25 days - from $2610

- Journey through five contrasting Central American countries
- Explore colourful colonial towns & sacred Mayan sites
- Unwind on the Caribbean beaches of Roatan Island

Across the Panama Canal to the Carib Coast
We begin in Central America's southernmost country, taking a trip on the Panama Canal before heading north to Boquete hidden away on the flanks of the Baru volcano. Reaching the shores of the Caribbean, we take a ferry to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro where we can snorkel, go dolphin-watching or simply relax. Crossing into Costa Rica, we explore Monte Verde cloud forest in search of the elusive Quetzal and listen to the rumbles of Arenal Volcano.

Volcanoes, Lakes & Beaches
We head to the volcanic island of Ometepe, its twin-cones dominating the horizon. We will visit the two colonial gems of Granada and Leon, home to some of the most impressive colonial architecture in Central America. Our journey is broken at the tropical paradise of Roatan where you will have the chance to snorkel and dive.

Mayan Copan & the "Old" Capital
The rainforested interior hid the spectacular Meso-American site of Copan for many centuries, the natural cover protecting one of the best preserved ceremonial centres in the Americas. Our journey comes to an end in Antigua, a Unesco heritage site and home to the oldest colonial buildings built by the Spaniards. From here there is the opportunity to visit the famous Chichicastenango market or take a flight to Tikal.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Panama City. Day 2 Panama Canal Travelling by boat along this man-made natural wonder; later, we explore the streets of old Panama. Day 3 Highlands Today we drive into the cooler, forest-clad volcanic hills. Days 4/5 Caribbean Islands Our next couple of days are spent relaxing & swimming in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Day 6 Costa Rica Crossing the border we drive up the coast to Puerto Viejo. Day 7 Arenal Volcano After seeing the smouldering cone at Arenal, we can unwind in hot springs. Days 8/9 Cloud Forest Reserve We hope to spot Monteverde's famous resident - the Quetzal. Days 10/11 Natural Paradise Rincon de la Vieja is one of Costa Rica's most diverse ecological areas with lush forests, waterfalls, volcanoes and mud baths. Days 12/13 Omotepe Island Travelling into Nicaragua we spend 2 nights on this volcanic isle. Days 14/16 Granada & Leon We take a ferry to the mainland and discover the colonial gems of Granada and Leon. Days 17/19 Snorkelling & Swimming Crossing the border we then fly to the tropical beaches of Roatan. Days 20/21 Copan We explore one of the best preserved ceremonial centres in the Americas. Days 22/24 Antigua Fittingly, our tour ends amongst the colonial plazas of Antigua. Day 25 Tour ends in Antigua.

Accommodation: 24nts hotel; 4 breakfasts included.
Transport: Charter bus/Public bus/ Ferry/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: There are several long travelling days, although the rewards from this fascinating tour are high.
Group: Approx. 16 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus drivers, boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: CAE2010