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.
- Granada: Guided city tour and Masaya volcano
- El Castillo: Caiman-spotting by night
- El Castillo: Hike in Indo Maíz Biosphere Reserve
- El Castillo: Kayaking on Rio San Juan
- El Castillo: Guided tour of the fortress
- Perquín: El Mazote and Museo de la Revolución
- Suchitito: Walking tour
- EL Imposible National park: hiking
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.
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
Fly to San Carlos; travel by boat along Rio San Juan to El Castillo.
Day 4
Hike in Indo Maíz 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
Road transfer to Perquín, El Salvador.
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
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Nicaragua / Granada
Hotel Patio del Malinche
Nicaragua / Ometepe Island
Hotel Villa Paraiso
El Salvador / Suchitoto
La Posada de Suchitlan
Nicaragua / Rio San Juan
Luna del Rio
El Salvador / Gulf of Fonseca and Eastern El Salvador
Perkin Lenca
El Salvador / Ruta de las Flores
Quinta El Carmen and La Casona
El Salvador / Pacific Coast
Tortuga Village
Nicaragua / Rio San Juan
Victoria Hotel
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Very efficient with the booking process and very helpful with his service throughout. Adam was always prompt and helpful in answering all our questions prior to departure.
IR, London
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Carrie Gallagher - Travel Consultant
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Escorted Groups team.
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.
Papagaio
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.
View Extraordinary Inspiration
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Ben Line - Travel Consultant
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
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Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Consultant
Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
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Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Consultant
After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
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Evie Oswald - Travel Consultant
It’s hard to believe that Evie has had time to cram so much in to her life so far. Having lived as a child in the Americas and Europe she found herself immediately attracted to Latin America.
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Sophie Barber - Travel Consultant
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia.
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Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Consultant
Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
