Itinerary
- Day 1
Antigua
You'll arrive in Antigua, a colonial city surrounded by volcanic peaks with vibrant markets filling the streets. The welcome meeting kicks off at 6 pm, so if you get there early, check out the ChocoMuseo to see how traditional chocolate gets made, or just relax at Central Park. After meeting everyone, consider heading out for dinner with your fellow travelers.
Optional Activities
- Visit ChocoMuseo to learn about old-world chocolate production
- Explore Central Park and people-watch by the fountain
- Enjoy tamales at local restaurants
Landmarks ChocoMuseo Central Park 
- Day 2
Antigua to Copan
Head out around 7 am to avoid traffic, driving toward Copan through the Guatemalan countryside. You'll learn about local life as the landscape rolls past, then cross into Honduras. By early afternoon you're in the small town of Copan. Spend the rest of the day wandering the cobblestone streets and exploring the lush surroundings at your own pace, maybe stopping at a cafe for a drink.
Optional Activities
- Explore Central Plaza in Copan
- Visit local cafes in Copan
Landmarks Central Plaza 
- Day 3
Copan
This morning a local guide takes you through the Copan ruins, showing off carved temples, elaborate stelae, and excavated vaults decorated with ancient Maya faces. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to decide. Visit Macaw Mountain Park, check out the Temple of Rosalila, or head to nearby natural hot springs for some relaxation.
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Copan Archaeological Site with local guide
Optional Activities
- Visit Macaw Mountain Park
- Explore Temple of Rosalila
- Tour of natural hot springs with included dinner
Landmarks Copan Archaeological Site Macaw Mountain Park Temple of Rosalila - Day 4
Copan to Suchitoto
Leave Copan and head across the border into Guatemala, then into El Salvador. It's a long travel day so bring something to keep yourself occupied. Once you arrive in Suchitoto, take an orientation walk through the cultural capital, admiring the elaborate building facades. Later, you'll learn to make pupusas (traditional cornmeal flatbreads) in a hands-on cooking session.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Suchitoto
- Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
Landmarks Suchitoto Cultural Center 
- Day 5
Suchitoto
Visit a local designer's home this morning to watch an indigo-dyeing demonstration. Suchitoto is one of the world's best places for indigo production, and you'll learn about the history of the trade and see how it becomes modern designs. You'll get to try dyeing something yourself. After that, the rest of the day is free. Consider a guided walk through Cinquera Forest or just relax overlooking Lago Suchitlan.
Included Activities
- Indigo Dyeing Demonstration with local designer
Optional Activities
- Guided walk through Cinquera Forest
- Explore Embalse Cerron Grande (Lago Suchitlan) lake and birdwatching
Landmarks Embalse Cerron Grande Cinquera Forest - Day 6
Pacific Coast
Drive to the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, known for its dark-sand beaches and excellent surf spots. The afternoon is yours. Find a local restaurant for dinner or simply unwind at your accommodation with ocean views.
Optional Activities
- Visit dark-sand beaches
- Explore local surf spots
- Dine at local restaurants
- Day 7
Pacific Coast to Leon
You'll rise early for a full day of travel, crossing the Gulf of Fonseca by boat to reach Nicaragua. In the afternoon you arrive in Leon, Nicaragua's second-largest city. Join your leader for an orientation walk through the charming streets to get your bearings. Leon's quiet atmosphere makes wandering past murals and contemporary architecture really worthwhile. Later on, maybe grab dinner with your group.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Leon
Optional Activities
- Explore street food and contemporary art
- Group dinner with fellow travelers
Landmarks Leon Cathedral 
- Day 8
Leon
Today is free for you to explore Leon however you like. Try Nica tacos (deep-fried corn tacos with shredded cabbage and cream) from behind the Lady of Grace Cathedral. Or take on volcano sandboarding on Cerro Negro Volcano's black slopes for a thrill. You could also check out the contemporary art scene or walk through the Leon Cathedral.
Optional Activities
- Visit street food area behind Lady of Grace Cathedral and try Nica tacos
- Volcano sandboarding adventure on Cerro Negro Volcano
- Explore contemporary art
- Visit Leon Cathedral
Landmarks Cerro Negro Volcano Lady of Grace Cathedral Leon Cathedral - Day 9
Leon to Granada
Head to Granada, the oldest city in the New World. Stop at Laguna Apoyo, a volcanic crater lake, to stretch your legs and grab lunch with a nice viewpoint view. Later, pass through Masaya for an orientation walk and browse the famous artisan market. Then continue to Granada, where your leader shows you around the leafy Parque Central and La Calzada pedestrian street lined with bars and restaurants.
