Central American Experience

Day 1: Arrival

Hola, and welcome to Mexico! Arriving in Cancun today, you’ll need to hop on a shuttle or bus to your accommodation in sunshiny Playa del Carmen. Depending on your arrival time, you might have the opportunity to have a wander around the town or soak up some sunshine on the beach before joining your group at this evening’s welcome meeting.

Day 2: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

You’ve got a free day today to explore at your own pace. You might fancy taking it easy with a spot of sunbathing and leisurely snorkelling, or perhaps you’re raring to go and fancy going on a tour of Tulúm National Park to visit the beautiful Mayan ruins. Later on why not grab a bite to eat in town with the group?

Days 3-5: Caye Caulker, Belize

On day three we’ll hop across the border from Mexico to Belize to spend a couple of days on the gorgeous Caribbean island of Caye Caulker. A colourful place with an easygoing, uncomplicated atmosphere, this little island is the perfect place to relax in, so kick off your flip-flops, grab a mojito and climb into a hammock – no one will mind if that’s where you spend the next two days. Alternatively, you could make the most of having the world’s second longest barrier reef on your doorstep and go diving. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied if you fancy some adventure, so try out a dolphin tour, go snorkelling, kayaking, or surfing, pop into town for a bit of retail therapy, or go on a tour of the fantastic Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.

Days 6-7: San Ignacio, Belize

We’ll be heading inland on day 6 through Belize’s scenic terrain to the riverside town of San Ignacio – the heart of the Cayo District. We'll visit a local community project in the town that encourages women to learn new skills and earn a living by selling the things they make – you'll even have the chance to try your hand at clay throwing in a pottery class. The next day you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the vicinity by foot, canoe, or horseback for some truly incredible views of the area.

Day 8: Tikal/Flores, Guatemala

Today we’re crossing over the border through the rich forest-clad, volcanic landscape of Guatemala. We’ll be taking a fascinating tour of the ancient Mayan citadel of Tikal, to learn a bit about Mayan history and stare, agog, at the mammoth temples and trail through the maze of ruins. Climb to the top of Temple IV, the tallest Mayan structure in the world, and admire the impressive views of the jungle below.

Next up, we’re off to the small island town of Flores, set in the waters of Lake Petén Itzá. A quiet, unspoilt area dotted with colourful houses and cobbled streets – the perfect place to slow down and relax with a spot of swimming, boating, and wildlife watching.

Days 9-10: Río Dulce, Guatemala

Travelling through the dense Guatemalan jungle, today we’re heading to the little port town of Río Dulce, set on the shores of Lake Izabal. Try out a whole host of optional activities here, from horse riding through the local rubber plantations, hiking along the trails of the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve, chilling out in the thermal springs, or going on a morning kayak tour to spot monkeys.

Days 11-12: Antigua, Guatemala

On day 11 we’ll make our way through more incredible countryside to our accommodation in Antigua. We’ll head out for an orientation of the city and find out a bit about the history of this former capital, now UNESCO World Heritage Site, as we walk through the cobbled streets taking in the sights.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore Antigua’s thriving market square, museums, and blissful beaches, or why not hire a mountain bike and get off the beaten track with a ride through the countryside? Why not opt to take a group salsa lesson to learn some sultry Latin American moves while you're here, too?

Days 13-14: Panajachel, Guatemala

We’ll head to the busy lakeside settlement of Panajachel on day 13 – a picture-perfect setting in the Guatemalan highlands, with an expanse of calming blue waters framed by a spectacular volcanic backdrop. On day 14 you’ll be staying with a local family in one of the lakeside villages to get a taste for real Guatemalan living, so get to know your hosts and enjoy delicious traditional food with the rest of the group. You’ll have time to explore your surroundings on foot or have fun on Lake Atitlán with a spot of fishing, swimming, kayaking, or windsurfing.  1 dinner included.

Days 15-16: Antigua, Guatemala

Back to beautiful Antigua, you’ll get to catch up on a bit of rest and relaxation with time to yourself to take it easy in this Caribbean paradise. While away your time with a cocktail or famous Guatemalan coffee under the shade of a palm, people watch in Central Park, visit one of the local Macadamia nut or coffee plantations, or hunt out some bargains in the city’s excellent shopping hub.

Days 17-18: Copán, Honduras

Waving goodbye to Guatemala on day 17, we’ll make the journey to vibrant Honduras with our first stop at the historic town of Copán. There’s an optional trip scheduled to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the decorated monuments and intricately carved stonework of some of the world’s most important Mayan ruins, which we highly recommend you go on. You’ll also have plenty of time to roam the countryside on horseback, visit a private macaw reserve, or soak in the local hot springs.

Day 19: Suchitoto, El Salvador

Make your way into El Salvador, stopping at the charming mountain town of Suchitoto for the night. Don’t forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local speciality.

Day 20-21: Playa el Tunco, El Salvador 

Travel to the chilled out coastal town of El Tunco. Head to the striking black sand beach and take an optional surf lesson. The sunsets here are legendary as well – don’t miss them!

Day 22: Leon, Nicaragua

Go deeper into Nicaragua, where we’ll spend the night in the gorgeous colonial city of Leon. Wander through the historic centre checking out the central park, local market and various beautiful churches.

Day 23–24: Granada, Nicaragua

Journey to Granada, a colourful colonial town surrounded by lakes and active volcanoes. Explore the markets and museums and take an optional trip to Mombacho Volcano or to the warm waters of the Laguna de Apoyo.

Day 25–26: Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua

Take the ferry across Lake Nicaragua to the unspoilt island of Ometepe. You’ll be spending the next 2 nights in a traditional homestay with a local family. Swim in the lake, hike the surrounding area or take an optional excursion to the springs of Ojo de Agua.

Day 27–28: Montverde, Costa Rica

Our next destination is quite literally in the clouds. The Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves are 1,400 metres above sea level and home to a unique array of wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, tapirs, large cats and more. Choose to fly through the jungle on a zipline, go horse riding, or take a tour of a butterfly garden.

Day 29-30: La Fortuna, Costa Rica

We’ll spend the next 2 days in the adventure sports capital of Costa Rica. Canyoning, white water rafting, kayaking and paddle boarding are all options while we’re here, but there are more sedate excursions for the adrenaline adverse, such as a hot springs soak and a waterfall swim.

Day 31-32: San Jose, Costa Rica 

Enjoy the final days of your trip in Costa Rica’s buzzing capital. Check out the lively market squares and vibrant streets and enjoy some last nights out with your new friends.

Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change..