Description

As far as ultimate American adventures go, this trip from Panama to Anchorage ticks all the boxes. Spanning Central and North Americas, all the way from the Panama Canal up to the wilds of Alaska, this 106-day adventure is nothing short of epic. Starting in Panama City, the tour ventures up through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the USA, Canada and finally ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Loaded with culture, history, architecture and bountiful nature, this incredible 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 life-affirming, awe-inspiring and never-to-be-forgotten adventure, then this epic 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 29-30 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 31 Totonicapan

Spend the night with a local family and visit the Maya K’iche’ community in one of the most beautiful towns in Guatemala, San Miguel Totonicapan.

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.

Day 56 Patzcuaro

Relax amid the lovely scenery and colonial charm of Patzcuaro, located in the hills of Michoacan.

Days 57-58 Angahuan

Be dwarfed by towering Paricutin volcano. Perhaps get a great view of the surrounding volcanic landscape on a volcano hike.

Day 59 Tequila

Taste the local tipple at Tequila, with the smell of blue agave – from which tequila is distilled – hanging thick in the air.

Days 60-61 Sayulita

Visit the surfing town of Sayulita, and enjoy the relaxed pace of beach life. Why not try surfing – the Sayulita breaks are perfect for beginners.

Day 62 Los Mochis

Take in views of Mexico’s Pacific Coast while travelling to the Sinaloan town of Los Mochis.

Day 63 Tombstone

Say ‘howdy’ to the USA. Experience a real wild western frontier at Tombstone, where the romantic notions of cowboys has been kept alive by daily re-enactments of gunfights.

Days 64-65 Grand Canyon National Park

Head to the Grand Canyon and be staggered by one of the USA’s natural highlights. There’s free time here for optional treks and flights, as well as a trip to the Colorado River.

Days 66-67 Las Vegas

Get raucous in Vegas, where there are countless opportunities to flirt with Lady Luck, gorge on all-you-can-eat buffets and party all night long.

Day 68 Zion National Park

Head for the river-tubing, canyoning and hiking wonderland of Zion National Park, stopping en route to check out the might of Hoover Dam.

Day 69 Bryce Canyon National Park

Appreciate the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon before camping in a wonderful spot at Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Day 70 Lake Powell

Learn about ancient Navajo traditions at the Navajo National Monument, before heading into Arizona bound for the stunning rock cliffs and blue waters of Lake Powell.

Day 71 Monument Valley

Arrive in iconic Monument Valley, the film set for countless movies, and visit the stunning Gooseneck State Reserve and rock formation of Mexican Hat.

Days 72-74 Moab/Arches National Park/Canyonlands National Park

Gaze in awe at the spectacular spires, craters and canyons of Moab’s Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

Day 75 Salt Lake City

Learn about Mormon origins and enjoy free time to explore the home of Mormon culture and the most populated city in Utah.

Days 76-77 Jackson Hole/Grand Teton National Park

Marvel at the spiny, chiselled mountain range of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Perhaps explore the park’s incredible terrain on an optional hike, before continuing on to Jackson Hole.

Days 78-80 Yellowstone National Park/Gardiner

Explore Yellowstone National Park and its famous geysers while keeping eyes peeled for moose, bison, elk and grizzly and black bears.

Days 81-82 Glacier National Park

Stop off at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and learn the history of this Blackfoot site en route to Glacier National Park, where there are heaps of awesome treks to choose from.

Days 83-85 Banff National Park

With soaring mountains, wild pine forests, gushing snow-fed rivers and turquoise lakes, Banff is truly a feast for the eyes. Why not survey the landscape from above by taking the Gondola up nearby Sulphur Mountain.

Days 86-87 Jasper National Park

Head into the Canadian Rockies and make camp amid the amazing scenery of Jasper. Behold the might and power of breathtaking Athabasca Falls on an optional day trip.

Day 88 Hazelton

Visit the ‘Ksan Indian Village in Hazelton, British Columbia. View original totem poles and find out about Indian history at the museum.

Days 89-90 Hyder

Cross back into the USA and set up camp at Hyder. Try to spot grizzlies on a tour of Misty Fjords National Park.

Day 91 Cotton Lake

Back in Canada’s British Columbia, perhaps hire canoes and glide out onto the waters of Cotton Lake.

Day 92 Whitehorse

Explore Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory, and let cares slip away with a soak in the nearby hot springs.

Days 93-94 Dawson

Enter Dawson, once a hub of activity for gold prospectors, and visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Casino for a real out-west experience!

Day 95 Tok

Travel amid spectacular scenery along the ‘Top of the World Highway’, and arrive in the small town of Tok - a major centre for dog-sledding.

Days 96-97 McCarthy/Wrangell-St Elias National Park

Explore the vast wilderness of Wrangell-St Elias National Park – the largest national park in the USA.

Days 98-99 Maclaren

Camp under the stars in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

Days 100-102 Denali National Park

Go grizzly bear spotting on a guided tour of Denali National Park, and perhaps embark on a scenic flight over Mount McKinley.

Days 103-104 Seward/Kenai Fjords National Park

Explore this breathtaking area and view the remarkable Portage Glacier from up close.

Day 105-106 Anchorage

Enjoy free time to explore Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, and reflect on the epic adventure of the last 106 days.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities), Cabin, Camping (with basic facilities), Camping (with facilities), Guesthouse, Hogan, Homestay, Hostel, Hotel, Lodge

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.