From colonial splendour to ancient lost civiliations; smoking volcanoes to steamy rainforest, this itinerary covers the breathtaking highlights of Central America! Immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of Mexico City before you set off on a journey that traces the route of the Conquistadors and Maya alike through the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize and Guatemala’s tropical Peten. From here, the golden beaches, incredible wildlife and national parks of Costa Rica await before you finish your trip on the continental bridge itself – Panama!
Itinerary Highlights
Wander the cobbled, colonial streets of Izamal & Antigua
Haggle with the local Maya at Chichicastenango Market
Watch the sun set from Temple IV at Tikal
Search for sloth & the resplendent Quetzal in Costa Rica
Enjoy a cruise through the Panama Canal
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
30
Nights
Price Guide
from $TBA pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Mexico City
Day 2-3
Mexico City – Aztecs, Art & Culture
Arrive Mexico City and spend 3 days exploring the art, history and culture of Mexico’s vibrant capital. Once heart of the Aztec world and centre of the Spanish conquest, Mexico City boasts an impressive list of ancient and colonial monuments from the Aztec Templo Mayor and cathedral to the huge central zocalo and extraordinary site of Teotihuacán, home the of enormous Temple of the Sun and the Moon. For art-lovers, Mexico has no shortage of galleries and museums – visit the Palace of Fine Arts and “Casa Azul” the former house of Frida Kahlo or spend a day admiring Diego Rivera’s incredible murals dotted throughout the city. For popular culture, enjoy a boat trip through the floating gardens of Xochimilco or experience a lucha libre bout or even travel during Mexico’s incredible “Day of the Dead” festivities.
Day 4-6
Merida – Ancient & Colonial Treasures
From the bustling capital to the beaches, colonial glory and Mayan mysteries of the Yucatan Peninsula, fly to Merida, UNESCO state capital renowned for its graceful architecture and historic churches. Tour the golden-age monuments, explore the colourful local market and visit the fascinating avant-garde Mayan World Musuem that exhibits more than 1,000 Mayan archaeological pieces. Further afield, the spectacular Mayan site of Uxmal is unmissable while the historic Hacienda Sotuta de Peon offers a unique insight into the henequen industry (or “Green Gold”) that for years filled the coffers of the Spanish throne.
Day 6-7
Chichen Itza – ancient “Wonder of the World”!
Today you visit one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World” – Chichen Itza. On route, you may like to make a stop at Valladolid or, better still, picturesque Izamal, the yellow “city of three cultures”, home to the impressive San Antonio de Padua. Energy and time-allowing, why not climb the “Firebird” pyramid for panoramic views across the countryside. Chichen Itza is the largest and most famous of the Yucatan’s Mayan site, a magnificent complex that adorns many a travel magazine. The scale of the site is dizzying and you can spend a whole day exploring the Temple of Kukulkan (“El Castillo”), the Temple of Warriors, the Observatory and the famous Ball Court. Coincide with the summer solstice and you can follow the shadow of a serpent descending the Kukulkan pyramid.
Day 8-10
Belize & the Cayo District
Fly to Belize and travel on into the lush, forested hills, rivers, caves and waterfalls of the beautiful Cayo District or Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Here, based at a charming boutique lodge, you can do as much or as little as you like. Feeling active, you can hike, bike, paddle or enjoy float trips through the local caves, a hugely atmospheric experience. Or you may prefer guided nature walks or bird-watching in the surrounding rainforest. Belize also has its fair share of Mayan intrigue and you can visit the magnificent sites of Lamanai, Chan Chich or Xunantunich on the border of Guatemala or even venture further afield in search of the region’s jaguar.
