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Wonders of Central America

22 days

Discover the natural and cultural highlights of six Central American countries on this three-week tour which travels from Panama to Guatemala. Visit wildlife-rich national parks and remote islands, uncover ancient secrets in Mayan ruins and roam around colonial cities.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

22 days

Starts

Panama City

Ends

Antigua

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 20

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

2-4 star accommodation

Countries

Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 21
Per person from
NZD$10,255.00
Total From
NZD$20,510.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$6,369.00
$17,325.50

Tour Highlights

Panama City - Visit the famous Panama Canal and explore Central America's most cosmopolitan and wealthy capital
Boquete - Explore the heart of Panama's coffee growing region
Sarapiqui - Visit some of the wonderful national parks in the area or the Sarapiqui River
Monteverde National Park - Hike through the beautiful cloud forest, shrouded in a canopy of cloud and home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna
Leon - Explore this charming old Colonial town
Granada - Stroll around Central America's oldest Colonial city on the shore of Lake Nicaragua
Ometepe - Spend three relaxing days on this exquisite volcanic island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua
Copan - Take a guided tour of the world famous Mayan Ruins of Copan
Antigua - Guatemala's delightful colonial town
Masaya National Park – Visit Nicaragua's beautiful volcanic crater lakes and walk to the rim of the active volcano
Suchitoto - Take in El Salvador's captivating cultural capital

Included

Breakfast daily
21 nights 2-4 star hotels
Arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and day 22
Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles with one public bus journey from Panama City to Boquete
Escorted by an English-speaking tour leader
Walking tour of Granada, Panama City and Canal and Antigua
Guided tour of Mayan Ruins in Copan
Excursions to Masaya National Park and market, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Colon island and Ometepe Island

Not Included

International flights and visas
Departure taxes or border taxes
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Border entrance and exit fees

Itinerary

Day 1 - Panama City

Welcome to Panama City! Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by a local representative and escorted to the group hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the capital before meeting the rest of the group the following morning.

Overnight: Panama City

Day 2 - Panama Sightseeing

We spend the morning exploring Central America’s most cosmopolitan and wealthy capital. We start off walking through the Paitilla district where the skyline is dominated by Hong-Kong style skyscrapers until we reach the colonial heart of San Felipe where we wander through the narrow streets discovering delightful plazas. We then continue our tour to Panama Viejo, the remaining part of the old Panama City which was ransacked by the infamous British buccaneer Henry Morgan in 1671.

We then venture out of central Panama and make our way to the Panama Canal, the world-famous waterway that connects The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The visitor centre gives us an insight into the history of this extraordinary feat of engineering before finishing our tour watching the ships transit between oceans at the Miraflores Locks.

Overnight: Panama City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Boquete

Panama City - Boquete. Take flight over western Panama to the city of David, then transfer to a bus for the final leg. The climb to Boquete offers the most picturesque part of the journey, as the road twists through the mist and enters the cloud forest. Nestled at the base of the Barú volcano, the town of Boquete greets you with its cool, fresh air—a welcome break from the heat and hustle of Panama City. Situated amidst Panama's prime coffee-growing region, Boquete serves as the perfect starting point for your adventures in the area.

Overnight: Boquete
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Cahuita

Boquete - Cahuita (Costa Rica). In the afternoon, we'll embark on a northbound bus journey that takes you over the continental divide towards the Caribbean coast. This scenic route travels through forested mountains and eventually descends to the coast. A picturesque drive through wooded countryside leads you to the Costa Rican border.

Starting from the Sixaola to Bribri road, you'll witness expansive tropical plantations stretching on both sides of the road. After an hour, the journey circles back to the Caribbean coast. This region, previously secluded from the Latin-influenced areas, boasts a predominantly English-speaking Afro-Caribbean culture. Here, the stunning volcanic beaches of Cahuita await, where we'll spend the night.

