Highlights Tour South / North CA

Destinations Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
Category Cultural
Duration 23 days / 22 nights
Location Central America

Day 1 - Arriving at the Intl. Airp. In Tocumen
Day 1 - Arriving at the Intl. Airp. In Tocumen

Welcome to Panama City, we have arranged a transfer from the International Airport in Tocumen to your Hotel. Panama City is located between the Pacific Ocean and the tropical rain forest in the northern part of Panama. The city was founded on August 15, 1519, by Pedro Arias de Avila. Panama city is rich in culture and history. There are many places to visit to gain a better understanding of the country nowadays and its past. Tropical forest around Panama are vital for the functioning of the Panama Canal.

Day 2 - Panama City
Day 2 - Panama City

6 hours City tour exploring the Panama Canal and the Colonial part of this city, Casco viejo. We will start this city tour with a visit to the Miraflores locks and visitors center. The Miraflores locks are one of the three sets of locks of the Panama Canal. At the visitor center (entrance not included) the tourist will learn about the operation of the locks, the history of the Panama Canal and its future plans. The museum also has a lot of information about the National parc that forms a big part of the Canal and there is a visitors deck where they might be able to see ships passing through the locks. After this highlight we will visit Casco Viejo, the Colonial part of the city with its 17th century churches and buildings. Here we will enjoy a walk with the tour leader followed by a lunch (not included) in one of the restaurants at the area. Ones we are finished here we will return to the Hotel.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 3 - Travel to Boquete
Day 3 - Travel to Boquete

"Today the group has a transfer from the hotel in Panama city to the Albrook Airport. From Albrook aiport there is a domestic flight to David, this flight is about 1 hour and once you arrive we organize your transfer to Boquete, which is a 1.5 hour drive to the hotel there. Boquete is a small town on the Caldera river, in the green mountains highlands of Panama. The area is known for its cloud forest and has abundant natural resources like mountains covered by primary and secondary forest and an extraordinary fauna diversity. Many different humming birds can be seen and the area is also known for its resplendid Quetzal, the bird the Maya's believed had magical powers. The best coffee in Panama is grown here and you are very likely to meet the indigenous Ngobe and Bugle tripe, which is the biggest indigenous tribe in Panama."

Meals : Breakfast
Day 4 - Optional tour in Boquete
Day 4 - Optional tour in Boquete

Breakfast. Day at leisure or to take an optional tour like the following (not included): With more than 35 world-class Whitewater runs in Panama’s Chiriqui province alone, there is no paddling destination more extraordinary than Panama! For this trip, we will drive about an hour and a half from Boquete to Río Chiriquí Viejo, near Panama’s border with Costa Rica. Originating on the northwest side of Volcan Baru, the Viejo is 128 km long and offers several different sections of excellent whitewater, ranging from class 2 to class 5. The section we select for your trip will depend on water levels for the trip day, your prior rafting experience, skill and desire. Regardless of the section that we choose, if you are looking for a heart-pounding glimpse of what makes Panama’s White-water famous around the globe, look no further! The Río Chirquí Viejo is a must-do for you! Return to Boquete to your hotel. Lunch included.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Panamá – Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica)
Day 5 - Panamá – Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica)

Today after breakfast is your transfer from Boquete to Paso Canoas border with Costa Rica. After clearing customs in Paso Canoas, you are transferred to the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 6 - Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 6 - Manuel Antonio National Park

Breakfast. This day enjoy a half day tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park. Today enjoy a 2.5 hour guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park forest. In 2011 Forbes Magazine listed Manuel Antonio as one of the 12 most beautiful national parks in the world for its gorgeous cream colored beach, lush forest growing to the beach edge, abundant wildlife, warm pacific waters, and easy forest trails with scenic ocean overlooks. You will likely see a variety of wildlife-the animals are accustomed to visitors-including squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and sloths. After hiking you will have free time to enjoy the park on your own. Free afternoon to explore the beaches and local town in Quepos. "

Meals : Breakfast
Day 7 - Transfer to Rincón de la Vieja
Day 7 - Transfer to Rincón de la Vieja

