From tropical cloud forests alive with jungle melodies to vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes, this pocket of Central America is a pure, unrefined paradise. Whether you’re relaxing beneath shaggy palms on a dark-sand beach in El Cuco, spotting colourful birds perched on the colonial facades of Suchitoto, standing in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano or spotting sloths among the canopy of Monteverde, this 17-day Central American journey through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica is perfect for those who like their adventures 'la forma natural' (the natural way).Highlights
The stars of this trip are the dramatic landscapes of Central America. Think active volcanoes, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles
Quaint Suchitoto is a contemporary arts hub with a colonial facade. Flower-studded balconies, galleries housed in 19th-century buildings and a lake frequented by thousands of local birds – this little town is a real heart-snatcher
Stray off the beaten track in El Cuco, where the dark-sand beaches are secluded and the surf breaks are gentle and reliable
Nicaragua is often neglected by travellers in favour of its neighbours, but their loss is your gain! Travel through Central America’s largest country (and one of our favourites) and discover towns untouched by tourism
Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde
Encounter Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. Whether it's reflected in the serene waters of the lake or heating the thermal pools you're soaking in, the magnificent volcano always makes its presence felt
The colourful murals and baroque buildings of lesser-known Leon make it a joy to explore on foot
- You will visit the following places:
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Copán Department
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León
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Grenada
Grenada is an island country consisting of Grenada itself and six smaller islands at the southern end of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. The islands are of volcanic origin with extremely rich soil. Grenada's interior is very mountainous with Mount St. Catherine being the highest at 840 m (2,760 ft). Several small rivers with beautiful waterfalls flow into the sea from these mountains. It is also known as "Island of Spice" because of the production of nutmeg and mace crops of which it is one of the world's largest exporters.
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La Fortuna Arenal Airport
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San José
San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. Located in the Central Valley, San José is ringed by lush green mountains and valleys. The city is distinguished by its Spanish colonial architecture, such as the ornate neoclassical National Theatre of Costa Rica, at downtown’s Plaza de la Cultura. Founded in 1738 by order of Cabildo de León, San José is one of the youngest capital cities in Latin America by year of conception, though it was not named capital until 1823. Today it is a modern city with bustling commerce, brisk expressions of art and architecture, and spurred by the country's improved tourism industry, it is a significant destination and stopover for foreign visitors.