44 Days | Colourful villages, jungle safaris and beachside breaks, from Mexico to Panama
![Toucan sits on branch in Monteverde jungle](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blte546cfd6436d6249/63c909307d53ad75eef78eaf/PEAK_DMC-South_America_Costa_Rica_Monteverde_toucan-colourful-beak_ss_373806271.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Guatemala Lake Atitlan Mountain](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltb9f405da77f933d8/63c909070a2c173bb528ae05/Intrepid_Travel-Guatemala_Lake_Atitlan_3.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Snorkeling with turtles in Caye Caulker](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt37c4a3b860654f1d/63c9090390bfff5ce1d42f07/Intrepid_Travel-Belize_Caye_Caulker_40.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Buildings in Antigua, Guatemala](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt449cb928f5575812/63c909193a43d65e265845d0/Intrepid_Travel-Guatemala_Antigua_13.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Traveller crosses suspension bridge in Costa Rica](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt4b7c12d5ea87a0f8/63c90995d423d005f0cd9ef2/Intrepid_Travel-COSTA_RICA_MONTEVERDE_TRAVELERS_CROSSING_SUSPENSION_BRIDGE_007.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
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.
Trip overview
![Map of Best Of Central America including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt5efad8ca1f24f16c/64edca1c31919fb60e5fe35f/QVRQC_2024.gif?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
- Start
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Finish
- Panama City, Panama
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- QVRQC
- 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.
- 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
2 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Private vehicle, Local bus, Taxi, Private boat, Shared boat, Ferry
Hotel (36 nights), Multishare Hotel (1 night), Hotel with shared facilities (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Lodge (3 nights)
- 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
- 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 tour-(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
- 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 - Zapatilla Tour including Sloth Island & snorkelling at Cayo Coral (guide and transport included) - USD53
- 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
Dates and availability
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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