Itinerary
- Day 1
Panama City to San Blas Islands
Early morning pickup from your Panama City accommodation gets you heading out for a scenic 4x4 jungle drive. After handling immigration and paying entrance fees to Kuna Yala Islands, you'll reach the dock for your shared boat transfer to the island. Make sure to pack supplies the day before since there's no supermarket stop along the way.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Kuna Yala Islands - Day 2
San Blas Islands
Start with fresh breakfast by the shore before heading out to explore the islands. You can swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters to spot tropical fish and coral reefs, or just relax in a hammock if that appeals to you more. If you want, hire a boat to visit a traditional Kuna Yala village and pick up handmade souvenirs. Later you'll watch the sunset over the Caribbean.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Fresh breakfast with the sounds of the waves on the shore), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Swimming and snorkeling around the island in crystal clear turquoise waters
- Relaxation time on hammocks
Optional Activities
- Boat hire to visit traditional Kuna Yala village and purchase handmade souvenirs (available at extra cost)
Landmarks San Blas Islands - Day 3
San Blas Islands to Panama City
Say goodbye to the islands for your scenic one-hour return boat trip to the dock, then a 4x4 drive back to Panama City. You'll get dropped at your accommodation in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Landmarks San Blas Islands - Day 4
Panama City to Bocas del Toro
Fly from Panama City to Bocas del Toro with flight times available at 10:00 or 13:00. The flight takes about 1.4 hours to get you there.
Landmarks Bocas del Toro - Day 5
Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo
Shuttle and boat transfer to Puerto Viejo with multiple departure times at 06:00, 08:00, or 12:00. The journey takes roughly 4 hours. You'll get picked up from your accommodation and dropped at your next meeting point.
Landmarks Puerto Viejo - Day 6
Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero
Shuttle and boat transfer to Tortuguero departing at 08:00. The journey takes approximately 5.5 hours total. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park - Day 7
Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero National Park
Continue by shuttle to Tortuguero National Park, a nature reserve and important nesting site for green sea turtles. After breakfast, you'll transfer to a boat for the final leg while learning about banana plantations along the way. You can optionally explore the Museum and town to get a feel for local culture. An evening optional night tour is available seasonally (July-October) to watch Giant Green Sea Turtles nesting on the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided introduction to banana plantations during transfer
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Museum and town to learn about local culture (not included)
- Night tour with boat trip and beach walk to observe Giant Green Sea Turtle nesting (seasonal July-October, not included)
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park - Day 8
Tortuguero National Park to San Jose
Rise early for a morning boat tour through Tortuguero National Park to explore the area and see the wildlife. Return to your accommodation for breakfast and pack up before your shuttle transfer back to San Jose at 09:00. You'll grab lunch along the way and arrive in San Jose around 15:30.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on the way (budget package does not include lunch))
Included Activities
- Early morning boat tour of Tortuguero National Park
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park - Day 9
Tortuguero to San Jose
Shuttle and boat transfer from Tortuguero to San Jose departing at 14:00. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks San Jose 
- Day 10
San Jose
Authentic Costa Rican life experience starts with morning pickup and a stroll through the city's historic parks with a local guide. You'll see the Yellow House (Foreign Ministry) and Expression Park, the oldest park in the city. Walk through 19th-century landmarks like the National Liquor Factory and Metal Building, then continue through Parque Nacional before reaching the 120-year-old Central Market. There you'll sample local cuisine, try Costa Rican coffee, and learn about local herbs and medicines.
Included Activities
- San Jose Bites & Sights Experience - walking tour with local guide through historic parks and landmarks
- Central Market visit with food sampling and local beverage tasting
Landmarks Expression Park (Parque la Expresión) National Liquor Factory Metal Building Parque Nacional Central Market - Day 11
San Jose to Monteverde
Shuttle transfer to Monteverde with departures at 07:00 or 14:15. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next accommodation.
Landmarks Monteverde 
- Day 12
Monteverde
Canopy zip-line tour through Monteverde Cloud Forest has you swinging along 14 different cables. You'll experience the big Tarzan swing, a 30-meter rappel, and the famous Superman Cable spanning 1 kilometer with a 175-meter underground tunnel section. Cables range from 75-150 meters high with views of the forest below. Watch for over 100 mammal species and 400+ bird species including 30 types of hummingbirds, plus wildlife like jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and quetzals. On clear days you'll see the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua.
Included Activities
- Monteverde Canopy Zip-line tour with 14 cables including Tarzan swing, 30-meter rappel, and Superman Cable
Landmarks Monteverde Cloud Forest 
- Day 13
Monteverde to Liberia
Shuttle transfer to Liberia departing at 09:00. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. You'll be picked up from your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Liberia - Day 14
Liberia
Free day to explore Liberia at your own pace and experience what the area has to offer.
