Best of Central America

Hola! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins in Playa del Carmen with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early and have a little extra time, maybe go snorkelling in the freshwater rock pools (cenotes) or reef diving off Cozumel. Or stretch your legs with a stroll along the white sands. After the meeting, perhaps head out for a cocktail and a few tacos with your new travel companions.

This morning, hop on a local bus to the stunning Cenote Azul. Swim, dive or snorkel in the natural open-air pool, basking in the beauty of your surroundings. Then return to Playa Del Carmen, where you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. You might like to continue the underwater activities and keep your eyes peeled for rays, moray eels and turtles among the coral-clad reefs. If you’d rather adventure on land, you might opt to join a half-day tour to the Tulum archaeological site’s white-sand beaches and Maya ruins. In the evening, you could grab a few of your fellow travellers and find a good spot to watch the sunset.

Today, you’ll travel to your next stop, Bacalar – said to be the first settlement of the Itza tribe, who would go on to create Chichen Itza. When you arrive, join your group for an included lunch and the chance to relax at Lake Bacalar – also known as the Lake of Seven Colours, thanks to the various stunning shades of blue it adopts throughout the day. If you’d like, you could also hop onboard a boat tour of the lake. Then continue to Chetumal – a quiet city close to the border of Belize, this place makes for the perfect stop before tomorrow’s adventure to Caye Caulker.

Bid adios to Mexico early this morning and head south to Belize – the only English-speaking country in Central America. After border formalities, arrive in Belize City, then hop in a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. When you get there, head out for a walk with your leader to get acquainted with the island. Tonight, you’re free to relax or explore – maybe head out to a dinner of fresh-caught seafood or Belizean chicken stew – a favourite local comfort food.

Today is free for you to explore the island, or just to simply relax. If you feel like snorkelling, ask your leader about organising a trip to the colourful coral reef nearby, or maybe head further afield to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the world’s second-longest coral reef. Manatee spotting is perfect for nature lovers, or you could take a stroll and find a swaying palm tree on the beach – the perfect shady spot to nap, read a book and soak up the island’s ‘go-slow’ attitude.

You’ll have another easy, free morning, to take one last swim or savour your morning coffee with your toes in the sand. For lunch, you’ll join a cooking class with a local family, learning how to make a famous Belizean meal with chicken, rice and beans. In the afternoon, perhaps head to the beach for a swim or hire a bicycle to explore. Tonight is your last opportunity to get your hands on some fresh Belizean seafood, which you can dig into with your feet planted in the sand at one of the many ‘floor-free’ outdoor restaurants. The island's famous lobsters are available between the 15th of June and 15th of February, and you can expect to pay far less than at home (though more than your average island meal). Or, grab some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with firewater for an island farewell meal.

Bid farewell to Caye Caulker today and catch a ferry from the islands to the highlands. Disembark at Belize City, then hop on a bus to San Ignacio. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk of San Ignacio. Tonight, maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers in search of a classic Maya dish like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus).

Today is free for you to discover San Ignacio at your own pace. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Maya ruins, making it the ideal base for exploration. Maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Maya ceremonial site on a hill overlooking the countryside – you'll need to take a handcranked ferry to cross the river. Or, perhaps take on the challenge of visiting the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade and hike through cool waters to find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the calcium-rich environment of the cave for over 1400 years. Maybe you'd prefer a refreshing swim at Big Rock Falls at Mountain Pine Ridge. In the late afternoon, Santa Elena's barbecue stalls start to set up for the dinner rush, so consider wandering over to enjoy a juicy chicken leg and a chat with the locals.

Rise and shine for your journey across the Belize-Guatemala border to Tikal National Park. Here, there will be time to buy lunch before visiting the impressive archaeological site with a local guide. Towering above the jungle, the five granite temples of Tikal are an imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the evergreen forest is a maze of smaller structures waiting to be explored. If you like, climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds.

This morning, depart for Flores, where you'll have breakfast in a local restaurant before joining your leader on an orientation walk of the island. Then, continue by private minivan to Rio Dulce before transferring to your hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also on the water – a journey that can be organised through the hotel. Alternatively, a 40-minute jungle walk will get you there. The hotel is a great place to relax and look over the water, with reasonably priced meals and drinks served in the hotel restaurant.

