammock with a breathtaking view. The calm, mineral-rich waters of the lagoon are ideal for a refreshing dip, and the lush surrounding forest is home to tropical birds and howler monkeys.
Whether you choose to read a book by the shore, sip a cool drink under the sun, or take a gentle paddle across the lake, this is your chance to relax and recharge in one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful and tranquil spots.
A return transfer to Granada at 3:00 pm ensures a smooth and rejuvenating day from start to finish.
Transfer from Granada to Peñas Blancas Border + Transfer to Liberia Costa Rica.
After breakfast, at 8:00 am. Begin your day with a comfortable ground transfer from the colonial city of Granada, Nicaragua to the Peñas Blancas border, the main crossing point into Costa Rica. As you leave behind Granada’s colorful streets and lakeside charm, enjoy scenic views of rural Nicaragua and the volcanic landscapes that define this region.
Upon arrival at the border, your driver will assist with customs and immigration procedures, helping to ensure a smooth and efficient crossing experience. After clearing both Nicaraguan and Costa Rican immigration, you’ll continue your journey south with a second transfer toward the sunny city of Liberia, located in the heart of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province.
Known as the “White City” for its colonial-era architecture and light-colored roads, Liberia is your gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches, national parks, and adventure-filled landscapes. Upon arrival, walk around the city in a guided-sightseeing tour. Rest of the day will be on your own.
Day on your own
rEnjoy a flexible day in Liberia, the sun-drenched gateway to Costa Rica’s northwest, where you can choose to relax at your leisure or embark on exciting optional tours that showcase the region’s incredible natural beauty and adventure potential. These 3 optional tours include lunch for everyone.
🌋 Rincón de la Vieja Volcano + La Oropéndola Waterfall
Hike through the otherworldly landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and tropical dry forest create a unique volcanic setting. Cool off with a visit to the stunning La Oropéndola Waterfall, cascading into a turquoise pool—perfect for a refreshing swim.
💥 Adventure Day Combo
Get your adrenaline pumping with a full day of outdoor fun that includes ziplining through the forest canopy, horseback riding, river tubing, rock rappelling, and finally a well-earned break at a natural sauna and volcanic mud bath. A hearty Costa Rican lunch is included to fuel your adventure.
🦜 Palo Verde National Park Nature Boat Tour
For a slower-paced option, explore one of Costa Rica’s best birdwatching areas with a boat tour through Palo Verde National Park. Cruise along the Tempisque River to spot monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and dozens of bird species in their natural habitat. .
🚐 Transfer from Liberia to San José + 🏙️ San José Sightseeing
Begin your journey from the warm lowlands of Liberia with a scenic transfer through Costa Rica’s central highlands, heading toward the vibrant capital city of San José. Along the way, enjoy views of rolling green landscapes, coffee plantations, and distant volcanoes as you transition from the dry forests of Guanacaste to the cooler, mountainous Central Valley.
Upon arrival in San José, take time to discover the cultural and historical heartbeat of the country with a guided sightseeing tour. Explore key landmarks such as the National Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and bustling, where the local flavor comes alive. Stroll through the city’s leafy plazas, admire the blend of colonial and modern architecture, and learn about Costa Rica’s rich political and artistic heritage.
Transfer to the Airport – Back home
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. Today, you will be picked up 3 hours before your flight, we will drive half an hour to the airport and we will wish a beautiful flight back to your home.
