Central America Highlights - Northbound

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive San José

Arrive in San José at any time.

Day 2 San José

Free day to explore the cosmopolitan city of San José. See some of the city's famous sights including the National Theatre, the museums of Costa Rican art, and the Jade Museum.

Day 3-5 La Fortuna

La Fortuna is at the foot of Arenal Volcano and is an excellent base for exploration. Take an unforgettable night hike around the base of the volcano to see the top glowing an eerie red. Optional activities during the day include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, touring the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, or just relaxing and soaking in the hot springs.

Day 6-7 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 8-9 San Juan del Sur

Enjoy 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. Hang out with friendly locals at the village beaches or discover your very own isolated beach such as Playa El Remanso or Playa Marsella.

Day 10-11 Ometepe

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. Hike through the forest in search of wildlife, attempt to climb a volcano or just enjoy the beach and jungle swimming holes.

Day 12-13 Granada

Nicaragua's oldest colonial city offers historic avenues ideal for walking or biking to city cathedrals, markets and the Convento de San Francisco. Optional activities include a scenic boat trip or guided kayak excursion among the 365 little islands (isletas) of Lake Nicaragua. Visit Masaya Volcano on our way out of Granada on day 13.

Day 14-15 León

León 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 16-18 Roatan

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

Day 19-20 Copán

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

Day 21 Antigua

Antigua is the old capital of Guatemala and was once the seat of the Spanish colonial government. Enjoy the beautiful architecture of this UNESCO-designated, World Heritage Site.

Day 22 Antigua to Cancun

Fly to Cancun today (flight is unescorted and must be pre-booked through your travel agent). Overnight in Cancun. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Day 23-24 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 25-27 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 of San Cristóbal de las Casas, a colourful city with a rich local culture.

Day 28-32 Guatemalan Highlands

Our day’s journey ends in Panajachel, a small settlement surrounded by stunning 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, or shop for some great souvenirs.

Day 33-34 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”.

Day 35-36 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 37-39 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. Snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks, dive through colourful reefs or just relax and savour the delicious, fresh seafood.

Day 40-42 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. Visit the nearby island of Cozumel or take a trip down the coast to the Mayan beachside ruins of Tulúm.