Nicaragua, the largest Central American nation in land size, is likely to win an upcoming popularity contest with its extraordinary natural riches spanning from volcanoes to vast swathes of rainforest. Honduras is finally shaking off the dust and its impressive Mayan ruins of Copan and the Bay Islands’ pristine diving sites off the Caribbean Sea are poised to seize back the headlines. Rounding off the trio, Pacific-facing El Salvador is making big waves slowly but surely with its splendid surf beaches and enchanting villages along winding mountain paths. Wander off the beaten track with a customised Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and uncover the delights of Central America’s underrated heartland today.
Volcanic activities
Mention Nicaragua to fellow travel enthusiasts and it’s likely that the conversation will revolve around the country’s splendid volcanic landscape. Orientate yourself to a good start with a hike up Telica and enjoy the priceless view of the sun setting softly over the red and yellow rocks. Keep the endorphins in your brain going as you hike up Cerro Negro in anticipation of an exhilarating volcano boarding experience in which you will descend swiftly down the steep slope on a piece of wood. End your volcanic expedition with a relaxing sojourn at Laguna de Apoyo, a dormant crater lake, and kayak or swim in the warm waters humming along to the soundtrack of jungle birds.
Bay hopping
Honduras’ prized jewel is undoubtedly the Bay Islands, the perfect destination for those that love beaches and water-based activities. Encounter dolphins, dive among the coral reefs and laze your day away under the shade of swaying palms on Roatan, the largest and most developed of the Bay Islands. For a quieter respite, Utila offers a more rustic experience of the same kind of activities but with the unique experience of swimming alongside gentle whale sharks. And if you wish to indulge further with the bay hopping, Little French Key, a private island resort located off Roatan’s southern shore, is the perfect idyllic spot to sling yourself in a hammock between coconut palms and continue the pleasure with a scrumptious seafood treat in the evening.
Flowers and coffee
Named the Flower Path because of the colourful flowers which line the villages in the right season, the serene Ruta de las Flores route through El Salvador’s coffee-producing hilltop villages is a world away from the country’s coastal offerings. Schedule your visit on the weekend and join in-the-know locals at the Feria de la Gastronomia food festival in Juayua for the best of local cuisine. Refuel your day with a coffee farm tour and learn more about local coffee production from bean to cup, and of course taste El Salvador’s famous and delicious version of everyone’s favourite morning beverage. Hop from one picturesque village to the next such as Ataco and Apaneca and see a different side of El Salvador as you stroll languidly through the quiet streets dotted with painted houses, striking churches and colourful street murals.
For more destinations in Central America and the Caribbean, try:
Venture into the heartland of Central America with a customised Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Central America's underrated heartland
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the old city centre, where you will find important sites such as Central Park, the ruins of Cathedral of Santiago, National Palace of Culture and Ruben Dario National Theatre. Next, transfer to Granada, founded on the shores of Lake Cocibolca in 1524. Granada welcomes visitors with its colourful architecture and deep historical roots.
Start the day with a boat tour of the famous Las Isletas, an archipelago of more than 360 islets formed by an ancient volcanic explosion, just off the shore of Lake Cocibolca. While you listen to your guide’s commentary about the history of Lake Cocibolca, admire views of Mombacho Volcano and keep an eye out for native birds such as tanagers, hawks, jays and warblers. Back in Granada, enjoy a city tour on a horse-drawn carriage. Visit the San Francisco Convent and Museum, which houses an important collection of historical artefacts and paintings, such as the 28 pre-Columbian statues from Zapatera Island, dating from the years 800 to 1200 AD. Then, you will have the chance to enjoy the city from a different perspective at the top of the bell tower of La Merced Church. During the city tour, you will also get to see La Polvora Fortress, Xalteva Church, Cathedral of Granada and Guadalupe Church.
Mombacho Volcano
Today, proceed to San Jorge for your ferry to Ometepe Island. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and start your tour around the island. Visit Ojo de Agua, 2 natural pools of almost 2 metres deep that are connected to Concepcion Volcano. Thereafter, proceed to Santo Domingo, a 4-kilometre-long sandy beach located on the northeastern side of the island. Then, continue to Punta Jesus Maria, a strip of land that stretches onto Lake Cocibolca. This site is ideal to enjoy a panoramic view of the 2 volcanoes that make up the island, Concepcion and Maderas volcanoes.
