From
$6,160
NZ $5,610

Central American Highlights

16 days
From Antigua to San Jose
4.4
31 traveler reviews
From
$6,160
-9%
NZ $5,610
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $644 now + easy payments of $446 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 18
Age range 16 to 85
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Enjoy vistas over active and dormant volcanoes
  • Visit one of the greatest Maya ruins in the Americas
  • Bask in the three impressive cones overlooking Antigua
  • Discover treasures at colourful Chichicastenango markets
  • Delve into culture and visit local villages at Lake Atitlan

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Join tour Antigua (Guatemala)
  2. Day 2 Walking tour of Antigua, free afternoon to explore
  3. Day 3 Travel to Chichicastenango Market and Panajachel on the shores of Atitlan Lake
  4. Day 4 Boat trip on Atitlan Lake then drive to Guatemala City
  5. Day 5 Visit the UNESCO Site of Copan, free afternoon (Honduras)
  6. Day 6 Journey to Suchitoto (El Salvador)
  7. Day 7 Free morning in Suchitoto; travel to La Union in afternoon
  8. Day 8 Journey to Nicaragua via the Gulf of Fonseca
  9. Day 9 Free Day; optional hike to Cerro Negro Volcano
  10. Day 10 Travel to Granada; city tour and free afternoon
  11. Day 11 Morning hiking the Mombacho crater; afternoon free to explore
  12. Day 12 Cross the border to Costa Rica. Beach time at Bahia Salinas
  13. Day 13 Travel to Monteverde. Night walk in search of wildlife
  14. Day 14 Guided reserve walk; afternoon for optional activities
  15. Day 15 Morning free. In the afternoon head to the capital, San Jose
  16. Day 16 Tour ends San Jose
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
  • Optional Extras

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Explore!

Number of tours

531

Age Range

16 to 85 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

92%

Explore is a global adventure travel company with 42 years’ experience in...

Read more

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.1
  • Food
    Good
    3.9
  • 4.5
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • A
    · January 24th, 2023
    The highlights were the volcano trips; Lake Nicaragua; Copan; and the colonial towns of Granada, Suchitoto, and Antigua.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · January 21st, 2023
    So many zip lining over the jungle canopy climbing an active volcano Suchitoto and Antigua
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · January 22nd, 2023
    Suchitoto, sunset visit to Masala volcano, taking part in the fire memorial ceremony in Chichicastenango
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · February 18th, 2023
    The varied scenery and cultures of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua very effectively annotated by the Guide, Jose with an amazing knowledge of the turbulent histories of these countries. The volcano trips and views, Lake Atitlan, market visits, boat trips
    Show more
    Trip date: February 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · April 30th, 2023
    Nicaragua was a highlight for me .. so much history, wildlife, volcanoes which were awesome to climb up! Costa Rica is beautiful and wish we had more time there .. I need to go back!
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · April 8th, 2023
    I do love a border crossing and Miguel our guide was fab, I did enjoy it all except for Costa Rica which is a shame.
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · April 9th, 2023
    Volcanoes
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · April 11th, 2023
    Antigua Copan Masaya Zip wire. Cerro Negro walk Granada Lake Atitlan and surrounding area Canoeing
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · November 20th, 2023
    Volcanos - just something that fascinates me. Wild life in Costa Rica An often uncomfortable insight in how many of the worlds population have to live
    Show more
    Trip date: November 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · November 21st, 2023
    Copan, Cerro negro volcano hike, Suchitoto, Granada, sunset on teh Pcific coast at San Juan del Sur, Cano Negro for the wildlife & boat trip
    Show more
    Trip date: November 2023
    Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Availability

16 days
Central American Highlights
From Antigua to San Jose

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    • Free eSim with every purchase

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More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • October 2025
  • November 2025
  • December 2025
  • January 2026
  • February 2026
  • March 2026
  • October 2026
  • November 2026
  • December 2026
Select The Travel Month

Select Your Tour Version

Upcoming departures
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  • Instant Confirmation
    -9%
    From Friday
    31 Oct, 2025
    To Saturday
    15 Nov, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,160
    $5,610
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    19 Dec, 2025
    To Saturday
    3 Jan, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,650
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    6 Mar, 2026
    To Saturday
    21 Mar, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,440
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    23 Oct, 2026
    To Saturday
    7 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,440
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    18 Dec, 2026
    To Saturday
    2 Jan, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $6,430
From
$6,160
-9%
NZ $5,610
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $644 now + easy payments of $446 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • R

    Rose

    Asked on March 9th, 2025

    Do you have any Central America tour in May or June 2025?

