- The Great Central American Journey – El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama
- Visit the archaeological site of Joya de Cerén in El Salvador!
- Walk through the colonial cities of Granada and León!
- Be tempted to spot wildlife in Costa Rica!
- Watch the ships in the Panama Canal!
- Take a dip on the beautiful beaches of the Pacific!
- Small group of 8-12 participants
- Date: 11/14 – 12/1/2025, 18 days
Tour Program:
DAY 1: PRAGUE TO CENTRAL AMERICA BY AIR
By air from Prague to El Salvador (two changes en route). Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to the hotel and rest after the long journey to Central America.
2. DAY 2: CERRO VERDE NATIONAL PARK – NAHUIZALCO – ATACO
In the morning, we will visit the historic centre of San Salvador with the Church of El Rosario and the Metropolitan Cathedral, where the remains of Monsignor Romero (a prominent archbishop who lived in the 20th century, fought for human rights and social justice, and was declared a saint by Pope Francis in 2018) are kept.
We then head to Cerro Verde National Park, known for its three volcanoes and beautiful landscape. We will walk through the park and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot toucans or hummingbirds.
At the end of the day, we’ll drive along the famous Ruta de las Flores, the so-called “flower road”, named after the abundance of wild flowers, to the picturesque village of Nahuizalco, known for its handicrafts, and on to the pleasant pastel-coloured town of Ataco, decorated with colourful murals. The original meaning of these drawings was to convey deeper ideas to the local illiterate people, but nowadays it is more of a showcase of the local cultural scene. Ataco also has a traditional market where you can admire local handicrafts, souvenirs and taste local specialties (such as the typical corn-filled pupusa pancake). The whole area is an important coffee growing region, so there will definitely be an opportunity to sample.
3. DAY 2: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF JOYA DE CEREN (UNESCO) – SUCHITLÁN
Our main objective today will be to visit the archaeological site of Joya de Ceren (nicknamed the “Pompeii of Central America”), which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 as the only place among all Mayan sites where you can see the daily life of pre-Columbian inhabitants. “Joya de Ceren” was a village that was buried by volcanic eruptions and thus preserved under layers of ash, which today provides a unique insight into village life at the time. The inhabitants were probably able to evacuate in time, as no bodies were found, but people left behind everything such as tools, pottery, furniture and even half-eaten food in their hasty flight.
Transfer to the colonial town of Suchitoto, situated on Lake Suchitlan.
Afternoon boat trip on Lake Suchitlan 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.
4. DAY 4: SUCHITOTO – CINQUERA CAMP – JIQUILISCO
In the morning, we will explore the colonial town of Suchitoto – picturesque houses, the main square and the local church or perhaps the corn mill.
Then we move on to the seemingly uninteresting village of Cinquera. However, it is a place that was significant during the civil war in the 1980s. At that time there was a guerrilla camp (in the rainforest) which was part of the resistance between government forces and left-wing guerrilla groups. We will visit this camp with a former guerrilla soldier as a 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 about the historical context.
Moving on to the Pacific coast.
5. DAY 5: REST BY THE SEA – LOS MANGOS
Rest by the sea, beautiful beaches.
Optional: surfing lessons, yoga class, visit to the fishing village of El Cuco or a trip to the Jocotal lagoon – a protected natural area, a wetland of international importance and a bird sanctuary, here a canoe trip.
6. DAY 6: CRUISE ACROSS THE GULF OF FONSECA TO NICARAGUA – LEON (UNESCO) – CERRO NEGRO VOLCANO
Departure to the port of La Union; sail across the Gulf of Fonseca to Nicaragua to the fishing village of Potosí (en route, views of the surrounding islands or flocks of cormorants and pelicans), drive through the agricultural countryside past the highest volcano, San Cristobal, to the colonial city of León. After checking in, we’ll head straight to the Cathedral of León (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. Return to León and dinner near the hotel.
7. DAY: LEÓN CITY TOUR – PACIFIC – MANGROVES IN THE JUAN VENADO RESERVE
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.
8. DAY 8: LEON VIEJO (UNESCO) – NP MASAYA VOLCANO
In the morning we visit the archaeological site of Leon Viejo (the original site of the UNESCO-listed city of Leon).
After the tour we will drive and visit the ethnographic museum of Nacudari in Nindirí. We will also visit the locally renowned handicraft markets and then have lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views of the Masaya Lagoon.
In the afternoon we will visit Masaya Volcano National Park (the crater of the volcano with views of the hot lava at the bottom of the crater, panoramic views from the top, volcanology museum). After the tour we will drive to our next destination, the city of Granada, where we will check into our hotel and have dinner.
NOTE: Masaya Volcano is currently closed to the public due to its activity. If it does not reopen by the time of your visit, this alternative program – Mombacho Volcano
You will then make your way to Mombacho Volcano, a dormant volcano covered in dense mist forest. We have to arrive at the base to the entrance of the national park and get into a 4×4 vehicle that will take us to the guard station near the top. A walk around one of the craters (the tour takes 1 hour and 45 minutes) takes you into the mist forest and offers several panoramic views of the whole country.
