Central American Adventure

Day 1: Playa del Carmen

Hola! Welcome to Mexico. You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner. If you arrive in Playa del Carmen a few days before day 1 of your trip, you could spend time snorkeling among the mangroves or relaxing on the beach. For adventures further afield, take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef diving. Why not take the short trip to Cancun, a haven for sun worshippers, retirees and American spring-breakers. Cancun is full of resorts, bars and shops and there is always something going on. Head down to the beach for a frolic in the surf before playing 'spot the MTV camera' in town. On arrival in Mexico it is possible you will feel lethargic and lose some appetite. This is nothing to be concerned about and is just your body acclimatising to the heat and humidity. Be sure to drink plenty of bottled water and try not to do too much in any one day; you'll soon adjust. 

Days 2-3: Tulum

Today the group travels south by local bus to Tulum (approx. 1.5 hours). Tulum is a beach paradise on the Caribbean coast and our home for the next 2 days. Spend time relaxing on the beach or strolling along the white sandy shore. In the evenings, kick back and watch the waves with a margarita. For a taste of Mayan architecture take an optional visit of the ruins of Tulum. These ruins sit atop a cliff surrounded by palm fringed, white sand beaches. You can even go for a swim within its ancient walls. 

Days 4-5: Caye Caulker

Today we leave Mexico behind and travel south to Belize. We travel by local bus and may have to change buses 2 to 3 times, depending on that days' bus schedule, but be prepared for approximately 8 hours on the road before we reach Belize City. Rarely a country border crossing is reason to write home, however the border between Mexico and Belize can be the exception. Extremely busy at times, with non-existing signals, muddy roads and street sellers everywhere you look, this crossing has it all to become a cultural experience in itself. Please listen to and follow your group leader's instructions as if you lose sight of the group, it can be very easy to get lost. Once in Belize, we take a 40 minute boat ride to Caye Caulker. Have your sunscreen ready - these golden rays can quickly burn unprotected skin. Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. The Belizeans are known for their relaxed and easy going way of live. You will be amazed how many different cultures coexist harmoniously here. Caulker is an easy going island that has a distinctly Caribbean feel. Small and friendly, with a sandy main road, the main thing to do here is relax and explore Belize's underwater worlds. Relax on the beach or head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the magnificent Blue Hole and the world's second longest barrier reef. Snorkel, swim or dive among the colorful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. You could also choose to go manatee spotting. These huge peaceful creatures are often called sea cows and are quite curious to meet their visitors. If you would like to take up wind surfing, this is a great spot for it. And if you already know how to wind surf you can rent a board and head out there. If you're interested in sampling local cuisine, Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster. Not the cheapest meal you'll ever buy, but so good. Always make sure that you respect the season: the lobsters can only be caught between June 15th and February 15th. Some of the best meals on the island are cooked on the road side. How about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local fire water? In the evenings you should look out for the world famous 'Jolly Roger' - an Icon on the island, he has some of the best street food out here...enjoy your meal. Since the island is so small you can walk everywhere and you can even leave your shoes at home since there are no paved roads here. 

Days 6-7: San Ignacio

Today we travel by local bus to San Ignacio (approx. 3 hours) passing on the way the new capital of Belize, Belmopan. Heading inland we travel through the forested hills of the highlands. Surrounded by fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins, San Ignacio is an ideal base to explore the region. One of the optional activities for this afternoon or tomorrow is a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre located with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique stucco frieze and the central plaza has three carved stelae. Getting to the site is half the fun and you'll need to take a hand cranked ferry to cross the river. It is also possible to take an optional day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls, and warm swimming holes as well as a huge system of caves. The cave of Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Mayan relic. Wade through water until you reach a Mayan ceremonial site. Here you will find ceramic pots and crystallized skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1,400 years. For those who can't get enough jungle fun there are also opportunities to go tubing or canoeing through the region. And for those who would like some time to reflect on the beauty of nature there is always San Ignacio's butterfly garden. In the late afternoon and at night many little barbecue street stalls open and serve huge portions of it. Make sure you give it a try, sit down next to the road, chat along with the locals and enjoy a juicy tasty chicken leg.

Days 8-9: Flores / Tikal

Today we travel by local bus (approx. 4 hours) to the easy pace of life in the old-world island town of Flores. The town of Flores is a highlight in itself, so make sure you go out and explore it. Flores was officially founded by the Spanish in 1700, but had existed in various forms well before. It has long remained isolated with locals relying on subsistence farming of corn and beans and the gathering of chicle from nearby trees to produce gum. Many of the locals still get about in the traditional way, by dug out canoe. You have time to stroll through the cobblestone streets past pastel-coloured buildings, buy local handicrafts or take a dip in Lake Peten Itza. On our free day here you shouldn't miss the opportunity to take an optional visit of the impressive ruins of Tikal. Towering above the jungle of the Tikal National Park, the five granite temples of Tikal are an awesome sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the jungle growth there is a maze of smaller structures just waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy. You may even spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. You could take a very early tour in the morning to the ruins to witness the beautiful sunrise on the highest pyramid in the complex of Tikal. 

