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Amazing Central America

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Amazing Central America

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Description

Get ready for a 27-day adventure through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Explore a pocket of Central America that is a true natural paradise, with oceans teeming with marine life and tropical forests alive with jungle melodies. Discover the intricately carved structures at Copan, venture into the cloud forests of Monteverde and spend three nights in the island paradise of Bocas del Toro. Sample varied cuisines along the way during cooking lessons with locals, giving you a real insight into the heart and soul of Central America.

Trip Name
Amazing Central America
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
27
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Take a night walk through the Monteverde cloud forest or zip-line through its steamy canopy, looking out for the diverse Central American wildlife.
  • Try out your Nicaragua sign language skills when you order breakfast at an atmospheric cafe that's managed and staffed by members of the local deaf community.
  • Explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan, then maybe head to a nearby natural hot springs for a soak in the therapeutic mud and steaming natural baths.
  • Spend three nights on Isla Colon – dip into a clear sea perfect for swimming, stroll up to a beach shack for a cold cerveza and look for starfish on the sandy shores of Bocas del Toro.
  • Spend a morning with the Ngabe-Bugle Indigenous community on Isla Popa, learning about the Ngobe women's tourism project and meeting a local family in their island home.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Antigua
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. With crumbling churches, bustling markets and bohemian cafes set against a monumental volcano, Antigua is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe satisfy your cravings and learn the art of old-world chocolate production at the ChocoMuseo or sit by the fountain and people-watch in Central Park. After the meeting, the night is yours – maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers for a tamale (a classic staple of Mesoamerica with dough, meat and sauces steamed and served in a corn husk).
Day 2 - Copan
Rise and shine early this morning to beat the rush-hour traffic around Antigua. Departing at about 7 am, you’ll drive towards Copan. Along the way, watch the passing scenery and learn about local life in Guatemala as you head for the border. Cross into Honduras, arriving in the small town of Copan in the early afternoon. While most people use Copan as a base to explore the nearby ruins, there are plenty of other points of interest, both along the cobblestone streets and set into the lush surroundings. Maybe get started in the Central Plaza and follow your nose to a cafe for the afternoon.
Day 3 - Copan
This morning, meet up with a local guide and explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan – the southernmost of the great Maya sites. It's unique because of the numerous elaborate stelae (carved columns) still intact among temples, excavated vaults and walls inscribed with ancient faces. After your exploration, the rest of the afternoon is free to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out some fine feathered friends at the Macaw Mountain Park or visit the Temple of Rosalila. You could also head to the nearby natural hot springs - this optional tour gives you hours of soaking in mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.
Day 4 - Suchitoto
You’ll wave goodbye to Copan this morning and head across the border to Guatemala and into El Salvador. It’s a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got a good book or your favourite road trip games handy. When you arrive in Suchitoto, you’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk of the town – widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Admire the elaborate building facades, get your bearings and enjoy the surroundings. Then, get your chef’s hat on with a pupusa-making demonstration. Pupusa (cornmeal flatbreads) is a classic Salvadorian recipe from the Pipil culture and is usually stuffed with some delicious ingredients, like cheese or chicharron (fried pork).
Day 5 - Suchitoto
This morning, head to a local designer’s home for an indigo-dying demonstration – Suchitoto is one of the best places in the world to produce indigo (used to dye clothing or other items blue). You’ll visit a local designer transforming tradition into modern design to learn the history of the indigo trade. This small enterprise supports single mothers by providing them with an income for their children’s education, food and independence. Watch the demonstration, then get hands-on and try it for yourself. The rest of the day is free in Suchitoto. The town overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande – also known as Lago Suchitlan, this freshwater lake is a haven for migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. Maybe grab a historically-minded group for a guided walk through Cinquera Forest, where guerrilla fighters used the forest as cover during the Civil War.