Then transfer to the colonial city of Granada, a jewel of colonial architecture founded in 1524, and dinner on arrival at your hotel.
9. DAY 8: GRANADA AND BOAT TRIP AMONG THE VOLCANIC ISLETS OF LAS ISLETAS
First thing in the morning, we will walk to the main square with a park and visit the local market with spices and vegetables. To make our sightseeing more interesting, horse-drawn carriages, which have been competing with taxis for centuries, will be ready for us. We will see the town and visit a cigar factory. We will also visit La Merced Cathedral and a hammock factory where we will have a refreshing drink served by deaf and dumb people.
In the afternoon, we will descend to the harbor by boat to go among the volcanic islands of Isletas de Granada. We stop on one of the islands to swim and have dinner with a view of the sunset over the lake and Mombacho volcano.
10. DAY 10: TRANSFER TO COSTA RICA – ACTIVE VOLCANO ARENAL
On the way to the border with Costa Rica, we’ll make one more stop at a lookout point for a beautiful view of the island’s two main volcanoes , Ometepe, before saying goodbye to Nicaragua.
Costa Rica awaits us and we move to the area of the lake and the active volcano Arenal.
After a longer crossing, we will check into our accommodation right in Arenal National Park and for those interested, we will organize a night walk with a local guide who will show us the fascinating nocturnal world of animals.
11. DAY 11: DAY AT ARENAL
Today’s day will be up to you. You can relax on the terrace and observe the Arenal volcano, the birds, many animals (monkeys, rhinos, macaws, parrots…) You can visit the volcano museum or take a walk around the local area – there are many landscaped paths. Walk with a local guide who will show you the otherwise unseen or climb the tower with a view of the surroundings. In the afternoon, take a dip in the pool or some of the locally renowned thermal springs (optional, not included).
DAY 12: TRANSFER TO THE MAQUENQUE RESERVE
Today we take you to a place not many people know. After breakfast, you will take a minibus to the north of Costa Rica to the Maquenque Nature Reserve, located on the banks of the San Carlos River. This protected area of tropical rainforest is home to many wildlife species – especially a variety of birds and animals whose lives are closely linked to the river. You’ll stay at the eco-managed resort in beautiful, stylish lodges set right in the treetops (called treehouses), and in the afternoon you’ll start exploring the enchanting local wildlife right away. In the evening, you’ll just fall asleep high in the treetops to the sounds of the nighttime rainforest.
DAY 13: A DAY IN THE MAQUENQUE
Today you will take a boat trip on the San Carlos River. During the trip you will have many opportunities to observe and photograph animals (the most common species are monkeys, crocodiles, bats, herons, kingfishers, king vultures and many more). The afternoon will be wonderfully lazy and relaxing at our resort. You can take a stroll or even just lounge by the pool.
In the evening we can also realize a night walk through the rainforest. The night rainforest is an absolutely magical affair. It’s full of sounds and creatures you don’t see during the day. (price approximately 30 USD/person)
DAY 14: TRANSFER TO SAN JOSÉ, THE CAPITAL OF COSTA RICA
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Maquenque and return to civilization. We will visit the capital of Costa Rica – San José. We will take a tour of the city centre and visit the famous gold museum(Museo del Oro Precolombino).
DAY 15: FLIGHT TO PANAMA
Today we say goodbye to Costa Rica, transfer to the airport in San José (Alajuela) and fly to Panama City, the capital of Panama. Upon arrival, we will go for a short introduction to the city – to a viewpoint overlooking Panama Nueva.
DAY 16: BOAT WATCHING IN THE PANAMA CANAL
The Panama Canal is a fascinating structure that is currently struggling with the daunting problem of freshwater shortages. We’ll spend the morning visiting the visitor center at the Miraflores Locks, where you’ll find lots of interesting information about the canal while watching the ships move through the canal.
Optionally we can also go to Portobelo. Portobelo is a historic port located in the northern part of the Isthmus of Panama with a rich colonial history. It is also possible to take a historic train journey along the canal from Portobelo back to the capital.
DAY 17: TOUR OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF PANAMA CITY
In the morning we will explore the historic centre of Panama City (Panama Vieja – UNESCO) and in the afternoon we will bid farewell to Central America and transfer to the airport for our evening flight to Europe.
DAY 18: RETURN TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Return to Prague according to the flight schedule.
Further information
Included in the price:
- Domestic flight San José – Panama City
- accommodation – 16x hotel – 3*/4* levels(double room with breakfast)
- transport by hired tourist minibuses, boat transport
- services of a Czech guide
- services of local guides
- excursions and entrances to the sights listed in the programme
- boat trip with a local guide on Lake Nicaragua between the islets of Las Isletas
- boat trip on the Rio Carlos River in Maquenque
- full board during the programme in Nicaragua
- travel insurance against bankruptcy
Not included:
- International airfare to Central America
- Optional activities (e.g. night walk in Maquenque, or thermal baths in Arenal)
- other admissions
- entry and exit fees at the border
- single room supplement – to be quoted if required
- other meals
- insurance for medical expenses or cancellation fees (we will be happy to arrange)
Organiser.