This day you will be transferred to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Upon arrival at Hacienda Guachipelin you may join one of the following activities: A Canyon canopy tour which is a combination of zip lines, rappelling and rock climbing; a walk in the hanging bridges; or a Horseback ride down the white waters of Rio Negro. Last but not least, take pleasure in the healing properties of the volcanic mud baths and thermal hot springs.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 8 - Transfer Isla de Ometepe
Day 8 - Transfer Isla de Ometepe

After breakfast you are taken from your hotel in Rincon de la Vieja to the border with Nicaragua. A transfer takes you to San Jorge port, where you take the ferry to Isla de Ometepe. Ometepe is located in one of the world´s largest fresh water lakes, Lake Nicaragua, also known as Cocibolca. Ometepe has served as a home to indigenous tribes and cultures for many centuries, of which many pre-Columbian petroglyphs are silent witnesses. Overnight on Isla de Ometepe.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 9 - Ometepe / Optional tours
Day 9 - Ometepe / Optional tours

Day at leisure, optional tours. You can for example visit the beautiful San Ramón waterfall on the flank of the dormant Maderas volcano or visit the island´s highlights during a tour of the island. Overnight on Ometepe.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 10 - Transfer Estelí via Masaya
Day 10 - Transfer Estelí via Masaya

You take the ferry back to San Jorge and head towards Estelí. On the way to Estelí you visit the Nicaraguan folklore cradle: Masaya. You visit Masaya Volcano National Park. Your driver will take you to the summit of the volcano, where you can have a look inside the active crater. The next stop is Masaya´s artisan market, where you can purchase quality Nicaraguan handicrafts. You continue to Estelí, which is located in the northeastern part of Nicaragua. Estelí is still relatively underdeveloped but the city has a vibrant and active center with hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. The surroundings of Estelí offer great opportunities to go bird watching or hiking. Overnight in Estelí. (The visit to the Masaya Volcano is subject to change due to volcanic activity February 2016)

Meals : Breakfast
Day 11 - Amatillo - Perquin (El Salvador)
Day 11 - Amatillo - Perquin (El Salvador)

12.30 pm Transfer to the department of Morazan. Perquin was headquarters of the guerrillas named FMLN during the war. You still find remaining like bunkers and bomb craters of the fascinating and traumatic history. Perquin is owner of the museum of the Revolution, simple overview by photos, posters and weapons of the civil war. Overnight in Perquin.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 12 - Perquin - Ataco
Day 12 - Perquin - Ataco

Breakfast. Transfer to the National park “Los Volcanes". Here come together the volcanoes of Izalco, Santa Ana and Cerro Verde. The volcanoes are located within beautiful scenery and have a wide biodiversity. There are many species of animals living inside the park; among them are many types of hummingbirds and the black birds known as "chara" which feed other birds such as toucans, during their mating season. During an easy walk you have great views to Lake Coatepeque and Izalco volcano. From here you will visit Lake Coatepeque where you will have lunch with great view over the lake. In the afternoon you will visit the hot springs of Santa Teresa where you can relax. Transfer to Ataco where you spend the night.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 13 - Ruta Las Flores
Day 13 - Ruta Las Flores

"Breakfast. First visit Ataco becoming a door for all the artistic community, it’s traditional producing of colorful textiles and the artistic murals painted on the walls of the colonial style houses. Juayúa, the charming city that's famous for its permanent food festival during the weekend or the waterfalls of Don Juan during the week days. After lunch off to Nahuizalco, one of the most traditional towns in the area. The people here are famous for handicrafts and furniture made from tulle and willow. Learn about the famous market at dusk, lit only by candles. "

Meals : Breakfast
Day 14 - Atitlán (Guatemala)
Day 14 - Atitlán (Guatemala)

Breakfast. At noon pick up at Ataco, for a private transfer to the beautiful Atitlán, in Guatemala, considered by many the most beautiful lake in the world. Overnight at Lake Atitlán.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 15 - Lake Atitlan Village Tour
Day 15 - Lake Atitlan Village Tour

