Basix
Explorer
Best of Central America
44 Days | Colourful villages, jungle safaris and beachside breaks, from Mexico to Panama
4.4
Very Good
circle5 reviews
location_on 44 days
location_on
Start
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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Finish
Panama City, Panama
tour
Trip Code
QVRQC
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - null
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Physical Rating
restaurant_menu
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 dinners
airport_shuttle
Transport
Private vehicle, Local bus, Taxi, Private boat, Shared boat, Ferry
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (36 nights), Multishare Hotel (1 night), Hotel with shared facilities (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Lodge (3 nights)
From £4,022(44 days)
Trip Informations
Explore incredible worlds above and below the water through some of Central America's best. Amble down the Yucatan Peninsula to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, then cutting inland, hit the lush jungle around Tikal, cruise to the wide river Rio Dulce and end up among the clouds in Panajachel and Antigua. Continue to the relaxing beach vibes on the dark sands of the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, spot colourful birds perched on the historic facades of Suchitoto, stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde, then admire the towns, steamy jungles of Costa Rice and Panama, stopping off at the stunning islands of Bocas del Toro. With your local leader to steer you in the direction of the best bars and surf breaks plus a small group of adventurers to enjoy them with, you can’t go wrong on this carefree Central American journey.
Why you’ll love this trip
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Whether its slumbering on the sands of Playa del Carmen, gazing at the pyramids of Tikal or haggling in the vibrant markets of Chichicastenango, you'll experience multiple sides of Central America.
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Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
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Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.
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Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
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Put your chef hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Is this trip right for you?
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This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary includes basic accommodation and has free time for activities when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
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With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.
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This trip includes some long travel days by local transport and private vehicles. Space can be tight, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers and watch the passing scenery.
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Central America is generally hot and humid year-round. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Air conditioning may not always be available in your rooms. Occasionally, properties may require an additional charge for air conditioning.
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The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. Conditions during your homestay in San Juan La Laguna are basic. Your rooms will be multi-share, and the bathroom will most likely be shared with the rest of the family. A hearty home-cooked breakfast and dinner will be served during your stay, which can be a lot more basic than what you're used to.
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There will be times when you have to walk with your luggage, and for this reason, we recommend packing light and using a backpack or something easy to carry.
Itinerary
- DAY 1Day 1 • Playa del Carmen
- DAY 2Day 2 • Playa del Carmen
- DAY 3Day 3 • Chetumal
- DAY 4Day 4 • Caye Caulker
- DAY 5Day 5 • Caye Caulker
- DAY 6Day 6 • Caye Caulker
- DAY 7Day 7 • San Ignacio
- DAY 8Day 8 • San Ignacio
- DAY 9Day 9 • Tikal National Park
- DAY 10Day 10 • Rio Dulce
- DAY 11Day 11 • Rio Dulce
- DAY 12Day 12 • Antigua
- DAY 13Day 13 • Panajachel
- DAY 14Day 14 • San Juan La Laguna
- DAY 15Day 15 • Antigua
- DAY 16Day 16 • Antigua
- DAY 17Day 17 • Antigua
- DAY 18Day 18 • Copan
- DAY 19Day 19 • Copan
- DAY 20Day 20 • Suchitoto
- DAY 21Day 21 • Suchitoto
- DAY 22Day 22 • Pacific Coast, El Salvador
- DAY 23Day 23 • Pacific Coast, El Salvador
- DAY 24Day 24 • El Cuco to Leon via Honduras
- DAY 25Day 25 • Leon
- DAY 26Day 26 • Granada
- DAY 27Day 27 • Granada
- DAY 28Day 28 • Monteverde
- DAY 29Day 29 • Monteverde
- DAY 30Day 30 • La Fortuna
- DAY 31Day 31 • La Fortuna
- DAY 32Day 32 • San Jose
- DAY 33Day 33 • San Jose
- DAY 34Day 34 • Sarapiqui
- DAY 35Day 35 • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- DAY 36Day 36 • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- DAY 37Day 37 • Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
- DAY 38Day 38 • Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
- DAY 39Day 39 • Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
- DAY 40Day 40 • Boquete
- DAY 41Day 41 • Boquete
- DAY 42Day 42 • Panama City
- DAY 43Day 43 • Panama City
- DAY 44Day 44 • Panama City
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 dinners
airport_shuttle Transport
Private vehicle, Local bus, Taxi, Private boat, Shared boat, Ferry
bed Accommodation
Hotel (36 nights), Multishare Hotel (1 night), Hotel with shared facilities (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Lodge (3 nights)
festival Activities
circleCaye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
circleSan Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
circleTikal National Park - Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
circleLeader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
circleChichicastenango - Market Visit
circleChichicastenango - Shaman Visit
circlePanajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
circleSan Juan La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
circleAntigua - Leader-led orientation walk
circleSanta Apolonia - Traditional Pottery Demonstration
circleCopan Ruins - Visit (entrance fee, no guide)
circleSuchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
circleSuchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
circleSuchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration
circleLeon - Leader led orientation walk
circleGranada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
circleMonteverde - Leader-led orientation walk
circleLa Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
circleSan Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
circleSarapiqui – Jungle Walk
circlePuerto Viejo de Talamanca - Leader-led orientation walk
circlePuerto Viejo - Hands-on dinner in local home
circleBoquete - Leader-led orientation walk
circleLeader - led Informal Spanish Lesson
circlePanama City - Leader-led walk in Casco Viejo
circlePanama City - Leader-led walk along part of the Cinta Costera (Causeway) including a visit to the Fish Market
museum Optional activities
circlePlaya del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) - MXN273
circlePlaya del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN525
circleCaye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD44