Day 6 - La Libertad
This morning you’ll drive to the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, home to some amazing dark-sand beaches and some of the best surf spots in the country. You'll have the afternoon free to relax. Maybe find a local restaurant for dinner or simply relax at your accommodation.
Day 7 - Leon
Rise nice and early for a full day of travel as you cross the Gulf of Fonseca to reach Nicaragua by boat. In the afternoon you'll reach Leon – the second-largest city in Nicaragua. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the charming city streets to get your bearings. Leon is a relatively quiet city, which makes strolling the murals and contemporary architecture a real treat! Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group – as always, your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 8 - Leon
Today is a free day to make the most of Leon. Maybe visit the street food area behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral and try a Nica taco (made with maize, the taco is rolled, deep fried and then served with shredded cabbage smothered in cream). You could also take on a thrilling volcano sandboarding adventure on the black slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano. Maybe you’d just like to explore the city’s contemporary art or wander the Leon Cathedral.
Day 9 - Granada
This morning, you’ll drive to the oldest city in the New World – Granada. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and take in the view at Laguna Apoyo – a volcanic crater lake formed around 23,000 years ago. Enjoy some free time for lunch near the viewpoint. Then, stop at the lakeside town of Masaya, where you’ll go on an orientation walk with your leader and get the chance to browse the stalls at the town’s famous artisan market before continuing to Granada. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture, Granada is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the leafy Parque Central and La Calzada – a busy pedestrian street with plenty of bars and restaurants. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 10 - Granada
This morning you’ll have breakfast with your group at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a cafe run entirely by people who are hard of hearing. The owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities. After, the rest of the day is yours. Maybe hit the Convento y Museo San Francisco and view the collection of indigenous stone statues. Hundreds of evergreen islets dot the waters of vast Lake Nicaragua and you can spend a few hours exploring them by boat or hire a kayak and find your own way around, waving at the fisherman who live in wooden huts along the way. Just remember not to swim, as freshwater sharks live in the water!
Day 11 - Monteverde
Today is another early start as you get ready for a full day of travel. Journey to Monteverde, where you can begin exploring this afternoon on an orientation walk with your leader. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers. These environmentally aware settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but instead, draw their water from a semi-permanent cloud covering the region. This is truly a nature lover's paradise! More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species call Monteverde home.
Day 12 - Monteverde
Begin the day with breakfast at a local women’s cooperative cafe. The cafe started with eight women in 1982 and has grown in number over the years, enabling many women without any formal education to generate income for their households without having to leave home, meaning they can continue caring for their children. In store, there are a variety of handmade products – be sure to check them out! The rest of your day is free to explore Monteverde at your own pace. Maybe zoom through the treetops on a ziplining adventure, or for a more relaxed experience, discover Costa Rica's agricultural heritage on a coffee and chocolate tour. Tonight, you’ll have the option to end your day with a night walk through the cloud forest to spot nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
Day 13 - La Fortuna
This morning, head out to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you’ll join a local guide to walk the reserve trails. As you walk, learn about the fascinating biodiversity of the region, look for the resplendent quetzal and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys. This afternoon, take a minibus to the shores of Lake Arenal, where you’ll then take a boat across the lake to the little town of La Fortuna. On a clear day, you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Once you reach La Fortuna, take another vehicle to the hotel, then freshen up and head out on a leader-led orientation walk.
Day 14 - La Fortuna
Why not start your free day today with a smoothie and plan how you want to explore? Maybe take a guided nature hike through the forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals, or see the forest from a series of hanging bridges that offer a great vantage point for spotting wildlife like sloths and rainbow-coloured birds. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area is home to several thermal hot springs – an ideal way to relax in the middle of nature. Or maybe check out the 70 m tall La Fortuna waterfall set in the middle of the rainforest and hit the lake on a stand-up paddleboard. A boat safari in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge offers the opportunity to see lizards, crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat, so if you’re craving more wildlife, this option is perfect!
