El Salvador and Nicaragua – two countries, one great adventure in Central America
Forget crowded beaches and tourist-packed destinations. Welcome to Central America, where volcanoes whisper legends, rainforests hide stories of the past and indigenous communities welcome you as their own. This journey will take you from the lost Mayan village of Joya de Cerén, buried by the ashes of a volcanic eruption, through the craters of the volcanoes of El Salvador, to the vibrant Nicaragua, where you will move among the mangroves, riding horses, kayaks or bicycles through beautiful landscapes.
In El Salvador and Nicaragua you will find:
- Beautiful colonial cities, UNESCO sites – León and Granada.
- local volcanoes and climbs – Santa Ana, Izalco, Concepción
- Lake Coatepeque and Ometepe Island, kayaking
- sea turtle watching at night
- smell and taste of freshly roasted coffee and taste of homemade chocolate
- beautiful beaches, swimming in the sea and lakes
- only 9 days of the 16-day trip
- selected accommodation, always with breakfast, half board in Nicaragua
Tour program:
DAY 1: BY AIR PRAGUE – SALVADOR
Air from Prague to San Salvador. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest after a long journey.
2. DAY: SAN SALVADOR – JOYA DE CERÉN – LAKE COATEPEQUE
In the morning we will go on a tour of the capital. We will visit the historic centre of San Salvador, including the El Rosario Church and the Metropolitan Cathedral, where the remains of Monsignor Romero (Salvadoran Archbishop fighting for human rights, one of the most important religious and moral voices of Latin America in the 20th century) rest.
We will visit the archaeological site of Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. This site has been compared to Pompeii in Italy. It is the only place in Mayan culture where a unique picture of the daily life of pre-Columbian inhabitants has been preserved. The village was buried under 14 layers of volcanic ash during a volcanic eruption around 600 AD, which contributed to its exceptional preservation. The inhabitants apparently escaped before the eruption and no human remains have been found. However, pottery, tools and even food were preserved.
From here we move on to El Boquerón National Park, where there is a huge volcanic crater – 500 metres deep and 1.5 km wide. Here we will have a walk to the viewpoint.
In the afternoon, we arrive at our destination for the day – Lake Coatepeque, which will amaze you with its turquoise colour, greenery and views of the Izalco and Santa Ana volcanoes.
3. DAY 2: CERRO VERDE NATIONAL PARK – CLIMB TO SANTA ANA VOLCANO
After breakfast, we head to Los Volcanes National Park, where the volcanoes Izalco, Santa Ana and Cerro Verde meet. The area is rich in biodiversity – many species of birds live here, including hummingbirds and black chara birds, and the Orchid Trail reveals the beauty of wild orchids.
Climb the Ilamatepec (Santa Ana) volcano (2,381 m), the highest in El Salvador. The crater is home to a sulphur lake and, with good visibility, there is also a spectacular view of Lake Coatepeque.
4. DAY: CERRO VERDE – VOLCANO IZALCO
After breakfast, we will go on a more challenging hike to the Izalco volcano (1 950 m above sea level), known as the “Lighthouse of the Pacific” because of its eruptions. The difficult climb takes 5-6 hours (including the descent), the slope reaches up to 45° and the terrain is loose volcanic ash. However, the views of the coast and Cerro Verde valley after the climb are well worth it.
Transfer to the colonial town of Suchitoto.
5. DAY: GUERRILLA BASE CINQUERA – COLONIAL TOWN OF SUCHITOTO
Early in the morning we will visit the community of Cinquera. But it’s a place that was important during the civil war in the 1980s. At that time there was a guerrilla camp (in the rainforest) that was part of the resistance between government forces and left-wing guerrilla groups. We will visit this camp with a local guide and have the opportunity to learn more about the workings of such a camp, as well as the history of the country and understand more of the historical context.
We will also visit Los Tercios waterfalls enjoy a boat trip on Lake Suchitlán with bird watching. The lake was originally a river that has been dammed to create an ecosystem where diverse bird species such as pelicans, herons and storks abound.
Visit the town of Suchitoto.
6. DAY 6: COFFEE FINCA SAN RAFAEL, PACIFIC COAST AND LOS MANGOS BEACH
After breakfast we head towards the coast to the El Cuco area, on the way we will visit the coffee plantation Finca San Rafael, where we will learn about coffee cultivation (the best time is October-February) and taste the local coffee selection.
We will visit Laguna de Alegría, a small lake in a volcanic crater with turquoise water in the middle of nature. Afternoon at leisure on the beach at the hotel Los Mangos, a unique place – possibility of a surf lesson.
