Highland Coffee Plantations, Santa Barbara National Park, Honduras

Highlights of El Salvador & Honduras

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

16 Days

Prices Start from

£3,105pp(ex. flights)

Our classic combination of the “half-an-hour country” El Salvador and neighbouring Honduras unveils the highlights of these often overlooked nations. From dining with an archaeologist to trail hiking Mayan islands, we can curate a fully-tailored trip bursting with extraordinary experiences.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Frog, Amazon 1

Tropical Forests

Explore the tropical cloud forests, waterfalls and mountains of the Pico Bonito National Park.

Road, El Salvador 2

Ruta de las Flores

Drive the Ruta de las Flores, a winding route renowned for its wildflowers and night markets.

Mayan Ruins, Copan, Honduras 3

Archaeologist Dinner

Have dinner with a leading archaeologist responsible for excavating important Maya ruins.

Suchitoto, El Salvador 4

Civil War Guerrillas

In Suchitoto, share a papusa with former guerrillas who recall their experiences in the Civil War.

Why we like it

Unveiling some of the most visually stunning landscapes in El Salvador and Honduras, this trip journeys from mountain tributaries to ancient Mayan islands. Encompassing white-water rafting, the opportunity to dine with a leading Copan archaeologist and a meeting with former guerrillas of the Salvadoran Civil War, this customisable itinerary is designed to give a comprehensive introduction to two of the most interesting countries in Central America. Befitting culture enthusiasts and those who like the idea of ambling through colonial villages and horseback riding alongside organic cacao farms, the route beautifully combines the tropical cloud forests of Honduras with the coconut tree beaches of adjoining El Salvador.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    San Pedro Sula

  • Day 2

    San Pedro Sula - La Ceiba - Pico Bonito National Park

  • Days 3-4

    Pico Bonito National Park

  • Day 5

    Pico Bonito National Park - La Ceiba - Tegucigalpa

  • Day 6

    Tegucigalpa - Gracias

  • Day 7

    Gracias - Copan

  • Day 8

    Copan

  • Day 9

    Copan - Suchitoto

  • Days 10-11

    Suchitoto

  • Day 12

    Suchitoto - Coatepeque

  • Day 13

    Coatepeque

  • Day 14

    Coatepeque - Barra de Santiago

  • Days 15-16

    Barra de Santiago

Day 1

San Pedro Sula

Day 2

San Pedro Sula - La Ceiba - Pico Bonito National Park

Days 3-4

Pico Bonito National Park

Pico Bonito National Park

Explore the tropical cloud forests, waterfalls and mountains of the Pico Bonito National Park.

Day 5

Pico Bonito National Park - La Ceiba - Tegucigalpa

Day 6

Tegucigalpa - Gracias

Day 7

Gracias - Copan

Day 8

Copan

Mayan Ruins, Copan, Honduras

Have dinner with a leading archaeologist responsible for excavating important Maya ruins.

Day 9

Copan - Suchitoto

Days 10-11

Suchitoto

Suchitoto, El Salvador

Visit Suchitoto and share a papusa with former guerrillas who recall their experiences in the Civil War.

Day 12

Suchitoto - Coatepeque

Day 13

Coatepeque

Teopan, Lake Coatepeque, El Salvador

Walk the perimeter of Coatepeque Lake and kayak to its central former Mayan island of Teopan.

Day 14

Coatepeque - Barra de Santiago

Days 15-16

Barra de Santiago

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Rainbow Toucan
Rainbow Toucan

4x4 Wildlife Safari

In the company of an expert guide, travel to Pico Bonito National Park to kayak on mountain tributaries, head out on 4×4 adventures or stop at small villages to visit with the locals. Filled with bountiful populations of armadillos, howler monkeys, motmots, white tail deer and elusive jaguars, this place is a little-known wildlife lovers’ dream. For those hooked on adrenaline, journey to the place where three small rivers merge to form the mighty Cangrejal River to take in views of one of the most breathtaking valleys in Honduras while hurtling downstream on a white water rafting expedition.

Copan, Honduras
Copan, Honduras
Streets of Copan, Honduras
Streets of Copan, Honduras

Ruins & Cobblestone Streets

Meander the streets of the the delightful colonial town of Copan, where white-washed and colourfully painted dwellings line the antiquated cobblestone roads. Staying in a terracotta-roofed converted houses, spend time perusing local cafes, little eateries and souvenir shops of a place that has retained its charm and authenticity. Bordered by untapped countryside, working ranches and acres of small holdings, this little town is the launchpad to adventures in Honduras. We can even organise a fascinating and insightful dinner with David Sedat, the leading archaeologist who led an excavation expedition that unearthed the earliest royal tomb in Copan.

Coffee Plantation
Coffee Plantation

Cacao Farms, Horseback Rides & Honduran Cuisine

Journey to the mountains of western Honduras to visit a highlands coffee, cardamom and cacao farm. In the company of the farm owner, saddle up to ride across the remote countryside of the Copan Valley on horseback. A mix of Andalusian and Paso, the horses are all at once gentle and strong. Sample organic beans and fruits, learn about cattle from professional ranchers and finish with a hearty Honduran home-cooked lunch in the farmhouse with lashings of coffee. End the day with a dip in the magical and natural Luna Jaguar hot springs to ease off any stiff muscles before heading back to the town or retiring to the farmhouse for a tranquil sleep in the country.

Teopan, Lake Coatepeque, El Salvador
Teopan, Lake Coatepeque, El Salvador

Kayak to a Mayan Island & Snooze in a Hammock

Travel to Coatepeque Lake, a clear body of water nestled within an old volcanic caldera that was formed around 72,000 years ago during a series of major eruptions. Walk some of its perimeter, kayak to its central former Mayan island of Teopan, or visit its hot springs that are amongst the largest in El Salvador. Journey on to Barra de Santiago where volcanic sands flank the Pacific Ocean and ceviche never tasted better. Unwind beneath the palms under the Central American sun, partake in mindful open-air yoga sessions against a backdrop of crashing waves, or snooze in a rocking hammock as birds chirp all around.

Pathway in the Forest, El Salvador
Pathway in the Forest, El Salvador

Meet Salvadoran Civil War Guerrillas

Cross the border from Copan in Honduras to the delightful town of Suchitoto in El Salvador, where the slower paced life of the rural communities is evident. Head up into the hills to visit the Indigo Workshop that supports the women of the rural community, or meet with the former guerrillas who formed a mountain stronghold when Suchitoto found itself at the centre of the Salvadoran Civil War. Take some time to amble around the unique colonial village, marvelling at its incredibly well-preserved architecture or attending mass at the historic Santa Lucia Church. The period charm of centuries gone by is prevalent in the town’s colourful food markets and quiet cobbled streets flanked by charming homes with original iron balconies.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Los Almendros de San Lorenzo £££££

  • El Salvador

Los Almendros is a charming French-owned colonial period property in the heart of the historical city of Suchitoto. This is a very traditional Spanish building with terraces, bar and lounge surrounding a leafy central courtyard.

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Los Trozos £££££

  • El Salvador

Tucked away in the highlands above the city of Sonsonate on a working coffee plantation is the family-run hotel, Los Trozos. The accommodation has been created in the old farmhouse building, where the original kitchen has been cleverly adapted to provide a beautiful living space.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £3,105 Per person

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