Journey through Guatemala and Honduras
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Encompassing ruins, cloud forest, reef, volcanoes and colonial cities, this two-week journey provides a great overview of the spoils that Central America has to offer.
Starting in Guatemala with the picturesque town of Antigua as your base, you will explore colonial Latin American history with a tour of the town and enjoy the opportunity to hike up an active volcano before then flying from the south west of the country to the jungles of the north east, where the UNESCO Mayan site of Tikal ...
Encompassing ruins, cloud forest, reef, volcanoes and colonial cities, this two-week journey provides a great overview of the spoils that Central America has to offer.
Starting in Guatemala with the picturesque town of Antigua as your base, you will explore colonial Latin American history with a tour of the town and enjoy the opportunity to hike up an active volcano before then flying from the south west of the country to the jungles of the north east, where the UNESCO Mayan site of Tikal lies. After delving into Latin America’s ancient history, overland to the beautiful Rio Dulce, the only part of Guatemala with access to the Caribbean coast, where the unique afro Garifuna population dwell amid spectacular scenery of the Rio Dulce (Sweet River) that eventually feeds into the Caribbean Sea. From there, the Honduran border and the impressive Copan ruins are less than a half-day drive away.
After a couple of days to explore the ornate ruins at Copan, you will head to the cloud forests of the Pico Bonito National Park to spend some time hiking in search of wildlife that can be found scattered over the continent. Finish up on the gorgeous beaches of the Bay Islands, home to an extension of Belize’s famous coral reef, where you can either keep up the active pace with hikes and snorkelling trips to discover offshore marine life, or simply begin to relax and unwind from the trip in preparation of your journey back home.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the colonial architecture of quaint Antigua
- Hike active Pacaya volcano in Guatemala
- Visit some of the finest Mayan archaeological sites at Copan and Tikal
- Stay in an isolated village only accessible by boat in Livingston
- Go rafting amongst abundant wildlife in Pico Bonito National Park
- Snorkel or dive around incredible coral formations in Honduras’ Bay Islands
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE GUATEMALA CITY – ANTIGUA
Day 1 ARRIVE GUATEMALA CITY – ANTIGUA
You will be met by your guide upon arrival and transferred to the charming colonial town of Antigua.
Day 2 ANTIGUA
Day 2 ANTIGUA
A morning transfer takes you to the foothills of the active Pacaya volcano. A fairly strenuous hike through wonderful pine forest arrives at the molten rock area where hot steam seeps through crevices in the base of the volcano. You can learn about the formation and evolution of the volcano as you traverse its ever-changing face. Take in sweeping views of the northern volcanoes and the Pacific lowlands that head to El Salvador. Back at the base of the volcano, your support vehicle will transfer you back to Antigua.
Day 3 ANTIGUA – TIKAL
Day 3 ANTIGUA – TIKAL
You will be transferred back to Guatemala City by private vehicle for your flight to Flores and onward transfer to Tikal. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel then a private bilingual guide will tour you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal National Park, where ancient Mayan structures rise from the rainforest floor. Your guide will explain the significance of each site, including the majestic Great Plaza, the Temple of the Jaguar, the Temple of the Masks and Acropolis. As you discover these incredible ruins, experience the sights and sounds of tropical birds and animals, including howler monkeys. Finally embark on a canopy tour to swing through the trees on a series of cables.
Day 4 TIKAL – LIVINGSTON
Day 4 TIKAL – LIVINGSTON
Today travel to Livingston; a Caribbean fishing enclave on the mouth of the Rio Dulce only accessible by boat. The Garifuna people who live here preserve their own culture in a mellow town with clapboard-house-lined streets. Journey along the waterway past thermal springs and mangroves before arriving at a limestone canyon, then overnight in Livingston.
Day 5 LIVINGSTON – COPAN
Day 5 LIVINGSTON – COPAN
Leaving Rio Dulce head to the Honduran border via the ruins at Quirigua and arrive at Copan, one of the ancient Maya’s most lavish cultural centres. This archaeological site is located in a pristine river valley and the town is a pleasant setting with cobblestone streets and a picturesque plaza.
Day 6 COPAN
Day 6 COPAN
Enjoy a private guided tour through the Copan ruins; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Copan is well-known for its intricately carved stelae and incredible hieroglyphic stairway. You will also visit the on-site sculpture museum before an afternoon at leisure.
Day 7 COPAN
Day 7 COPAN
This morning you will set out on a full-day excursion to the Finca El Cisne farm. Take an easy horseback ride to explore the local farmland and beautiful scenery of the Copan Valley. A hearty farmhouse lunch allows you to sample a variety of regionally grown ingredients. In the afternoon, you will learn about the farm's cardamom and coffee plantations and about cattle ranching; the latter provides the farm with meat and dairy. Upon your return to Copan, you´ll stop for a quick dip in the local hot springs.