Days 10-11: Rio Dulce

Leaving Flores behind, we head towards Rio Dulce, the sweet river, by local bus (approx. 5 hours). Sitting on the shores of Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce has long been a favourite stop for boaters from around the globe, on their way to or from Livingston and the Caribbean coast. Take time this afternoon to go out and absorb the atmosphere of this laid back Caribbean town, quite different from the inland communities. On our free day here there are plenty of optional activities to get out and about. Follow the local trend and go boating on the lake, take a tour to spot the protected manatees or travel up the river on a lancha to the thermal hot springs. For more land based adventure you can hike through the jungle-strewn trails of the Chocon-Machacas Natural Reserve, ride a horse through a nearby rubber plantation or travel to Livingston to explore the San Felipe fort.

Day 12: Antigua

We travel to Antigua by local bus (approx. 7 hours) were we'll spend the night before continuing to Panajachel. We don't spend much time in Antigua today, but you should still go out for a stroll and try Tamales, a local dish usually prepared traditionally on weekends and served in a corn leaf. You could also give the Pepian a try, a meal that consists of a rich dark sauce and three meats (chicken, beef and pork). The best value food you find is next to the artesian market close to the bus station. 

Days 13-14: San Jorge La Laguna / Chichicastenango

Once you arrive in San Jorge La Laguna, you will be introduced to your host family and the group may be split in twos or threes depending on the group size. Locals in San Jorge La Laguna are both very friendly and very shy. In order to make the most of this experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can and get ready for some serious hand language signals. On our free day you can go to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, which are only 10 minutes by bus from San Jorge La Laguna. Ringed by volcanoes and colourful villages Panajachel is a great base to explore the best of this region. Pana is a relatively modern town with paved streets, many shops and easy to explore by foot. One of the many optional activities here is to visit the smaller, neighbouring villages by boat. The best known of these is Chichicastenango, or Chichi. The markets here overflow with colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings to fill up your backpack. There are also a number of community cooperatives that you may wish to visit and the proceeds from these will return directly to the community. The blue / grey mountains, volcanoes and picturesque lake all provide opportunities to fully appreciate Guatemala's great outdoors. Go for a swim, wind surf, hike, kayak, go horse riding, or for the really adventurous, paragliding. Houses in San Jorge La Laguna are very basic. Your room may only consist of a couple of beds with clean bedding and the bathroom will most likely be outside your room and to be shared with the rest of the family. The mother of the family will cook dinner and breakfast for you. Meals can be very basic but filling, consisting of corn, rice and beans. You may want to stack up some snacks in Antigua. 

Days 15-16: Antigua

Today we travel back to Antigua by local bus (approx. 3 hours). Celebrate a great adventure with a night out in colonial Antigua or take an optional day trip to the steaming Pacaya Volcano. As the seat of the Spanish colonial government, Antigua was once the most important city in Central America. In 1773 the city was destroyed by an earthquake but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be admired. Take a walk through Antigua's quiet cobblestone streets past heavy carved-wood entrances. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if you have a taste for more active adventures, hire a mountain bike and ride through the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys, covered in lush vegetation are simply stunning. If you are interested in hiking, on our full day here you could take an optional tour to the famous Pacaya volcano, an active volcano about 1 hour by car outside Antigua. If you are lucky you may even see lava flowing from close up. If you are into salsa dancing or you would like to learn some moves, Antigua is the right place for you. Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons to learn or improve your moves before you get to hit the discos at night. We return to our hotel in Antigua for these nights. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. 

Days 17-18: Copan

After a very early start, we travel by local bus to Copan, Honduras (approx. 6 hours). Along the way, you will pass through the wild, dry country side of eastern Guatemala. The following day you could make an optional visit of the Mayan ruins of Copan. Intricately carved and decorated, the ruins were listed a World Heritage site in 1980. Walk through the grassy plazas under the gaze of huge carved faces, staring out from ancient walls. As you walk past monuments, statues and staircases it's hard not to wonder at the mysterious disappearance of such a creative civilisation. In Copan our hotel is within walking distance from the town centre, where you will find a variety of restaurants to taste some of the local food. 

Days 19-21: Roatan Island

Today we head by local bus towards San Pedro Sula (approx. 3 hours), then and continue to La Cieba (approx. 3 hours) before taking a ferry to Roatan (approx. 2 hours). The connections make this a long travelling day, leaving Copan early in the morning and arriving to the hotel in Roatan in the early evening. Spend the following two days relaxing and taking part in the many water based optional activities. Roatan is known for its crystal blue waters and underwater treasures. Surrounded by over 100km (62 miles) of living coral reef, this is a diving haven. Dive, swim or snorkel through the Caribbean waters to discover thousands of species of multi-coloured fish or chill out on the powdery white sands under swaying coconut palms. For more active adventures, tear yourself away from the beach and venture into the hilly interior by bicycle or scooter. Spot 'Jesus Lizards' in the botanical gardens or visit the nearby Institute for Marine Science. English is the main language in Roatan, so in the evenings chat away with the locals in any of the lively bars and enjoy a cold light house beer. Our hotel has nice views and is located close to West End- where you want to be in Roatan, with many restaurants and bars close by. 

