On this four-week trip we'll really take the time to get under the skin of Central America. We'll travel overland through six of the Central American countries, taking in some incredible natural wonders. In Costa Rica we visit Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and La Fortuna, where we can take part in many different adventure activities like zip-lining, white-water rafting, and canyoning in the surrounding volcanic landscape.
It also features some real hidden gems, such as a trek through Cerro Verde National Park in El Salvador, seeing the mighty Panama Canal, and a visit to Cap Suchitoto in El Salvador. This is a community project which helps to create cultural identity and unity within the community and teaches skills to support self-sufficiency.
On top of that we visit the incredible volcanic island of Ometepe where we might choose to trek to the summit of the Concepción volcano, and to the stunning Caribbean beaches of the island of Roatán, as well as the Mayan ruins of Copan and colonial towns like Leon, Granada and Antigua.
We'll be travelling on Betsy, a US-style school bus specially kitted out for overlanding and which we use on our tours in Central & North America. We only have a couple of long drive days throughout the four weeks, and we have plenty of time to linger and enjoy each stop along the journey. We'll be staying in a mix of local hostels and guesthouses, dorm rooms, with a little bit of camping. To get the most from this trip you'll want to take part in some of the adventure activities along the way, some of which can be physically demanding.
Visit the spectacular volcanic landscape of Cerro Verde National Park one of El Salvador's gems
Trek up to the summit of Santa Ana El Salvador's highest volcano in the heart of Cerro Verde National Park
Spend the night at the wonderful community centre of Centro Arte Para La Paz in Suchitoto which runs many workshops and projects for the locals in the area
Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent ancient Mayan ruins of Copán
Border information: if joining in Antigua, you will most likely enter Guatemala at Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (IATA code: GUA).
There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
The rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful colonial city and its dramatic surroundings, and to take part in some optional activities. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Antigua before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Antigua.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Take a trek up to the famous active volcano of Pacaya near Antigua
Day trek: 59 USD
Visit the old Jesuit church of Santo Domingo an iconic building in Antigua and home to six fascinating museums
Visit: 48 GTQ
Visit the Choco Museum of Antigua learning all about the history of the culinary use of cocoa ever since the Mayan period
Entrance: 120 USD
Learn all about the culture and history of Antigua at some of its museums such as the Museum of Ancient Books and the Museum of Colonial Art
Visit: 30 GTQ
Take a tour of the nearby small village community of San Lorenzo and visit its schools and traditional handicrafts (only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays)
San Lorenzo Tour: 250 GTQ
Visit a traditional coffee plantation in the cool hills surrounding Antigua
Tour: 200 GTQ
Today we will cross the border into El Salvador and drive to the stunning Cerro Verde National Park, where we will be surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanoes and countryside. In the morning we will have will take a guided trek up the nearby Santa Ana volcano (approximately 4 hours).
Border information: Exit Guatemala at Ciudad Pedro de Alvarado, enter El Salvador at La Hachadura.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Included Activities
Visit the spectacular volcanic landscape of Cerro Verde National Park one of El Salvador's gems
After our trek up the volcano, we will take a short drive to the beautiful town of Suchitoto, where we will have a free afternoon to explore the town, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, and to learn about the incredible work of the community centre in which we stay.
In Suchitoto we will stay in dormitory rooms at the Centro Arte Para La Paz community centre, which runs many programs for the local communities to build cultural identity, unity, teaching skills, self-sufficiency, environmental equality and a culture of peace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Included Activities
Trek up to the summit of Santa Ana El Salvador's highest volcano in the heart of Cerro Verde National Park
Spend the night at the wonderful community centre of Centro Arte Para La Paz in Suchitoto which runs many workshops and projects for the locals in the area
Today we will have a day to explore Suchitoto, have a guided walking tour of the town, head out on a sunset boat trip or take a day trip to San Salvador.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Optional Activities
Take a sunset boat trip in Suchitoto
Boat: 10 USD
Enjoy a walking tour of Suchitoto town
Tour: 10 USD
Border information: Exit El Salvador at Anguiatú, enter Guatemala at Anguiatú. Exit Guatemala at El Florido, enter Honduras at El Florido.
