Amazing Central America

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Antigua

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   Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. With crumbling churches, bustling markets and bohemian cafes set against a monumental volcano, Antigua is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe satisfy your cravings and learn the art of old-world chocolate production at the ChocoMuseo or sit by the fountain and people-watch in Central Park. After the meeting, the night is yours – maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers for a tamale (a classic staple of Mesoamerica with dough, meat and sauces steamed and served in a corn husk).
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
2. Tag 2

   Copan

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   Rise and shine early this morning to beat the rush-hour traffic around Antigua. Departing at about 7 am, you’ll drive towards Copan. Along the way, watch the passing scenery and learn about local life in Guatemala as you head for the border. Cross into Honduras, arriving in the small town of Copan in the early afternoon. While most people use Copan as a base to explore the nearby ruins, there are plenty of other points of interest, both along the cobblestone streets and set into the lush surroundings. Maybe get started in the Central Plaza and follow your nose to a cafe for the afternoon.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours. Border formalities take 1 to 2 hours. Have your passport, visa (if applicable), and USD cash for entry/exit fees ready (see Passports and visas section of Essential Trip Information for current amounts).
3. Tag 3

   Copan

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   This morning, meet up with a local guide and explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan – the southernmost of the great Maya sites. It's unique because of the numerous elaborate stelae (carved columns) still intact among temples, excavated vaults and walls inscribed with ancient faces. After your exploration, the rest of the afternoon is free to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out some fine feathered friends at the Macaw Mountain Park or visit the Temple of Rosalila. You could also head to the nearby natural hot springs - this optional tour gives you hours of soaking in mud, steaming natural baths and refreshing pools in the lush jungle, with an included dinner.
4. Tag 4

   Suchitoto

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   You’ll wave goodbye to Copan this morning and head across the border to Guatemala and into El Salvador. It’s a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got a good book or your favourite road trip games handy. When you arrive in Suchitoto, you’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk of the town – widely considered the cultural capital of El Salvador. Admire the elaborate building facades, get your bearings and enjoy the surroundings. Then, get your chef’s hat on with a pupusa-making demonstration. Pupusa (cornmeal flatbreads) is a classic Salvadorian recipe from the Pipil culture and is usually stuffed with some delicious ingredients, like cheese or chicharron (fried pork).
   Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Border formalities take up to 1 hour (Honduras to Guatemala) and up to 1.5 hours (Guatemala to El Salvador). Have your passport, visa (if applicable), and USD cash for fees ready (see Passports and visas section of Essential Trip Information for amounts). You'll walk 50m at the Honduras-Guatemala border.
5. Tag 5

   Suchitoto

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   This morning, head to a local designer’s home for an indigo-dying demonstration – Suchitoto is one of the best places in the world to produce indigo (used to dye clothing or other items blue). You’ll visit a local designer transforming tradition into modern design to learn the history of the indigo trade. This small enterprise supports single mothers by providing them with an income for their children’s education, food and independence. Watch the demonstration, then get hands-on and try it for yourself. The rest of the day is free in Suchitoto. The town overlooks the Embalse Cerron Grande – also known as Lago Suchitlan, this freshwater lake is a haven for migrating birds, particularly falcons and hawks. Maybe grab a historically-minded group for a guided walk through Cinquera Forest, where guerrilla fighters used the forest as cover during the Civil War.
6. Tag 6

   La Libertad

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   This morning you’ll drive to the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, home to some amazing dark-sand beaches and some of the best surf spots in the country. You'll have the afternoon free to relax. Maybe find a local restaurant for dinner or simply relax at your accommodation.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
7. Tag 7

   Leon

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   Rise nice and early for a full day of travel as you cross the Gulf of Fonseca to reach Nicaragua by boat. In the afternoon you'll reach Leon – the second-largest city in Nicaragua. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk through the charming city streets to get your bearings. Leon is a relatively quiet city, which makes strolling the murals and contemporary architecture a real treat! Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group – as always, your leader will have the best recommendations.
   Your total travel time today is approximately 9 hours. In the rare case of poor weather in the Gulf of Fonseca, we will travel overland from El Salvador to Nicaragua via Honduras instead. This alternate route takes around 11-12 hours and requires two border crossings. The boat crossing and border formalities between El Salvador and Nicaragua take about 3 hours. You'll walk 100 m to cross the border. Have your passport, visa (if required), and USD cash for fees ready (see Passports and Visas in your Essential Trip Information). As the boat is open-air, bring a lightweight waterproof layer like a poncho to protect against spray. If traveling overland through Honduras, the El Salvador–Honduras crossing can take up to 1.5 hours in hot conditions; expect to carry your own luggage and walk about 200 m. The Honduras–Nicaragua crossing can take up to 2 hours with an additional 150 m walk. Again, have your passport, visa (if applicable), and USD cash for entry and exit fees ready (see Passports and Visas in your Essential Trip Information).
8. Tag 8

