Central American Explorer (EXCAE)
Duration:
25 days (may vary)
Areas: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
Tour types: History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife
Description
Across the Panama Canal to the Carib Coast
We begin in Central America's southernmost country, strolling through Old Panama before heading north to Boquete hidden away on the flanks of the Baru volcano. Reaching the shores of the Caribbean, we take a ferry to the archipelago of Bocas de Toros where we can snorkel, go dolphin-watching or simply relax. Crossing into Costa Rica, we explore Monte Verde cloud forest in search of the elusive Quetzal and listen to the rumbles of Arenal Volcano.
Volcanoes, Lakes & Beaches
We head to the volcanic island of Ometepe, its twin-cones dominating the horizon. We will visit the two colonial gems of Granada and Leon, home to some of the most impressive colonial architecture in Central America. Our journey is broken at the tropical paradise of Roatan where you will have the chance to snorkel and dive.
Mayan Copan & the 'Old' Capital
The rainforested interior hid the spectacular Meso-American site of Copan for many centuries, the natural cover protecting one of the best preserved ceremonial centres in the Americas. Our journey comes to an end in Antigua, a Unesco heritage site and home to the oldest colonial buildings built by the Spaniards. From here there is the opportunity to visit the famous Chichicastenango market or take a flight to Tikal.
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Join Panama City.
Day 2
Sight-seeing, Canal visit (optn'l).
Day 3
Public Bus to David; drive to Boquete.
Day 4
Drive and ferry to Bocas Island.
Day 5
In Bocas.
Day 6
Ferry and drive to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui (C. Rica).
Day 7
Drive to Arenal; optional hot springs.
Day 8
Drive to Monteverde.
Day 9
Visit Monteverde.
Day 10
Drive to Rincon de la Vieja.
Day 11
Visit Rincon NP.
Day 12
Drive and ferry to Ometepe (Nic).
Day 13
On Ometepe.
Day 14
Ferry and drive to Granada.
Day 15
In Granada; city tour.
Day 16
Drive to Leon via Masaya market.
Day 17
Drive to Tegucigalpa, (Hon).
Day 18
Fly Roatan; free time.
Day 19
On Roatan.
Day 20
Ferry and drive to Copan.
Day 21
Visit Copan.
Day 22
Drive to Antigua (Guate).
Day 23 & 24
In Antigua; Tikal or Chichi market optionals.
Day 25
Drive Guatemala City where tour ends.