Today we will have a full day drive to return to Guatemala and then onwards to Honduras, arriving at the small village of Copán.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Today we will have an included guided visit to the spectacular Mayan ruins of Copán, followed by a free afternoon to explore some of the other highlights in the area.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Included Activities
Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent ancient Mayan ruins of Copán
Optional Activities
Visit the Copán Butterfly Gardens a serene garden bursting with tropical plants and dozens of moths and butterflies flitting about!
Entrance: 115 HNL
Visit the Macaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary in Copán home to many rescued birds such as macaws toucans and kingfishers
Entrance: 200 HNL
Visit the beautiful old Mayan stone carvings of Los Sapos with fantastic views over the town of Copán
Entrance: 30 HNL
Today we will take a short drive to the town of San Pedro Sula and board a short local flight to Roatán, the largest of the famous tropical Bay Islands. On arrival we will transfer to the area of the West End Bay, where we base ourselves for our stay.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Today we will enjoy some free time to take part in the wealth of optional activities available on Roatán, and of course to relax and swim on the stunning Caribbean beaches here!
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Head out scuba diving to the beautiful coral reefs off the coast of Roatán
Fun Dive: 50 USD
Go on a spectacular snorkelling trip around the highlights of Roatán such as the Blue Channel and St. Anthony's Key
Blue Channel: 30 USD
Rent sea kayaks to explore the magnificent Caribbean waters surrounding Roatán island
Kayak Hire: Free
Take an exciting zip lining course on Roatán island
Tour: 45 USD
Sail out on a deep sea fishing trip in the Caribbean waters near Roatán (price for the entire boat with a maximum occupancy of 4 passengers)
Fishing per boat: 90 USD
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Head on an epic underwater expedition in a unique private submarine exploring the dark depths hundreds of metres under the surface of the ocean
300m dive: 500 USD
Head out on a guided tour of Roatán seeing some of the most beautiful spots on the island and learning all about its history
Tour: 65 USD
Go out horse riding across the stunning island of Roatán through its wonderful eco-system of cacti palms and orchids
Horse ride: 40 USD
Today we will start early to transfer back to Roatán's airport and catch our flight back to the mainland, rejoining our overland bus! We will then continue our journey east through Honduras to the beautiful countryside of Lake Yojoa.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Today we will cross the border into Nicaragua, we will the head to the Somoto Canyon and stay in cabins near a village community.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
This morning we will enjoy our canyon tour and then drive to the university town of León.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Included Activities
Today we will have free time to explore the town's wonderful colonial architecture or to take part in the many optional activities available here.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Head out on a horse riding trip in the stunning countryside near León including views of the impossibly-circular crater of El Hoyo volcano and the beautiful Asososca lagoon
Ride: 40 USD
Explore the stunning mangroves and wild sandy beaches of the Juan Venado Natural Reserve on a kayaking trip out of León
Trip: 35 USD
See the bizarre volcanic mud pools of San Jacinto near León
Trip: 18 USD
Visit León's many museums and galleries such as the world-class Ortiz-Gurdián art museum the Gallery of Heros and Martyrs and the Museum of Legends and Traditions
Entrance: 20 NIO
Head to the fantastic modern visitor centre at the world-famous Flor de Caña rum factory
Visit: 35 USD
Trek up the impressive active Telica volcano near León (please note that this is a fairly strenuous trek and you will need to be in good physical shape to participate - the trek usually takes about 6-7 hours)
Tour: 50 USD
Enjoy a fun and unique trip out to sand board down the ash slopes of the Cerro Negro volcano
Boarding: 30 USD
Today we will take a short drive to Nicaragua's oldest city of Granada, a beautiful town which oozes with colonial charm! En route we will have an included visit to the traditional markets in the small town of Masaya, and witness the incredible active caldera of the nearby Masaya volcano (if its volcanic activity isn't too high).
