Itinerary
- Day 1
Panama City
You'll arrive in Panama City whenever works for your flight. No scheduled activities today, so head to your hotel and settle in at your own pace. If you need a pickup from Tocumen International Airport, that's about 45 minutes away and can be arranged for you.
- Day 2
Panama City
This morning you'll head to Miraflores Locks to see the Panama Canal up close. The canal cuts 50 miles through rainforest and was finished by the US back in 1914. After lunch, you'll have the afternoon free to walk around Casco Viejo, the old colonial district where Spanish plazas and historic architecture sit right next to the modern city skyline.
Included Activities
- Visit Miraflores Locks and Panama Canal
Optional Activities
- Explore Casco Viejo colonial district
Landmarks/POIs Miraflores Locks Panama Canal Casco Viejo - Day 3
Panama City to Boquete
A bus will take you to Chiriqui Province in Panama's southwest toward Boquete, a highland town surrounded by volcanic soil and coffee plantations. The scenery here is really beautiful, and the cooler elevation makes it a nice base for exploring the surrounding hills and farmland.
Included Activities
- Bus transfer to Boquete
Landmarks/POIs Volcan Baru - Day 4
Boquete to Bocas del Toro
You'll have the morning free in Boquete before heading to Almirante Port in the afternoon. From there a boat takes you to Isla Colon and Bocas del Toro, a laid-back town that'll be your starting point for exploring the archipelago and marine park with its forested islands and clear Caribbean waters.
Included Activities
- Boat transfer to Isla Colon and Bocas del Toro
Landmarks/POIs Isla Colon Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos - Day 5
Bocas del Toro
Today is yours to spend however you'd like on this Caribbean island. You can relax on the beaches, snorkel in the offshore waters, or take an optional snorkel boat trip to check out the marine life. The marine park is an important nesting area for sea turtles and has tons of wildlife both in the water and on land.
Optional Activities
- Snorkel boat trip - Full day snorkel excursion US$25
- Visit Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos
- Beach relaxation and snorkeling
Landmarks/POIs Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos - Day 6
Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui
A boat takes you back to the mainland this morning, then you'll drive north into Costa Rica for a full day's journey. You'll cross the border at Guabito into the Caribbean lowlands and finish up in Puerto Viejo, a rainforest town where the Puerto Viejo and Sarapiqui rivers meet. Border crossing can take time, so bring something to read and snacks.
Included Activities
- Boat transfer to mainland
- Border crossing at Guabito
Landmarks/POIs Braulio Carrillo National Park Tortuguero National Park Barra del Colorado National Refuge - Day 7
Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui to Arenal
This morning check out Puerto Viejo and the rainforest around it. La Selva Biological Station offers forest trail walks or river boat rides if you want them. In the afternoon you'll drive toward Arenal, passing through farmland and catching your first view of this volcanic cone. There are thermal baths nearby if you want to visit this evening (optional).
Optional Activities
- Walk along forest trails at La Selva Biological Station
- Boat ride along Puerto Viejo River
- Evening thermal baths - Hotspring US$65 (with dinner); US$15 Las Termalitas
Landmarks/POIs La Selva Biological Station Arenal Volcano - Day 8
Arenal to Monteverde
You'll visit Arenal Volcano, which is still active within a national park covering 9,884 acres. After exploring the volcano, you'll head to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the last places in Central America where you might spot a Resplendent Quetzal. The reserve spans 10,522 hectares with incredible biodiversity, 2,000 plant species, and 400 bird species.
Included Activities
- Visit Arenal Volcano
- Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Landmarks/POIs Arenal Volcano Lake Arenal Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - Day 9
Monteverde
Rising early, you'll join a guided walk through the cloud forest looking for the three-wattled bellbird or the Resplendent Quetzal. The afternoon is free to explore this forest. You can try canopy zip-wiring, walk suspension bridges high in the trees, check out the butterfly farm and orchid gardens, or take an evening night walk to see the forest after dark (all optional).
Included Activities
- Guided walk through cloud forest
Optional Activities
- Butterfly Gardens US$15
- Reptile and Amphibian Centre US$15
- Nightwalk US$25
- Hanging bridges US$35
- Zipwire Canopy US$45
Landmarks/POIs Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - Day 10
Monteverde to Rincon de la Vieja
You'll drive deeper into Costa Rica's forests and jungles toward Rincon de la Vieja National Park near the Nicaraguan border. This area features two volcanoes, lagoons, craters, steaming vents, and boiling mud pools spread across varied elevations. When you arrive, you can relax or explore with nature walks, horse rides to Oropendola Waterfall, or head to the mud and hot springs (all optional).
