Day 1 - Sunday:

Arrival into San Salvador. Make your way to the hotel where we'll all meet up in the evening and head out for dinner and drinks.
 

Day 2 - Monday:

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 the the HQ of renowned forensic criminologist Israel Ticas, where we learn from the man himself about the work he has done. Known as the 'lawyer for the dead', Ticas has uncovered over 700 victims of gang warfare, whilst surviving three assasination attempts. Afterwards 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 3 - Tuesday:

Today we visit Apanteos Prison with the chance to meet prisoners taking part in the Yo Cambio 'I change' programme. The prisoners we meet have renounced their gang affililiations 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 and more.
 

Day 4 - Wednesday:

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 5 - Thursday:

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 6 - Friday:

After breakfast we travel to the ancient Mayan site of Copan. The 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 7 - Saturday:

After breakfast we depart Honduras to cross into Guatemala and drive west to the well preserved Spanish colonial city of Antigua.

Day 8 - Sunday:

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.