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Included Activities
Explore the traditional markets in Masaya village, famous for its local handicrafts
Visit the dramatic crater rim of the active Masaya volcano between León and Granada
See a fascinating workshop in the village of San Juan de Oriente demonstrating various local pottery-making techniques
Today we will have free time to explore the historic streets of Granada's old town, or take part in some of the myriad of optional activities that are available here.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Visit the incredible San Francisco Convent and Museum in Granada, the oldest building in Central America dating from 1585
Entrance: 2 USD
Take a city tour around the spectacular buildings and atmospheric streets of the old colonial city of Granada
City Tour: 20 USD
Trek up the beautiful dormant volcano of Mombacho near to Granada exploring its rugged terrain and dwarf forests
Trek and Zip line: 55 USD
Learn about the cultivation of cocoa and its manufacture into chocolate at the Choco Museo in Granada
Chocolate workshop: 19 USD
Take a boat or kayak trip around the beautiful Isletas de Granada in search of the local birdlife and the magnificent views of the surrounding volcanoes
Short kayak trip: 25 USD
This morning we drive to the small town of San Jorge on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. Here we will board a ferry to the stunning volcanic island of Ometepe, where we base ourselves in the port village of Moyogalpa and enjoy free time to explore on arrival.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Today we will have free time to explore and take part in optional activities such as the challenging trek to the summit of the Concepción volcano that dominates the island, or seeing some of the mysterious ancient petroglyphs that are dotted through the landscape.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Optional Activities
Visit the mystical and serene emerald-green lagoon of Charco Verde
Price: 20 USD
Trek to the summit of the iconic Concepción volcano that dominates over the island of Ometepe (please note that this is a very strenuous trek that will only be possible for those with a high level of fitness and in good shape - the trek is over 1000m of ascent and descent on rugged terrain and will take between 9-12 hours).
Trek: 40 USD
Climb to the summit of the Madera volcano on Ometepe Island (please note that although this is an easier trek than up Concepción volcano it is still a very strenuous hike and you need to have a high level of fitness to complete it - the trek usually takes between 7-9 hours)
Trek: 42 USD
Learn about the fascinating history and geology of the island at the Ometepe Museum in Altagracia village
Entrance: 3 USD
Head on a guided walk around Ometepe and see some of the natural springs beaches and small villages on the island
Walks: 30 USD
Trek up to the stunning San Ramón waterfall in the forests near Madera volcano
Guided walk: 40 USD
Border information: Exit Nicaragua at Penas Blancas, enter Costa Rica at Penas Blancas.
Today we will take an early morning ferry back to San Jorge and drive to La Fortuna in Costa Rica, a stunning town under the shadow of the mighty Arenal volcano.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Today we will have a free day to take optional treks through the incredible surrounding volcanic landscapes or forest canopies, or get involved in many different adventure activities such as zip-lining, white-water rafting, and canyoning. La Fortuna is also famous for its outstanding hot springs, which we will have the opportunity to visit.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Explore the breathtaking forests and volcanic landscapes of La Fortuna on several mountain biking trails in the area
Biking: 75 USD
Visit the hanging bridge courses through the rainforest canopies near La Fortuna
Bridges: 67 USD
Take a intense canyoning trip into the rugged gorges of the jungles near Arenal including several waterfall abseils
Lost Canyon: 100 USD
Learn all about the intricacies of Costa Rican cuisine on a cooking class in La Fortuna
Class: 45 USD
Learn all about the plants animals traditions and agriculture of Costa Rica on a visit to the El Bosque Eco-Farm near La Fortuna
Farm: 45 USD
Explore the magnificent countryside and waterfalls around the Arenal volcano by horseback
Ride: 65 USD
Take a kayaking trip on Lake Arenal giving you the best views of the behemoth volcano of Arenal and an opportunity to spot many species of birds
Kayak: 65 USD
Take a fantastic white-water rafting trip on the Balsa or Sarapiqui rivers near La Fortuna some of the best rafting areas in Costa Rica
Raft: 89 USD
Head out for an evening at the spectacular volcanic hot springs complex of Baldi near La Fortuna
Springs: 34 USD
Today we will leave our overland vehicle behind and transfer by taxi and boat into the dense cloud forests and coffee plantations of Monteverde, a stunning area offering an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Today we will have an included walk on the trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest National Reserve, followed by a free afternoon to visit some of the town's highlights or enjoy some adventurous activities such as canyoning or horse riding.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Included Activities
Take a guided trek to explore the stunning forest trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve learning all about the fascinating and beautiful ecosystem there
Optional Activities
Visit the Bat Jungle exhibition in Monteverde learning all about the various bat species of the area from an expert guide
Entrance: 10 USD
Explore the incredible cloud forests of Monteverde at the tree-top level on a 3km canopy bridge circuit
Bridge course: 30 USD
Visit the fantastic Butterfly Gardens of Monteverde and learn all about the abundant bug-life of Costa Rica's cloud forests
Entrance: 10 USD
Learn all about the cultivation and processing of the world-renowned coffee of Costa Rica at one of the many incredible coffee plantations near Monteverde
Coffe tour: 35 USD
Take a spectacular canyoning tour near Monteverde including abseiling down 6 different waterfalls!
