Ultimate Central America

Ultimate Central America

Embark on an in-depth Central American adventurel from Mexico’s capital to the home of the Panama Canal. Pass through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama on a small-group journey through remote villages, traditional cities, ancient Maya and Aztec ruins, verdant cloud forests and pure Caribbean beaches. Get acquainted with the local cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories of Central America as you explore the wealth of tradition, spot the range of unusual wildlife, dive into unique underwater worlds and spend time travelling at your own pace. Did you hear that? Central America is calling – you better Belize it.

Activities

• Mexico City – Leader-led Taco Crawl
• Mexico City – Leader-led orientation walk
• Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
• Puebla – Leader-led orientation walk
• Puebla – Visit to La Pasita Bar
• Tlahuac – Community Visit
• Oaxaca – Leader-led orientation walk
• San Cristobal de Las Casas – Leader-led Orientation Walk
• Zinacatan Church – Visit
• San Juan Chamula – Maya Church (entrance fee)
• Agua Azul – Waterfall Visit
• Palenque – Palenque Ruins (entrance fee)
• Merida – Leader-led orientation walk
• Chichen Itza – Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
• Playa del Carmen – Leader-led Orientation Walk
• 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
• Chichicastenango – Shaman Visit
• San Jorge La Laguna – Traditional Maya Homestay
• Panajachel – Leader-led orientation walk
• Antigua – Leader-led orientation walk
• San Miguel – Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
• Copan Ruins – Visit
• Suchitoto – Leader led orientation walk
• 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
• Puerto Viejo – 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

Highlights

• The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has got you covered.
• Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas. This old-world town is surrounded by indigenous villages that have retained their traditional customs and roots.
• Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Jorge La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
• Clear sea perfect for swimming, shacks serving cold cerveza and sandy shores covered in starfish are waiting in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
• Head to the coffee plantations, waterfalls and caldera hot springs of Boquete, a highland town so beautiful you won’t miss the beach one bit.
• 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.