Day 15 - San Jose
Spend your final morning in La Fortuna learning the art of Costa Rican tortillas. A local family will guide you through the process, and you’ll get to try the results over lunch. Then, watch the volcano fade into the distance on your private transfer to Costa Rica's capital – San Jose. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to see the main highlights. When you’ve got your bearings, maybe visit the Gold Museum, which has a fantastic collection of pre-Spanish gold art. If you're in the mood for some shopping, maybe head to the outdoor market in the Plaza de la Cultura or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. Tonight, why not join your fellow travellers for an optional farewell dinner.
Day 16 - San Jose
Enjoy a free day to explore San Jose until another group meeting at 6 pm tonight. The city is home to a lively cultural atmosphere with heaps to do. Maybe explore the markets or visit Arte Contemporaneo, popping into a coffee shop along the way for a taste of Costa Rica’s rich coffee.
Day 17 - Sarapiqui
This morning, hop on a public bus and make your way to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to go birdwatching, spot some local wildlife or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls. Then, meet up with a local guide to head out on a jungle walk. Look out for elusive creatures like sloths, bats, snakes, frogs and a whole lot more.
Day 18 - Puerto Viejo
Today, take a private transfer to Puerto Viejo. When you arrive, get to know this laid-back jungle town during an orientation walk with your local leader, then enjoy some time to explore at your leisure. A small coastal city, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dance halls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. To top today off, you'll prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home. Dig into a mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables, combined with coconut flavours, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry, Panamanian pepper and thyme.
Day 19 - Puerto Viejo
Today is free, so you can ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. You might like to take your time exploring Cahuita National Park, which is about a 20-minute ride away from Puerto Viejo – your leader can help you arrange a transfer. Cahuita National Park is home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. If the waves are calling (but your footing isn't so sure), surf lessons are also on offer in town. Or, maybe visit one of the local rainforest fruit farms. Of course, you could also simply find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand.
Day 20 - Bocas del Toro
Today, take a shared transfer to the border, then walk across a bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi or collective minivan to Almirante, where you'll take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Then, it’s time to hit the palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters, enjoy some spectacular snorkelling opportunities and look out for lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is home to Afro-Panamanians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. For the next three nights, you'll stay in Isla Colon – the main town of Bocas del Toro. It's a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just metres from your hotel.
Day 21 - Bocas del Toro
Today is yours to explore this tropical archipelago as you wish. Maybe hit the beaches close to town – the local favourites are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek for their azure waters and pristine coral reefs. When the sun goes down, why not head into town and check out the local bar and restaurant scene. Ask your leader about the best place to grab a drink.
Day 22 - Bocas del Toro
This morning, hop on a boat to the nearby Isla Popa, where you’ll get to spend time meeting the Ngabe-Bugle Indigenous community. The local women here run a community tourism project, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their lifestyle and visit a family in their island home during an orientation walk. Say your farewells and return to Bocas del Toro, then enjoy the rest of the day free in the Caribbean sun.
Day 23 - Boquete
Travel by boat and private minibus to Boquete today – it's a bit of a lengthy journey, so it’s a good idea to have a book or podcast on hand. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves and colourful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring – most optional activities can be organised directly from the hotel, though it’s a good idea to book them when you arrive tonight if you know what you want to do.
Day 24 - Boquete
There are plenty of ways to experience Boquete today, so be sure to chat to your leader and the hotel front desk to get the best insider tips. You could discover the secret waterfalls only locals know about on a walking tour in the jungle. Or maybe you’d prefer to soak it up in the Caldera hot springs. If you’re a coffee lover, consider visiting a plantation or simply kicking back in town with a cup of the local brew – some of the best coffee in the world is grown and processed right here in Boquete!
Day 25 - Chitre
Say goodbye to Boquete and head to the southern city of Chitre. When you arrive, around lunchtime, head out for an orientation walk with your leader (who will also be able to point you in the right direction for a good lunch spot). After a bite to eat, rejoin your fellow travellers and head to a mask workshop for a glimpse at the country’s cultural heritage – elaborate masks and costumes are a feature of many festivals in Panama. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Chitre and have a relaxed evening before continuing to Panama City.