7. DAY: CRUISE ON THE GULF OF FONSECA, LEON CATHEDRAL AND CERRO NEGRO VOLCANO
Depart for the port of La Union; sail across the Gulf of Fonseca to Nicaragua to the fishing village of Potosí (with views of the surrounding islands or flocks of cormorants and pelicans along the way); travel through the agricultural countryside past the highest volcano, San Cristobal, to the colonial city of León. After checking in, we’ll tour the Cathedral of Leon (Catedral de la Asunción de María – UNESCO), climbing up to the gallery to admire the architecture and views of the city and the nearby volcanic mountains. This cathedral is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in the Americas.
In the afternoon we will drive to Cerro Negro volcano, where we will climb up (about an hour walk), enjoy the sunset and then descend down – through sand dunes that cushion our steps like snow. You can rent a board on site and try “sanboarding”. Return to León and dinner near the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Transfer: 2:30 hrs / 116 km
Hiking: approx. 2:30 h
Elevation: +200 m / -200 m
8. DAY: LEON AND JUAN VENADO RESERVE – MANGROVES AND TURTLES
In the morning we will explore the center of colonial Leon, visiting some of the local churches, the colorful local market, and the Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián (Ortiz-Gurdián Museum of Art ) with all the streams of Latin American painting over 500 years, from colonization to modernity. If there is time left over, we can also visit the Rubén Darío Museum.
It is very hot in the cities, which is also why we will head to the Pacific coast in the afternoon to the Juan Venado Reserve in Las Peñitas. Here we will enjoy a boat trip on the mangroves and a short evening walk to the beach where the sea turtles (giant hatchlings, the hatching season is from October to January) hatch. We will finish with a visit to the sea turtle conservation centre. There is also a small chance to see hatchlings or at least mother turtles, which on some days come by the dozens to lay their eggs on the beach (the occurrence depends on the current phase of the month).
Dinner by the sea in the restaurant at the end of the beach. Return to León to your hotel.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Transfer: 1:15 h / 46 km
Walking activities: approx. 4 h
Elevation: none
9. DAY: JOURNEY TO ISLA OMETEPE, KAYAKING
Journey south (approx. 2.5 h) with stops at traditional brick, cheese or sugar cane sweets factories. We continue to the town of Rivas, from where we take a ferry (1 h) across Gran Lago Cocibolca to the island of Ometepe, dominated by two volcanoes.
Upon arrival in Moyogalpa, we will have the adventure of kayaking down the Rio Istian between volcanoes and beautiful scenery. We kayak to the shores of the lake until sunset. Then transfer to the hotel and dinner.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Transfer: 3:30 hrs / 200 km
Hiking activities: minimal
10. DAY: HORSEBACK RIDING, PETROGLYPHS, CANOPIES AND VISIT TO LOCAL COMMUNITY
On horseback, we slowly climb the slopes of Maderas volcano, admiring the lush tropical forest and spectacular views of the entire island, including the impressive Concepción volcano, which awaits us the following day. About halfway up, we leave our horses behind and continue on foot through the forest to the pre-Columbian petroglyphs – mysterious rock carvings of ancient civilizations.
We then walk along the beach of Santo Domingo. This pleasant beach offers not only space for a refreshing swim, but also the opportunity for a light lunch at one of the local restaurants. The afternoon includes a visit to a small but surprisingly rich museum with a wonderful collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.
We then move to the foot of Concepción volcano for the Canopy Tour , an exciting experience where we use stretched ropes to move from one tree to another. We end the day with a visit to the rural community of Puesta Del Sol. We are welcomed by a group of women who run this initiative here. They will present their project and share stories from their daily lives. In the evening we will split up into individual families who will hospitably host us for dinner and an overnight stay – a unique insight into the lives of the local people.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Transfers: 0:30 hrs / 20 km
Walking activities: approx. 2 hrs
Elevation: +0 / -250 m
11. DAY 11: CLIMB TO THE VOLCANO EL CONCEPCIÓN (1610 M ABOVE SEA LEVEL)
Ascent of the Concepción volcano (1,550 m) – the climb takes 6-9 hours. We will cross the rainforest, banana plantations and with increasing altitude we will have views of the whole island. A mandatory local guide is present for the climb, the group can be divided according to difficulty:
- Mirador de Las Rocas– approx. 675 m ascent.
