Day 1: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Hola! Welcome to Mexico! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you are lucky enough to have extra time in this beachside playground, why not spend it snorkelling in freshwater rock pools (called cenotes), strolling along the white sands or reef diving on Cozumel.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night):
Meals Included: there are no meals included on this day
Day 2: Tulum, Mexico
Leave behind one paradise for another, quieter version. Travel south for 1.5 hours by local bus to Tulum, where white-sand beaches and Maya ruins await. Take an orientation walk with your leader around the small town when you arrive. Then, head to the cliffs or the shore to enjoy the sunshine at your own pace.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Leader-led orientation walk;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 3: Tulum, Mexico
Today is a free day for you to spend it as you like. You could head to Akumal Bay for a change of scenery. Or, check out one of the many local freshwater rock pools known as cenotes. If you haven't already, you might want to take the opportunity to head to Mexico's most famous archaeological site, Chichen Itza, about a 2-hour drive away.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 4: Caye Caulker, Belize
Bid adios to Mexico early this morning and head south to Belize (total driving time including the border crossing will be 8–9 hours) via public bus. You might go for an evening stroll to get your bearings on the island then perhaps hit a beach bar and unwind. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with the locals much easier.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Leader-led orientation walk;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 5: Caye Caulker, Belize
Today is free for you to explore the island and surrounds or simply relax. Ask your leader about organising a snorkelling trip to the colourful coral reef nearby, or perhaps head further afield to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the world’s second-longest coral reef. Manatee spotting is one option nature lovers should consider, as the chance to encounter these gentle giants is a special one.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 6: Caye Caulker, Belize
Wake up when you like, because you’ve got another free day. Like any good seaside Eden, Caye Caulker is home to super fresh seafood, which you can dig into with your feet planted in the sand at one of the many ‘floor free’ outdoor restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 7: San Ignacio, Belize
From the islands to the highlands, today you’ll bid farewell to Caye Caulker, catch a ferry to Belize City (1 hour) and then take a local bus to San Ignacio (3.5 hours). On arrival, your leader will take you on a walking tour of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, which will give you a sense of how vibrant the local Garifuna and Maya communities are.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 8: San Ignacio, Belize
You have a full day at your leisure to discover San Ignacio. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and Maya ruins, making it the ideal base. Nearby is the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal, a living museum of Maya relics. In the late afternoon, the barbecue stalls of Santa Elena start to set up for the dinner rush.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 9: Tikal, Guatemala
Rise and shine for an 8 am taxi ride to the Belize-Guatemala border. Once you've crossed over, board a bus to Tikal National Park (approximately 2.5 hours). In Tikal you will visit the impressive archaeological site, the five granite temples of Tikal - an imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. Tonight, set up the tents and mattresses and spend some time under the stars.
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (1 night);
Included Activities
Tikal National Park - Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 10: Rio Dulce, Guatemala
If you can't get enough of Tikal, you have the option to visit the site again in the (very) early morning at your own cost before departing at 8 am to Flores. On arrival your leader will take you on a walking tour of the island of Flores. Continue by private minivan to Rio Dulce (approximately 4 hours). Now that you are back in a Spanish-speaking nation, why not join an informal Spanish lesson put on by your leader? Muy bien!
Accommodation: Multishare lodge (1 night);
Included Activities: Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 11: Rio Dulce, Guatemala
With plenty of free time today, consider taking advantage of some of the optional activities available. Maybe take a scenic boat trip down the river to the coastal enclave of Livingston for a taste of Creole-Caribbean culture.
Accommodation: Multishare lodge (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 12: Antigua, Guatemala
Leave the 'Sweet River' behind and travel by private minibus to the city of Antigua, a journey which should take around 8 or 9 hours, allowing time for lunch. Spend the night in Antigua before heading to Lake Atitlan tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 13: Chichicastenango / San Jorge La Laguna, Guatemala
Be up early and ready for an 8 am departure. Travel by private transport for 2.5 hours to Chichicastenango, home to perhaps the most colourful market in the country. After doing a little shopping at the market, head to San Jorge La Laguna, a small Maya village overlooking Lake Atitlan (about 1.5 hours). Meet your host family and enjoy dinner with them.
Accommodation: Homestay (1 night);
Included Activities: Chichicastenango Market
San Jorge La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 14: Lake Atitlan / Panajachel, Guatemala
Say goodbye to your host family this morning and move on to the neighbouring town of Panajachel. Located on Lake Atitlan with distant volcanoes looming in the background, Panajachel has a thriving market, good eateries and many water-based activities to enjoy. Once you arrive in 'Pana' your leader will take you on a brief walking tour of town so you can get your bearings. The rest of the time is free for you to explore.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 15: Antigua, Guatemala
Hit the road again at 9 am and make the 3-hour journey back to Antigua by private vehicle. In 1773 the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be seen. Your leader will take you on a walking tour of Antigua. The rest of your time in Antigua is free for you to explore at your own pace.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Antigua - Leader-led walking tour;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 16: Antigua, Guatemala
Enjoy a free day exploring this photogenic city. Perhaps check out the ChocoMuseo located on 4th Street West, two blocks away from central park. Learn all about chocolate or perhaps go on a coffee tour, visit the plantations and do some coffee tasting.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 17: Antigua, Guatemala
Enjoy a free day to explore the city, with nothing scheduled until a meeting to welcome any new travellers joining you on your adventure. If you’ve got a historical bent, perhaps check out the 18th-century ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information:
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet new travellers joining you.
