Alcion: Central America Discovery

The Alcion Tour is a an excellent trip to take if you want to travel to the less travelled countries in Central America. The tour covers all the essential sites but it is the colours and flavours of the cities and towns you visit and the warmth and kindness of the people, particularly in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras, that really make this a wonderful trip. There are some long journeys but it is a real opportunity to see life as it is lived by the locals. Visit beautiful islands, see amazing wildlife, try fabulous local food and enjoy these wonderful countries. It's an adventure and an experience.

Visiting 6 countries in 3 weeks is an incredible assault on the senses. Volcanoes, pre-columbian history, Spanish influences, the distinct colours of different countries, friendly people, amazing vegetation and exotic birds and animals.

I think that given the 3 week length and fitting in 6 countries will always mean that it is a very 'busy' tour and I think it is important to realise that it is a taster of each of the 6 countries. Any one of them could easily justify a longer stay. But a lot of people could not be away for a longer period of time. I am extremely happy to have visited each of the 6 countries. An unforgettable trip.

The 6 countries in Central America we visited all have a unique and distinctive culture, geography and atmosphere. This trip has created an incredible experience which brings a warm smile whichever of the many aspects I remember.

The amazing variety of fishes seen when snorkeling at Bocas. Ash Wednesday mass at a crowded church in Bocas. Crossing the Panama/Costa Rican border by small boat when the bridge was blocked by protesters. The traditional trio playing in front of the Nacional theatre in San Jose. White water rafting on the Pacuare river beautifully graded from level 1 up to level 4. The guide showing how to tease a tarantula out of its hole in Monteverde. The 3km of zip-lining through the forest including a jaw dropping single ride of 700m. Swimming in lake Nicaragua and the Ojo de Agua pool. Getting up at 6:00am to observe the Capuchin monkeys feeding. Bus to edge of the Masaya volcano and climb to the top rim to fully appreciate its sulphurous clouds. Museum of the liberation in León and an enthusiastic guide who had fought against the fascists in 1979. A short swim watching the sunset over the Pacific at Las Penitas followed by a superb lobster dinner. Sunset bird tour on Suchitoto lake. My personal tour to San Salvador Cathedral and a prayer at the tomb of the murdered Oscar Romero. The brilliant guide round the Mayan remains at Copán. The ride on the chicken bus to the church near Antigua where we saw the preparations for a Lenten procession. A most convivial final dinner at Como, Como Antigua. These are just some of the highlights!

It is hard to choose one particular part of the trip as it was all amazing but in different ways. One of the most memorable parts was the few days in Suchitoto, El Salvador and the optional town tour. Listening to the experiences of the people in the area was humbling.

Possibly the most memorable part of the trip was the magnificent scenery with lots of volcanoes, some rumbling. The people were also very friendly and welcoming in every country... A great introduction to Central America and I would love to go back and explore some more.  The countries were better than expected and it was just a taste to whet the appetite!
 

Too many [memorable moments] to specify. This was an excellent and varied Discovery Tour.

The tour leader was excellent as was the whole experience, especially the exciting optional excursions, kayaking, horse riding, zip linings, snorkelling and many interesting walks.