Day 26 - Panama City
Depart Chitre this morning, and head to Panama City. Along the way, stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre, which overlooks one of the locks that control the flow of ships through the Panama Canal. Learn about the canal’s history and engineering, then head back out on the road to Panama City. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk. Take in the great views of the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Panama City skyline as you stroll past busy waterfront soccer fields, running paths and food carts. You might like to regroup with your fellow travellers in the evening for a final farewell dinner.
Day 27 - Panama City
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.
Day 28 - Panama City
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-10-202630-10-2026AUD $ 5,181-
11-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 5,181-
18-10-202613-11-2026AUD $ 6,395-
21-10-202616-11-2026AUD $ 6,895-
28-10-202623-11-2026AUD $ 7,390-
01-11-202627-11-2026AUD $ 6,690-
15-11-202611-12-2026AUD $ 7,030-
29-11-202625-12-2026AUD $ 6,590-
06-12-202601-01-2027AUD $ 6,430-
13-12-202608-01-2027AUD $ 7,230-
16-12-202611-01-2027AUD $ 6,860-
23-12-202618-01-2027AUD $ 7,060-
30-12-202625-01-2027AUD $ 7,360-
03-01-202729-01-2027AUD $ 7,590-
06-01-202701-02-2027AUD $ 6,940-
10-01-202705-02-2027AUD $ 6,940-
13-01-202708-02-2027AUD $ 7,460-
20-01-202715-02-2027AUD $ 6,940-
27-01-202722-02-2027AUD $ 7,560-
31-01-202726-02-2027AUD $ 7,830-
03-02-202701-03-2027AUD $ 7,530-
07-02-202705-03-2027AUD $ 6,810-
10-02-202708-03-2027AUD $ 6,810-
14-02-202712-03-2027AUD $ 7,190-
21-02-202719-03-2027AUD $ 6,810-
03-03-202729-03-2027AUD $ 6,810-
07-03-202702-04-2027AUD $ 6,975-
10-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 7,035-
14-03-202709-04-2027AUD $ 6,810-
17-03-202712-04-2027AUD $ 6,810-
28-03-202723-04-2027AUD $ 6,615-
31-03-202726-04-2027AUD $ 6,615-
07-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 6,615-
11-04-202707-05-2027AUD $ 6,615-
18-04-202714-05-2027AUD $ 6,425-
21-04-202717-05-2027AUD $ 6,425-
28-04-202724-05-2027AUD $ 6,425-
12-05-202707-06-2027AUD $ 6,425-
19-05-202714-06-2027AUD $ 6,425-
26-05-202721-06-2027AUD $ 6,425-
02-06-202728-06-2027AUD $ 6,425-
09-06-202705-07-2027AUD $ 6,425-
23-06-202719-07-2027AUD $ 6,425-
27-06-202723-07-2027AUD $ 6,425-
04-07-202730-07-2027AUD $ 6,615-
07-07-202702-08-2027AUD $ 6,615-
14-07-202709-08-2027AUD $ 6,615-
18-07-202713-08-2027AUD $ 6,615-
25-07-202720-08-2027AUD $ 6,615-
04-08-202730-08-2027AUD $ 6,425-
11-08-202706-09-2027AUD $ 6,425-
18-08-202713-09-2027AUD $ 6,425-
25-08-202720-09-2027AUD $ 6,425-
01-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 6,425-