- Day 15
Liberia to San Juan del Sur
Shuttle transfer to San Juan del Sur departing at 09:00. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks San Juan del Sur 
- Day 16
San Juan del Sur to Granada
Shuttle transfer to Granada departing at 09:30. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Granada - Day 17
Granada
Early afternoon boat tour on Lake Nicaragua to explore the Isletas with a knowledgeable local guide. You'll head to the shore for a scenic ride among the jungle-covered islets, observing playful monkeys, colorful birds, and diverse flora. The serene atmosphere and pristine landscape make for a peaceful experience. Return to your accommodation by 18:00, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to wander through the colonial town of Granada on your own.
Included Activities
- Isletas Day Trip - boat tour of Lake Nicaragua islets with wildlife viewing (monkeys, birds, flora and fauna)
Landmarks Lake Nicaragua Isletas - Day 18
Granada to Leon
Shuttle transfer to Leon departing at 12:00. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Leon - Day 19
Leon
Afternoon adventure to nearby Cerro Negro Volcano starts with a 4x4 ride to the base, then a hike to the summit for views of lush forests and the multi-colored active crater. After taking in the scenery, you'll sled down the volcano slopes back to the base. Rest and recover while sharing photos with new friends before heading back to your accommodation.
Included Activities
- Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding - 4x4 transport to base, hiking to summit, and sledding descent
Landmarks Cerro Negro Volcano - Day 20
Leon to El Tunco
Very early morning shuttle transfer to El Tunco departing at 01:30. This long journey takes approximately 10.5 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks El Tunco 
- Day 21
El Tunco
Free day to explore El Tunco and experience the area at your own pace.
- Day 22
El Tunco to Copan
Very early morning shuttle transfer to Copan departing at 04:00. The journey takes approximately 6 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Copan - Day 23
Copan
Your guide picks you up at 08:00 to explore Copan, known as the Mayan Paris. You'll tour the magnificent Mayan ruins, a UNESCO Archaeological World Heritage Site from 1980, famous for their colorful architecture. Walk through the sculpture museum to see a life-size replica of the Rosalila temple. After the tour, you'll get dropped back at your accommodation.
Included Activities
- Copan Mayan Archaeological Experience - guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Mayan ruins and sculpture museum with Rosalila temple replica
Landmarks Copan Ruins Rosalila Temple - Day 24
Copan to Antigua
Shuttle transfer to Antigua departing at 11:00. The journey takes approximately 6 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Antigua - Day 25
Antigua
Afternoon hike up Pacaya Volcano, an active volcano near Antigua. The hike takes about two hours to reach the summit, then you'll trek across dry lava fields with a moonlike landscape. With some luck you might catch an eruption or view of active lava. You'll see sweeping views of neighboring volcanoes peeking through the clouds. The descent down the slippery, muddy slopes takes you back to the base. Horses are available for rental for the ascent and descent if you prefer.
Included Activities
- Pacaya Volcano Trek - 2-hour hike to summit with dry lava exploration and neighboring volcano views
Optional Activities
- Horse rental for hike up and back (available for additional cost)
Landmarks Pacaya Volcano - Day 26
Antigua to Panajachel
Shuttle transfer to Panajachel departing at 12:00. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Panajachel - Day 27
Panajachel to San Jorge La Laguna
Upon arrival at Avenida Santander Zona 2 in Panajachel, you'll get instructions for taking a public bus to San Jorge La Laguna. Stay overnight with a host family from the Kakchiquel Indigenous group for authentic insight into everyday Maya life. This new homestay program gives back to Lake Atitlan communities. Housing is basic but offers genuine cultural immersion. Be respectful and ask permission before photographing villagers since Maya believe photographs steal souls. Consider bringing a small gift like cooking materials such as pasta, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables, or kitchen utensils (around $3 USD per person) or children's educational materials.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Maya Homestay Experience with Kakchiquel Indigenous family in San Jorge La Laguna
Landmarks San Jorge La Laguna Lake Atitlan - Day 28
San Jorge La Laguna to Panajachel
After breakfast with your host family, follow instructions to reach the meeting point for a boat tour of Lake Atitlan and visits to colorful indigenous villages. The lake's name means 'the place where the rainbow gets its colors' in Maya. You'll visit San Pedro La Laguna where indigenous people preserve traditional ways and wear traditional dress. Explore Santiago Atitlan, the largest community with over 32,000 residents (95% indigenous Tz'utujil), famous for fishing, farming, wooden canoe manufacturing, and the sacred Maya/Catholic statue Maximon. Visit San Antonio Palopo where people wear intricately designed woven tunics and hand-woven textiles. Return to Panajachel at the tour's end.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Maya Communities Lake Tour - boat tour of Lake Atitlan with visits to indigenous villages
- Visit to San Pedro La Laguna with traditional culture exploration
- Visit to Santiago Atitlán with marketplace and Maximon sacred statue viewing
- Visit to San Antonio Palopo with traditional textiles and village exploration
Landmarks Lake Atitlan San Pedro La Laguna Santiago Atitlán San Antonio Palopo - Day 29
Panajachel to Lanquin
Shuttle transfer to Lanquin departing at 08:00. The journey takes approximately 6 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Lanquin - Day 30
Lanquin
Explore the mysterious Kanba Caves filled with extraordinary limestone formations across many chambers (the end hasn't been discovered yet). You'll visit a sharp-pointed rock altar where ancient Maya performed sacred rituals. The Maya continue holding spiritual ceremonies here, believing the cave is the 'heart of heaven' holding secrets of many centuries. Activity is at your own risk. Then enjoy free time at Semuc Champey to swim and river tube in crystalline natural pools above a 300-meter limestone bridge. The Cahab\u00f3n River flows beneath where you can swim in cool waters surrounded by native flora and fauna. Visit waterfalls over 40 feet high where pools rejoin the river. Water color constantly changes based on season and rainfall.