Take a boat ride down the river to Livingston – a laidback Afro-Caribbean town that offers a unique taste of Garifuna culture in a far-flung corner of Guatemala. Just 30 km (18 m) from Rio Dulce, Livingston is only accessible by boat and the ride is spectacular, taking you through waters filled with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon full of river birds. When you arrive, take a short orientation walk around the colourful town and see some fishermen working by the docks. Then, join the locals for a morning dance class. After learning some moves, you’ll have some free time for lunch and to explore at your own pace. Later this afternoon, hop back in the boat and head back to Rio Dulce.

Leave the 'Sweet River' behind today and travel by private minibus to the city of Antigua. The road between Rio Dulce and Guatemala City is one of the busiest in the country. Traffic is slow and there are frequent road works – pack your patience, load up your favourite music and have a good book on hand to make the journey more enjoyable. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.

Enjoy a free day to explore the city, with nothing scheduled until a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new travellers joining you on your adventure. Maybe grab some roasted beans from a street vendor and munch them while you stroll around. If you’ve got a historical bent, perhaps check out the 18th-century ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara.

After breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Mayan culture and Catholic religion coming together. Learn about this culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a god who isn’t clearly good or bad. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering, which you can buy at the on-site liquor store, you’ll stop for a group lunch. After, continue to Quetzaltenango. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela.

Early this morning before breakfast, you’ll hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option is a local experience distinct to Guatemala and has little to do with actual chickens – they are old American school busses passed down to new owners who decked them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market, Almolonga, known for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. Whether you believe the vegetables are a gift from above or due to the high amounts of fertiliser used by locals, this colourful market is a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and maybe pick up a giant carrot. After, return to your hotel for breakfast.

As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Mayan dances or some leather goods. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner with your fellow travellers.

This morning, you’ll set off on a lancha (boat) ride on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages. Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll visit the current shrine of Maximon (San Simon), where the local shamans keep watch. Your group will bring a gift of local spirits to share with the shamans, and while you drink, you’ll discuss the holy shrine, the perplexing deity and local life on the lake. Return to Panajachel in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening along the shores of Lake Atitlan.

Spend a free morning in Panajachel – maybe sleep in or join a cooking class that teaches you more than just local flavours. Learn about the cultural significance of sharing food with the community, then enjoy the delicious creations you’ve made. Later, return to Antigua by private transfer in the afternoon. When you arrive, join your local leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.

Today is free to explore Antigua until a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new travellers. With crumbling churches, vibrant markets and bohemian cafes set against a monumental volcano, Antigua is the perfect place to have an adventure. After the meeting, the night is yours – maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers for a tamale (a classic staple of Mesoamerica that sees dough, meat and sauces steamed and served in a corn husk).

Rise and shine early this morning to beat the rush-hour traffic around Antigua. Departing at about 7 am, you’ll drive towards Copan. Along the way, watch the passing scenery and learn about local life in Guatemala as you head for the border. Cross into Honduras, arriving in the small town of Copan in the early afternoon. While most people use Copan as a base to explore the nearby ruins, there are plenty of other points of interest, both along the cobblestone streets and set into the lush surroundings. Maybe get started in the Central Plaza and follow your nose to a cafe for the afternoon.

This morning, meet up with a local guide and explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan – the southernmost of the great Maya sites. It's unique because of the numerous elaborate stelae (carved columns) still intact among temples, excavated vaults and walls inscribed with ancient faces. After your exploration, the rest of the afternoon is free to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out some fine feathered friends at the Macaw Mountain Park or visit the Temple of Rosalila. You could also head to the nearby natural hot springs - this optional tour gives you hours of soaking in mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.

You’ll wave goodbye to Copan this morning and head across the border to Guatemala and into El Salvador. It’s a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got a good book or your favourite road trip games handy. When you arrive in Suchitoto, you’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk of the town – widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Admire the elaborate building facades, get your bearings and enjoy the surroundings. Then, get your chef’s hat on with a pupusa-making demonstration. Pupusa (cornmeal flatbreads) is a classic Salvadorian recipe from the Pipil culture and is usually stuffed with some delicious ingredients, like cheese or chicharron (fried pork).

