Central American Explorer
Overview
Highlights
- Journey through six contrasting Central American countries on this epic adventure
- Explore colourful colonial towns & sacred Mayan sites
- Unwind on the Caribbean beaches of Bocas del Toro
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Join trip in Panama City, Panama's eclectic capital and a curious mixture of old colonial Spanish architecture and modern American city buildings. Built on the back of the trade and plunder from the Spanish colonies in South America, Panama City was a key trade route ...
This morning we will visit the Miraflores Locks to see the famous Panama Canal and appreciate the scale of this engineering miracle. Running 50 miles, the canal was carved out of the rainforest and through hillsides, lakes were dammed and locks built. After a serious...
This morning we take a public bus to Panama's beautiful southwest Chiriqui Province. This region is home to the Volcan Baru, a volcanic peak that at 3475m is the highest point in the country. The volcanic soil makes this a productive region, abundant in coffee and ban...
With a morning to enjoy time in Boquete before we depart in the afternoon for Almirante Port, from where we take a boat to the Isla Colon and the small town of Bocas de Toro, our base for exploring the stunning archipelago and the equally spectacular Parque Nacional M...
We have a full free day today to enjoy fully this lovely island. There are a number of optional activities that you might like to try. The island is ringed with stunning beaches and there are opportunities to snorkel or dive the rich waters off shore. You may like to ...
Returning to the mainland by boat we turn north and head on a full day's drive to the Costa Rican town of Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui. We cross the border at Guabito, into the Caribbean lowlands of Limon Province. Puerto Viejo lies at the confluence of the Puerto Viejo an...
This morning we have a chance to explore a little more of Puerto Viejo and its environs. This area has been in the forefront of conservation for a number of years and La Selva biological station on the outskirts of town has done a great deal to involve the local commu...
This morning we visit the still active Arenal Volcano, set in an area of national park covering some 9,884 acres. The volcano has been fairly constantly active since the late 1960s and together with the impressive manmade Lake Arenal, the largest in Costa Rica, has h...
Rising early, we head into the reserve for a guided walk through the cloudforest, searching for a glimpse of the three-wattled bellbird or the Quetzal, whose feathers were traded as valuable items throughout pre-Columbian America. You have the afternoon free to explor...
Our journey through Costa Rica's forests and jungles continues today as we head towards the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, an enormous adventure playground located close to the Nicaraguan border in the Guanacaste Province. The National Park has room for two volcano...
This morning we visit the Rincon de la Vieja, with the aim of hiking along the Las Pailas Trail. This approximately 3 km hike is moderately difficult due to the uneven ground and the many large roots and rocks to tackle, but we'll take a leisurely pace and enjoy the d...
Crossing the border into Nicaragua this morning a short drive brings us to San Jorge, the departure point for ferries to Ometepe Island. Ometepe is made up of two volcanoes connected by an isthmus; indeed its name comes from the Nahuatl language and means 'two hills'...
Today is left free to further explore these amazing volcanic islands.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
We return by boat to San Jorge this morning and from there drive to Granada. Atmospheric Granada is a colonial gem, situated at the foot of Mombacho volcano on the northwest shore of Lake Nicaragua. It was the first colonial city in Nicaragua, founded in 1524 by the ...
This morning is left free to explore the city or take part in one of the optional activities on offer. Granada is the perfect city to explore on foot, wandering the narrow lanes and alleyways, discovering hidden delights amongst the central Plaza and historic building...
We drive to the old colonial capital of Leon today, lying in the shadow of the Cordillera de los Maribios Mountains. Defined by its graceful Spanish colonial architecture and fascinating political history, we will soon discover why Leon is considered to be Nicaragua's...
This morning we wave goodbye to Nicaragua and head to the smallest country in Central America - El Salvador. Don't let its size fool you, the country is teaming with towering volcanoes, a spectacular coastline and beautiful colonial towns and villages. Our first b...
After breakfast we will transfer to the port of La Union to embark on an included boat tour around the islands of this imposing volcanic archipelago in the Pacific. During the tour you can see the islands of three countries: El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Keep ...
Today has been left free to explore all that Suchitoto has to offer. The town itself seems timeless, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and an impressive colonial church in a leafy plaza. It was once at the heart of the country's indigo trade, and we have th...
This morning we head to the town of Copan, in Honduras. First, we cross the border of El Salvador and Guatemala. We continue through Guatemala before crossing into Honduras. It will take around six hours including a lunch stop and customs formalities, before we arrive...
This morning we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide. Everyone familiar with Catherwood's incredible drawings (which first appeared in John Stephens' 1841 narrative - 'Incidents of Travel in Central America and Yucatan') will recognise scenes and o...
We head into Guatemala this morning, to the stunning city of Antigua, set in a beautiful valley between the volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. An orientation tour of this graceful old colonial city, with its cobbled streets and lovely old buildings identifies it as...
The next two days are free to explore more of the city and its environs as you wish. Antigua itself deserves at least a day's wandering, you may like to visit churches, colonial buildings, museums as well as spending time shopping in its many markets. Alternatively m...
For those not wishing to spend the day exploring the city, a day trip to Lake Atitlan takes in one of Guatemala's most stunning locations. Panajachel, on the shores of the spectacular lake, is an old Spanish settlement that has attracted foreigners to its charming loc...
The trip ends this morning at our hotel in Antigua Guatemala. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an ai...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Judith
Feb 2024
Central America Explorer
A great diversity in scenery a true tour of contrasts. Differences between countries from architecture to wildlife to unwinding on tropical beaches and exploring May...
Trusted Customer
Feb 2024
Central America Explorer
Boat trip through the mangroves, Panama canal
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