Day 18: Copan, Honduras
Rise and shine for a day of travel, leaving at around 4 am to beat the rush-hour traffic around Antigua. You'll be spending around 8 hours driving to Copan by private vehicle. During the drive, your group leader will run an informal Spanish lesson, providing you some useful phrases to break the ice with the locals. Head into Honduras through the wild countryside of eastern Guatemala, arriving in the charming town of Copan in the early afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 19: Suchitoto, El Salvador
This morning, take a visit with your group to the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan, the remnants of the southernmost of the great Maya sites for which Central America is famous. Otherwise, nature lovers may wish to travel two kilometres out of town to the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve. Leave Copan early in the afternoon and head across the border to El Salvador by private vehicle (approximately 7 hours).
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Copan - Archeological site (entrance fee and transport, no guide);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 20: Suchitoto, El Salvador
Begin the day with a guided orientation walk of Suchitoto – widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Stroll past gorgeous colonial facades and get your bearings. Birders will want to crane their necks – Suchitoto lies on a bird migration path. The rest of the day is all yours to relax or join the optional activities on offer.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Suchitoto - Leader led walking tour
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 21: San Miguel / El Cuco, El Salvador
This morning, join a pupusa making session in a private home. These thick cornmeal flatbreads are a classic Salvadorian recipe and are stuffed with delicious ingredients, like cheese or chicharron (fried pork). Later on, head to coastal El Cuco (approximately 5 hours), which has some great dark-sand beaches close to town, including the beautiful Playa El Esteron and Playa Las Flores – one of the best surf spots in the country.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: San Miguel - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration;
Meals Included: Lunch
Day 22: El Cuco, El Salvador
Today you're free to explore the beautiful coast around El Cuco at your own pace. Take a trip to see nearby Conchagua Volcano and the stunning views from the lookout. Alternatively, take a boat out on the ocean, join a free yoga class at the resort or simply relax on the beach.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 23: Leon, Nicaragua
Rise early for a full day of travel by private vehicle, leaving El Cuco at around 8 am. Upon arrival in Leon, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this charming city.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Leon - Leader led walking tour;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 24: Granada, Nicaragua
Make the most of Leon in the morning. In the afternoon, get ready for the 5-6-hour journey to the oldest city in the 'New World'. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture and oozing colonial charm, Granada is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes. Upon arrival, your leader will take you through the leafy Parque Central and 'La Calzada' – a lively pedestrian street with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 25: Granada, Nicuragua
Today is all yours, so explore the city at your own pace. Hundreds of evergreen islets dot the waters of vast Lake Nicaragua, and you can spend a few hours exploring them by boat.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 26: Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Have a morning of leisure in Granada. In the afternoon, you will leave for Ometepe Island. Hourglass-shaped Ometepe is formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua, one active and one extinct. The island is home to fruit plantations, deep jungle and exotic wildlife such as howler monkeys, caiman and parrots. Spend the evening on the island, and maybe head out for a beer at one of the waterfront bars.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 27: Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Spend your free day however you wish on Ometepe. If you are very fit, hike both Concepcion or Maderas Volcano. Or splash around in the clear waters of the natural springs, soak up the sun on the beach or check out the ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) scattered about the island.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 28: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Today is another early start and long drive. Once in Costa Rica, travel by private vehicle for 5 hours to beautiful Monteverde, which you can begin exploring straight away on a walking tour with your leader. This is truly a nature lover's paradise. More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species call Monteverde home.
Accommodation: Lodge (1 night);
Included Activities: Leader led walking tour;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 29: Monteverde, Costa Rica
You’ll have a free day to discover the lush reserve at your own pace. Perhaps take a hike through the cloud forest, check out the area by mountain bike or fly over the thick canopy on a zip line tour.
Accommodation: Lodge (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 30: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Spend a final morning in the thickets of the Monteverde jungle, perhaps taking one last walk to search for wildlife. Depart in the early afternoon and head to La Fortuna. On a clear day you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area and watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger and larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Later, head out on a leader-led walking tour of La Fortuna.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Leader led walking tour;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 31: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Today is yours to explore: perhaps take a guided nature hike through the lush forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals. You can also see the forest from a series of hanging bridges, which is a great vantage point for spotting wildlife like sloths and rainbow-coloured birds.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 32: San Jose, Costa Rica
Watch the volcano fade into the distance as you begin the 5-hour local bus ride to Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. Head out on a walking tour with your leader on arrival to see the main highlights. Later, perhaps visit the Gold Museum, which has an amazing collection of pre-Spanish gold art.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night);
Included Activities: Leader-led walking tour;
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 33: San Jose, Costa Rica
There are no activities planned for the final day so you are free to depart after check out. There's a lot to see and do in and around San Jose, so if you'd like to extend your visit and need further accommodation, we’ll be happy to assist (subject to availability).
Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
