Basix
Explorer
Best of Central America
44 Days | Colourful villages, jungle safaris and beachside breaks, from Mexico to Panama
4.4
Very Good
5 reviews
44 days
Start
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finish
Panama City, Panama
Trip Code
QVRQC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - null
Physical Rating
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Local bus, Taxi, Private boat, Shared boat, Ferry
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
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
Inclusions
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Local bus, Taxi, Private boat, Shared boat, Ferry
Accommodation
Hotel (36 nights), Multishare Hotel (1 night), Hotel with shared facilities (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Lodge (3 nights)
Activities
Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
Tikal National Park - Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Chichicastenango - Market Visit
Chichicastenango - Shaman Visit
Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
San Juan La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
Santa Apolonia - Traditional Pottery Demonstration
Copan Ruins - Visit (entrance fee, no guide)
Suchitoto - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
Suchitoto - Leader led orientation walk
Suchitoto - Indigo Dyeing Demonstration
Leon - Leader led orientation walk
Granada - Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
Monteverde - Leader-led orientation walk
La Fortuna - Leader led orientation walk
San Jose - Leader-led orientation walk
Sarapiqui – Jungle Walk
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Leader-led orientation walk
Puerto Viejo - Hands-on dinner in local home
Boquete - Leader-led orientation walk
Leader - led Informal Spanish Lesson
Panama City - Leader-led walk in Casco Viejo
Panama City - Leader-led walk along part of the Cinta Costera (Causeway) including a visit to the Fish Market
Optional activities
Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) - MXN273
Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN525
Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD44
Caye Caulker - Manatee boat tour (Incl. transport & guide) - BZD254
Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) - USD8
Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - BZD263
San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) - BZD158
San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - BZD200
San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24
San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD11
Tikal National Park - Guide for Ruins (per person, min 5 participants) - GTQ105
Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) - GTQ263
Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) - GTQ210
Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) - GTQ95
Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) - GTQ89
San Juan La Laguna - Water taxi to Santiago (Return) - GTQ63
Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ105
Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ236
Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure - USD170
Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch - USD115
Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour - USD95
Antigua - City Tour with lunch - USD70
Copan - Natural Hot Springs & Dinner - USD53
Suchitoto - Town tour (it requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD32
Suchitoto - War historic walk at Cinquera Forest (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to operate) - USD58
Leon - Volcano Sand Boarding - USD53
Leon - City Tour - USD30
Leon - Leon Art Center - USD2
Granada - Laguna Apoyo kayaking tour - USD30
Granada - Mombacho Volcano hike - USD32
Granada - Monkey Island boat tour - NIO455
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance - USD26
Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD58
Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD65
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
Monteverde - Frog pond - USD19
Monteverde - Orchid gardens - USD19
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Night Walk - USD45
Monteverde - Children's Forest - USD20
La Fortuna - Ecotermales Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD49
La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges - USD79
La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD21
La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano Base Hike - USD97
La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD84
La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD79
San Jose - San Jose By Night: Food and Culture - Urban Adventures - USD78
San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD12
San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD40
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Surf lesson (1 hour) - USD60
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Cahuita National Park (entrance fee) - USD5
Bocas del Toro - Jungle Cacao Tour (guide and transport included) - USD42
Bocas del Toro - Full-day Tour including Bastimentos island, Jungle hike & Lunch with Ngobe Community (guide and transport included) - USD63
Bocas del Toro - Bio-luminescence Boat Tour (seasonal - guide and transport included) - USD37
Bocas del Toro - Colon Expedition including starfish beach & bird island - USD47
Boquete - Guided Bicycle Tour (guide and bike hire included) - USD58
Boquete - Guided Tour of Hidden Waterfalls (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD53
Boquete - Zipline (guide and transport included) - USD79
Boquete - Mini Canyons Tour (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD37
Boquete - Calderas Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport included, no guide) - USD37
Boquete - Coffee Plantation Tour (guide and transport included) - USD37
Panama City - Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks (entrance fee only, no guide, no transport) - USD21
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Important notes
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.
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.
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.
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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