Great Central American Journey: Panama to Cancun

Itinerary

Day 1-2 Arrive Panama City

Arrive in Panama City at any time. Spend the second day at leisure or partake in one of the many optional activities. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal, explore the old city and ruins or hit the market for souvenirs.

Day 3-4 El Valle

A little village in an extinct volcanic crater, El Valle makes a great stop along the Pan-American highway on our way to the coast. Explore the village, shop in the handicraft market or climb the India Dormida rock formation. Other options available include biking and horseback riding.

Day 5-7 Boquete

Our journey continues, taking us next to the mountain retreat of Boquete. A plethora of outdoor options await us here, including numerous hikes, white water rafting, and a coffee plantation tour.

Day 8-10 Bocas del Toro

Travel by bus and boat to arrive at the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Our time here offers us plenty of opportunity for island hopping trips to any of the numerous top-notch beaches. Otherwise you are free to snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax on the beach.

Day 11-13 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Begin with an incredible bus ride over the Panama border to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca's white and black sand beaches are surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. Several optional activities are available, including bike rentals, snorkelling, boat trips to Manzanillo and hiking through the Gandoca - Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 14-15 San José

Travel north through the beautiful Costa Rican countryside to the capital city, located in the central highlands. The next day is the arrival day for passengers on our Central American Journey and departure for those doing the Panama Experience. There are no planned activities today so go out and enjoy the city.

Day 16-17 La Fortuna / Arenal

La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal Volcano, is an excellent base for exploration. A night hike around the Volcano is an unforgettable adventure. Try a full day of whitewater rafting, go horseback riding, tour the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, or relax and soak in the Tabacón Resort hot springs.

Day 18-19 Monteverde

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

Day 20-21 Ometepe, Nicaragua

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

Day 22-24 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 25 Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Explore the beautiful colonial buildings located in Honduras' capital city, Tegucigalpa. Marvel at the massive cathedral in the historical centre, decorated with gold and silver. Learn about the city's past as an important silver mining centre.

Day 26-28 Utila, The Bay Islands

A scuba diving haven amidst what is part of the second largest barrier reef in the world, Utila is a Caribbean-style island more kicked back than its larger neighbor, Roatan.

Day 29 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 30-31 Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is the old capital of Guatemala and as the seat of the Spanish colonial government, was once the most important city in all of Central America. Enjoy the beautiful architecture of this UNESCO-designated, World Heritage Site. Take a mountain bike ride out into the countryside or explore the fascinating markets, shops and museums within the city.

Day 32-33 Chichicastenango/ Panajachel / Lake Atitlán

A visit to Guatemala would not be complete without a visit to the famous market of Chichicastenango. ‘Chichi,’ is an important trading centre for the local residents and provides a colourful up-close view of the daily life of the modern Maya.

Day 34-35 Antigua

You now have time for in-depth exploration of this picturesque town, surrounded by volcanoes. Textiles sold here are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the rarer back strap loom.Optional activities include a hike up the Pacaya Volcano, visiting Macadamia nut and coffee plantations, and salsa lessons.

Day 36-37 Rio Dulce

Meaning “sweet river” in Spanish, Rio Dulce is surrounded by dense jungle and lies on the banks of Lake Izabal. Take a lancha up the river to visit nearby hot springs, a banana plantation and the old Spanish fort at Livingston.

Day 38-39 Flores, Guatemala

Our final stop in Guatemala is Flores, a picturesque town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá. Soak up the laid-back attitude of Flores before our visit to Tikal, one of the largest and most incredible ruins in the Mayan world.

Day 40-41 San Ignacio

From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With your free time here, you may choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.

Day 42-43 Caye Caulker

Go Slow is not only a traffic sign in Caye Caulker, it’s a way of life. An ideal spot to chill and enjoy the easy-going Caribbean vibe in a beachside bar, Caye Caulker also offers the chance to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Day 44-45 Playa del Carmen, Tulúm

Leaving Belize with its near constant sounds of reggae, we head north for more R&R in Playa del Carmen, the de facto centre of the Mayan Riviera. This once sleepy village is quickly becoming a destination among sun worshippers worldwide. Spend your time here snorkelling among the mangroves, diving in underground caverns, or simply sipping on cool margaritas and catching some rays. The seaside Mayan ruins of Tulúm are a short trip down the coast and well worth the trip.

Day 46 Depart Playa del Carmen (Cancún)

Note: Playa del Carmen is located just south of Cancún airport (45 minute drive) so you can easily head directly there without entering Cancún.