Splendours of Central America

Central America Discovery: Panama to Guatemala

Overview

Explore the vibrant heart of Central America, where tropical landscapes, towering volcanoes, colonial cities, and ancient Mayan ruins meet. This in-depth journey takes you across Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, offering insight into the region’s rich history, indigenous cultures, biodiversity, and incredible feats like the Panama Canal.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Panama City

• Depart from London (regional connections available) to Panama City, via Amsterdam or the US
• Transfer to Hilton Garden Inn for a 3-night stay
  Meals: None

Day 2: Panama City Tour

• Morning guided city tour:
  • Ruins of Old Panama (Panamá Viejo)
  • Historic Colonial District (Casco Viejo)
    Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Panama Canal Cruise

• Shared partial transit through the iconic Panama Canal, experiencing its engineering wonders firsthand
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Fly to San José, Costa Rica

• Fly to San José, Costa Rica
• Visit a coffee plantation on the slopes of the Poás Volcano
• Overnight at Hotel Presidente
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest

• Transfer to Monteverde
• Afternoon visit to Selvatura Park, including the hummingbird garden and hanging walkways
• Stay 2 nights at Monteverde Country Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Monteverde Exploration

• Morning guided tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Evening discussion with a local pioneer sharing insights into the region’s development
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Granada, Nicaragua

• Cross into Nicaragua and travel to Granada (approx. 7–8 hours)
• 2-night stay at Hotel Dario (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Colonial Granada

• Morning tour of Granada, including:
  • Franciscan Convent
  • Boat ride among the islets of Lake Nicaragua
• Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Fly to El Salvador • Suchitoto

• Transfer to Managua Airport, fly to San Salvador
• Continue to the charming town of Suchitoto
• Overnight at Casa 1800
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Route of the Flowers

• Morning exploration of Suchitoto
• Visit Joya de Cerén – the “Pompeii of the Americas”
• Continue along the scenic Route of the Flowers and cloud forests
• Overnight at Hotel Misión de Ángeles
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: To Copán, Honduras

• Visit Ataco, then travel via Santa Ana into Honduras (approx. 10 hours)
• Stay 2 nights at Hotel Marina Copán
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Copán Ruins

• Morning guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Copán – famed for their detailed stonework
• Optional afternoon visit to a bird sanctuary
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Livingston, Guatemala

• Cross into Guatemala, stopping at Quiriguá to see its majestic stelae
• Boat transfer along the coast to Livingston, known for its Garifuna culture
• Overnight at Hotel Villa Caribe
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Rio Dulce • Flores

• Morning walking tour of Livingston
• Boat ride through Rio Dulce Gorge, visiting Bird Island and an indigenous community
• Continue by road to Flores, 2-night stay at Villa Maya
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Tikal Ruins

• Guided tour of Tikal, one of the grandest Mayan sites, surrounded by dense jungle
• Afternoon at leisure
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16: Fly to Guatemala City • Antigua

• Early flight to Guatemala City, then transfer to Antigua
• Afternoon walking tour of this charming colonial town
• 2-night stay at Mesón de María
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Antigua at Leisure

• Free day to explore Antigua or join an optional excursion
  Meals: Breakfast

Days 18–19: Return to London

• Transfer to Guatemala City for return flight to London via the US
• Arrive the next day
  Meals: Breakfast (Day 18), None (Day 19)