Great Central American Journey: Guatemala to Panama

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Antigua

Arrive in Antigua at any time.

Day 2 Copán, Honduras

Walk through grassy plazas filled with intricately carved and decorated monuments, statues and staircases at the unique Mayan ruins of Copán. Please be ready for a long travel day with an early morning departure.

Day 3-5 Utila, The Bay Islands

A scuba diving haven, Utila is a Caribbean-style island with a lively community atmosphere. Blue waters invite swimming, diving, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Bay Islands.

Day 6 Tegucigalpa

Leave Utila by ferry and catch a glimpse of Honduras' famous Mosquito Coast. Spend the full day travelling from sea level to the highlands, through rainforest and along scenic mountain roads, ending in Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras.

Day 7-9 Granada

Granada's colonial charm is complemented by the surrounding active volcanoes and lakes. Take easy day trips and hikes, a cruise on the lake or explore the city's markets and museums.

Day 10-11 Ometepe

Two towering volcanoes dominate the landscape on Ometepe, an island on Lake Nicaragua which is also home to a unique fresh water lake shark. Take an optional hike up Madera Volcano, or just enjoy the beach and jungle swimming holes.

Day 12-13 Monteverde, Costa Rica

Travelling into the cool cloudforest and rainforests of Monteverde gives us a glimpse of the lush ecosystems of Costa Rica. Take time to birdwatching, go horseback riding, mountain biking or soak up the mountain air on a trek over the cloudforest canopy.

Day 14-15 La Fortuna / Arenal

We cross Lake Arenal by boat en route to La Fortuna. Located at the foot of Arenal Volcano, this is an excellent base for exploration. A night hike around the Volcano is an unforgettable adventure. Try a full day of white water rafting, go horseback riding, tour the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, or relax and soak in the Tabacón Resort hot springs.

Day 16-17 San José

Costa Rica's capital is big and often noisy, but even from its crowded downtown streets, you’ll often enjoy a view of the surrounding lush mountains. Get to know your new companions joining the tour for the Panama Experience segment.

Day 18-20 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers 14 km of incomparable white and black sand beaches. Try snorkelling or take it easy and explore La Isla Botanical Gardens. Rent a boogie board if the waves are calling, dance the night away to reggae and calypso, taste flavourful Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and succumb to the natural beauty of this tropical paradise.

Day 21-23 Bocas del Toro

Cross into Panama to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. There's plenty of time to try snorkelling, scuba diving, or just relaxing on the beach.

Day 24-26 Boquete

Back on the mainland, continue to the mountain retreat of Boquete. A plethora of outdoor options await us here, including hiking, whitewater rafting and a tour of a coffee plantation.

Day 27-28 El Valle

A little village in an extinct volcanic crater, El Valle makes a great stop along the Pan-American highway before reaching the capital. Explore the village, shop in the market, climb the India Dormida rock formation or discover the wonders of the indigenous culture that is prevalent in the area.

Day 29-30 Panama City

After a short bus trip, arrive at the historical Panama City. Options include visiting the world-famous Panama Canal, exploring the old city and ruins and hitting the markets for souvenirs.