Day 11-13
Tikal & the Mayan Mysteries of the Peten
Your journey continues across the border into the heart of Guatemala’s steamy Peten, a wonderful biosphere reserve that hides some of Central America’s most impressive and mysterious Mayan ruins. Centrepiece of the Peten, Tikal is the face of the Mayan world, an extraordinary complex that encompasses some 3,000 pyramids, temples, walkways and ruins that still lie cloaked in tropical rainforest. Tikal is simply unmissable yet tear yourself away and you can explore the more remote sites of Yaxha, Ceibal, Topoxte or firm Oasis favourite Aguateca which receive a tiny fraction of visitors. For adventure, you can hike to the distant site of El Mirador, camp alongside Uaxactun or overnight within the ruins of a unique Maya-made island.
Day 14-16
Lake Atitlan & the Mayan Highlands
From tropical lowlands to Guatemala’s highlands, you fly to Guatemala City where you will be met and driven on to Lake Atitlan, sacred lake of the Maya. Lake Atitlan has been dubbed the Lake Como of Central America, a picture-postcard body of water framed by soaring volcanoes and colourful fishing villages. Here, you can visit the local communities, enjoy boat-trips across the lake or simply enjoy some well-deserved R&R amidst the breathtaking views.
Day 17-19
Chichicastenango & Antigua
An early start has you arriving at the fascinating Mayan trading town of Chichicastenango just as the age-old market gets going. “Chichi” is among the largest and most authentic markets of Central America, a riot of local produce, colours and traditions. Bargain for handicraft, admire the textiles or simply drink in the atmosphere as you wander amidst throngs of locals. From here, you continue to the former capital Antigua, a ruined colonial masterpiece and wonderful world heritage site under the shadow of the three volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Antigua encapsulates the history and heritage of Central America, where Hispanic architecture meets Mayan colour and traditions all shaped by natural catastrophes. Explore the cobbled streets, delve into the markets and wander amidst the rubble of bygone glory. Further afield, you can tour coffee farms and tranquil mountain villages or even hike up the Pacaya Volcano for magical views that stretch out as far as the Pacific Coast and even El Salvador.
Day 20-22
Arenal – Costa Rica’s Adventure Capital
Returning to the airport, you take a short flight to Costa Rica where you will be driven on to reach the spectacular Arenal volcano and national park. The adventure capital of Costa Rica, Arenal is surrounded by 7000 hectares of tropical rainforest, crystal-clear rivers and tumbling waterfalls, home to a dizzying array of flora and fauna. Here, you can enjoy a host of eco-adventures from guided nature trails and sloth-spotting tours to boat trips, canopy adventures and nature walks along the famous “hanging bridges”. And then after rafting, biking, hiking and paddling, what better way to unwind than by sinking into a hot-spring under the shadow of the magnificent volcano itself!
Day 23-24
Monteverde Cloud-Forest
A short distance from Arenal, Monteverde is among Costa Rica’s natural treasures, 10½ thousand hectares of cloudforest that straddles both the Caribbean and Pacific flanks of the Tilarán Mountains. Home to the region’s iconic bird – the resplendent Quetzal, Monteverde is a paradise for birders with over 400 recorded species. Immerse yourself in the forest with guided nature walks, tree-top canopy trails and zipline adventures or tour the surrounding coffee plantations and butterfly farms.
Day 25-27
Manuel Antonio – Jungle, beaches & Wildlife
Your Costa Rican journey concludes on the golden sand of Manuel Antonio on the country’s central Pacific coast. Manuel Antonio offers a wonderful blend of tropical beaches and pristine rainforest that teems with wildlife and counts all four species of Costa Rica’s monkeys as well as both two- and three-toed sloths. Enjoy bird-watching, riding or guided nature trails in the national park or try your hand at surfing. Offshore, you can swim or snorkel around the reef or join a leisurely catamaran cruise around the deserted bays and tropical islands where there is every chance of spotting pods of dolphin and breaching whales.
Day 28-30
Panama – Continental Divide
Where else to finish your journey but in Panama, the famous narrow isthmus that separates North- and South America! The “Casco Viejo” is Panama City’s historic old town and UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site dating back to 1673 and the perfect starting point for exploring the country’s colonial treasures. Heading out of the city, you can enjoy a cruise through the palm-fringed, golden beaches of the San Blas Islands or visit indigenous Embera communities along the Chagres River. No visit to Panama is complete without admiring the Panama Canal, an engineering masterpiece that revolutionised transatlantic trade at the cost of some 25,000 lives. The Mirafliores Locks are a sight to behold but for the complete Panama Canal experience, join a full day boat transit that takes you all the way through from Pacific to Caribbean.
