The Central America Adventure
DAY ONE
Guests arrive in San Salvador at their own leisure and check into our hotel (optional airport pickup for extra charge).
At 6pm our group meet in reception for a tour briefing and then head out for dinner and drinks where you will get to know your fellow revellers.
DAY TWO
Today we take a full day tour of San Salvador.
The first place we visit is the Cathedral of San Salvador where we'll learn about the 1980 assassination of Oscar Romero.
Afterwards we go to meet Israel Ticas, a renowned forensic criminologist. Known as the 'Lawyer for the Dead', Ticas has uncovered over 700 victims of gang warfare, whilst surviving three assassination attempts.
Next up we will meet Mauricio Vilanova, the mayor of San José Guayabal. Vilanova has managed to go against the national trend by driving the gangs out of his town and locals can now live there without fear of extortion.
We finish the day by going out on patrol with the police and learn about what work is being done in these areas to help fight against the gangs.
DAY THREE
Today we visit Apanteos Prison with the chance to meet prisoners taking part in the ‘Yo Cambio’ programme, translated as 'I change'. The prisoners we meet have renounced their gang affiliations and are working towards rehabilitation. The prison is mainly run by the prisoners themselves which gives them the opportunity to share their skills and teach each other painting, baking, carpentry etc.
DAY FOUR
In the morning we drive south and visit San Juan 'ghost prison' which up until 2016 was used to incarcerate members of the Barrio 18 gang. We'll have the chance to explore all corners of the prison.
Afterwards we will visit the San José De La Montana self defence community. As well as meeting the community and hearing their stories we'll also go on boat patrol.
DAY FIVE
Today we depart San Salvador and cross to Honduras.
We arrive in the town of Santa Rosa De Copan just before midday where we'll then have the afternoon free.
Santa Rosa is a nice relaxing town, with a real Honduran feel. You'll have the chance to visit the local cigar factory before going for dinner and sampling some great Honduran cuisine before joining in the lively local nightlife!
DAY SIX
After breakfast we travel to the ancient Mayan site of Copan. This UNESCO listed site was discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio. Copan was one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation during the Classical period 250-900 AD. We will stay overnight in the nearby town of Copan Ruinas.
DAY SEVEN
After breakfast we depart Honduras to cross into Guatemala and drive west to the well preserved Spanish colonial city of Antigua.
DAY EIGHT
The active volcano of Pacaya is where we will head today. From Antigua we will drive 25km to the base of the volcano before taking a 2.5 hour hike to the top. For those not keen on hiking, there is the option of staying around the city for a relaxing day.
DAY NINE
Bumpy bus with the locals back to El Salvador!
End of tour.
2020 DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Tour price: £1295.00
Included:
All breakfasts
Accomodation
Local English speaking guides and transport
Security team in El Salvador
Permits for visiting Apanteos Prison and San Juan 'ghost prison'.
Entrance fees
Western guide
Not included:
Flights
Entry and departure fees (payable on borders)
Tips for guide
Meals
Single room upgrade £205
Guests arrive in San Salvador at their own leisure and check into our hotel (optional airport pickup for extra charge).
At 6pm our group meet in reception for a tour briefing and then head out for dinner and drinks where you will get to know your fellow revellers.
DAY TWO
Today we take a full day tour of San Salvador.
The first place we visit is the Cathedral of San Salvador where we'll learn about the 1980 assassination of Oscar Romero.
Afterwards we go to meet Israel Ticas, a renowned forensic criminologist. Known as the 'Lawyer for the Dead', Ticas has uncovered over 700 victims of gang warfare, whilst surviving three assassination attempts.
Next up we will meet Mauricio Vilanova, the mayor of San José Guayabal. Vilanova has managed to go against the national trend by driving the gangs out of his town and locals can now live there without fear of extortion.
We finish the day by going out on patrol with the police and learn about what work is being done in these areas to help fight against the gangs.
DAY THREE
Today we visit Apanteos Prison with the chance to meet prisoners taking part in the ‘Yo Cambio’ programme, translated as 'I change'. The prisoners we meet have renounced their gang affiliations and are working towards rehabilitation. The prison is mainly run by the prisoners themselves which gives them the opportunity to share their skills and teach each other painting, baking, carpentry etc.
DAY FOUR
In the morning we drive south and visit San Juan 'ghost prison' which up until 2016 was used to incarcerate members of the Barrio 18 gang. We'll have the chance to explore all corners of the prison.
Afterwards we will visit the San José De La Montana self defence community. As well as meeting the community and hearing their stories we'll also go on boat patrol.
DAY FIVE
Today we depart San Salvador and cross to Honduras.
We arrive in the town of Santa Rosa De Copan just before midday where we'll then have the afternoon free.
Santa Rosa is a nice relaxing town, with a real Honduran feel. You'll have the chance to visit the local cigar factory before going for dinner and sampling some great Honduran cuisine before joining in the lively local nightlife!
DAY SIX
After breakfast we travel to the ancient Mayan site of Copan. This UNESCO listed site was discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio. Copan was one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation during the Classical period 250-900 AD. We will stay overnight in the nearby town of Copan Ruinas.
DAY SEVEN
After breakfast we depart Honduras to cross into Guatemala and drive west to the well preserved Spanish colonial city of Antigua.
DAY EIGHT
The active volcano of Pacaya is where we will head today. From Antigua we will drive 25km to the base of the volcano before taking a 2.5 hour hike to the top. For those not keen on hiking, there is the option of staying around the city for a relaxing day.
DAY NINE
Bumpy bus with the locals back to El Salvador!
End of tour.
2020 DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Tour price: £1295.00
Included:
All breakfasts
Accomodation
Local English speaking guides and transport
Security team in El Salvador
Permits for visiting Apanteos Prison and San Juan 'ghost prison'.
Entrance fees
Western guide
Not included:
Flights
Entry and departure fees (payable on borders)
Tips for guide
Meals
Single room upgrade £205