Day 8 COPAN – PICO BONITO
Day 8 COPAN – PICO BONITO
Today is your longest overland transfer as you travel across northern Honduras towards the Gulf, reaching the remote Pico Bonito National Park. Named after the mountain dominating its skyline, Pico Bonito is full of cloud forest, jungle, rivers and exceptional wildlife, including the elusive jaguar. Although much of the park is inaccessible without a machete and some serious boots, Pico Bonito remains an exceptional destination for trekking, bird watching and whitewater rafting.
Day 9 PICO BONITO
Day 9 PICO BONITO
Take motorized skiffs and canoes through the estuaries of the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, where one can expect to see white-faced monkeys, iguanas, alligators, dozens of birds and, with a little luck, manatees. After the boat tour, wander down to the white sand beach where the rivers meet the sea for a swim.
Day 10 PICO BONITO
Day 10 PICO BONITO
A rafting adventure on the Rio Cangrejal (river of crabs) takes you through class III-IV rapids and to a rock gorge you can swim through. End at a freshwater jungle creek for a short hike and take a shower under a small waterfall dropping into a crystal-clear deep pool.
Day 11 PICO BONITO – BAY ISLANDS
Day 11 PICO BONITO – BAY ISLANDS
Short transfer to La Ceiba for your flight to the largest Bay Island, Roatan, located on the southern end of the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Once a mecca for pirates, these islands are surrounded by turquoise waters that are home to several marine species including the world’s largest congregation of whale sharks. This is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands have white sand beaches, coconut palms and quiet fishing villages rich in Garifuna culture.
Day 12 ROATAN
Day 12 ROATAN
Day at leisure.
Day 13 ROATAN
Day 13 ROATAN
Day at leisure.
Day 14 ROATAN – DEPART SAN PEDRO SULA
Day 14 ROATAN – DEPART SAN PEDRO SULA
Fly from Roatan to San Pedro Sula – an overnight may be required prior to your international flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Meson De Maria, Antigua
This is an excellent mid-range hotel with 20 rooms and beautiful colonial décor. They offer a bed and breakfast service and due to the central location, it is no trouble to go out into Antigua for dinner in one of the many nearby restaurants. There are standard rooms and suites available, all decorated in a stylish and elegant colonial style with local textile adornments and a nice roof terrace from where to enjoy the panoramic views of Antigua and the dramatic surrounding volcanoes. One of our favourite options in town as it offers fantastic value for money.
Villa Maya, Flores
Villa Maya is a larger hotel decorated with local wood and Guatemalan textiles offering guests a beautiful location on the shores of a lake in a rainforest setting. The hotel has extensive grounds, inside and outside dining areas, an outdoor pool, and a bar. Villa Maya provides a comfortable and peaceful place to stay whilst awaiting a flight or a transfer to the ruins, tucked away into the rainforest, about a 20-mintue drive from the main island town and the airport.
La Casa Rosada, Copan
La Casa Rosada is a beautiful home away from home in the centre of Copan. The house has just five comfortable rooms and is decorated as a Spanish colonial style inn, filled with antiques and local fine art. Every room has a private bath with steam shower, television, CD/DVD player, telephone, and air conditioning and there is a pleasant garden and patio area where breakfast is served.
Omega Jungle Lodge, Pico Bonito
Omega Lodge is a laid back lodge nestled between two breathtaking National Parks - Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios. It has backpacker accommodation in dorm style but also has 2 beautiful mid-range rooms. The location is beautiful; just near the Cangrjal river in a remote, lush, tropical setting with gardens and nature all around including a 100-year-old mango forest and the orange plantation. The lodge also doubles as an outfitter and offers a large number of active tours from horse riding on the beach at La Ceiba to kayaking through mangroves to the coast to white water rafting.
Turquoise Bay, Roatan
Turquoise Bay is a resort style accommodation located on Roatan's north shore. It is a large area with a long private beach and the 26 rooms are set in gardens overlooking the beach and sea. The location is remote; around a 45 minute drive from the airport and main nightlife areas of the west side of the island. There is a bar, restaurant, nice pool and lots of activities such as a dive shop, jet ski rental, kayaks & volleyball.
Villa Caribe, Livingston
Villa Caribe is located in the fishing town of Livingston, home of the Garifuna Culture and where Rio Dulce and the Caribbean Sea merge. It is one of the best options for staying on the coast with a beautiful setting overlooking Izabel Lake and the Caribbean Sea, and private beach access. The hotel offers standard rooms and a few more upscale bungalow accommodations (45 standard rooms and 6 junior suites) all come with a ceiling fan and Caribbean-style décor. It has a large outdoor swimming pool, inside and outside dining and a bar. The hotel is a comfortable and friendly place to stay - only accessible by boat from Puerto Barrios or Rio Dulce - it is one hour by bridge from Rio Dulce bridge.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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WILD MILES
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640