Day 1: El Salvador International Airport – The Flower Route
Welcome to warm & sunny El Salvador. Arrive at El Salvador International Airport, & transfer to The Flower Route area for an overnight stay.
Day 2: The Flower Route
In the morning, enjoy breakfast, followed by an introductory Spanish lesson. Afterward, begin your journey along the famous Flower Route, which features several vibrant villages. The village of Juayua is known for its enchanting waterfalls, while the village of Nahuizalco is known for its handicrafts made from wicker & tule. The sweet & robust aroma of local coffee is found within the cacao cultivating towns of Ataco & Apaneca. Visit a local coffee mill, where you’ll learn the complete production process. Other highlights at the coffee plantation include coffee collection, season permitting. Next, see the ancient Mayan monuments at the Santa Leticia archaeological site. Later today, head up into the forest canopy for a thrilling zip line tour, go horseback riding, or enjoy a guided tour of the area in a buggy.
Day 3: The Flower Route
Discover the wonders of nature today as you explore a national park. Visit El Imposible National Park. Learn about the tropical forests’ history & its amazing population of wildlife, which includes hundreds of different species. Or, observe the beautiful orchids found inside the Montecristo Cloud Forest.
Day 4: The Flower Route – Cerro Verde
Hike alongside large agave plants as you take on the eco-trails inside Cerro Verde National Park, where you’ll find spectacular views of the Izalco Volcano. Other highlights of the volcano tour include the Santa Ana Volcano, the Cerro Verde Volcano, & the volcanic Lake Coatepeque. After the tour, visit a local school to learn about efforts that are being made to help support the student’s development. Spend the evening under the Salvadoran sky, camping by the volcanoes.
Day 5: Santa Ana Volcano – San Salvador
Get ready for an exciting trek up the active Santa Ana Volcano. The views are sure to be incredible at the more than 2,000 meter altitude in which you will ascend to. You’ll also get to look down into the crater, & gaze at its turquoise-colored lake before heading back down the volcano. Afterward, travel to San Salvador for dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 6: San Salvador – Joya de Ceren – Suchitoto – San Salvador
Visit the famous archeological site, Joya de Ceren, to observe the ancient Mayan ruins, & learn about Mayan culture. Next, head to Suchitoto, & learn about the indigo production process that the Maya civilization used that is still in use to this day. This unique lesson includes a hands-on activity: making an indigo scarf.
Day 7: San Salvador – La Union
On the way to La Union today, enjoy learning about the country’s heritage at the National Museum of Anthropology, & attend a talk concerning the nation’s economy & politics at the U.S. Embassy.
Day 8: La Union – El Icacal Beach – La Union
Head to El Icacal Beach for the day. Learn about the beach’s endangered sea turtles, & help protect these species by releasing them back into their natural habitat. Enjoy an opportunity to volunteer at a local school before today’s wildlife conservation activity. Return to La Union for an overnight stay.
Day 9: La Union – Jiquilisco Bay
Travel to one of the country’s most beautiful, natural areas, Jiquilisco Bay. Officially a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the area features white sandy beaches, lush forests, islands surrounded by cool blue waters, & an ample population of mangrove trees. Jiquilisco also plays a vital role in its ecosystem, & is home to a large population of migrant & native species of fish, birds, reptiles, & mammals. Discover the wonders of the bay, & head into the forest to visit the local monkeys!
Day 10: Jiquilisco Bay – El Salvador International Airport – USA
Transfer to El Salvador International Airport, & board return flight home.