Splendours of Central America

Arrive in Panama City and check in to the Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel for 3 nights. Our travel specialists will be delighted to assist with flight arrangements if required.

Morning city tour, including the ruins of old Panama and the historic colonial district, followed by your welcome lunch.

Take a shared partial transit and cruise through the locks of the Panama Canal.

Fly to Costa Rica's capital and visit a coffee plantation on the slopes of the active Poás Volcano. Overnight at KC Hotel San Jose.

Transfer to Monteverde and stay for 2 nights at the El Establo Mountain Hotel (or similar). Afternoon visit to Selvatura Butterfly Garden and Hanging Walkways, and the sloth habitat to see Costa Rica's most iconic animal with a focus on conservation.

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest to explore its rare flora and fauna.

Full-day journey across the border into Nicaragua to the city of Granada, overlooking Lake Nicaragua (approx 7-8 hours). Stay 2 nights at Patio del Malinche Hotel.

Morning tour of the colonial city, including the Franciscan convent. Take a boat ride through the canals formed by the small islands in Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. Afternoon at leisure before your visit to Masaya Volcano to see the fluorescent lava from its rim (subject to volcanic activity).

Transfer to Managua and fly to San Salvador, El Salvador's capital. Continue to charming Suchitoto for 1 night at Casa 1800 Suchitoto.

Explore the cobbled streets of Suchitoto, then transfer to the archaeological site of Joya de Cerén, known as the ‘Pompeii of the Americas'. Later, explore cloud forest trails and enjoy spectacular volcano views en route to the picturesque Route of the Flowers. Overnight at Casa 1800 Ataco.

This morning, visit the traditional artisan town of Ataco and stop at Santa Ana en route to Honduras (approximately 10 hours). Stay at the Hotel Marina Copán for 2 nights.

In the morning, tour the fascinating Mayan ruins of Copán with its intricate and well-preserved sculptures. Afternoon at leisure.

Cross into Guatemala and on to the Caribbean coast, visiting the impressive carved stelae at Quiriguá en route (approx. 6 hours). Take a 1.5-hour boat ride along the coast to the town of Livingston, with its strong Garifuna culture. Overnight at Hotel Villa Caribe (or similar).

A morning walking tour of Livingston, and a boat trip along the lush gorges of the Dulce River to visit Bird Island and an indigenous community. Continue by road to the Flores area for a 2-night stay at the lakeside Villa Maya or Hotel Casona del Lago.

Morning tour of Tikal, one of the most spectacular Mayan ruins, located in the heart of the jungle. Afternoon at leisure.

Early morning flight to Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua for 2 nights at Hotel Cacique Real (or similar). Afternoon walking tour followed by a farewell lunch.

Day is at leisure or take optional excursions.

Tour ends in Guatemala City.