circleCaye Caulker - Manatee boat tour (Incl. transport & guide) - BZD254
circleCaye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
circleCaye Caulker - Full day speed boat-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
circleCaye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) - USD8
circleCaye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
circleSan Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - BZD263
circleSan Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) - BZD158
circleSan Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - BZD200
circleSan Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24
circleSan Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD11
circleTikal National Park - Guide for Ruins (per person, min 5 participants) - GTQ105
circleRio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) - GTQ263
circleRio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) - GTQ210
circleRio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) - GTQ95
circleRio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) - GTQ89
circleSan Juan La Laguna - Water taxi to Santiago (Return) - GTQ63
circleAntigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ105
circleAntigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ236
circleAntigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure - USD170
circleAntigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch - USD115
circleAntigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour - USD95
circleAntigua - City Tour with lunch - USD70
circleCopan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD53
circleSuchitoto - Town tour (it requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD32
circleSuchitoto - War historic walk at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD58
circleLeon - Volcano Sand Boarding - USD53
circleLeon - City Tour - USD30
circleLeon - Leon Art Center - USD2
circleGranada - Laguna Apoyo kayaking tour - USD30
circleGranada - Mombacho Volcano hike - USD32
circleGranada - Monkey Island boat tour - NIO455
circleMonteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance - USD26
circleMonteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD58
circleMonteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD65
circleMonteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
circleMonteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
circleMonteverde - Frog pond - USD19
circleMonteverde - Orchid gardens - USD19
circleMonteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
circleMonteverde - Children's Forest - USD20
circleLa Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD49
circleLa Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges - USD79
circleLa Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD21
circleLa Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
circleLa Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD84
circleLa Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD79
circleSan Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD78
circleSan Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD12
circleSan Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
circleSan Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD40
circlePuerto Viejo de Talamanca - Surf lesson (1 hour) - USD60
circlePuerto Viejo de Talamanca - Cahuita National Park (entrance fee) - USD5
circleBocas del Toro - Jungle Cacao Tour (guide and transport included) - USD42
circleBocas del Toro - Full-day Tour including Bastimentos island, Jungle hike & Lunch with Ngobe Community (guide and transport included) - USD63
circleBocas del Toro - Bio-luminescence Boat Tour (seasonal - guide and transport included) - USD37
circleBocas del Toro - Colon Expedition including starfish beach & bird island - USD47
circleBoquete - Guided Bicycle Tour (guide and bike hire included) - USD58
circleBoquete - Guided Tour of Hidden Waterfalls (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD53
circleBoquete - Zipline (guide and transport included) - USD79
circleBoquete - Mini Canyons Tour (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD37
circleBoquete - Calderas Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport included, no guide) - USD37
circleBoquete - Coffee Plantation Tour (guide and transport included) - USD37
circlePanama City - Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks (entrance fee only, no guide, no transport) - USD21
Dates and availability
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Saturday May 31, 2025
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
Trip size max: - Sold Out
Saturday Jun 07, 2025
Sunday Jul 20, 2025
Trip size max: - 13 spaces left
£5,027£4,022
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Sunday Jul 27, 2025
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£5,027£4,022
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£5,027£4,022
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Saturday Jul 12, 2025
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Trip size max: - 14 spaces left
£5,027£4,022
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Saturday Jul 26, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
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£5,027£4,022
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Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Trip size max: - 14 spaces left
£5,027£4,022
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Saturday Aug 23, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Trip size max: - 15 spaces left
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Saturday Sep 06, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Trip size max: - 16 spaces left
£5,027£4,022
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Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
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£5,027£4,022
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Saturday Sep 27, 2025
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
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Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Trip size max: - 13 spaces left
£5,330
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Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Sunday Nov 23, 2025
Trip size max: - 14 spaces left
£5,330
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Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Trip size max: - 16 spaces left
£5,330
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Important notes
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1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 9 (Tikal) and Day 14 (San Juan La Laguna homestay), where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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2. This tour includes accommodation in multi-share rooms (triple and quad). This means travelers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single gender allocation.
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3. As per updated Nicaragua entry requirements, customers are currently required to supply a copy of their passport front page to their booking agent no later than 15 days prior to departure.
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4. Should you have any questions or need assistance with the Honduras pre-registration, your leader will be able to assist on Day 1 of your tour. For more information, visit the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the ‘Essential Trip Information.
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