This morning, head to a local designer’s home for an indigo-dying demonstration – Suchitoto is one of the best places in the world to produce indigo (used to dye clothing or other items blue). You’ll visit a local designer transforming tradition into modern design to learn the history of the indigo trade. This small enterprise supports single mothers by providing them with an income for their children’s education, food and independence. Watch the demonstration, then get hands-on and try it for yourself. The rest of the day is free in Suchitoto. The town overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande – also known as Lago Suchitlan, this freshwater lake is a haven for migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. Maybe grab a historically-minded group for a guided walk through Cinquera Forest, where guerrilla fighters used the forest as cover during the Civil War.

This morning you’ll drive to the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, home to some amazing dark-sand beaches and some of the best surf spots in the country. You'll have the afternoon free to relax. Maybe find a local restaurant for dinner or simply relax at your accommodation.

Rise nice and early for a full day of travel as you cross the Gulf of Fonseca to reach Nicaragua by boat. In the afternoon you'll reach Leon – the second-largest city in Nicaragua. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the charming city streets to get your bearings. Leon is a relatively quiet city, which makes strolling the murals and contemporary architecture a real treat! Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group – as always, your leader will have the best recommendations.

Today is a free day to make the most of Leon. Maybe visit the street food area behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral and try a Nica taco (made with maize, the taco is rolled, deep fried and then served with shredded cabbage smothered in cream). You could also take on a thrilling volcano sandboarding adventure on the black slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano. Maybe you’d just like to explore the city’s contemporary art or wander the Leon Cathedral.

This morning, you’ll drive to the oldest city in the New World – Granada. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and take in the view at Laguna Apoyo – a volcanic crater lake formed around 23,000 years ago. Enjoy some free time for lunch near the viewpoint. Then, stop at the lakeside town of Masaya, where you’ll go on an orientation walk with your leader and get the chance to browse the stalls at the town’s famous artisan market before continuing to Granada. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture, Granada is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the leafy Parque Central and La Calzada – a busy pedestrian street with plenty of bars and restaurants. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace.

This morning you’ll have breakfast with your group at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a cafe run entirely by people who are hard of hearing. The owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities. After, the rest of the day is yours. Maybe hit the Convento y Museo San Francisco and view the collection of indigenous stone statues. Hundreds of evergreen islets dot the waters of vast Lake Nicaragua and you can spend a few hours exploring them by boat or hire a kayak and find your own way around, waving at the fisherman who live in wooden huts along the way. Just remember not to swim, as freshwater sharks live in the water!

Today is another early start as you get ready for a full day of travel. Journey to Monteverde, where you can begin exploring this afternoon on an orientation walk with your leader. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers. These environmentally aware settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but instead, draw their water from a semi-permanent cloud covering the region. This is truly a nature lover's paradise! More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species call Monteverde home.

Begin the day with breakfast at a local women’s cooperative cafe. The cafe started with eight women in 1982 and has grown in number over the years, enabling many women without any formal education to generate income for their households without having to leave home, meaning they can continue caring for their children. In store, there are a variety of handmade products – be sure to check them out! The rest of your day is free to explore Monteverde at your own pace. Maybe zoom through the treetops on a ziplining adventure, or for a more relaxed experience, discover Costa Rica's agricultural heritage on a coffee and chocolate tour. Tonight, you’ll have the option to end your day with a night walk through the cloud forest to spot nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.

This morning, head out to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you’ll join a local guide to walk the reserve trails. As you walk, learn about the fascinating biodiversity of the region, look for the resplendent quetzal and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys. This afternoon, take a minibus to the shores of Lake Arenal, where you’ll then take a boat across the lake to the little town of La Fortuna. On a clear day, you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Once you reach La Fortuna, take another vehicle to the hotel, then freshen up and head out on a leader-led orientation walk.

Why not start your free day today with a smoothie and plan how you want to explore? Maybe take a guided nature hike through the forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals, or see the forest from a series of hanging bridges that offer a great vantage point for spotting wildlife like sloths and rainbow-coloured birds. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area is home to several thermal hot springs – an ideal way to relax in the middle of nature. Or maybe check out the 70 m tall La Fortuna waterfall set in the middle of the rainforest and hit the lake on a stand-up paddleboard. A boat safari in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge offers the opportunity to see lizards, crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat, so if you’re craving more wildlife, this option is perfect!