Optional Activities
- Nature walks in the National Park
- Horse ride to Oropendola Waterfall US$45
- Walk to mud and hot springs
Landmarks/POIs Rincon de la Vieja National Park - Day 11
Rincon de la Vieja
This morning you'll hike the Las Pailas Trail, about three kilometres of moderately difficult terrain through forests and fields with uneven ground, roots, and rocks. You'll cross bridges and discover the park's impressive features: steam vents, bubbling ponds, and mud pools created by volcanic heat. Keep an eye out for toucans, monkeys, coatis, or sloths. The afternoon is free for more hiking, mud baths, and hot springs (optional).
Included Activities
- Las Pailas Trail hike
Optional Activities
- Additional hiking
- Walk to mud and hot springs
Landmarks/POIs Rincon de la Vieja National Park - Day 12
Rincon de la Vieja to Ometepe Island
You'll cross into Nicaragua at Frontera Penas Blancas this morning. A short drive brings you to San Jorge, where ferries depart for Ometepe Island. The island has two volcanoes connected by an isthmus, including Concepcion volcano at 1,610 metres. Your time is free to explore at your own pace, search for pre-Columbian petroglyphs, walk the volcanic slopes, visit San Ramon Falls, or relax on black sand beaches.
Included Activities
- Border crossing at Frontera Penas Blancas
- Ferry to Ometepe Island
Optional Activities
- Explore by local bus or truck
- Search for pre-Colombian petroglyphs
- Take short walks on volcanic slopes
- Visit San Ramon Falls
- Guided tour US$25
- Volcano Maderas or Concepcion walk US$35 (min. 2 persons)
Landmarks/POIs Concepcion Volcano Maderas Volcano Lake Nicaragua - Day 13
Ometepe Island
You have the day free to continue exploring these volcanic islands. Optional activities include spending time at San Ramon waterfalls or taking an island tour. Your tour leader will explain what's available with pricing details included in your trip information.
Optional Activities
- San Ramon waterfalls
- Island tour
Landmarks/POIs San Ramon Falls - Day 14
Ometepe Island to Granada
This morning you'll return to San Jorge by boat, then drive to Granada, a colonial city at the foot of Mombacho volcano on Lake Nicaragua's northwest shore. Founded in 1524, it was Nicaragua's first colonial city and features baroque and renaissance buildings. This afternoon you'll have a city tour including Parque Central, the Monument to the War of Independence, and the Convent of San Francisco, which holds the largest collection of pre-Columbian stone sculptures from Granada.
Included Activities
- Ferry return to San Jorge
- City tour of Granada
- Visit Parque Central
- Visit Monument to the War of Independence
- Visit Convent of San Francisco
Landmarks/POIs Mombacho Volcano Parque Central Convent of San Francisco - Day 15
Granada
This morning you'll hike the scenic loop around Mombacho Volcano in the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. This short but demanding hike covers 1.5 to 2 kilometres, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. Starting at 1,025 metres, you'll descend to 900 metres with a 125-metre elevation change each way and gradual ascents and descents. A local guide will share information about the plants, animals, and volcanic history. The afternoon is free to explore Granada further.
Included Activities
- Mombacho Volcano scenic loop hike with local guide
Landmarks/POIs Mombacho Volcano Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve - Day 16
Granada to Leon
You'll drive to Leon, the old colonial capital lying in the shadow of the Cordillera de los Maribios Mountains. Leon is Nicaragua's historical and cultural centre with graceful Spanish colonial architecture and fascinating political history. The charm lies in narrow colonial streets, art galleries, museums, and cafes. You'll get an orientation walk on arrival. The afternoon is free, and there's an optional hike on nearby Cerro Negro Volcano (about 90 minutes at moderate pace) with stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Included Activities
- Orientation walk of Leon
Optional Activities
- Cerro Negro Hike US$30
- Las Penitas and Juan Venado Reserve US$45
- Iguana farm US$25
Landmarks/POIs Cerro Negro Volcano - Day 17
Leon to La Union
This morning you'll leave Nicaragua and head to El Salvador, Central America's smallest country. You'll drive to the coastal town of Potosi before taking a water taxi across the Gulf of Fonseca, where you can see islands from three countries. Be ready for wet boarding or wading into waist-deep water. The crossing takes around two hours and can be bumpy. You'll arrive in La Union and head to Conchagua for a walk and optional group dinner. The full journey is estimated at 7 hours including border crossings.