Included Activities
- La Laguna de Apoyo Viewpoint
- Masaya Town & Market Visit
- Leader-led orientation walk in Granada
Optional Activities
- Lunch near Laguna Apoyo viewpoint
- Browse Masaya artisan market
Landmarks Laguna Apoyo Masaya Artisan Market Parque Central La Calzada - Day 10
Granada
Start with breakfast at Cafe de las Sonrisas, run entirely by people who are hard of hearing. This supports local employment and disability inclusion. The rest of the day is yours. Check out the Convento y Museo San Francisco to see indigenous stone statues, or spend a few hours kayaking among the hundreds of evergreen islets dotting Lake Nicaragua. Just don't swim though, freshwater sharks live in these waters.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
Optional Activities
- Visit Convento y Museo San Francisco
- Boat exploration of Lake Nicaragua islets
- Kayaking around Lake Nicaragua
Landmarks Convento y Museo San Francisco Lake Nicaragua - Day 11
Leon to Monteverde
Another early start for a full day of travel to Monteverde. This afternoon after arriving, explore the area on an orientation walk with your leader. Monteverde was founded in 1951 by environmentally-minded Quaker settlers who created a small wildlife sanctuary that grew into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Over 2,000 plant species, 320 bird species, and 100 mammal species call this nature lover's paradise home.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Monteverde
Landmarks Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve 
- Day 12
Monteverde
Have breakfast at a local women's cooperative cafe started by eight women in 1982. It now supports many women without formal education to generate income while caring for their children. The handmade products in the store are worth a look. The rest of your day is free to explore Monteverde. Zip through the treetops, take a coffee and chocolate tour, or simply relax. An optional night walk through the cloud forest to spot nocturnal creatures happens tonight if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at women's cooperative cafe)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at women's cooperative cafe
Optional Activities
- Ziplining adventure through treetops
- Coffee and chocolate tour
- Night walk through cloud forest to spot nocturnal creatures
Landmarks Monteverde Cloud Forest 
- Day 13
Monteverde to La Fortuna
Walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with a local guide, learning about the region's biodiversity and listening for howler monkeys. Spot the resplendent quetzal if you're lucky. This afternoon, head by minibus to Lake Arenal's shores, then boat across to La Fortuna. On clear days you'll have fantastic views as the massive Arenal Volcano grows larger approaching shore. After you reach town, settle into your hotel and join a leader-led orientation walk.
Included Activities
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve walk with local guide
- Leader-led orientation walk in La Fortuna
Landmarks Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Lake Arenal Arenal Volcano 
- Day 14
La Fortuna
Start your free day with a smoothie and figure out your plan. Do a guided nature hike through forests around Arenal Volcano, spotting rare plants and animals. Or explore from hanging bridges for excellent wildlife viewing, sloths and colorful birds show up regularly. Soak in thermal hot springs warmed by the volcano, see the 70-meter La Fortuna waterfall in rainforest, paddleboard on Lake Arenal, or safari through Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge spotting crocodiles and tropical birds.
Optional Activities
- Guided nature hike through forest surrounding Arenal Volcano
- Hanging bridges adventure with wildlife viewing
- Thermal hot springs relaxation
- Visit 70-meter La Fortuna waterfall
- Stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal
- Boat safari in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Landmarks Arenal Volcano La Fortuna Waterfall Lake Arenal Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge - Day 15
La Fortuna to San Jose
Spend your final morning in La Fortuna learning to make authentic Costa Rican tortillas from a local family. Try the fresh ones over lunch. Then watch the volcano disappear into the distance on your private transfer to San Jose, Costa Rica's capital. Upon arrival, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to see the main highlights. Visit the Gold Museum for pre-Spanish gold art, shop at the outdoor market or Central Market, or join your group for an optional farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch with homemade tortillas prepared during tortilla-making class)
Included Activities
- Tortilla Making Class and lunch
- Leader-led orientation walk in San Jose
Optional Activities
- Visit Gold Museum
- Shop at outdoor market in Plaza de la Cultura
- Browse Central Market
- Optional farewell dinner with group
Landmarks Gold Museum Plaza de la Cultura Central Market 
- Day 16
San Jose
You have a free day to explore San Jose's lively cultural atmosphere until a group meeting at 6 pm. The city has plenty going on. Wander through vibrant markets where an art fair might be happening, visit Arte Contemporaneo if art's your thing, or relax in a local coffee shop with some of the world's best Costa Rican coffee. The choice is entirely yours.
Optional Activities
- Explore markets and street fairs
- Visit Arte Contemporaneo gallery
- Enjoy local coffee at nearby coffee shops
Landmarks Arte Contemporaneo - Day 17
San Jose to Sarapiqui
Take a public bus to Sarapiqui, a town known for rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. Enjoy free time for birdwatching, spotting local wildlife, or hiking to nearby waterfalls. Later, meet up with a local guide for a jungle walk. Look out for sloths, bats, snakes, frogs, and other creatures hiding in the rainforest.