    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      We don't have any dates for these months I'm afraid.

  • N

    Nicola

    Asked on November 1st, 2024

    Would you be able to clarify which night this might be then? Would you know if one of the hotels has laundry service or facilities meaning the travellers will not need to pack as much for the trip? The traveller wanted to check the airport pick up and drop off will be based on the arrival and departure times of their flights and not organised around the entire group times?

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Explore!OperatorWritten November 2024

      On our 2025 Departures we will no longer be camping at any point, we will be using 4 nights in a premium hotel and 11 nights in comfortable hotels. With regards to laundry services we would need to look at each hotel individually. With regards to arrival and departure transfers you are free to arrive into Antigua at any time on day 1 and we will provide a shared transfer. We may group transfers together for those that are arriving within an hour of each other. If your flight time is different from the rest of the group we will provide you with your own private transfer.

  • C

    Connie

    Asked on February 1st, 2024

    Checking if there's still availability please.

    Price / Availability
    • Explore!OperatorWritten February 2024

      There is capacity for 4 more people on this trip however as it is departing so soon we have released all the rooms we had held so we would need to request this as a late booking. This would mean making a booking, with full payment held, and then we request with our local agent. The response may take up to 4 working days as the agent needs to check availability with all the hotels so as this is a very late request please do not book any flights until we have confirmed availability.

    • C

      Connie

      TravelerWritten February 2024

      If it takes for working days this is AFTER the tour start date? If this is still possible, then yes please can u make a booking?

    • Explore!OperatorWritten February 2024

      We would need to have a response by Tuesday 6th February in order for you to then be able to book flights. Please note that this is an extremely late booking for this trip so it will take a few days for the agent to check the availability.

    • C
      2 more answers
  • E

    Erika

    Asked on January 30th, 2024

    Is this tour running very late Dec or jan?

    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2024

      Unfortunately, Central American Highlights does not run from late-December to January. However, if you are interested in exploring this area of the world, please see below some alternative tour options which we do have available from December 2024 - January 2025. Costa Rica Wildlife Tour, Contrasts of Mexico, Highlights of Costa Rica, Highlights of Mexico, Nicaragua - Land of Lakes and Volcanoes, Discover Belize, Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula Extension, Costa Rica - Coast to Coast.

  • A

    Amelia

    Asked on January 3rd, 2023

    Is it possible to arrange a private tour with slight modifications?

    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2023

      We offer small group trips for up to 16 people. I am afraid that we are unable to Tailor make our trips or run private trips.

  • J

    Jackie

    Asked on August 29th, 2022

    Is there any option to stay in a lodge/guesthouse instead? Where will the camping be done?

    Accommodation
    • Explore!OperatorWritten September 2022

      During this trip we have two nights at the beautiful Villa Colonial in Antigua, a colonial style accommodation with a lush garden, swimming pool and fantastic views to the Volcan Fuego from the balcony of the restaurant. A further two nights are spent at the wonderful Almendros de San Lorenzo hotel in Suchitoto, a quiet boutique hotel in a 200 year-old colonial property, with a large pool, beautiful collection of antiques and great central location. For the Central American Highlights trip we use 5 nights premium hotel & 10 nights comfortable hotel.

    • J

      Jackie

      TravelerWritten September 2022

      Then there is no camping during for this trip?

    • J

      Jackie

      TravelerWritten September 2022

      Please see screenshot uploaded. It mentioned 1 night standard camping under Accommodation

    • J
      J
      2 more answers
  • A

    Ann

    Asked on August 21st, 2022

    Is it possible only do Central American Highlights until Day 13 - that is not to go to Costa Rica?

    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten August 2022

      This tour starts in Costa Rica, the tour ends in Antigua (Guatemala) also the earliest day you can leave on this trip is day 13.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Explore! with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 124429

  • Currencies
    Costa Rican Colon
    Costa Rica
    SVC
    El Salvador Colon
    El Salvador
    Q
    Quetzal
    Guatemala
    L
    Lempira
    Honduras
    C$
    Cordoba Oro
    Nicaragua
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G.

    Type A
    El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua
    Type B
    El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua
    Type G
    Guatemala
    Type I
    Guatemala
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Ideally 3 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 29th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 29th, 2025, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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