Overview & Highlights
This three‑week journey through El Salvador and Nicaragua ventures off the beaten track to explore two of Central America’s lesser‑visited yet most rewarding countries.
Both nations offer spectacular landscapes shaped by volcanoes, lakes, rivers, jungle, palm‑fringed beaches, and fertile hillsides draped in coffee bushes, along with a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. Along the way, you’ll discover an unpretentious charm in their towns and cities and meet some of the most hospitable people in Latin America.
In recent decades, both countries have emerged from periods of political turbulence, and throughout your trip you’ll visit significant sites that help to understand their complex histories.
While neither country rivals the big hitters of Mexico, Peru, or Brazil, El Salvador and Nicaragua captivate in quieter ways. From their colonial towns, archaeological sites, and poignant memorials to their volcanic landscapes and scenic journeys by road and boat, both nations reward travellers who are willing to leave the headlines behind and explore.
- San Salvador: El Boqueron Volcano & San Salvador City Tour
- Ataco: Ruta de las Flores & Coffee Tour
- Ataco: Tazumal, Santa Ana & Joya de Ceren
- Suchitito: Boat Tour of Lake Suchitlan & walking tour
- Perquín: Museo de la Revolución & El Mozote
- La Union: Pupusa dinner
- Leon: Walking tour
- Ometepe Island tour
- Granada: city tour, boat trip on Lake Nicargua and Masaya volcano by night.
- El Castillo: Caiman-spotting by night
- El Castillo: Hike in Indo Maíz Biosphere Reserve
- El Castillo: Guided tour of the fortress
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in San Salvador and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
El Boqueron Volcano & San Salvador city tour
Day 3
Transfer to Ataco on the Ruta de las Flores.
Day 4
Exploring the Ruta de las Flores & Coffee Tasting
Day 5
Transfer to Suchitoto via El Tazumal, Santa Ana & Joya de Ceren
Day 6
Walking tour of Suchitoto.
Day 7
Transfer to Perquin.
Day 8
Visit Perquin's Museo de la Revolución and the nearby town of El Mozote.
Day 9
Transfer to La Union on the Gulf of Fonseca.
Day 10
Boat across the Gulf of Fonseca to Nicaragua; continue by road to Leon.
Day 11
Walking tour of Leon.
Day 12
Transfer to San Jorge port; ferry to Ometepe Island.
Day 13
Ometepe Island tour
Day 14
At leisure on Ometepe Island - optional hikes and cycle rides available.
Day 15
Return to San Jorge port by ferry; continue by road to the colonial city of Granada.
Day 16
Granada city tour, boat trip on Lake Nicaragua & Masaya volcano at night.
Day 17
Transfer to San Carlos; travel by boat along Rio San Juan to El Castillo.
Day 18
Hike in Indo Maíz Biosphere Reserve & tour of El Castillo fortress.
Day 19
Return to Granada for your final night
Day 20
Transfer to Managua airport for your international flight home.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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Inspired by this trip
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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