Entrance: 50 USD
Fly above the cloud forests and valleys of Monteverde on an exhilarating zip-lining course
Zip line: 50 USD
Take an exhilarating off-road quad biking trip around the stunning countryside of Monteverde (driving licence required)
Quad bike tour: 70 USD
Explore the magnificent Monteverde Orchid Gardens home to over 400 species of orchids found in the region
Entrance: 10 USD
Head out to the cloud forests of the Santamarias Reserve to explore the area by night when much of the elusive local wildlife comes out
Walk: 23 USD
Learn about Costa Rica's spectacular amphibians at the Monteverde Frog Pond
Entrance: 13 USD
Explore the stunning forests and banana plantations of Monteverde on a horse riding trip
Riding: 35 USD
Today we will continue by taxi to the small town of Tilaran, where we will rejoin our overland vehicle and drive to the spectacular beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Today we will have an included walk through some of the beautiful trails within park, learning all about its flora and fauna and immersing ourselves in the idyllic landscape. We will have free time in the afternoon to take part in some optional activities or relax on the wonderful beaches.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Included Activities
Take a guided walk through the stunning trails of Manuel Antonio National Park finishing at the world-class tropical beaches where you can swim and relax
Optional Activities
Explore the rainforest canopy and its incredible wildlife and landscapes on a wonderful canopy bridge course near Manuel Antonio
Canopy: 30 USD
Explore the ocean on a catamaran sailing trip heading out in search of dolphins tropical fish and turtles and witnessing an unforgettable offshore sunset
Catamaran: 40 USD
Join a scuba diving trip to explore the reefs and underwater volcanic rock formations in the oceans near Manuel Antonio
Diving: 50 USD
Explore the stunning cattle ranches fruit plantations and palm trees of the countryside near Manuel Antonio on a horse riding trip
Horse riding: 30 USD
Head on an exhilarating guided jet ski trip on the Pacific Ocean near Manuel Antonio
Jet ski: 40 USD
Explore the mangroves of Manuel Antonio by boat or by kayak in search of rainbow boas crocodiles and various water birds
Boat trip: 20 USD
Take an exhilirating trip to the rainforests near Quepos to enjoy an incredible zip lining course
Zip line: 40 USD
Head out on a wonderful quad biking trip through the tropical countryside of Manuel Antonio and Quepos
Quad bike tour: 40 USD
Go on an incredible white-water rafting trip on the Naranjo and Savegre rivers near Manuel Antonio National Park
Rafting: 40 USD
Take a paddle-boarding lesson to explore the secluded beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
Paddle boarding: 20 USD
Try your hand at surfing on a short lesson in Manuel Antonio National Park
Surfing: 10 USD
Border information: Exit Costa Rica at Paso Canoas, enter Panama at Paso Canoas.