Overnight: Cahuita
Meals: Breakfast

Days 5-6 - Sarapiqui

Cahuita - Sarapiqui. We take a scenic drive along the road from Sixaola to Bribri where tropical plantations surround us and stretch as far as the eye can see. We continue to the Caribbean coast along the highway to Limon and onto our base for the next two nights, Sarapiqui. This small town is a popular base for travellers looking to take advantage of the wonderful national parks in the area, dispersed between the banana and pineapple plantations.

The next day is free to explore this beautiful region or just enjoy some relaxation. The dense foliage creates an enticing habitat for many species of bird and wildlife and there are numerous national parks to explore. You can view the canopy from above via a series of hanging bridges and towers, or hike along trails that wind through the trees.

For the more adventurous the Sarapiqui river is popular for rafting on its rapids and there are plenty of other activities on offer such as mountain biking and nature-viewing boat trips where you may spot bird species such as hummingbirds, great green macaws, quetzals and toucans.

Overnight: Sarapiqui
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 7-8 - Monteverde National Park

Sarapiqui - Monteverde. This morning we make our way to Santa Elena on the edge of the Monteverde National Park, a beautiful sanctuary of verdant cloud forest in the Costa Rican mountains. We have a day to explore this exquisite region, with a guided tour of the Cloud Forest or Cuircancha Reserve depending on where the best wildlife is. There are also optional excursions to visit a butterfly farm or canopy tour over the cloud forest.

Overnight: Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 9-11 - Ometepe Island

Monteverde - Ometepe Island (Nicaragua). We descend from the cloud forest, across coastal plains, through Liberia, the provincial capital of Northern Costa Rica, before crossing the border into Nicaragua. Our journey then continues along the shores of Lake Nicaragua to San Jorge where we catch a ferry across the lake to Ometepe Island. Keep an eye on the horizon to get a glimpse of the twin volcanic peaks rising proudly out of the lake.

The next two days are free to explore this serene and undeveloped island. Hike through the rain forest that covers most of the island and spot the different species of monkeys and parrots or visit the pre-Colombian petroglyphs and stone statues which were carved by the Chorotega Indians. The island offers scenic and challenging walks on the slopes island's volcanoes – Maderas and Concepcion, as well as horse riding and fishing excursions. You can also visit one of the many coffee cooperatives on the island. Alternatively, sit back and relax, enjoy views across the lake and take a dip in its warm waters.

Overnight: Ometepe Island
Meals: Breakfast x3

Day 12 - Granada

Ometepe Island - Granada. After breakfast we make our way back to San Jorge and onto the Spanish colonial town of Granada, once one of the wealthiest cities in Latin America. On arrival our tour leader gives us an informal orientation walk around the city’s cobbled streets as we take in the neo-classical and colonial architecture and vibrant coloured buildings of this picture-perfect city. After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the day to go for a stroll around the food stalls, listen to traditional music or take a historical horse drawn carriage ride.

Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Masaya National Park

We take an excursion to the Masaya National Park today, home to the only active volcano in the country, that allows visitors to visit the rim of the crater. We take time to walk to the hilltop fort of Coyotepe, a military fortress which was then extended into a dungeon below and served as prison for political enemies. We then move on to visit the volcanic crater lakes and the still active volcano for an unforgettable experience before making our way to the town of Masaya for a stroll along the handicraft market. Return to Granada for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Leon

Granada - Leon. We continue our journey north this morning across the volcanic plains of Momotombo volcano to Leon, another restored colonial city. The rest of the day is ours to explore the cobbled streets and shady plazas around the town centre where we get a feel for the strong liberal traditions that makes this city the country’s radical and intellectual centre. As we stroll through the streets we notice the Sandinista heritage that is still visible today with the large murals and revolutionary graffiti plastered over some of the towns white walls.

Overnight: Leon
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Into El Salvador

Leon - La Union (El Salvador). An early morning bus journey finds us cutting across the coastal plain of Choluteca to the border of Honduras where we enter El Salvador, Central America’s least visited country. We continue to drive until we reach the port city of La Union where we are spending the night. This evening we can take a short trip to Conchagua where we can sample El Salvador's National Dish of 'pupusodromo.'