Day 22: Comayagua

Bidding farewell to our beachside playground very early (approx 5:30 am) this morning, we travel by ferry back to the mainland (approx. 2 hours), and travel on to Comayagua by local bus (approx. 4.5 hours), arriving late afternoon. This is a great place to witness colonial architecture meeting modern day life and we spend the night here. We stay in a hotel close to the city centre. 

Days 23-24: Granada

Today is a full day of travel across the border to Granada, Nicaragua (approx. 12 hours). A good book, music, snacks and bottled water are a must to have for today's long journey, as we take a local bus, Tica Bus, taxis and another local bus. The border crossing between Honduras and Nicaragua is easy and quick and your group leader will assist you on what you have to do at the border. Nicaragua is a beautiful place that surprises most travellers with its friendly people, impressive natural beauty and for many it becomes their favourite country in Central America. The country has flourished in recent years and is an incredibly vibrant and unique country. Granada is Nicaragua's oldest city and over the years has managed to hold on to its colonial charm and with a surrounding countryside that includes active volcanoes and lakes, it is a great place to spend some time. We have a full free day here to bargain hard in the markets, hike, cruise and explore the neighbouring landscapes. Explore the cobblestone streets surrounded by colourful buildings or tour the 'islets' on Lake Nicaragua by boat, take an evening stroll through the streets and witness Granada's national sport: chatting with neighbours across the street from their open front room. Another optional activity is a day trip out to Mombacho or Masaya Volcano National Parks to get up close to some steaming giants. There is also a modern side of Granada and a good night on the town is never far away. Our hotel is right in the historic centre of town and you don't have to go far to find restaurants and bars. 

Days 25-26 :Ometepe Island

From Granada we travel by local bus and boat (approx 6-7 hours) to the island of Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua. Lake Nicaragua is the largest in Central America and the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world. Ometepe is a mainly agricultural island with rural villages and watermelon, coffee, banana and citrus plantations. Wildlife abounds here and as well as monkeys and green parrots, and the lake itself is famous for the world's only species of freshwater shark. A great experience is sitting on the shore of the lake when the fishermen come back from their long day bringing in what they have caught. You have a full free day here, and might want to take an optional hike to the Madera Volcano, which at 1340m (4395 ft), is no walk in the park. Otherwise check out the petroglyphs or chill out on the beach. Located right on the shores of beautiful Lake Nicaragua, our accommodation is the perfect place to relax or head out for exciting activities. 

Days 27-28: Monteverde

We continue travelling south by local bus to Monteverde, Costa Rica. (7 to 9 hours depending on border crossing conditions) The pasture land surrounding Monteverde was once covered in dense forest. Unfortunately, only a small area remains untouched. This area is lush, full of wildlife and protected as the Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde. This is truly a nature lover's paradise. Cloud forest is similar to rainforest but instead of the moisture coming from rain, it comes from the almost permanent cloud that covers the region. In our free time here you may choose to explore Monteverde by foot, horse, mountain bike or ride over the rainforest canopy on a zip line. You could also arrange a local guide to take on a walk around the park. There are more than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals that call Monteverde home so the knowledge and experience of a local guide can make a huge difference on the enjoyment of this walk. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world. Our accommodation is owned by a local Costa Rican family and located a short walk from the town - a great place to start your explorations. 

Days 29-30: La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano National Park

Travelling by local bus we reach La Fortuna (approx. 6-7 hours), our base for exploring the Arenal Volcano and its wild surrounds. Set in the plains of Costa Rica, the volcano sits on the shores of Lake Arenal, a large artificial lake. With strong winds sweeping in from the Caribbean, the lake is one of the best windsurfing destinations in the world. The volcano is quite active and at night time you can often see glowing lava blast into the sky as the cone glows red. There is an optional night hike around the base of the volcano for up close views. With monkeys calling through the night, the experience is altogether unforgettable. You will have free time here to try some of the optional activities such as a day trip to the waterfall, a canopy tour for a bird's eye view of the forest or a full day of adrenaline pumping white water rafting. Otherwise head out into the beautiful surrounds and explore by bike or horse. At the end of a long day of exploring you can ease into the Baldi hot springs and hope for a clear sky for the ultimate bathing view, the Arenal Volcano and its glowing lava. Our comfortable hotel is located right in the heart of La Fortuna. 

Days 31-32: San Jose

A local bus ride (approx 5 hours) takes us to San Jose which sits in the middle of the fertile Valle Central, ringed by volcanoes and jagged mountains just begging to be explored. The city itself has all the sights and modern conveniences you would expect from a capital city. A good place to start exploring is the main plaza, a fantastic place to get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping head to the out door market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. In San Jose we stay in a hostel, located only a few steps from Paseo Colon. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 10:00am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel reception. There may be a small service fee.