Back Roads of Central America: Craters & Community Guesthouses

Take the road less travelled through Central America with other travellers your own age — so you can be sure to get down with other adventurers that’ll keep up. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery — from tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies to colonial cities bouncing to a decidedly more human beat. You'll blaze your own path as you discover a region of volcanoes, craters, beaches, and lush forests. Sticking to budget accommodation and public transport will keep costs down and keep you rooted in local life.

Day 1 San José
Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore the La California barrio with your fellow travellers. Stop in at one of the many bars to get to know your group over a few drinks. Cheers to new friends and new adventures!

Day 2 San José/La Fortuna
Options abound—soak in Arenal's hot springs or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting or waterfall rappelling.

Day 3 La Fortuna
Free day to get the adrenaline pumping with rafting and other outdoor pursuits or one of many other optional activities.

Day 4 La Fortuna/Monteverde
Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde by boat and van and enjoy gorgeous scenery along the way.

Day 5 Monteverde
Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline or tour a coffee plantation.

Day 6 Monteverde/Isla de Ometepe
Get to know local friends during a two-night community guesthouse stay on Ometepe Island. Test out some language skills, opt to climb a volcano, or visit the local swimming hole.

Day 7 Isla de Ometepe
Full day on the island to spend time with your hosts and enjoy optional activities such as hiking and swimming.

Day 8 Isla de Ometepe/Granada
See Granada's colourful colonial buildings on an orientation walk. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.

Day 9 Granada
Take advantage of a free day to explore Granada or kayak the isletas in Lake Nicaragua.

Day 10 Granada/Poneloya
Arrive in the afternoon to relax on a remote northern beach on Nicaragua's Pacific coast. Surfing, swimming and beach lounging await.

Day 11 Poneloya
Spend your day enjoying the coast. Opt to explore the city of Leon or hit the beach.

Day 12 Poneloya/Cerro Verde
After a long day of travel via bus, boat, and private vehicle, arrive to El Salvador's Cerro Verde National Park, home of the famous trio of volcanos, Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana.

Day 13 Cerro Verde
Spend a free day in Cerro Verde at leisure. Opt to hike up to the edge of Santa Ana’s Volcano crater for some more spectacular views. Or choose to take a dip in Lake Coatepeque, there are many ways to keep busy in one of El Salvador's most beautiful national parks.

Day 14 Cerro Verde/Suchitoto
In the morning enjoy a guided tour in Cerro Verde National Park taking in the lush surroundings. Travel to El Salvador's colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.

Day 15 Suchitoto/Copán
Watch diverse landscapes pass by as we travel through 3 countries in one day en route to Copán.

Day 16 Copán
Enjoy a free day in Copán. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Copán or explore the colonial highland town on horseback and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way, or journey to some local hot springs for a relaxing soak.

Day 17 Copán/Antigua Guatemala
Cross into Guatemala. Enjoy an orientation walk to explore the colonial city of Antigua.

Day 18 Antigua Guatemala
Depart at any time.