Von Guatemala nach Costa Rica

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

DAY 1, Antigua:
Antigua is one of the most attractive towns
in Central America. Here you will see the
local indigenous population in their
colourful costumes, selling their textiles in
the cobbled streets and plazas. It is also the
cultural centre of Guatemala, an ideal place
to experience the traditional music,
architecture and art of the country. Rich in
ornate churches, convents, parks, plazas,
cafés, restaurants, bars and colourful street
markets and surrounded by awe-inspiring
volcanoes, Antigua is one place you will
never in your life forget!

DAYS 2-3, Copán:
Leaving Guatemala we cross into
Honduras and the very attractive village of
Copán Ruinas. Within walking distance of
the village is one of the best kept and
most interesting of all the ancient Maya
sites. See the intricately carved stelaes
(statues) depicting the 16 rulers of this
once magnificent city, the wonderful
staircase, ball courts and huge main plaza.
Optional excursions to hot springs and
horse-riding/trekking tours can be
organised locally.

DAYS 4-7, Tela – La Ceiba – Roatán Island:
From Copán Ruinas we take a bus
through coffee growing districts to the
industrial city of San Pedro Sula, where we
change buses for the lovely coastal town
of Tela. We have time here to relax on the
beach before moving on to La Ceiba for a
trip by ferry across to Roatán, the largest of
the beautiful sun soaked Caribbean Bay
Islands. Development on the island means
there is plenty to do but it is also easy to
find a deserted beach lapped by warm
Caribbean waters. Here you will find palmfringed
lagoons, turquoise water, friendly
locals, lively nightlife and stunning
underwater scenery with some of the
cheapest diving and snorkelling in the
world!

DAY 8, Tegucigalpa:
After a few days in Roatán we return by
ferry to the mainland to catch our express
bus through stunning countryside to
Tegucigalpa (Teh-goo-c-gal-pa), the
capital city of Honduras. The pace of life in
Honduras only shifts up a gear in
Tegucigalpa (or Tegus as it’s thankfully
called by the locals) where colourful chaos
reigns eternal. Everything you imagine a
Latin city to be, Tegus is charming, historic
and framed perfectly by peaks on three
sides. Your tour leader will be give a brief
orientation walking tour of the colonial
centre before going out for an optional
group meal.

DAYS 9–11, Granada – Crossing into
Nicaragua we pass the capital, Managua, and
travel on through tobacco growing regions to
reach Granada on the shores of Lake
Nicaragua. Granada has to be one of the most
charming colonial towns in Central America.
Founded in 1524 at the foot of Mombacho
Volcano, this pretty town will remind many of its
Spanish counterpart due to its Moorish feel.
Here you can take a horse drawn carriage
through the narrow streets, or just relax in a
typical Nicaraguan rocking chair and watch the
locals go about their business. There’s also an
option to visit the Masaya National Park with its
double crested active volcano, and the
Masaya handicraft markets nearby.

DAYS 12-14, Ometepe Island – San José:
For our next destination we must cross the
vast Lake Nicaragua, which at one time
was a large ocean bay, but due to seismic
activity the land rose and cut it off from
the sea. This is why it has the world’s only
fresh water sharks and other salt-water
species that have adapted to the lakes
water. We take a boat to the unspoilt and
tranquil island of Ometepe. This, the
‘true heart of Nicaragua,’ is the perfect
place to escape from the normalities of life.
The name of the island means “between
two hills” and was formed by the two
volcanoes, Concepción and Madera. The
fertile volcanic soil provides the local
population with perfect farming
conditions for the many crops grown. You
may choose to hire a local guide and
spend your free time searching for ancient
stone statues and petroglyphs which have
been found all over the island. Those
feeling athletic can go for volcano hikes or
horseback riding on the black sand beach,
while the less energetic can spend their
time lying in hammocks, or taking a
relaxing tour around the island. Either way
you can be sure that Ometepe’s charm
and kind-hearted residents will make this
the highlight of your trip.
Crossing our last border of the tour we
head for the Costa Rican capital of San
José, nestled in a fertile valley among
coffee and sugar-cane farms on a high
plateau. There is not much left of the
colonial era due to earthquakes but it is
certainly worth seeing the National
Theatre, built in 1897. Maybe you’ll be
lucky enough to catch a performance
whilst you’re here. And don’t forget to visit
a few museums. The Gold, Jade and
National Museums are particularly
recommended.

DAY 15, Depart San José