Central American Explorer

25 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 17 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

Small Group Tour
Discover the diversity of Central America in this epic 25-day adventure. From the lush rainforests of Costa Rica to the smouldering Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua and the paradise beaches of Panama - this really is a trip of contrasts. Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization in Copan, Honduras and fall in love with the cobbled streets of Antigua, Guatemala's ...
19%
$6,458
From$5,250
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

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?

    Discover the diversity of Central America in this epic 25-day adventure. From the lush rainforests of Costa Rica to the smouldering Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua and the paradise beaches of Panama - this really is a trip of contrasts. Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization in Copan, Honduras and fall in love with the cobbled streets of Antigua, Guatemala's most beautiful city. Caribbean - Unwind on the beautiful island of Bocas del Toro, snorkelling in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea Copan - Discover the ancient Maya at this impeccable UNESCO World Heritage site Wildlife - Search for the elusive quetzal in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityPanama City
End CityAntigua

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • North America
  • Central America
  • Costa Rica
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Europe
  • Spain

Attractions

  • Antigua
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Bar
  • Boquete
  • Caribbean
  • Central America
  • Copan
  • Granada
  • Lake Atitlan
  • Lake Nicaragua
  • Managua
  • Monteverde
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Ometepe
  • Panama Canal
  • Panama City
  • Roatan
  • Salvador

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in Panama City (Panama)

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 ...

Day 2 Panama Canal visit; afternoon free to explore the city

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...

Day 3 Public bus to David then head to Boquete

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...

Day 4 Drive and boat to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago

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...

Day 5 In Bocas del Toro, optional boat trip around the islands

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 ...

Day 6 Journey to Sarapiqui (Costa Rica)

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...

Day 7 Travel to Arenal; optional evening bathe in hot springs

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...

Day 8 Drive to Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve via Arenal Volcano

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...

Day 9 Guided reserve walk; optional canopy tour and night walk

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...

Day 10 Transfer to Rincon de la Vieja and free afternoon for optional hiking

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...

Day 11 Visit the Rincon de la Vieja National park

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...

Day 12 Travel to Ometepe (Nicaragua); optional walks

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'...

Day 13 Free day to discover Ometepe Island

Today is left free to further explore these amazing volcanic islands.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Journey to the mainland and head to Granada

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 ...

Day 15 Free time in Granada. Evening trip to Masaya Volcano to view the lava glow

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...

Day 16 Drive to Leon; city tour and optional Cerro Negro Volcano hike

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...

Day 17 Journey to El Salvador

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...

Day 18 Boat trip and lunch on Zacatillo Island; drive to Suchitoto

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 ...

Day 19 Free day in Suchitoto; Optional boat trip on Lake Suchitlan or Indigo workshop

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...

Day 20 Transfer to Copan, Honduras

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...

Day 21 Visit the UNESCO Site of Copan, free afternoon

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...

Day 22 Drive to Antigua (Guatemala); walking tour of the town

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...

Day 23 Free day to explore Antigua or optional trip to Chichicastenango Market

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...

Day 24 Free day to spend in Antigua or choose to visit Lake Atitlan

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...

Day 25 Tour ends Antigua

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...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $5,250
Price per day$210
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
13 Nov 2024
07 Dec 2024
$5,250
$1,590
Sold Out
08 Jan 2025
01 Feb 2025
$5,810
$1,610
8 spots left
19 Feb 2025
15 Mar 2025
$5,650
$1,610
16 spots left
19 Mar 2025
12 Apr 2025
$5,810
$1,610
12 spots left
23 Apr 2025
17 May 2025
$5,650
$1,610
16 spots left
12 Nov 2025
06 Dec 2025
$5,650
$1,610
14 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

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.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
J

Judith

Feb 2024

Written on

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...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Central America Explorer

Boat trip through the mangroves, Panama canal

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

M

Mark

Apr 2024

Written on

Cycle Saigon to Hanoi

Wow, what a trip. An awesome tour from Saigon to Hanoi under the excellent guidance of our tour leader Doan. Doan and his amazing local support team made the journ...

M

Margaret

Apr 2024

Written on

Treasures of Jordan

Abdullah was an excellent guide who made our trip run very smoothly with as much time as possible at the various attractions. He was very knowledgible, empathatic, s...

S

Susan Postill

Apr 2024

Written on

Highlights of Albania

Lovely trip, beautiful country, nice people, good food,...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Explore!

premier
View Profile

About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Ferry, Flight,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Ferry, Flight
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Panama: Citizens from the UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canada do not require a visa for a stay up to 30 days. However, on entry you will be required to show that you have either 500USD in cash or a credit card. Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Nicaragua: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Honduras: Citizens from UK, New Zealand, Australia, New Zealand and most EU national do not require a visa. Guatemala: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 17
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-CAE

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!