Included Activities
- Jungle Walk with local guide
Optional Activities
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife spotting
- Hike to nearby waterfalls
Landmarks Sarapiqui Rainforest - Day 18
Sarapiqui to Puerto Viejo
Travel by private transfer to Puerto Viejo, a laid-back jungle town on the Caribbean coast. Get to know the area during an orientation walk with your local leader, then spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. This small coastal city has a lively main street with dance halls and reggaeton bars, alongside great surf beaches and rainforest fruit farms perfect for relaxing.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Optional Activities
- Explore main street with dance halls and restaurants
- Visit surf beaches
- Explore rainforest fruit farms
Landmarks Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Day 19
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Soak in Caribbean coast vibes today. Head to Cahuita National Park (about 20 minutes away) to see sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes, and various bird species. Or take surf lessons if the waves appeal to you. Simply find a cool spot and relax with a drink if that's more your style. Later, prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home, enjoying a mix of fruits, seafood, tubers, and vegetables with coconut, ginger, allspice, and other warm spices.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Caribbean dinner prepared with local family in their home - mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables combined with coconut flavours, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry, Panamanian pepper and thyme)
Included Activities
- Hands-on dinner in local home with traditional Caribbean meal
Optional Activities
- Explore Cahuita National Park
- Surf lessons
- Relax on beach
Landmarks Cahuita National Park - Day 20
Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro
Travel by private minibus to the border, then walk across an old railway bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi to Almirante, then boat to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, a Caribbean favorite on the rise. The islands have palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters and spectacular snorkeling. You'll encounter diverse cultures, music, nightlife, and food from West Indians, Latinos, and expats. Stay on Isla Colon for three nights in the archipelago's main town with bars and restaurants near your hotel.
Optional Activities
- Visit palm-shaded beaches
- Snorkeling opportunities
- Wildlife viewing
- Explore local bars and restaurants
- Experience nightlife
Landmarks Bocas del Toro Archipelago Isla Colon 
- Day 21
Bocas del Toro
The first of two free days to explore the tropical archipelago. Several beaches sit within reach, between 8 and 14 kilometers away. Azure waters, pristine coral reefs, and a rollicking nightlife make these islands popular for good reason. Starfish, Sandfly, and Big Creek beaches are the safest, others may have strong riptides. When the sun goes down, head into town to check out local bars and restaurants. Ask your leader for recommendations on the best spots.
Optional Activities
- Visit Starfish Beach
- Visit Sandfly Beach
- Visit Big Creek Beach
- Snorkeling at coral reefs
- Explore local bars and restaurants
- Experience nightlife
Landmarks Starfish Beach Sandfly Beach Big Creek Beach - Day 22
Bocas del Toro
Hop on a boat this morning to nearby Isla Popa to meet the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community. Local women run a community tourism project, and you'll learn about their lifestyle during an orientation walk. Visit a local home and spend time with a family. Say goodbye and return to Bocas del Toro, then enjoy the rest of a very rewarding free day in the Caribbean sun.
Included Activities
- Ngabe-Bugle Indigenous Community Visit with orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Explore Bocas del Toro after community visit
Landmarks Isla Popa - Day 23
Bocas del Toro to Boquete
Travel by boat and private minibus to Boquete, quite a long journey so bring entertainment. Boquete is a highland town surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves, colorful wildflowers, coffee plantations, and orange groves. Join an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy an informal Spanish lesson. Tomorrow is free, most optional activities can be arranged directly from the hotel, so booking tonight is a good idea if you know what you want.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Boquete
Optional Activities
- Informal Spanish lesson
Landmarks Boquete - Day 24
Boquete
Plenty of ways to experience Boquete today. Chat with your leader and hotel staff for local tips. Discover secret waterfalls only locals know about on a jungle walking tour. Or soak in the Caldera hot springs. If you love coffee, visit a plantation or enjoy a cup of the local brew. Some of the world's best coffee is grown and processed right here in Boquete.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour to secret jungle waterfalls
- Soak at Caldera hot springs
- Visit coffee plantation
- Enjoy local coffee
Landmarks Caldera Hot Springs - Day 25
Boquete to Chitre
Leave Boquete and head to the southern city of Chitre, arriving around lunchtime. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader, who points out good lunch spots. After eating, rejoin your group for a mask workshop to learn about Panama's cultural heritage. Elaborate masks and costumes show up at many festivals throughout the country. The afternoon is free to explore Chitre further.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Chitre
- Traditional mask workshop
Optional Activities
- Lunch at local restaurants
- Explore Chitre
Landmarks Chitre - Day 26
Chitre to Panama City
Leave Chitre this morning for Panama City. Stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre overlooking one of the Panama Canal locks. Learn about the canal's history and engineering, then continue to Panama City. Upon arrival, join a leader-led orientation walk taking in views of historic Casco Viejo and the modern city skyline as you pass busy waterfront soccer fields, running paths, and food carts. Consider a final farewell dinner with your group this evening.
Included Activities
- Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal) visit at Visitor Centre
- Leader-led walk in Casco Viejo
Optional Activities
- Final farewell dinner with group
Landmarks Miraflores Locks Casco Viejo Panama Canal - Day 27
Panama City
Your final day has no planned activities. Depart at any time that works for you. If you'd like to spend more time exploring Panama City, speak with your booking agent about arranging an extension.
Optional Activities
- Explore Panama City at your own pace
