Description

As far as ultimate Central American adventures go, this trip from Panama to Mexico ticks all the boxes. Starting in Panama City, Panama, the tour ventures through every country in mainland Central America, visiting Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and finally ends in Mexico City, Mexico. Loaded with culture, history, architecture and bountiful nature, this incredible Central American adventure will leave you breathless. This exciting itinerary may be full of trekking up volcanoes, exploring vibrant cities, kayaking down emerald rivers, snorkelling over reefs and taking part in all manor of outdoor and cultural activities, but there is also a great balance of down time too, with beaches, forests and unspoilt nature to be enjoyed and relaxed in. So if you’re after a and never-to-be-forgotten adventure, then this trip is it.

Highlights

• Get acquainted with Panama City.

Itinerary

Day 1 Panama City

Visit the Panama Canal and then it's on to Panama City to explore colourful neighbourhoods and soak up the last of this vibrant region's atmosphere before this Central American adventure ends.

Day 2 Santa Clara

Staying in Santa Clara is the ideal opportunity to relax, swim in the lovely Pacific Ocean and camp by the beach.

Days 3-4 Chiriqui

Panama’s ‘wonderland’, Chiriqui, offers activities like rafting, hiking and volcano walks, as well as pristine beaches and lush tropical forests.

Days 5-6 Manuel Antonio National Park

Sleep in cabins set within the jungle in Manuel Antonio National Park, embarking on jungle walks, relaxing on palm-lined beaches or swimming in cerulean waters.

Day 7 San Jose

Pay a visit to the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, and get to know its intriguing neighbourhoods, vibrant markets and lively nightlife.

Days 8-9 Monteverde

Stay within the rainforest at Costa Rica’s Monteverde, and perhaps witness some of the diverse local flora and fauna during a visit to the Cloud Forest Reserve.

Days 10-11 La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano National Park

See Arenal Volcano’s glowing lava flow at night, and marvel at this beautiful area's majesty during the day.

Days 12-13 Ometepe Island

Cross Lake Nicaragua, Central America’s largest lake, to Isla Ometepe, where two volcanoes, lush vegetation and a wide range of wildlife await.

Day 14 Granada

Explore the oldest city of the ‘new world’, Granada, which is rich in colonial history and a beautiful place to visit.

Day 15 Masaya National Park

Experience the wondrous crater and lava flows belonging to the active volcano in the heart of the Masaya National Park.

Day 16 Leon

Head to the university town of Leon, peppered with derelict buildings and walls adorned with political murals and graffiti.

Day 17 Lake Yojoa

Visit Lake Yojoa, where an overnight lakeside camp is the ideal opportunity to take in the surroundings.

Days 18-20 Roatan Island

Relax in the blissful, crystal-clear waters of Roatan Island, home to gorgeous beaches, intriguing mangroves and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Days 21-22 Copan

Get up close to the ancient ruins of Copan, one of Honduras’s most striking Mayan sites.

Day 23 Suchitoto

Wander the cobbled, colourful streets of Suchitoto, which are lined with beautiful whitewashed houses.

Day 24 Cerro Verde National Park

Experience amazing views of surrounding volcanoes and countryside in Cerro Verde National Park.

Days 25-26 El Imposible National Park

Discover the verdant forest and biological diversity of stunning El Imposible National Park, complete with pumas, tigrillos and black crested eagles.

Days 27-28 Antigua

Discover the cobbled streets of Antigua and perhaps head out of the city to climb up Pacaya, the area’s active volcano.

Days 29-31 Panajachel/Lake Atitlan/Chichicastenango

Soak up the atmosphere in Panajachel, situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Perhaps embark on an optional boat trip around the lake that takes in the surrounding villages.

Day 32 San Andres Itzapa

Perhaps visit the Totonicapan market before travelling to San Andres Itzapa where we stay at a community centre helping victims of domestic abuse.

Day 33 Livingston

Travel along the Rio Dulce by boat and arrive in Livingston. Soak up the unique Caribbean character of the town and mingle with locals.

Days 34-35 Poptun

Spend a couple of nights on a working farm, and perhaps get an adrenaline fix while river-caving.

Day 36 Tikal

Be awestruck by the Mayan ruins of Tikal, with its temples hiding among the tropical jungle.

Days 37-38 San Ignacio

Head to Belize’s adventure activity centre – San Ignacio, a great spot to undertake some canoeing and mountain-biking.

Days 39-41 Caye Caulker

Spend a few hours in Belize City before catching a boat to Caye Caulker. Relaxing to the maximum is compulsory on this idyllic Caribbean island.

Days 42-43 Tulum

Arrive in Mexico for two nights of blissful camping on a remote beach near Xpuha. On the second day, venture into the clifftop Maya-Toltec ruins of Tulum.

Day 44 Chichen Itza

A short drive to Chichen Itza reveals one of the most spectacular Mayan sites in Central America, where the daily light and sound show is sure to impress.

Day 45 Merida

The state capital of Yucatan, Merida boasts thriving markets (the ideal place to purchase a hammock!) and a bustling nightlife.

Days 46-47 Palenque

Encounter the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha en route to Palenque. The incredible ruined Mayan city rising from the jungle is truly something to behold.

Day 48 Yaxchilan

Pay a visit to the Mayan Ruins of Yaxchilan before hopping aboard a boat to see the impressive murals at Bonampak.

Days 49-51 San Cristobal De Las Casas

Be amazed by the Sumidero Canyon on a boat tour, and soak up the alternative vibe of San Cristobal de las Casas.

Days 52-53 Oaxaca

There’s plenty of time to sample the divine food of Oaxaca, one of Mexico’s prettiest colonial cities, before taking a fascinating guided tour of the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban.

Days 54-55 Mexico

Explore the towering pyramids of Teotihuacan and perhaps hit Mexico City’s vibrant night-life before saying farewell to this Central American adventure.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Cabin, Camping (with basic facilities), Camping (with facilities), Guesthouse, Hotel

Transport

Boat, Overland vehicle

Important notes

Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.