Day 31
Return to Panama City airport for onward connections
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $ per person
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Belize has a subtropical climate, with a well-marked dry season from late February to May and a wet season from June to November that is interrupted from August to September by another dry season. The mean temperature in Belize City is about 23 °C in December and 29 °C in July.
In Belize, the month of January usually experiences mild and pleasant weather conditions. The average temperature during this time of the year ranges from a low of 21°C to a high of 28°C. There may be occasional rainfall, but it is usually short-lived and does not interfere with outdoor activities. Overall, January is a great time to visit Belize and enjoy its beautiful natural scenery.
February in Belize usually has pleasant weather conditions, with an average temperature ranging from 21°C to 29°C. There may be occasional rainfall, but it is generally short-lived and does not affect outdoor activities. Overall, February is another great time to visit Belize and enjoy its beautiful natural scenery.
In March, Belize experiences warm weather with an average temperature ranging from 22°C to 30°C. While there may be occasional rainfall, it is typically short-lived and does not significantly affect outdoor activities. Overall, March is a great time to visit Belize and enjoy its beautiful natural scenery.
The weather in Belize during April is warm, with an average temperature ranging from 23°C to 31°C. While there may be occasional rainfall, it is typically short-lived and does not significantly affect outdoor activities. Overall, April is a great time to visit Belize and enjoy its beautiful natural scenery.
In May, the weather in Belize is warm with an average temperature ranging from 24°C to 32°C. While there may be occasional rainfall, it is typically short-lived and does not significantly affect outdoor activities. Overall, May is also a great time to visit Belize and enjoy its beautiful natural scenery.
June in Belize is warm and temperatures typically range from 25°C to 32°C. While there may be occasional rainfall, it usually doesn't have a significant impact on outdoor plans. Overall, June is a great time to visit Belize and enjoy its natural beauty.
July in Belize is generally warm with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. While there may be some rainfall, it typically does not affect outdoor activities. Overall, July is a good time to visit Belize and enjoy its natural beauty.
In August, Belize experiences warm temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C, similar to the weather in July. While there might be some rainfall, it generally doesn't impact outdoor activities, making August another great month to visit Belize and take in its stunning natural scenery.
In September, Belize experiences warm temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C, slightly cooler than the previous months. Rainfall may increase, but it usually doesn't affect outdoor activities, making September another great month to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Belize.
In October, temperatures in Belize range from 23°C to 30°C, with occasional rainfall that doesn't typically affect outdoor activities. It's still a great month to experience the natural beauty of Belize.
In November, the temperature in Belize ranges from 22°C to 28°C. Although there may be occasional rainfall, it typically doesn't interfere with outdoor activities. It's still a great time to enjoy the natural beauty and attractions of Belize.
In December, temperatures in Belize typically range from 21°C to 27°C, making it an ideal time to explore the country's natural beauty and outdoor activities. While there may be some occasional rainfall, it shouldn't hinder any plans for enjoying all that Belize has to offer during this time of year.
Add on’s
To slow the trip down, why not overland to Merida via the picturesque Mayan site of Palenque and the colonial towns of San Cristobal and Campeche? Or take a break on the powder soft sands of the Riviera Maya? For more wildlife, why not extend your trip to visit the lush mangrove channels of Tortuguero (the “Amazon Rainforest” of Costa Rica or better still the Osa Peninsula, “the most biologically intense place on earth” according to National Geographic.
From Panama City, there are direct connections to Quito, gateway to the natural wonderland of the Galapagos as well Lima for the Incan treasures of Peru and Machu Picchu. For hikers, Patagonia accessed via Santiago is unmissable while the landscapes and buzzing culture of Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu in Brazil offers something completely different.
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