Spend your final morning in La Fortuna learning the art of Costa Rican tortillas. A local family will guide you through the process, and you’ll get to try the results over lunch. Then, watch the volcano fade into the distance on your private transfer to Costa Rica's capital – San Jose. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to see the main highlights. When you’ve got your bearings, maybe visit the Gold Museum, which has a fantastic collection of pre-Spanish gold art. If you're in the mood for some shopping, maybe head to the outdoor market in the Plaza de la Cultura or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. Tonight, why not join your fellow travellers for an optional farewell dinner.

Enjoy a free day to explore San Jose until another group meeting at 6 pm tonight. The city is home to a lively cultural atmosphere with heaps to do. Maybe explore the markets – you might even be lucky enough to see a spontaneous art fair! Perhaps visit Arte Contemporaneo if you’re an art lover or get a taste of the rich coffee that Costa Rica is known for in a nearby coffee shop.

This morning, hop on a public bus and make your way to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to go birdwatching, spot some local wildlife or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls. Then, meet up with a local guide to head out on a jungle walk. Look out for elusive creatures like sloths, bats, snakes, frogs and a whole lot more.

Today, take a private transfer to Puerto Viejo. When you arrive, get to know this laid-back jungle town during an orientation walk with your local leader, then enjoy some time to explore at your leisure. A small coastal city, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dance halls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. To top today off, you'll prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home. Dig into a mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables, combined with coconut flavours, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry, Panamanian pepper and thyme.

Today is free, so you can ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. You might like to take your time exploring Cahuita National Park, which is about a 20-minute ride away from Puerto Viejo – your leader can help you arrange a transfer. Cahuita National Park is home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. If the waves are calling (but your footing isn't so sure), surf lessons are also on offer in town. Or, maybe visit one of the local rainforest fruit farms. Of course, you could also simply find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand.

Today, take a shared transfer to the border, then walk across a bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi or collective minivan to Almirante, where you'll take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Then, it’s time to hit the palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters, enjoy some spectacular snorkelling opportunities and look out for lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is home to Afro-Panamanians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. For the next three nights, you'll stay in Isla Colon – the main town of Bocas del Toro. It's a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just metres from your hotel.

Today is yours to explore this tropical archipelago as you wish. Maybe hit the beaches close to town – the local favourites are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek for their azure waters and pristine coral reefs. When the sun goes down, why not head into town and check out the local bar and restaurant scene. Ask your leader about the best place to grab a drink.

This morning, hop on a boat to the nearby Isla Popa, where you’ll get to spend time meeting the Ngabe-Bugle Indigenous community. The local women here run a community tourism project, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their lifestyle and visit a family in their island home during an orientation walk. Say your farewells and return to Bocas del Toro, then enjoy the rest of the day free in the Caribbean sun.

Travel by boat and private minibus to Boquete today – it's a bit of a lengthy journey, so it’s a good idea to have a book or podcast on hand. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves and colourful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring – most optional activities can be organised directly from the hotel, though it’s a good idea to book them when you arrive tonight if you know what you want to do.

There are plenty of ways to experience Boquete today, so be sure to chat to your leader and the hotel front desk to get the best insider tips. You could discover the secret waterfalls only locals know about on a walking tour in the jungle. Or maybe you’d prefer to soak it up in the Caldera hot springs. If you’re a coffee lover, consider visiting a plantation or simply kicking back in town with a cup of the local brew – some of the best coffee in the world is grown and processed right here in Boquete!

Say goodbye to Boquete and head to the southern city of Chitre. When you arrive, around lunchtime, head out for an orientation walk with your leader (who will also be able to point you in the right direction for a good lunch spot). After a bite to eat, rejoin your fellow travellers and head to a mask workshop for a glimpse at the country’s cultural heritage – elaborate masks and costumes are a feature of many festivals in Panama. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Chitre and have a relaxed evening before continuing to Panama City.

Depart Chitre this morning, and head to Panama City. Along the way, stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre, which overlooks one of the locks that control the flow of ships through the Panama Canal. Learn about the canal’s history and engineering, then head back out on the road to Panama City. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk. Take in the great views of the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Panama City skyline as you stroll past busy waterfront soccer fields, running paths and food carts. You might like to regroup with your fellow travellers in the evening for a final farewell dinner.

With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.