Included Activities
- Water taxi across Gulf of Fonseca
- Walk in Conchagua town
Optional Activities
- Optional group dinner in Conchagua
Landmarks/POIs Gulf of Fonseca - Day 18
La Union to Suchitoto
After breakfast you'll drive to San Salvador, the capital, about 4 hours away. Founded in 1525, it sits on a high plateau. Your tour leader will give you a panoramic tour of the main sights. After free time for lunch, you'll visit Joya de Ceren Archaeological Site, a pre-Hispanic farming village preserved after volcanic eruption around AD 600. Then you'll drive about 90 minutes to Suchitoto, a peaceful lakeside town where you'll spend the next two nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Panoramic city tour of San Salvador
- Visit Joya de Ceren Archaeological Site
Landmarks/POIs Joya de Ceren Archaeological Site - Day 19
Suchitoto
Today is free to explore Suchitoto and everything it offers. The town has cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and an impressive colonial church in a leafy plaza. It was once the heart of the country's indigo trade. You can join an indigo workshop this afternoon or take a boat trip onto Lake Suchitlan, where over 200 bird species have been recorded including hawks and falcons.
Optional Activities
- Indigo workshop
- Boat trip on Lake Suchitlan
Landmarks/POIs Lake Suchitlan - Day 20
Suchitoto to Copan
This morning you'll cross two borders, first into Guatemala then into Honduras at Frontera El Florido. The journey takes around 6 hours including a lunch stop and customs. You'll arrive in Copan, a small, relaxed town home to one of the ancient Mayan world's treasures. The town has a small central plaza with cafes and restaurants. You'll have time for a stroll around the charming town centre before dinner. Bring a book and snacks as border crossings can be slow.
Included Activities
- Border crossings into Guatemala and Honduras
- Day 21
Copan
This morning you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copan Ruinas with a local guide. The Great Plaza is one of the most significant achievements of the Classic Maya period around AD 750 and contains the greatest collection of Maya sculptures in Meso-America. The famous Hieroglyphic Stairway has 2,500 individual glyphs flanked by serpentine birds and snakes. You have the whole day to explore at your own pace. Optionally visit the site museum, nearby hot springs, or Macaw Mountain in the afternoon.
Included Activities
- UNESCO World Heritage Site tour with local guide
- Visit Great Plaza
- Visit Hieroglyphic Stairway
Optional Activities
- Visit site museum
- Visit hot springs US$35
- Visit Macaw Mountain US$10 + US$5 transport
Landmarks/POIs Copan Ruinas Great Plaza Hieroglyphic Stairway - Day 22
Copan to Antigua
You'll head into Guatemala this morning to Antigua, set in a beautiful valley between volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. This graceful old colonial city with cobbled streets and lovely buildings is one of the most charming in Central America, despite earthquake and flood damage over the centuries. You'll get an orientation tour on arrival. The afternoon includes a walking tour exploring the narrow colonial streets, historic buildings, and unique character.
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Antigua
- Walking tour of the city
Landmarks/POIs Agua Volcano Fuego Volcano Acatenango Volcano - Day 23
Antigua
Today is free to explore more of Antigua and its surroundings. Wander through the city visiting churches, colonial buildings, and museums, or shop in the markets. Alternatively, visit the nearby Mayan site of Iximche, once the Cakchiquel Maya capital founded in the 15th century and set within pine forests. Or take an optional full-day trip to Tikal deep in the jungle (includes domestic flight from Guatemala City to Flores, guide, and lunch).
Optional Activities
- Visit Iximche Mayan site
- Day trip to Tikal US$350 (inc guide and lunch) - subject to availability - min. 3 persons
- Lake Atitlan inc. boat trip US$80-23
- Guatemala City US$90-30
- Pacaya volcano US$65 (based on 5) and US$39 (based on 15)
- Chichicastenango US$38-40 (min 5 people)
- Jade workshop US$48
Landmarks/POIs Iximche Tikal - Day 24
Antigua
Continue exploring Antigua or choose from several day trip options. Lake Atitlan is one of Guatemala's most beautiful locations, with the old Spanish settlement of Panajachel on the shores surrounded by volcanic peaks. It's ideal for shopping and enjoying the lakeside setting. Alternatively, visit Guatemala City, the high-altitude capital at 1,495 metres with tree-lined boulevards and museums like the Ixchel Museum or Palacio Nacional.
Optional Activities
- Lake Atitlan inc. boat trip US$80-23
- Guatemala City US$90-30
- Pacaya volcano US$65 (based on 5) and US$39 (based on 15)
- Chichicastenango US$38-40 (min 5 people)
- Jade workshop US$48
Landmarks/POIs Lake Atitlan Panajachel - Day 25
Antigua
The trip ends this morning at your hotel in Antigua. No activities are scheduled, so you're free to depart whenever you'd like. If your flight leaves later, luggage storage is available at the hotel. Departures are from La Aurora International Airport, approximately 90 minutes to 4 hours away depending on traffic and time of day.
