Wonders of Central America
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
Itinerary
Day 1 Panama City
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.
Day 2 Panama Sightseeing
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.
Day 3 Boquete
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.
Day 4 Cahuita
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.
Days 5-6 Sarapiqui
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.
Days 7-8 Monteverde National Park
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.
Days 9-11 Ometepe Island
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.
Day 12 Granada
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.
Day 13 Masaya National Park
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.
Day 14 Leon
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.
Day 15 Into El Salvador
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.'
Days 16-17 Exploring Suchitoto
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.
Days 18-19 Copan Ruins
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.
Days 20-21 Antigua
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.
Day 22 Antigua
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.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
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.
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.
Tour Upgrades
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