Overnight: La Union
Meals: Breakfast

Days 16-17 - Exploring Suchitoto

La Union - Suchitoto. Today we drive 4 hours to the untouched colonial city of Suchitoto, where the streets come alive at the weekends for food and arts festivals and the laid-back locals make this amazing town considered the cultural capital of the country.

Exploring the atmospheric town on foot, we venture down cobblestoned streets from the centre plaza to the shores of Lake Suchitlán which offers beautiful views of the lake and nearby forest reserves. For those looking to immerse in the natural surroundings there is an array of biodiversity to discover in the area, and you can spend a day walking along the trails of the forests that surround the town or take a leisurely boat trip out onto the lake.

Overnight: Suchitoto
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 18-19 - Copan Ruins

Suchitoto - Copan (Honduras). We make our way across the remote region of western Honduras to the village of Copan, home of the world famous Mayan ruins of Copan. The region is famous for its velvet green hills and whitewashed colonial buildings where the main form of transport is still horse and carriage and prosperity comes from the coffee and tobacco trade. We spend the night at the cobbled village of Copan Ruinas, close to the site where we have the opportunity to go for a short hill walk to some nearby hot springs.

The next day we explore the Copan ruins, considered to be one of the most spectacular sites of ancient Mayan civilisation. Here we uncover the secrets and mysteries behind the history of this lost city through the hundreds of hieroglyphs that were sculpted into the stairs before the city was abandoned due to the constant droughts that destroyed crops in the area. Within 100 years the jungle reclaimed the city until the Spanish rediscovered it in the 16th century.

Overnight: Copan
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 20-21 - Antigua

Copan - Antigua (Guatemala). After breakfast we take the 10-minute drive to the Guatemalan border before continuing onto colonial city Antigua, the land of eternal spring, set against a spectacular backdrop of towering volcanoes. The rest of day 20 and all of day 21 are free to explore this picturesque colonial city, which cannot fail to enchant, with its cobbled streets, parks and plazas, and colourful street markets, all set against a spectacular backdrop of awe inspiring volcanoes. Here, the local indigenous people dressed in colourful costumes can be found selling their crafts and textiles and as the cultural centre of Guatemala, Antigua is an ideal place to experience the traditional music, architecture and art of the country.

Overnight: Antigua
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 22 - Antigua

Our tour comes to an end today and it’s time to make our way to the airport and return home. We can arrange post tour accommodation if you want to extend your stay.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Panama City

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Single

$265per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation - Antigua

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Single

$275per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Airport Transfer

Only book this transfer in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

$285

per passenger

Airport Transfer

Only book this transfer in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

$255

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Best Western Zen Plus
Panama City

Best Western Zen Hotel is ideally located just minutes from downtown Panama City. Guest rooms are spacious and bright and offer city views. Including free Wi-Fi and air conditioning as well as luxurious bathroom amenities. The Sky Restaurant and Lounge on the 15th floor offers delicious Panamanian and International cuisine as well as incredible views of the city skyline.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Casa de la Abuela
Boquete

Translating to ‘Grandma’s House’, this family-run hotel offers its guests a wonderfully comfortable and cosy stay. Thanks to its setting in the valley of the Caldera River, the hotel is surrounded by majestic mountains and you can enjoy the views from both your room and the outdoor terrace. Guestrooms are also equipped with all the essential amenities needed, including free WiFi. And when it comes to finding a place to eat, just take a short walk to downtown Boquete where you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants and bars.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Atlantida Lodge
Cahuita Village

The Atlantida Lodge ditches the glitz and extravagance of the big city hotels and replaces it with rustic beauty and verdant rainforest. Here guests share their surroundings with monkeys, exotic birds and an array of gorgeous wild flowers and can spend their days enjoying a dip in the refreshing waters of the outdoor pool or paying a visit to the onsite spa and wellness centre. Playa Negra is just a few minutes walk from the lodge and regular trips snorkelling, cycling and trekking through the forest take place in the immediate surroundings.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
2 Star Hotel
Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge
Sarapiqui