   Leon

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   Today is a free day to make the most of Leon. Maybe visit the street food area behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral and try a Nica taco (made with maize, the taco is rolled, deep fried and then served with shredded cabbage smothered in cream). You could also take on a thrilling volcano sandboarding adventure on the black slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano. Maybe you’d just like to explore the city’s contemporary art or wander the Leon Cathedral.
9. Tag 9

   Granada

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   This morning, you’ll drive to the oldest city in the New World – Granada. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and take in the view at Laguna Apoyo – a volcanic crater lake formed around 23,000 years ago. Enjoy some free time for lunch near the viewpoint. Then, stop at the lakeside town of Masaya, where you’ll go on an orientation walk with your leader and get the chance to browse the stalls at the town’s famous artisan market before continuing to Granada. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture, Granada is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the leafy Parque Central and La Calzada – a busy pedestrian street with plenty of bars and restaurants. The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
10. Tag 10

    Granada

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    This morning you’ll have breakfast with your group at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a cafe run entirely by people who are hard of hearing. The owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities. After, the rest of the day is yours. Maybe hit the Convento y Museo San Francisco and view the collection of indigenous stone statues. Hundreds of evergreen islets dot the waters of vast Lake Nicaragua and you can spend a few hours exploring them by boat or hire a kayak and find your own way around, waving at the fisherman who live in wooden huts along the way. Just remember not to swim, as freshwater sharks live in the water!
11. Tag 11

    Monteverde

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    Today is another early start as you get ready for a full day of travel. Journey to Monteverde, where you can begin exploring this afternoon on an orientation walk with your leader. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers. These environmentally aware settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but instead, draw their water from a semi-permanent cloud covering the region. This is truly a nature lover's paradise! More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species call Monteverde home.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours. Border formalities take up to 2 hours. Have your passport, proof of onward travel (departure ticket from Costa Rica or Intent to Exit Letter plus flight ticket if continuing with Intrepid), and USD cash for fees ready (see Passports and visas section of Essential Trip Information for amounts).You’ll need to walk 1.2km to cross the border.
12. Tag 12

    Monteverde

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    Begin the day with breakfast at a local women’s cooperative cafe. The cafe started with eight women in 1982 and has grown in number over the years, enabling many women without any formal education to generate income for their households without having to leave home, meaning they can continue caring for their children. In store, there are a variety of handmade products – be sure to check them out! The rest of your day is free to explore Monteverde at your own pace. Maybe zoom through the treetops on a ziplining adventure, or for a more relaxed experience, discover Costa Rica's agricultural heritage on a coffee and chocolate tour. Tonight, you’ll have the option to end your day with a night walk through the cloud forest to spot nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
    Some of the above optional activity prices include an entrance fee only. Transportation will need to be paid in addition to the entrance fee and is subject to change depending on the number of participants.
13. Tag 13

    La Fortuna

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    This morning, head out to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you’ll join a local guide to walk the reserve trails. As you walk, learn about the fascinating biodiversity of the region, look for the resplendent quetzal and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys. This afternoon, take a minibus to the shores of Lake Arenal, where you’ll then take a boat across the lake to the little town of La Fortuna. On a clear day, you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Once you reach La Fortuna, take another vehicle to the hotel, then freshen up and head out on a leader-led orientation walk.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
14. Tag 14

    La Fortuna

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    Why not start your free day today with a smoothie and plan how you want to explore? Maybe take a guided nature hike through the forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals, or see the forest from a series of hanging bridges that offer a great vantage point for spotting wildlife like sloths and rainbow-coloured birds. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area is home to several thermal hot springs – an ideal way to relax in the middle of nature. Or maybe check out the 70 m tall La Fortuna waterfall set in the middle of the rainforest and hit the lake on a stand-up paddleboard. A boat safari in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge offers the opportunity to see lizards, crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat, so if you’re craving more wildlife, this option is perfect!
    Some of the above optional activity prices include an entrance fee only. Transportation will need to be paid in addition to the entrance fee and is subject to change depending on the number of participants.
15. Tag 15

    San Jose

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    Spend your final morning in La Fortuna learning the art of Costa Rican tortillas. A local family will guide you through the process, and you’ll get to try the results over lunch. Then, watch the volcano fade into the distance on your private transfer to Costa Rica's capital – San Jose. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to see the main highlights. When you’ve got your bearings, maybe visit the Gold Museum, which has a fantastic collection of pre-Spanish gold art. If you're in the mood for some shopping, maybe head to the outdoor market in the Plaza de la Cultura or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. Tonight, why not join your fellow travellers for an optional farewell dinner.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
16. Tag 16

