Description

Explore incredibly colourful worlds - both above and below the water - on an epic journey from the sunny beaches of Mexico, through jungle and Caribbean coastline to the volcanic mountains of Costa Rica. Travel to Belize and discover a vibrant marine playground in Caye Caulker, walk through the steamy Monteverde cloud forest and visit the famous Tikal pyramids, arguably the most stunning of the Guatemala ruins. Learn the secrets of the ancient Mayans and pass through jaw-dropping scenery on this Central American adventure.

Highlights

• Find many ways to play on Mexico's Playa del Carmen .
• Swim over underwater worlds in Caye Caulker.
• Marvel at the magnificent Tikal pyramids.
• Experience lakeside life in Rio Dulce.
• Sample tamales in Antigua.
• Visit Flores and be charmed by the colonial streetscapes .
• Dive the tropical waters off Honduras's Roatan Island.
• Travel into the heart of the rainforest on Ometepe Island.
• Watch molten lava flow from Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna.
• Kick up your heels with the locals of San Jose.

Itinerary

Day 1 Playa del Carmen

With azure waters, powdery beaches and a European feel, Playa del Carmen is a resort city close to Cancun but without the party atmosphere.

Days 2-3 Tulum

Sitting on a cliff with views of an azure ocean, Tulum not only has spectacular Maya ruins to discover but some of Mexico's finest beaches to frolic on.

Days 4-5 Caye Caulker

A small island with no cars, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Caye Caulker is an idyllic place to while away some time and soak up the very relaxed vibe.

Days 6-7 San Ignacio

A friendly place with a multicultural feel, San Ignacio is a wonderful base to explore the gorgeous countryside that surrounds the town.

Days 8-9 Flores / Tikal

Located on an island in Lake Peten Itza, Flores is a wonderful place to explore with its red roofs, historical buildings and cobblestone streets. Once a powerful Mayan city, Tikal was abandoned in the 10th century and sank into the surrounding jungle. It's now alive with jungle wildlife and awe-inspired visitors.

Days 10-11 Rio Dulce

Meaning 'sweet river' in Spanish, Rio Dulce is a town (also known as Fronteras) and a river with clean waters, a unique lifestyle and wonderful wildlife.

Day 12 Antigua

Declared a World Heritage site due to its well-preserved buildings, Antigua is a bewitching city sheltered between three volcanoes with wonderful food and atmospheric streets.

Day 13 San Jorge La Laguna

San Jorge La Laguna is a small, picturesque village situated in a valley near Lake Atitlan, where welcoming locals live traditional lives.

Day 14 Panajachel/Chichicastenango

Panajachel, located on beautiful Lake Atitlan with distant volcanoes looming in the background, has a thriving market, good eateries and many water-based activities to enjoy. The surrounding area is dotted with villages which can be reached on foot or by boat. Watch women weaving at Santa Catarina Palopo or explore the colourful markets of Santiago Atitlan, In each village the local Indian life has changed little over the last few hundred years. Each village has its own typical dress and make all the textiles themselves in designs passed down through generations.

Days 15-16 Antigua

Feel as if time has stood still among the narrow, cobbled streets, grand churches, Spanish colonial architecture and fascinating ruins of captivating Antigua.

Days 17-18 Copan

The southernmost of the great Mayan sites for which Central America is famed, the ancient ruins of Copan feature huge carved faces staring out from ancient walls.

Days 19-21 Roatan Island

Roatan Island is one of the famous Bay Islands - an archipelago of coral islands set in the Caribbean known for their laidback atmosphere and amazing underwater treasures.

Day 22 Comayagua

Picturesque colonial beauty meets modern life in Comayagua. This historic political centre has a wealth of Spanish Colonial architecture, including some of Central America's most impressive churches.

Days 23-24 Granada

Oozing with colonial charm, Granada is the oldest city of the 'New World' - it was founded on the shores of Lake Nicaragua in 1524.

Days 25-26 Ometepe Island

Beautifully located within Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe Island is formed by two volcanoes which rise from the lake. Its hourglass shape is home to great beaches, fascinating petroglyphs and diverse wildlife.

Days 27-28 Monteverde

Monteverde's Cloud Forest Reserve is a true nature lover's paradise. Lush, green and teeming with colourful butterflies, unique plants and exotic creatures.

Days 29-30 La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano National Park

Sitting in the shadow of Costa Rica's most active volcano - the majestic Arenal - La Fortuna offers steaming hot springs and endless outdoor activities.

Days 31-32 San Jose

With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a bustling city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Homestay, Hotel

Transport

Boat, Bus, Taxi