- Medium option: to the place called “sandy river” – approx. 1000 m ascent
- Top option: to the edge of the crater – approx. 1350 m ascent
Those who do not feel like climbing can:
- visit Ojo de Agua (thermal baths – entrance + drink 10 USD + transport 20 USD)
- stay in the community and relax, take part in local activities or rent a bike or scooter
Meals: full board (breakfast, picnic lunch + dinner)
Transportation: 0:30 hrs / 15 km
Walking activities: up to 8 h
Altitude: up to +1 350 m / -1 350 m
DAY 12: RETURN FROM OMETEPE, WALK ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST, TURTLE WATCHING
After breakfast, we will say goodbye to the community and start our journey from Ometepe back to the mainland and on to the Pacific coast.
Our destination today is Ostional, a picturesque fishing village on the ocean shore. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch right on the beach before taking a dip in the powerful but welcoming ocean waves. This is followed by several hours of hiking with a local guide along the rocky coastline of the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor protected area. The trail leads us along jagged cliffs, hidden coves and small virgin beaches – postcard-perfect scenery where wind- and sea-shaped rocks alternate with stretches of fine sand.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Brasilito Beach, from where we transfer back to Ostional to enjoy an aperitif as the sun sets over the Pacific. We may swim one more time before our local guide invites us to a home-cooked dinner at his house.
After dark, we return to Refugio de La Flor beach for a unique experience (if conditions are right): nightly sea turtle watching. Without the use of lights, just under the stars, we quietly watch as female loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay around 150 eggs in the sand. Sometimes we are lucky enough to witness the so-called “arribada” – the turtles coming ashore in dozens to hundreds. And when luck is even more fortunate, we may even see newly hatched turtles making their first journey to the sea.
After this magical experience, we head back to San Juan del Sur, where comfortable accommodations and a well-deserved rest await.
Meals: half board
Transfer: 2:30 hrs / 55 km
Hiking: approx. 4 hrs
Elevation: +100 / -100 m
DAY 13: CHOCOLATE, MOMBACHO VOLCANO, GRANADA BY BIKE AND EL ROBLE ISLANDS
Today is a busy day ahead! At 6:30am we are already heading north to Mombacho volcano. Around 8:30 we arrive at the farm where we will be shown how to make homemade chocolate – using a secret family recipe. Of course, there will be a tasting!
Then we head to Mombacho National Park. An all-terrain vehicle will take us up to the ranger station at the summit, from where we’ll set off on foot on a circuit around the crater. It’s about an hour and three-quarters walk through the misty forest, where it smells of green and eucalyptus. Along the way there are great views of lakes, volcanoes and the whole area!
In the afternoon, we drive down and continue to Granada (UNESCO site), a beautiful colonial city with colourful facades and a Spanish atmosphere. We get on our bikes and ride through the centre until we reach the port of Asese.
From here we set off by boat among the picturesque Isletas de Granada, hundreds of islands scattered around the lake. One of them will become our retreat for the night – simple but charming accommodation right on the water. After dinner, we enjoy the tranquility of the evening and fall asleep to the sound of the waves, away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Transfer: 1:45 hrs / 100 km
Walking activities: approx. 3 h
Elevation: +50 / -50 m
DAY 14: APOYO CRATER, WATER ADVENTURE AND RETURN TO COLONIAL GRANADA
Boat back to the port and continue to the beautiful Apoyo lagoon, which lies inside an old volcanic crater. Along the way we will also visit two of the so-called “white villages”, famous for their traditional handicrafts .
The hike starts at the crater rim – we will walk towards the village of Catarina, where we can enjoy views of the circular, blue-green lagoon and, in the distance, Lake Cocibolca.
Then we take a bus to Diriá and from there we walk down to the bottom of the crater, right to the clear water of the lagoon. Here we will do something unusual – the so-called aquacaminata: a leisurely walk in the water along the shore or a swim in a life jacket with a snorkelling mask, approximately 1.5 km.
After the aquatic adventure, we return to Granada, a free afternoon for exploring the city on your own, shopping, colonial atmosphere. We end the day with dinner and a night in the center of this historic city.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Transfer: 1:00 hrs / 30km
Walking activities: approx. 4hrs
Altitude: +100 / -350 m
DAY 15: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT AND DEPARTURE TO EUROPE
Morning transfer to Manugua airport, farewell to Nicaragua and flight to Europe.
Meals: breakfast
Transfer: 1 hour / 45 km
DAY 16: RETURN TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrival in the Czech Republic.
Further information
Included in the price:
- 14x accommodation according to itinerary, double rooms
- services of a Czech guide
- services of local guides
- program and transport according to itinerary
- entrance fees to monuments and national parks
- meals according to itinerary
- CK insurance against bankruptcy
Not included in the price:
- international airfare
- other meals
- optional activities
- medical expenses and cancellation insurance
Group size: 6-11 participants
Organizer: Enjoy Travel CK
