Iglesia y Convento de Santa Clara Sportfishing

Central America Explorer

All content by Intrepid

46 days (ex Mexico City)

Destinations visited: Mexico, Mexico City, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Belize, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,315

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Description

Enjoy a Central American odyssey on this adventure from the chaos of Mexico's capital to the heady heights of San Jose. Journeying through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, this epic adventure takes in the tantalising highlights of the region. Get acquainted with Central American cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories as you explore the wealth of ancient ruins, spot the range of unusual wildlife, dive into the unique underwater worlds and relax on idyllic Caribbean beaches. Get to know the friendly locals and discover why Central America is an adventurer's delight on this epic overland adventure from Mexico to Costa Rica.

Highlights

Dance to a mariachi beat in Mexico City.
Try traditional mezcal in the Oaxaca region.
Travel to the 'White City' of Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Chill out by the sparkling Caribbean.
Swim within the beachside ruins of Tulum.
Eat tamales in Antigua.
Learn some lingo during a San Jorge La Laguna homestay.
Bag a bargain at Chichicastenango's vibrant markets.
Discover the bizarre landscapes of Ometepe Island.
Chat with the friendly locals of San Jose.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Mexico City

Jump-start this adventure amid the thrilling contrasts of Mexico's capital, Mexico City.

Days 3-4 Puebla

Bargain at the bustling markets or hike through lush volcanic scenery in Mexico's Puebla.

Days 5-7 Oaxaca

From the worm in the mezcal bottle to chocolate grasshoppers, cuisine in the Oaxaca region is always an adventure.

Days 8-9 San Cristobal de las Casas

See it all, from the steamy lowlands to the sparkling Chiapas highlands.

Days 10-11 Palenque

Discover riotous wildlife, thick jungle and the enchanting Palenque ruins.

Days 12-13 Merida

Opt to see Merida in a horse-drawn caleche or explore the ruins of Uxmal in this beautiful spot on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Days 14-15 Chichen Itza/Playa del Carmen

Marvel at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or relax beachside at Playa del Carmen.

Days 16-17 Tulum

Catch sunset from the beachside Tulum ruins or relax on the white sands.

Days 18-19 Caye Caulker

Swim, dive or just chill on the beach in Belize's idyllic Caye Caulker.

Days 20-21 San Ignacio

From ruins and jungle walks to waterfalls and tubing, the wilds beckon. Relax in the beautiful surrounds before heading from San Ignacio to Tikal.

Days 22-23 Flores/Tikal

Enjoy a slice of island life on Lake Peten Itza. Don't miss the ruins of Tikal.

Days 24-25 Rio Dulce

Explore a rubber plantation or go boating on the lake.

Day 26 Antigua

Grab a tamale and explore Antigua - from its volcanic outskirts to its cobblestone streets.

Days 27-28 San Jorge La Laguna/Chichicastenango

Pick up traditional weaving or crafts at the famous markets. Spend time with a local family on a homestay in San Jorge.

Days 29-30 Antigua

Gaze over plumes of smoke rising from the Pacaya Volcano.

Days 31-32 Copan

Try to solve the mystery of this long-abandoned Mayan city.

Days 33-35 Roatan Island

Discover powdery shores lapped by crystal-blue waters - this is beachside bliss.

Day 36 Comayagua

Swap island life for the charm of Honduras' old capital.

Days 37-38 Granada

Explore the colonial buildings and wild volcanic landscape in Nicaragua's oldest city.

Days 39-40 Ometepe Island

Flanked by volcanic peaks rising from Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe is both beautiful and otherworldly.

Days 41-42 Monteverde

Go birdwatching, mountain biking or take a rainforest canopy walk.

Days 43-44 La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano National Park

Rejuvenate weary limbs in hot springs overlooking glowing volcanoes.

Days 45-46 San Jose

Enjoy the buzz of San Jose and chat with locals in one of the city's many plazas.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (42 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Overnight bus (1 nt)

Transport

Bus, Boat, Overnight bus, Metro, Taxi

Budget

Allow USD $900 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,315

Book now

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