Concepcion Volcano
After breakfast, board the ferry to San Jorge. On your journey back to Managua, you will visit the municipality of Catarina, known for its crafts and its mirador, from where you can marvel at the amazing panorama of Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve, Mombacho Volcano and Granada. Continue to Masaya Volcano National Park, where you can go near the edge of an active crater by vehicle on a paved road. Visit the information centre to learn about the history and the biodiversity of the volcano. Stay overnight in Managua.
Masaya Volcano National Park
Today, transfer to the colonial city of Leon, which stands out for its architectural jewels and its important role in Nicaragua's history. First, visit the ruins of Leon Viejo, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This first city of Leon, built in 1524, was abandoned by its inhabitants in 1610 due to the constant threat of Momotombo Volcano. Next, visit UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Leon, one of the most beautiful religious buildings of the continent and the biggest one in Central America. Afterwards, visit Ortiz Gurdian Foundation Art Centre, where you will find an interesting collection that includes works from noted Nicaraguan artists as well as renowned international artists like Picasso, Chagall and Miro. End your tour of Leon at Ruben Dario Museum, located in the house where the great poet lived for 14 years. Transfer back to Managua in the late afternoon.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Honduras. Upon arrival in San Pedro Sula, meet a local representative and enjoy a private transfer to Copan. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest day at your own leisure to explore the picturesque village of Copan.
Today, explore the ruins of Copan, one of the most visited and important archaeological sites in Central America. Your tour includes the acropolis, the golf ball game, the stands with hieroglyphs and the great square housing Mayan stelae.
Ancient ruins of Copan
After breakfast, transfer to Cerro Azul Meambar National Park. En route, visit the impressive Pulhapanzak Waterfall, located close to Yojoa Lake. The national park is home to many species of wildlife retreating from the increased human activities around the lake.
Today, explore the magnificent tropical forests of Cerro Azul Meambar National Park. Hike to the interchange zone between the tropical rainforest and the tropical cloud forest enjoying impressive views of the lake.
Rainforest hike
Transfer to the airport for your flight to El Salvador. Upon arrival at the airport, meet a local representative and transfer to your hotel in San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador.
Today, enjoy a city tour of the historic centre of San Salvador starting from El Rosario Church, National Palace and National Theatre to Metropolitan Cathedral, where the remains of Monsignor Oscar Romero rest. Continue to visit National Museum of Anthropology David J. Guzman, which showcases an engaging introduction to El Salvador’s history. Thereafter, visit Joya de Ceren, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 for being the only location in the entire Mayan culture where you can learn more about the day-to-day living habits of the pre-Columbian inhabitants. Next, proceed to one of El Salvador’s Mayan ruins, San Andres Archaeological Park, considered to be one of the largest pre-Hispanic centres in El Salvador.
San Andres Archaeological Park
Today, embark on the popular trail, the flower route, famous for its dramatic abundance of wildflowers. Continue to Juayua, a charming city that is famous for its permanent food festival during the weekends and the picturesque waterfalls of Don Juan. Then, travel to Nahuizalco, one of the most traditional towns in the area. The people here are famous for their handicrafts and furniture made from tulle and willow. Thereafter, head up the mountain to Salcoatitan, the place where the 1st coffee plantations in the country were planted in the 1860s.
Don Juan waterfalls
After breakfast, head to the charming colonial city of Santa Ana, El Salvador's 2nd-largest city. On your walking tour, you will see the colonial houses around the main city square. After that, transfer to Cerro Verde National Park. Here, you will see the incredible topography of the volcanoes of Izalco, Santa Ana and Cerro Verde. The volcanoes are located amid beautiful scenery and have a wide biodiversity. During an easy walk, you will be able to marvel at great views of Lake Coatepeque and the cone of the Izalco volcano. Thereafter, transfer to the colonial town of Suchitoto for your overnight stay.
Santa Ana Volcano
After breakfast, visit Cihuatan, considered to be one of the greatest archaeological sites in El Salvador. Next, visit the village of La Palma in Chalatenango, characterised by its iconic and brightly coloured craftwork. Visit the cooperative, La Semilla De Dios, which was founded by famous Salvadoran artist Fernando Llort in 1977. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take part in the production of one of these unique pieces and take it home as a keepsake. This evening, take part in a DIY pupusa session at a local restaurant. Pupusa is a type of dough ball made with rice and often stuffed with cheese, beans or pork. Enjoy making this Salvadoran speciality and feast on your creations thereafter.
Transfer to the airport in San Salvador for your flight home.