Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America

Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America 29 Days

From $2495 USD

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Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America
Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America
Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America
Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America
Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America
Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America
Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America
Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America
Visit the Best Attractions of Amazing Central America

Overview
Itinerary
Nuts & Bolts
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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 29 Days
Comfort: Budget%
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Trip ID: 128267
Start Location: Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
End Location: Panama, Panama

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Primary Activities: Hiking, Walking Tour, Sightseeing
Other Activities: Snorkeling, Local Culture & Cuisine, Hot Springs, Wildlife, ancient ruins, Local Markets, national parks, museums, diving, Local Food
Activity Level: Basic, Basic

Get ready for a fast-paced adventure through the best of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. From oceans teeming with marine life to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is something of a natural paradise. Whether you're shopping in colonial Antigua, exploring the intricately carved structures at Copan, diving into the crystal blue waters off the coast of Honduras or taking a night hike up an active volcano at La Fortuna, you'll get a wonderful insight into Central America during this incredible adventure.

Trip Information:

Start: Antigua, Guatemala

Finish: Panama City, Panama

Group size: Min 1 , Max 16

Ages: Min 12

Itinerary

Day 1: Walk through cobblestone streets on an orientation tour of Antigua: Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala!

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.

This meeting will be followed by an orientation walk, led by your group leader, around some of Antigua's highlights. 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. Walk through the quiet cobblestone streets past heavy carved-wood entrances. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if your tastes run to 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 beautiful.

In Antigua you shouldn't miss the Tamales, a local dish traditionally prepared on weekends, served in a corn leaf. Or 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 next to the artisan market close to the bus station.

Included Activities
Orientation walk

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 2-3: Discover ancient local sites and unique cuisine in 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 civilization.

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 4-6: Spend two days relaxing under the shade of a coconut palm in 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.

Accommodation
Hotel (3 nts)
Day 7: Continue the journey onwards to 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.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 8-9: Cross the border and arrive at Nicaragua's oldest city: 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 travelers with its friendly people, impressive natural beauty and for many it becomes their favorite 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 neighboring landscapes. Explore the cobblestone streets surrounded by colorful 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 neighbors 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.

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 10-11: Ometepe boasts twin volcanoes, lush tropical forests and plenty of wildlife: 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 Volcano Maderas, which at 1340m (4395 ft), is no walk in the park. Otherwise check out the petroglyphs or chill out on the beach.

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 12-13: Explore the famous Monteverde cloud forest by foot, horse or mountain bike: 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 rain-forest 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.

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 14-15: Tackle a range of activities including whitewater rapids on Lake Arenal: 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. 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.

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 16-17: Join San Jose locals milling around the lively Mercado Central: 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. 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 travelers.

Optional Activities
San Jose - Batterfly farm, San Jose - USD27.00
San Jose - Irazu Volcano, Ososi Valley, Lankester garden full day tour, San Jose - USD81.00

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 18-20: Catch a local bus to exotic Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Today we travel by local bus to Puerto Viejo (approx 5 hrs). The following 2 days are free for you to explore Puerto Viejo. One of the most popular optional activities is a visit to Cahuita National Park where it is very likely we will get face to face with sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. Entrance to the park is free, though you will be asked for a donation. Puerto Viejo is a great location to learn or improve your surfing skills.

Accommodation
Hotel (3 nts)
Days 21-23: Enjoy the slow pace of laidback Bocas del Toro: Today we travel across the border to Panama. The following two days are free for you to explore Isla Bastimentos, Isla Bocas del Toro and the surrounding islands.

Accommodation
Hotel (3 nts)
Days 24-25: Soak up the fresh air and pristine beauty of Boquete: Today we travel by boat and local buses to Boquete (approx 8-9 hrs) Its pristine natural setting makes Boquete one of the top destinations for nature and outdoor lovers.

We have a free day here.
Optional activities: Visit one of the many coffee plantations, visit Los Pozos de Caldera hot springs, climb Baru Volcano, walk through the Sendero los Quetzales (Quetzales' path) in search of this iconic bird and white water rafting

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 26-27: Travel to the remote fishing village of Santa Catalina: Today we travel by local bus to Santa Catalina, on the Pacific side of Panama (approx 8 hrs) Santa Catalina is still a very remote, undeveloped destination and one of the best sites for surfing in Central America.

Next day is free. Some of the optional activities available in Santa Catalina are surfing, fishing, diving and visiting Coiba National Park.

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 28-29: Visit some of the many Panama City attractions. Departure: Today we travel by local bus to Panama City (6 hrs. approx) Explore the historical Casco Viejo and learn about the origins of Panama as a nation and the intricacies of the famous Panama Canal. Other optional activities include a visit to the Panama Canal, birdwatching in Soberania National Park, the world class tropical biology centre of Isla Barro Colorado and a visit to Tobaga Island.

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.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

Trip Excludes

Trip ID#: 128267

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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