19-09-202715-10-2027AUD $ 6,425-
29-09-202725-10-2027AUD $ 6,425-
03-10-202729-10-2027AUD $ 6,615-
06-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 6,615-
10-10-202705-11-2027AUD $ 6,615-
17-10-202712-11-2027AUD $ 6,615-
20-10-202715-11-2027AUD $ 6,615-
27-10-202722-11-2027AUD $ 6,615-
31-10-202726-11-2027AUD $ 6,810-
03-11-202729-11-2027AUD $ 6,810-
07-11-202703-12-2027AUD $ 6,810-
10-11-202706-12-2027AUD $ 6,810-
14-11-202710-12-2027AUD $ 6,810-
21-11-202717-12-2027AUD $ 6,810-
28-11-202724-12-2027AUD $ 6,940-
01-12-202727-12-2027AUD $ 6,940-
05-12-202731-12-2027AUD $ 6,940-
08-12-202703-01-2028AUD $ 6,940-
12-12-202707-01-2028AUD $ 6,940-
15-12-202710-01-2028AUD $ 6,940-
22-12-202717-01-2028AUD $ 6,940-
29-12-202724-01-2028AUD $ 6,940-
02-01-202828-01-2028AUD $ 7,285-
05-01-202831-01-2028AUD $ 7,285-
09-01-202804-02-2028AUD $ 7,285-
12-01-202807-02-2028AUD $ 7,285-
19-01-202814-02-2028AUD $ 7,285-
26-01-202821-02-2028AUD $ 7,285-
30-01-202825-02-2028AUD $ 7,285-
02-02-202828-02-2028AUD $ 7,285-
06-02-202803-03-2028AUD $ 7,150-
09-02-202806-03-2028AUD $ 7,150-
13-02-202810-03-2028AUD $ 7,150-
20-02-202817-03-2028AUD $ 7,150-
01-03-202827-03-2028AUD $ 7,150-
05-03-202831-03-2028AUD $ 7,150-
12-03-202807-04-2028AUD $ 7,150-
15-03-202810-04-2028AUD $ 7,150-
26-03-202821-04-2028AUD $ 7,150-
05-04-202801-05-2028AUD $ 6,945-
09-04-202805-05-2028AUD $ 6,945-
16-04-202812-05-2028AUD $ 6,945-
19-04-202815-05-2028AUD $ 6,945-
26-04-202822-05-2028AUD $ 6,745-
10-05-202805-06-2028AUD $ 6,745-
17-05-202812-06-2028AUD $ 6,745-
24-05-202819-06-2028AUD $ 6,745-
31-05-202826-06-2028AUD $ 6,745-
07-06-202803-07-2028AUD $ 6,745-
21-06-202817-07-2028AUD $ 6,745-
25-06-202821-07-2028AUD $ 6,745-
02-07-202828-07-2028AUD $ 6,945-
05-07-202831-07-2028AUD $ 6,945-
12-07-202807-08-2028AUD $ 6,945-
16-07-202811-08-2028AUD $ 6,945-
23-07-202818-08-2028AUD $ 6,945-
02-08-202828-08-2028AUD $ 6,745-
16-08-202811-09-2028AUD $ 6,745-
23-08-202818-09-2028AUD $ 6,745-
30-08-202825-09-2028AUD $ 6,745-
17-09-202813-10-2028AUD $ 6,745-
01-10-202827-10-2028AUD $ 6,745-
04-10-202830-10-2028AUD $ 6,745-
08-10-202803-11-2028AUD $ 6,945-
15-10-202810-11-2028AUD $ 6,945-
18-10-202813-11-2028AUD $ 6,945-
25-10-202820-11-2028AUD $ 6,945-
29-10-202824-11-2028AUD $ 7,150-
08-11-202804-12-2028AUD $ 7,150-
12-11-202808-12-2028AUD $ 7,150-
19-11-202815-12-2028AUD $ 7,150-
26-11-202822-12-2028AUD $ 7,285-
03-12-202829-12-2028AUD $ 7,285-
06-12-202801-01-2029AUD $ 7,285-
10-12-202805-01-2029AUD $ 7,285-
13-12-202808-01-2029AUD $ 7,285-

Accommodation

Hotel (26 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Local bus, Taxi, Shared boat, Ferry

Map

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