After breakfast your guide will take you on a private boat to visit San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, two very special and different towns around the Lake. Santiago is home to Maximon, a venerated pagan saint who smokes tobacco and drinks moonshine. He resides in a different house each year. On the other hand, San Juan la Laguna is the home to several textile coops and art galleries. After tour you will be transferred to Antigua Guatemala for overnight accommodations.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 16 - Antigua Half Day Tour & Coffee Tour
Day 16 - Antigua Half Day Tour & Coffee Tour

After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Antigua. You will visit breathtaking colonial monuments and find out why this city was the bustling center of the region for the Spaniards. After lunch in town (not included) your driver will take you to a nearby coffee hacienda for a coffee tour and tasting. Overnight in Antigua Guatemala.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 17 - Antigua - Copán, Honduras
Day 17 - Antigua - Copán, Honduras

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Copán, in Honduras, where you will enjoy a tour to the mystical Mayan ruins and Sculpture Museum, where you will be able to witness the ancient Mayan culture. The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century. Copan with its temples, plazas and terraces, comprises a type of architectural complex among the most characteristic of the Mayan civilization. The lengthy inscription on the Hieroglyphic Stairway Plaza is of considerable historical significance.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 18 - Transfer to Gracias, visit La Campa
Day 18 - Transfer to Gracias, visit La Campa

This small town in the middle of canyons and pine forests which has some of the best preserved colonial buildings in Honduras. Most of the habitants of La Campa are Lenca descendants who still preserve the traditional way of life. La Campa is well known for its magnificent production of Lenca pottery.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 19 - La Esperanza, transfer to Lake of Yojoa, visit Pulhapanzak
Day 19 - La Esperanza, transfer to Lake of Yojoa, visit Pulhapanzak

Breakfast. Visit La Esperanza a picturesque town which retains its nature and its living culture from the Lenca .After lunch (not included) transfer to Lake of Yojoa. Visit to the 43 meters of waterfall of Rio Lindo, and its cultural importance of the prehistoric settlement traces found in its surroundings makes it a must see destination in Honduras. The trails go very near to the Pulhapanzak waterfall, you will actually get into the waterfall and behind the falling water.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 20 - Drop off at Puerto Barrios
Day 20 - Drop off at Puerto Barrios

Breakfast. Transfer from Lake of Yojoa to Puerto Barrios, (4 hours) lunch available at Puerto Barrios (not included). Drop off at 2 p.m. From Puerto Barrios, you take a boat to Punta Gorda, a seaport and fishing town on Belize’s Caribbean coast. Upon arrival to the Punta Gorda dock your driver will meet you to transfer (3 hours) you to Placencia Peninsula. Overnight in Placencia.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 21 - Snorkeling tour
Day 21 - Snorkeling tour

After breakfast, you will be taken to the marina where your professional guides will be ready to take you on an unforgettable Belize snorkeling adventure. Whisk away to Belize's Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world) and the many beautiful cayes nearby, such as Laughing bird Caye National Park. You will stop for a picnic lunch at Robert's Caye, a white sandy island where the only inhabitants- a family of osprey - will greet you. Overnight Placencia Village.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 22 - Local flight to Belize City, Belize District
Day 22 - Local flight to Belize City, Belize District

In the early afternoon, the hotel will arrange a transfer to the airstrip. A short 45 minute flight will bring you to the municipal airstrip located in Belize City. From here you will be taken to your hotel. Over night, Belize Disctrict

Meals : Breakfast
Day 23 - Transfer to the International Airport
Day 23 - Transfer to the International Airport

After breakfast, your driver will be waiting for you at the lobby to take you to the Belize International airport.

Meals : Breakfast

Included

  • Accommodations as mentioned in itinerary
  • American Breakfast
  • English speaking guides
  • Entrance fees to sites - parks - etc.
  • Entrance Tkt to places of interest
  • Local flights mentioned
  • Private Transportation by land
  • Taxes
  • Transportation by boat where mentioned in itinerary

 


 

Not Included

  • Any optional /additional/extra tours or park fees
  • Any other service not mentioned in the “included” list or the itinerary
  • Extras at hotels
  • International Flights
  • Late check-out or early check-in
  • Personal and/or medical expenses
  • Visa and Inmigration Taxes