Central America Highlights - Southbound

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Cancún

Arrive in Cancún at any time.

Day 2-3 Chichén Itzá / Mérida

Under the Yucatan sun, we climb the fantastic Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itzá and then continue on to the colonial city of Mérida. The jumping off point for the impressive ruins of Uxmal, Mérida is also the capital of Yucatan State and a treasure trove of cultural wonders.

Day 4-6 Palenque / The Highlands

Travel southwest to Chiapas to the ruins of Palenque. Lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife surround this ancient Mayan site. After a tour of Palenque, head towards the cooler highlands and the town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, a colourful city with a rich local culture.

Day 7-11 Guatemalan Highlands

Our day’s journey ends in Panajachel, a small settlement surrounded by spectacular volcanoes on the shores of Lake Atitlán. Visit the Sunday market of Chichicastenango, a cultural experience not to be missed! In colonial Antigua there are numerous optional activities: climb a volcano, mountain bike through the countryside, shop for some great souvenirs or relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 12-13 Flores, Tikal, Guatemala

The charming and historic island town of Flores is found on Lake Petén Itzá. Stroll through the streets, shop for local handicrafts or take a swim in the lake. Visitors to the famous nearby ruins of Tikal and the surrounding National Park often describe the experience as “magical.” You’ll understand why once you hear the forest creatures waking up as the sun rises over the ruins in the early morning.

Day 14-15 San Ignacio, Belize

Well known among backpackers, the tropical town of San Ignacio is Belize’s jungle gem. It offers several optional excursions including horseback riding, canoeing, caving, and exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge area.

Day 16-18 Caye Caulker

Take it easy in the laid-back setting of Caye Caulker—a tiny island with sandy streets, no traffic and lots of reggae music coming from nearly every beachside bar and restaurant. Snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks, dive through colourful reefs or just enjoy some serious R&R and savour the delicious, fresh seafood.

Day 19-21 Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is the centre of the Mayan Riviera. Once a sleepy fishing village, it’s now a hot spot for jet-setting resort vacationers and backpackers alike. Take a visit to the nearby island of Cozumel or a trip down the coast to the Mayan beachside ruins of Tulúm.

Day 22-23 Playa del Carmen / Antigua, Guatemala

Fly to Antigua, Guatemala today (flight is un-escorted and must be pre-booked through your travel agent). Overnight in Antigua. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. 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 24-25 Copán

Walk through grassy plazas filled with intricately carved and decorated monuments, statues and staircases at the unique Mayan ruins of Copán.

Day 26-28 Roatan

A scuba diving haven, Roatan is famous for its marine treasures. Blue waters invite swimming, diving, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Bay Islands.

Day 29-30 León

We continue on to politically progressive León. This was the nation's capital from the colonial period until 1857. Many well preserved Spanish colonial buildings and churches line the streets, along with the largest cathedral in Central America.

Day 31-32 Granada

Visit Masaya Volcano on our way to Granada - Nicaragua's oldest colonial city. Walk or bike the city’s historic avenues to visit the impressive cathedral, the colourful market or the Convento de San Francisco, a museum complex housing festival masks and a collection of 2,000-year old statues. Optional activities include a scenic boat trip or guided kayak excursion among the 365 little islands (isletas) of Lake Nicaragua.

Day 33-34 Ometepe

Travel to San Jorge on the shores of Lake Nicaragua where we board our ferry for Ometepe Island. This unspoiled island paradise, formed out of the lava flowing in between two volcanoes, Madera (1394m) and Concepción (1610m), is a nature lover’s dream with abundant wildlife. Take a walk through its lush forest for a chance to see howler monkeys and green parrots.

Day 35-36 San Juan del Sur

Low-key relaxation by the sea. San Juan del Sur is set on a stunning horseshoe-shaped cove, where hiking, fishing, biking, surfing and sunset tours are just some of the possible activities. You can also take a short boat ride to even more deserted beaches such as Playa Remanso or Playa Majagual.

Day 37-38 Monteverde

Travel into the cool cloudforest of Monteverde for a glimpse of the lush ecosystems of Costa Rica. Take time to bird watch, go horseback riding, mountain biking or breath in the fresh mountain air on a trek over the cloudforest canopy.

Day 39-41 La Fortuna

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 Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, or relax and soak in hot springs.

Day 42 San Jose

Return to San José in the evening and enjoy one last night out on the town.