    San Jose

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    Enjoy a free day to explore San Jose until another group meeting at 6 pm tonight. The city is home to a lively cultural atmosphere with heaps to do. Maybe explore the markets – you might even be lucky enough to see a spontaneous art fair! Perhaps visit Arte Contemporaneo if you’re an art lover or get a taste of the rich coffee that Costa Rica is known for in a nearby coffee shop.
    As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting at 6 pm to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
17. Tag 17

    Sarapiqui

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    This morning, hop on a public bus and make your way to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. When you arrive, enjoy some free time here to go birdwatching, spot some local wildlife or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls. Then, meet up with a local guide to head out on a jungle walk. Look out for elusive creatures like sloths, bats, snakes, frogs and a whole lot more.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
18. Tag 18

    Puerto Viejo

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    Today, take a private transfer to Puerto Viejo. When you arrive, get to know this laid-back jungle town during an orientation walk with your local leader, then enjoy some time to explore at your leisure. A small and coastal city, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dance halls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. If you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation, you'll also find great surf beaches and rainforest fruit farms to kick back on. To top today off, you'll prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home. Enjoy a mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables combined with coconut flavours, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry, Panamanian pepper and thyme.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
19. Tag 19

    Puerto Viejo

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    Today is free, so you can ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. You might like to take your time exploring Cahuita National Park, which is about a 20 minute ride away from Puerto Viejo - your leader can help you arrange a transfer. Cahuita National Park is home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. If the waves are calling (but your footing isn't so sure), surf lessons are also on offer in town. Of course, you could also simply find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand.
20. Tag 20

    Bocas del Toro

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    Today, take a private minibus to the border, then walk across an old railway bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi or collective minivan to Almirante, where you'll take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago – rapidly becoming a Caribbean favourite, this place has it all. Hit the palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters, enjoy some spectacular snorkelling opportunities and look out for lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is home to West Indians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. For the next three nights, you'll stay in Isla Colon – the main town of Bocas del Toro. It's a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just metres from your hotel.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Border formalities take up to 1 hour. Have your passport, proof of onward travel (flight or bus ticket), and USD cash for fees ready (see Passports and visas section of Essential Trip Information for amounts). Ensure you get both Costa Rica exit and Panama entry stamps. You’ll need to carry your own luggage and walk 650m to cross the border.
21. Tag 21

    Bocas del Toro

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    Today is the first of two free days to explore this tropical archipelago. Several beaches are within reach of town, between 8 and 14 km from your hotel. With azure waters, pristine coral reefs and a rollicking nightlife, it’s easy to see why these islands are a favourite for so many travellers. The safest beaches are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek – be aware that others may have strong riptides. When the sun goes down, why not head into town and check out the local bar and restaurant scene? Ask your leader about the best place to grab a drink.
22. Tag 22

    Bocas del Toro

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    This morning, hop on a boat to the nearby Isla Popa, where you’ll get to spend time meeting the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community. The local women here run a community tourism project, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their lifestyle during an orientation walk through the community. You’ll stop in at a local home as well as a spending some time with a local family. Say your farewells and return to Bocas de Toro, then enjoy the rest of a hugely rewarding day free in the Caribbean sun.
23. Tag 23

    Boquete

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    Travel by boat and private minibus to Boquete – this is a bit of a lengthy journey, so be sure to have a book, podcast or daydream to keep you occupied. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves and colourful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy an informal Spanish lesson to get to grips with the local language. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring – most optional activities can be organised directly from the hotel, though it’s a good idea to book them when you arrive tonight if you know what you want to do.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
24. Tag 24

    Boquete

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    There are plenty of ways to experience Boquete today, so be sure to chat to your leader and the hotel front desk to get the best insider tips. You could discover the secret waterfalls only locals know about on a walking tour in the jungle. Or maybe you’d prefer to soak it up in the Caldera hot springs. If you’re a coffee lover, consider visiting a plantation or simply kicking back in town with a cup of the local brew – some of the best coffee in the world is grown and processed right here in Boquete!
25. Tag 25

    Chitre

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    Say goodbye to Boquete and head to the southern city of Chitre. Arrive around lunchtime, then head out for an orientation walk with your leader (who will also be able to point you in the right direction for a good lunch spot). After a bite to eat, rejoin your fellow travellers head to a mask workshop for a glimpse at the country’s cultural heritage – elaborate masks and costumes are a feature of many festivals in Panama. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Chitre.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
26. Tag 26

    Panama City

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    Depart Chitre this morning, heading for Panama City. Stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre, which overlooks one of the locks that control the flow of ships through the Panama Canal. Learn about the canal’s history and engineering, then head back on the road to Panama City. On arrival head out on a leader-led orientation walk. Take in the great views of the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Panama City skyline as you stroll past crowded waterfront soccer fields, running paths and food carts. You might like to regroup with your fellow travellers in the evening for a final farewell dinner.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
27. Tag 27

    Panama City

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    With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.