Splendours of Central America

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Panama City via Amsterdam or the US

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Panama City via Amsterdam or the US. Transfer to Hilton Garden Inn for 3 nights. (N)

Day 2: Panama City

Morning city tour, including the ruins of old Panama and the historic colonial district. (B)

Day 3: Panama Canal

Take a shared partial transit and cruise through the various locks of the Panama Canal. (B, L)

Day 4: Fly to San Jos, Costa Rica

Fly to Costa Ricas capital and visit a coffee plantation on the slopes of the active Pos volcano. Stay overnight at Hotel Presidente. (B, L)

Day 5: Monteverde

Transfer to Monteverde and stay for 2 nights at the Monteverde Country Lodge. Afternoon visit to the Selvaturas hummingbird garden and hanging walkways. (B)

Day 6: Monteverde

Morning visit to Monteverde cloud forest to see its rare flora and fauna. In the evening meet up with one of the early local pioneers for a fascinating conversation. (B)

Day 7: Granada, Nicaragua

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

Day 8: Granada

Morning tour of the colonial city, including the Franciscan convent. Take a boat ride through the canals formed by the small islands in the lake, which is the tenth largest lake in the world. Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Day 9: Fly to San Salvador Suchitoto

Transfer to Managua and fly to San Salvador. Continue to the charming town of Suchitoto for 1 night at Casa 1800. (B)

Day 10: Route of the Flowers

Explore the cobbled streets of Suchitoto, then transfer to the archaeological site of Joya de Ceren, known as the Pompeii of the Americas. Later, explore cloud forest trails and enjoy spectacular volcano views on the picturesque Route of the Flowers. Overnight at Hotel Mision de Angeles. (B, L)

Day 11: Copn, Honduras

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

Day 12: Copn

In the morning, tour the fascinating Mayan ruins of Copn with its intricate and wellpreserved sculptures. Optional afternoon tour to a bird sanctuary. (B)

Day 13: Livingston, Guatemala

Cross into Guatemala and on to the Caribbean coast, visiting the impressive carved stelae at Quirigua en route (approx 6 hours). Take a 1.5- hour boat ride along the coast to the town of Livingston, which has a strong Garifuna culture. Stay overnight at the Hotel Villa Caribe. (B)

Day 14: Flores

A morning walking tour of Livingston, before taking 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. (B)

Day 15: Tikal

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

Day 16: Fly to Guatemala City Antigua

Early morning flight to Guatemala City and transfer to colonial Antigua for 2 nights at Mesn de Mara. Afternoon walking tour. (B)

Day 17: Antigua

Day at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Days 18-19: Fly to London via the US

Transfer to Guatemala City and fly to London via the US, arriving the next day. (B) (N)