Nestled in the Tirimbina Nature Reserve in the Sarapiqui region, the Tirimbina Lodge, along the Sarapiqui river, is perfect for nature lovers. The property features an extensive garden which offers more than 9km of walking trails over suspension bridges and through lush forest in the hopes of seeing some of the resident wildlife. Each air-conditioned guest room features a fan, safety box and garden views. Other features of the Lodge include a terrace, guided excursions through the Nature Reserve and an onsite restaurant that serves buffet food using fresh ingredients.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Mid Range Lodge
Monteverde Country Lodge
Monteverde

Combining cosy rustic style with comfortable facilities, the Monteverde Country Lodge offers a warm welcome to its guests. The neatly kept gardens are a lovely place to relax whilst the wooden guest rooms offer an escape in one of the world's most famous cloud forests. Located less than 10 minutes away from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve and in a walk-able distance from Santa Elena Downtown.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Patio Del Malinche
Granada

Located centrally in the historically town of Granada the stunning Hotel Patio Del Malinche combines the comfort and beauty of old traditional Granada houses. Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious along with a private bathroom, air conditioning and WiFi. With beautiful patios surrounding the on-site swimming pool, why not lay back in one of the hammocks with a refreshment from the bar.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Austria
Leon

Situated in a central location in downtown Leon, this hotel is a five-minute walk of a wide variety of churches, colonial buildings and the beach. Its air-conditioned guestrooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, private bathroom and toiletries. Start your day with a continental or American breakfast or sit back and relax in the courtyard.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Comfort Inn Real La Union
La Union

Found in the port city of La Union, the Comfort Inn Real is a clean and comfortable retreat for all its guests. Its prime location offers guests easy access to the region's vibrant attractions, including pristine beaches and cultural landmarks. The hotel's thoughtfully designed rooms provide a perfect blend of modern convenience and homely warmth. Each room is equipped with plush bedding, contemporary furnishings, an en-suite and complimentary Wi-Fi, creating an inviting retreat after a day of exploration. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool, stay active in the fitness centre, or indulge in delicious local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With a picturesque garden boasting stunning views, the Comfort Inn Real promises a memorable stay in La Union.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Posada Suchitlan
Suchitoto

Boasting an excellent location on the edge of Suchitoto’s mains square with spectacular views of the valley and lake Suchitlan, is the Posada Suchitlan. Guest rooms feature warm-coloured bed spreads and are equipped with TV, air-conditioning and views of the colonial courtyard or lake. Guests can enjoy a daily continental breakfast and a selection of regional dishes n the on-site restaurant. The hotel also features a swimming pool fringed with greenery, so guests can take a dip after a long day of sightseeing.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
La Casa De Cafe
Copan

Located just a stones throw away from the Copan Central Park, in a colonial village is the La Casa De Café. The comfortable guestrooms are equipped with hot water, ceiling fan and oversized windows offering spectacular views of the Copan River, the mountains and the properties very own tropical garden. The hotel also features a massage parlour, extensive library, and on-site restaurant, so guests can watch the sunset while enjoying their dinner.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Villa Colonial
Antigua

Set on a quiet corner in Antigua, within walking distance of the capitals main square is the Villa Colonial. All guestrooms feature a shared balcony or patio, cable TV and private bathroom with toiletries. Start your day off with a complimentary breakfast in the courtyard garden before taking a dip in the swimming pool. After a day of exploring this UNESCO-listed city, you can dine in the onsite restaurant offering a mix of local and international cuisine.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers who are happy to share a room with another traveller of the same sex.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
Shared
7 Dec - 28 Dec
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
2025
Twin/Double
Single
Shared
4 Jan - 25 Jan
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
8 Feb - 1 Mar
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
29 Mar - 19 Apr
$11,085
$13,695
$11,085
10 May - 31 May
$10,615
$13,095
$10,615
2 Aug - 23 Aug
$10,615
$13,095
$10,615
11 Oct - 1 Nov
$10,615
$13,095
$10,615
8 Nov - 29 Nov
$10,615
$13,095
$10,615
6 Dec - 27 Dec
$10,615
$13,095
$10,615

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