El Salvador small group trips

November to April, the dry season, gives the clearest mornings on the lake and over the volcanoes and the easiest road days. From May to October it rains most afternoons, so we keep the boat and the ruins to the morning. Holy Week brings processions to Antigua, with crowds and higher hotel prices.

Answer for Guatemala, Copán and El Salvador: Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the Ruta de las Flores

Moderately active. There are no summit hikes; the longest walk is about 3 to 4 km over stone steps and gravel at Copán, in heat. Antigua, Chichicastenango and Suchitoto are cobbled and the lake villages are steep from the docks. Days 6 and 8 are long road days, about 5 and 6.5 hours of driving, that need patience more than fitness.

Answer for Guatemala, Copán and El Salvador: Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the Ruta de las Flores

A room of your own is from CAD 485 more, about 17 percent of the trip price, shown before you book with no surprise later. Every guest gets the same seat in the van, the same boat and the same table at lunch, whether you travel alone or not.

Answer for Guatemala, Copán and El Salvador: Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the Ruta de las Flores

The small-group trip runs with 7 to 12 guests. The trips we compared take up to 15 or 16, so with us the group clears the border desks faster, fits in one boat on Lake Atitlán, and everyone hears the guide at Copán.

Answer for Guatemala, Copán and El Salvador: Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the Ruta de las Flores

Choose a Friday date and send a request to book; no payment is taken at that point. We confirm your place within 24 hours. The small group starts from CAD 2,850 per person sharing, taxes included, and the private trip from CAD 5,130. We then send the hotels, border details and payment details.

Answer for Guatemala, Copán and El Salvador: Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the Ruta de las Flores

No. Canadian and US passport holders can visit all three as tourists without a visa, and the CA-4 agreement gives one shared entry period for the region. We recommend a passport valid for six months after you arrive, as rules vary by airline and nationality. We confirm the rules and any arrival fees for your passport when you book.

Answer for Guatemala, Copán and El Salvador: Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the Ruta de las Flores

Moderate: about 7 km there and back with around 450 to 500 m of climbing on loose rock to about 2,380 m, in 3 to 4 hours. Good shoes and steady legs are enough. If you prefer, stay at the park viewpoints over Izalco and Lake Coatepeque while the others climb.

Answer for El Salvador: Suchitoto, the Ruta de las Flores and the Pacific Coast

Solo travellers are welcome. You can share a room at the twin-share price, or have a room of your own for CAD 680 more, shown up front when you request to book. There is no other solo charge, and the free evenings are as social or as quiet as you like.

Answer for Guatemala to Costa Rica: the Central American volcano trail

The small group runs with 7 to 12 guests. A See Sight Tours guide travels with you for the whole trip, and local guides join at Joya de Ceren and on the Santa Ana volcano, where the park requires them.

Answer for El Salvador: Suchitoto, the Ruta de las Flores and the Pacific Coast

Canadian, US, UK and most EU passport holders do not. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua share one entry period under the CA-4 arrangement, Nicaragua charges a tourist card on arrival, and Costa Rica may ask for proof of your flight home. We pay the border fees and confirm the rules for your passport when you book.

Answer for Guatemala to Costa Rica: the Central American volcano trail