Today we will drive across the Panama border into the Chiriqui highlands, arriving at the town of Boquete.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
On Today we will have a free day to take part in some of the many optional outdoor activities which the town is famous for, including the opportunity to take the strenuous trek to the 3,478m summit of Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Optional Activities
Trek up to the summit of Volcán Barú at 3478m the highest point in Panama - please note this is a strenuous trek and usually takes approximately 8-12 hours so you will need to be in decent physical condition to participate
Guided trek: 80 USD
Take a fascinating bird-watching trip into the Chiriqui Highlands one of the most abundant areas of birdlife in the Americas
Bird watching: 50 USD
Take a day trip out to Boca Brava on the Pacific coast where you can swim kayak snorkel and relax on some of the stunning beaches there
Day tour: 75 USD
Enjoy a fantastic short canyoning trip through the gorges of Gualaca near Boquete
Canyoning: 25 USD
Go on a half-day rock climbing trip to the basalt cliffs near Boquete one of Panama's best climbing destinations
Climbing: 45 USD
Head out on a tour of some of the fascinating coffee plantations around the Chiriqui Highlands near Boquete
Coffee Tour: 30 USD
Explore the spectacular Caldera Highlands around Boquete on horseback riding through rainforests and local farms and coffee plantations
Riding: 35 USD
Head out on a quad bike tour of the mountains, forests and coffee plantations near Boquete (driver's licence required)
Quad bike tour: 55 USD
Head out on an exhilarating white-water rafting expedition on the Chiriqui Viejo river near Boquete, one of the world's best rafting areas with 35 world-class runs to choose from
Rafting: 65 USD
Trek the famous Quetzal Trail through the cloud forests of the Chiriqui Highlands, or trek to various waterfalls in the rainforest
Quetzal Trek: 90 USD
Head on an excellent 12-line zip-lining course through the cloud forests near Boquete
Zip line: 65 USD
Today we will continue to Chagres National Park and explore the Grandfather of the Panama Canal: the Camino Real, a cobble stoned road from the Caribbean to the Pacific through the rain forests of Panama, established as the transport route of gold and silver by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th Century. The Camino Real was rediscovered only recently, and we will visit and stay overnight at a community, which worked together with researcher Christian Strassnig to identify the original route of the Camino Real in the jungle.
At Alajuela Lake we take a dugout boat to observe remains of the Camino Real at the lakeshore, then we arrive at the community and we are warmly welcomed by the people who are inspired with perspective of sustainable development through community tourism. We have a typical Panamanian lunch and see then a presentation of authentic Panamanian folklore. In the morning we will undertake a hike on the Camino Real, see the original cobblestone and be fascinated by stories of the mule trains, gold and pirates.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Included Activities
Explore El Camino Real, the original route connecting the Pacific with the Carribean
After early morning coffee we can go for an optional bird-watching hike on a trail with plenty of tropical birds (free with local guides). At our return to the community we have a hearty breakfast. We will then take a hike on the trail. Afterwards it is time to say good-bye and we return by boat to our overland bus.
We will then drive to the Miraflores Visitor Centre at the world-famous Panama Canal, learning about its incredible role in shaping trade and world politics in the 20th century. After our included visit we will complete the drive to the capital, Panama City.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Included Activities
Visit the world-famous Panama Canal at the Miraflores Visitors' Centre, and learn all about the fascinating history of this controversial structure
Border information: if you are finishing in Panama City, you will most likely exit Panama at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (IATA code: PTY).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Panama City. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
If you are continuing on to Cartagena with us, then your leader will assist you with airport transfers for your included flight - you will spend this night in a hotel in either Panama City or Cartagena (depending on the flight times and availability).
Optional Activities
Visit Panama City's Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the best collections of works by local artists in Panama
Entrance: 5 USD
See the Panama Canal Museum in the city centre, featuring excellent exhibits about the famous waterway
Entrance and Audio tour: 10 USD
Visit the phenomenal Biodiversity Museum in Panama City, a striking and iconic building containing a wonderful celebration of the flora and fauna of Panama
Entrance: 22 USD
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