Overview & Highlights
Nicaragua and El Salvador are off the beaten track, with fairly rudimentary infrastructure but as such they offer a rewarding experience akin to what travellers enjoyed in other parts of the continent decades ago.
Nicaragua has been developing a discreet, eco-friendly approach to tourism for some years while El Salvador now presents its Mayan sites, colonial cities, delightful rural drives and the El Imposible National Park. On this holiday you’ll be among the first to discover their natural beauty and unpretentious charm. The people of both countries are among the most hospitable in Latin America.
The two newcomers on the radar of adventurous travellers, Nicaragua and El Salvador, share gorgeous landscapes of volcanoes, lakes, palm-fringed beaches, fertile slopes smothered in coffee bushes, and a diversity of flora and fauna. Both have only relatively recently emerged from a period of political turbulence: the impressive level of reconciliation between formerly warring factions has resulted in the creation of two of perhaps the most appealing and friendly countries on the continent. They cannot be compared with the big hitters of Mexico, Peru and Brazil in terms of mind-boggling attractions but their scantily populated rural landscapers of chains of volcanoes, coffee plantations, lakes and remote rivers combine to create a captivating destination.
- Granada: Guided city tour and Masaya volcano
- El Castillo: Caiman-spotting by night
- El Castillo: Hike in Indo MaÃz Biosphere Reserve
- El Castillo: Kayaking on Rio San Juan
- El Castillo: Guided tour of the fortress
- PerquÃn: El Mazote and Museo de la Revolución
- Suchitito: Walking tour
- EL Imposible National park: hiking
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Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in the colonial city of Granada and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Guided city tour and visit to Masaya volcano.
Day 3
By road to San Carlos; travel by boat along Rio San Juan to El Castillo.
Day 4
Hike in Indo MaÃz Biosphere Reserve; river kayaking; guided fortress tour.
Day 5
Return by boat to San Carlos, continue to Ometepe Island.
Days 6-7
At leisure to cycle, hike, ride a horse or sit on the beach.
Day 8
By ferry to the mainland, drive to León.
Day 9
At leisure in this University city.
Day 10
Return to Managua, Fly to San Salvador and continue to Perquin
Day 11
Visit el Mazote and Museo de la Revolución.
Day 12
By road to Suchitoto.
Day 13
Walking tour of Suchitoto.
Day 14
Drive along Ruta de las Flores to Ataco.
Day 15
Trekking in El Imposible National Park.
Day 16
By road to Costa del Sol on the coast.
Day 17-18
At leisure on the coast.
Day 19
Transfer to San Salvador airport for international flight home.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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Inspired by this trip
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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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