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.

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.

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.

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:

• Belize and Guatemala tour package
• Costa Rica and Panama tour package
• Jamaica and Cayman Islands tour package
• Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic tour package
• St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados tour package
• The Bahamas tour package

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.