El Salvador & Guatemala

15 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Journey into the very heart of the Americas and discover a rich local culture that fascinatingly mixes the modern world, influences of Spanish colonialism, and traditions that stretch right back to the ancient Maya. Begin in El Salvador, the region’s best-kept secret, and travel from black sand beaches to colonial towns that are home to people that are bold b...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Step back into el salvador’s past in the charming lakeside town of suchitoto. be subjected to a culinary experience like no other! try an endless variety of local specialties including vegetable stuffed corn dough pastries, loroco flowers, cheese pastries, pork chicharron, fried kassava and the list goes on and on and on...
    • The history of the fascinating local culture of lake atitlan can be traced in the movements of the brush that paints the mystical maya nahual. pick up a brush in a local artist’s studio and with it discover your life energy, soul companions, and your destiny
    • The brightly painted houses of flores are a reflection of the radiant colours that stretch across the town at sunset. enjoy memorable lakeside drinks while the sun sinks below the horizon
    • Journey into the jungles of guatemala and uncover the magnificent remains of the lost maya civilisation in tikal
    • Overlooked by the majestic volcan de agua, antigua is a cobblestoned maze of colourful buildings, leafy town squares and ornate churches, and the undisputed urban jewel in guatemala's crown

What's this trip about?

    Journey into the very heart of the Americas and discover a rich local culture that fascinatingly mixes the modern world, influences of Spanish colonialism, and traditions that stretch right back to the ancient Maya. Begin in El Salvador, the region’s best-kept secret, and travel from black sand beaches to colonial towns that are home to people that are bold but unassuming, feisty yet open-armed. Speculate about the disappearance of a great civilisation with the Copan ruins on the Honduran border, then experience the Caribbean touch that makes Amatique Bay unique. Man-made and natural wonders lie ahead in Guatemala – towering pyramids hidden in dense jungle, sparkling lakes ringed by memorable volcanic peaks; even a local market becomes a cause for wonder. The memories of this Central American adventure will live as long the Maya temples have stood. TRIP CHANGES FOR 2018 From 01st January 2018 this itinerary will be discontinued and replaced with a new itinerary through Central America. Please see the trip called 'Essence of Central America' (PSBG). http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/guatemala/essence-central-america-109459

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • El Salvador

Attractions

  • Antigua
  • Caribbean
  • Central America
  • Copan
  • Salvador
  • Santiago
  • Tikal

Activities

  • Culture

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 El Tunco

Begin this journey with a transfer from the international airport in San Salvador to your accommodation in the laid back village of El Tunco (approximately 1 hour). A complimentary transfer is included with your trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to y...

Day 2 Ruta de los Flores/Suchitoto

You will depart at approximately 8am and drive for 2 hours along a section of the famous Ruta de las Flores (Flower's route). Ruta de las Flores is one of the country’s foremost attractions. Named for the wildflowers that grow along it, the route is scattered with qua...

Day 3 Suchitoto

With its shaded plazas and lack of traffic, Suchitoto serves as a reminder of El Salvador's past. The town overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande (also known as Lago Suchitlan), which is a haven for migrating birds – particularly falcons and hawks. In the morning you wil...

Day 4 Copan

Leaving El Salvador, travel across the border into Honduras (approximately 6hrs). Immigration procedures typically run quite smoothly here, but your trip leader will be on hand to guide you through the process. Your destination is the town of Copan Ruinas, which lies ...

Day 5 Copan

Today at 8am you'll be taken on a guided half day tour of the ancient ruins of Copan, the southernmost of Central America's great Maya sites. This particular region, which acquired World Heritage-listing in 1980, is full of impressive pre-Colombian art. Its major diff...

Day 6 Livingston

From Honduras, cross the border into Guatemala and drive north to Puerto Barrios (approximately 5 hours). Your destination is Livingston, a fascinating Garifuna town perched on the Caribbean coast. No roads reach here, so you’ll take a 30min boat ride across Amatique ...

Day 7 Livingston

This morning you’ll take a cruise through the spectacular, thickly-forested gorges of Rio Dulce, many of which are more than 100 metres high and overflowing with birdlife. The Spaniards built forts along this stretch of river; you'll likely spot locals sitting in thei...

Day 8 Flores

Travel by boat from Livingston back to Puerto Barrios and continue on to Flores, your base for exploring the ruins of Tikal (approximately 5 hours). Though officially founded by the Spanish in 1700, Flores had in fact existed in various forms long before. As an isla...

Day 9 Tikal/Flores

Today you’ll start early (about 7am) to take a leader led tour of Tikal. Home to some of the world's most magnificent Maya ruins, Tikal's five major temples rise above the jungle canopy while an array of smaller structures remain hidden in the undergrowth. More than 3...

Day 10 Lake Atitlan

Today is a long travel day. Leave your hotel by 6am for a morning flight to Guatemala City (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, drive west along the Interamerican highway to Lake Atitlán (approximately 4 hours). Encircled by emerald mountains and misty volcanoes, L...

Day 11 Lake Atitlan

Spend the day exploring Lake Atitlán and its picturesque surrounds. Life in many of the villages around the lake has changed very little over the past few centuries. In some you'll see locals still getting around in traditional garb that incorporate designs passed dow...

Day 12 Lake Atitlan

Today you'll visit Santiago Atitlán, a peaceful town located on the southern shores of the lake between the volcanoes Tolimán and San Pedro. This is the largest town on the lake, but, more importantly, home of the Maya god, Maximon. As a town with a strong indigenous ...

Day 13 Chichicastenango/Antigua

Start the day travelling by private minibus to the famous market in Chichicastenango (approximately 1.5 hours). Locally known as 'Chichi', this sedate mountain town transforms each Thursday and Sunday into the country's most colourful market with rural-living Guatemal...

Day 14 Antigua

As you'll today come to appreciate, Guatemala’s volcanic soils and altitudinous valleys offer just the right conditions for coffee cultivation. In visiting a local farming cooperative, you'll get to know this all-important export better during a plantation tour led by...

Day 15 Antigua

This trip through El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala comes to an end today after breakfast. There are no activities planned and you are free to leave at any time.

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Dates & Availability

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Last Updated: 2/22/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

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Tania

Mar 2020

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Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

R

Ruth

Mar 2020

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Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

J

Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Boat,Plane,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Boat,Plane
Guides
All Peregrine Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Peregrine Adventures endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Peregrine Adventures we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
Passport: Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months' validity remaining. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. Visas: Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The below country specific information was correct at time of writing, however please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. Also remember to check whether a transit visa is required on route to join this trip or on the way home. If you receive an immigration card upon entry, please ensure you keep this safe as it may be requested at point of exit.  Americans, Australian, Belgians, British, Canadians, Dutch, Germans, New Zealanders and South Africans do not currently require a visa for El Salvador. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the El Salvadorian consulate in your home country. Australians, British, Canadians, New Zealanders and Americans do not require a visa to travel to Honduras for stays of up to 30 days. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not currently require a visa for Guatemala. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Peregrine itinerary, and Peregrine Adventures makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Peregrine Adventures' operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.peregrineadventures.com/safety-updates PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MONEY WITHDRAWAL: In order to avoid fraud, it is advisable that you withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or guarded shops during business hours only. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. LOCAL LODGINGS: On this trip you will be staying in some restored houses and local lodges - these are one of the charms of this journey, but their staircases, balconies and passages etc may not always comply with western safety standards. Please do not expect elevators in these properties as they are preserved to their original state. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Hotel Villa Colonial Alameda del Calvario #28 Antigua Antigua GUATEMALA Phone: +502 77203100
Trip ID
peregrine-PSEG

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