Best of Central America

Itinerary

Day 1 Playa del Carmen

Enjoy beachside paradise on the Caribbean coast or take an optional visit to the nearby island of Cozumel.

Days 2-3 Tulum

Peruse ancient Mayan architecture at the spectacular seaside ruins of Tulum or relax on the beautiful white-sand beach.

Days 4-5 Caye Caulker

Journey south to Belize and dive into colourful underwater worlds off this laidback island.

Days 6-7 San Ignacio

Travel through the forested highlands to San Ignacio. Perhaps see the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal where ancient Mayan relics and crystallised skeletons lie hidden. Maybe hire a canoe, go tubing or wallow beneath waterfalls and in warm swimming holes.

Days 8-9 Flores/Tikal

It's hard to resist the charm of cobblestone streets, colourful houses and the relaxed pace of Flores in Guatemala. Don't miss the opportunity to spend an optional day discovering the jungle ruins and limestone temples of Tikal, learning about their fascinating history during a guided walk.

Days 10-11 Rio Dulce

Find a quiet spot to relax on the shores of Lake Izabal. Opt to head upriver to the thermal springs, or saddle-up for a horse ride through nearby rubber plantations.

Day 12 Antigua

Stroll the cobblestone streets and sample a tamale in this charming city.

Days 13-14 San Jorge La Laguna/Chichicastenango/Antigua

Get an up close look at Guatemalan life as guests of a family in San Jorge.

Days 15-16 Antigua

Relax in this picturesque city surrounded by volcanoes.

Days 17-18 Copan

Cross the wild countryside to Copan in Honduras. Take an optional trip to the Mayan ruins and walk through the grassy plazas under the gaze of huge carved faces, staring out from ancient walls.

Days 19-21 Roatan Island

Catch a ferry from La Ceiba to Roatan and spend two days exploring this world-class diving haven.

Day 22 Comayagua

This historic city is a great place to witness colonial architecture meeting modern day life.

Days 23-24 Granada

Skip across the border into Nicaragua and land in Granada. Surrounded by volcanoes and located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, this is the country's oldest city.

Days 25-26 Ometepe Island

Head across the lake to this volcanic island. Take an optional hike up Concepcion Volcano or cool off at a jungle swimming hole.

Days 27-28 Monteverde

Arriving in Costa Rica, explore the lush cloud forests of Monteverde on foot or by mountain bike.

Days 29-30 La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano

Cruise to La Fortuna and watch the lava flow from the Arenal Volcano on an exhilarating night hike, or relax tired muscles in the hot springs.

Days 31-32 San Jose

Why not dance the night away with the Ticos (Costa Rican natives) of San Jose?

Days 33-35 Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Catch a local bus to exotic Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Join an optional visit to Cahuita National Park to view weird and wonderful wildlife. Sloths, toucans, kingfishers, snakes and howler monkeys all co-exist in this protected area.

Days 36-38 Bocas del Toro

Cross the border into Panama. Enjoy the slow pace of laidback Bocas del Toro - a haven that has resisted over-development to retain its small-town charm. This tropical jungle region is gifted with coral islands and beautiful beaches, so use free time to snorkel or swim clear, blue waters. Divers will appreciate the underwater beauty on offer and surfers can take advantage of the waves.

Days 39-40 Boquete

Journey to Boquete to soak up the fresh air and pristine beauty of this peaceful mountain town. Why not visit a local coffee plantation for an insight into coffee production?

Days 41-42 Santa Catalina

Travel to the remote fishing village of Santa Catalina. This unspoilt paradise is known for its world-class surfing, scuba diving, and fishing - all great ways to make the most of this idyllic area.

Days 43-44 Panama City

Ride to Panama City on a local bus. Enjoy free time exploring this fascinating city, or join an optional excursion to view one of the world's greatest engineering marvels, the iconic Panama Canal.