Description

Enjoy a Central American odyssey on this adventure from Mexico’s capital to the home of the Panama Canal. Travel through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama on a tour through remote villages and ruins. Get acquainted with the local cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories of Central America as you explore the wealth of ancient ruins, spot the range of unusual wildlife, dive into 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 Panama City.

Highlights

• Dance to a mariachi beat in Mexico City.
• Chill out by the sparkling Caribbean.
• Try traditional Mezcal in Oaxaca.
• Travel to the Yucatan Peninsula and visit Merida.
• Swim within the walls of the beachside Mayan ruins of Tulum.
• Eat tamales in Antigua.
• Learn the lingo during a San Jorge La Laguna homestay.
• Bag a bargain at Chichicastenango's vibrant markets.
• Discover the bizarre landscapes of Ometepe Island.
• Enjoy the urban buzz of San Jose.
• Be awed by the Panama Canal.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Mexico City

Modern meets ancient in Mexico City. This former Aztec capital is full of incredible sights, rich in culture and home to a famed food scene which is definitely worth discovering.

Days 3-4 Puebla

With a compelling history still reflected in its wealth of colonial buildings and churches, Puebla is a delight - especially its cuisine, which gave the world mole poblano.

Days 5-7 Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a culturally diverse city with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, impressive archaeological sites, amazing markets and one of the most respected art scenes in Mexico.

Days 8-9 San Cristobal de las Casas

With winding cobblestone streets and colonial Spanish architecture, San Cristobal de las Casas maintains a lovely old-world feel mixed with strong indigenous roots.

Days 10-11 Palenque

Built around 100BC, the incredible ruins of Palenque were virtually swallowed by the jungle until their excavation, where some of the finest examples of Maya architecture were discovered.

Days 12-13 Merida

Founded in 1542, Merida still retains much of its old-world charm with a well-preserved Old Town, wonderful museums and city streets alive with art and culture.

Days 14-15 Chichen Itza/Playa del Carmen

Chichen Itza was once a city of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation; its ruins are wonderfully preserved and this captivating site provides a wealth of things to see. 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 16-17 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 18-19 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 20-21 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 22-23 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 24-25 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 26 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.

Days 27-28 San Jorge La Laguna/Chichicastenango

San Jorge La Laguna is a small, picturesque village situated in a valley near Lake Atitlan, where welcoming locals live traditional lives. Affectionately known as 'Chichi', Chichicastenango is a vibrant and colourful town famous for its wonderful market held on Thursdays and Sundays.

Day 28 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 29-30 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 31-32 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 33-35 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 36 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 37-38 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 39-40 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 41-42 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 43-44 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 45-46 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.

Days 47-49 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

A small town on the beautiful Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located near Cahuita National Park - home to a weird and wonderful array of wildlife.

Days 50-52 Isla Bastimentos

Just one of the beautiful islands which make up the Carribean haven of Bocas del Toro, Isla Bastimentos is gifted with a laidback atmosphere, coral reefs and stunning beaches.

Days 53-54 Boquete

Boquete's fresh air and picturesque mountain setting makes it one of Panama's top destinations for nature and outdoor lovers.

Days 55-56 Santa Catalina

The remote fishing village of Santa Catalina is an unspoilt paradise - surf, fish, snorkel or scuba dive to make the most of this idyllic location.

Days 57-58 Panama City

From the massive locks of the Panama Canal to the historical Casco Viejo district, Panama City offers a wealth of eclectic sights to explore.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Homestay, Hotel, Overnight bus

Transport

Boat, Bus, Metro, Overnight bus, Taxi