9 Days • 8 Nights
El Salvador & Guatemala Highlights Combo
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Santa Ana volcano and Coatepeque crater lake
- El Salvador's flower-lined coffee route
- Colonial Antigua ringed by volcanoes
- Sublime Lake Atitlan and its Maya villages
- World-class coffee in both countries
- An easy two-country combination
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at the airport, you transfer to the Santa Ana area near El Salvador's finest volcanoes and crater lake, settling in with a welcome dinner.
A guided hike up the Santa Ana volcano to its emerald crater lake, and an afternoon swimming at the turquoise Coatepeque caldera.
You cross the land border into Guatemala and travel to Antigua, the ravishing colonial city of cobbled streets and baroque ruins ringed by volcanoes. Settle in and explore at golden hour.
A walking tour of Antigua's plazas, churches and ruins, a coffee-farm visit on the volcano slopes with a tasting, and free time among its galleries and cafes.
A free day to explore Antigua further, take a cooking or weaving class, or hike the Pacaya volcano to roast marshmallows over warm volcanic vents.
A scenic drive into the western highlands brings you to Lake Atitlan, one of the world's most beautiful lakes, ringed by three volcanoes and Maya villages. Settle into a lakeside hotel.
A boat tour across the lake to visit its distinct Maya villages, from the weaving town of Santiago Atitlan to artsy San Juan, meeting artisans and taking in the volcanic scenery.
A free day to kayak the lake, hike to a viewpoint, visit a highland market, or simply relax and soak up the extraordinary setting.
You transfer to Guatemala City for your onward flight, having experienced the highlights of two remarkable countries.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a coffee-farm lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- Entrance and national park fees as per itinerary
- a Santa Ana volcano hike, an Antigua city tour and a Lake Atitlan village boat tour, plus the border transfer
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive entry under the CA-4 regional agreement; a passport valid for at least six months and, sometimes, a small tourist fee apply. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: El Salvador uses the US Dollar as its official currency, and Bitcoin is also legal tender though rarely needed by visitors; carry small US Dollar notes for markets, tips and rural areas
- Best time to visit: The dry season (November to April) is sunniest and ideal for volcanoes, ruins and the beach, while the green season (May to October) brings lush landscapes and afternoon showers; the surf is excellent year-round
- Getting around: El Salvador is Central America's smallest country, so distances are short and you can reach beaches, volcanoes and colonial towns in a single day; internal ground transfers are included
- Surfing: The Pacific coast is a world-class surf destination, with consistent waves at El Tunco, El Zonte and Punta Roca suiting beginners to experts; lessons and boards are easy to arrange
- Safety: El Salvador has transformed its security in recent years and now welcomes travellers warmly; as anywhere, we use trusted local guides and drivers and follow sensible precautions to keep your trip smooth
- Health: No vaccinations are required for most travellers; bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated in the tropical heat, and drink bottled or filtered water
- Money & tipping: US Dollars in cash are useful throughout; cards work in cities and resorts. Tipping around ten percent is customary for good service, and power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the border crossing straightforward?
Yes — El Salvador and Guatemala share the CA-4 regional agreement, so the land crossing is simple and quick with your private driver and guide, who handle the formalities. It is a smooth part of the journey.
Which airport do I fly in and out of?
This itinerary flies into San Salvador and out of Guatemala City (or vice versa), which we call an 'open-jaw' and can arrange with your flights to avoid backtracking.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. El Salvador's food, from pupusas to fresh seafood, is a delight and inexpensive, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Is El Salvador safe to visit now?
El Salvador has seen a dramatic improvement in security in recent years and is increasingly popular with travellers. We use trusted local guides and drivers and sensible precautions throughout, and most visitors find the country warm, welcoming and easy.
Do I need a visa for El Salvador?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and enter under the regional CA-4 agreement, sometimes with a small tourist fee. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book; a passport valid for six months is needed.
What currency is used?
El Salvador uses the US Dollar, which makes budgeting easy for many travellers. Carry small notes for markets, tips and rural areas; cards are accepted in cities and resorts.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season (November to April) is best for sightseeing and the beach, while the green season is lush with afternoon showers. The Pacific surf is excellent all year.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Because the country is small, we can easily combine volcanoes, colonial towns, Maya ruins and the surf coast, adjust the pace, and tailor the trip to your interests and budget.
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