Included Activities
- Kanba Caves tour with limestone formations and ancient Maya altar exploration (activity at own risk)
- Semuc Champey visit with natural pool swimming and river tubing
- Waterfall exploration at Semuc Champey
Landmarks Kanba Caves Semuc Champey Cahabón River - Day 31
Lanquin to Flores
Shuttle transfer to Flores departing at 08:00. The journey takes approximately 9 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Flores - Day 32
Flores
Depart Flores early morning for Tikal archaeological site. Walk among giant pyramids towering over 200 feet at dawn to feel the historic splendor. Listen to jungle sounds of exotic birds, monkeys, and small mammals as Maya inhabitants felt 2000 years ago. The massive city is home to native flora and fauna. If you're lucky, spot jaguars, howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, eagles, and quetzals. Tikal National Park is a UN World Heritage Site covering 222 square miles of jungle and once housed between 10,000-90,000 inhabitants before abandonment over 1000 years ago.
Included Activities
- Tikal Early Morning Day Tour - dawn visit to 200+ foot pyramids and archaeological site in jungle setting
Landmarks Tikal National Park - Day 33
Flores to Belize City
Shuttle transfer to Belize City departing at 06:00. The journey takes approximately 6 hours. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and dropped at your next location.
Landmarks Belize City - Day 34
Belize City to Caye Caulker
Ferry transfer to Caye Caulker with departures at 16:30 or 17:30. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer.
Landmarks Caye Caulker - Day 35
Caye Caulker
Half-day snorkeling experience in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve lets you discover Belize's unparalleled marine life. Navigate through pristine coral reef mazes among schools of tropical fish and get the chance to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. You'll visit three different snorkeling stops along the magnificent local reef.
Included Activities
- Snorkel with Sharks & Rays - half-day marine reserve snorkeling at three reef locations with nurse sharks and stingrays
Landmarks Caye Caulker Marine Reserve - Day 36
Caye Caulker to Chetumal
Ferry transfer to Chetumal via San Pedro departing at 12:45. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. Make your own way to the ferry terminal and arrive at least 2 hours before departure for check-in.
Landmarks Chetumal - Day 37
Chetumal to Bacalar
Bus transfer to Bacalar with multiple daily departures available. Make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus.
Landmarks Bacalar - Day 38
Bacalar to Tulum
Bus transfer to Tulum with multiple daily departures available. Make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus.
Landmarks Tulum - Day 39
Tulum
Exciting jungle adventure biking between cenotes starts in Chemuyil, a tranquil town. You'll visit three exclusive cenotes of the local community. Each cenote is unique - one is cave-type, another is an open natural pool, and the third works perfectly for underwater photography. Distances between cenotes are short: only 5 minutes from the meeting point to the first cenote, and 5 minutes between the first and second.
Included Activities
- Local Community & Cenotes by Bike - bicycle tour visiting three unique cenotes (cave-type, open pool, underwater photography)
Landmarks Chemuyil 
- Day 40
Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Bus transfer to Playa del Carmen with multiple daily departures throughout the day. Make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus.
Landmarks Playa del Carmen - Day 41
Playa del Carmen
Free day to explore Playa del Carmen and experience the area at your own pace.
- Day 42
Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Bus transfer to Cancun with frequent daily departures every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:10. Make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus.
Landmarks Cancun - Day 43
Cancun
Rise early for a thrilling adventure to Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Beat the crowds with an early morning departure and explore this renowned archaeological site with a specialized guide. Journey back in time to discover the secrets of the Maya civilization that shaped this once-powerful city from 600-1200 AD. Look at intricate details of this sacred site, still considered holy by the Yucatan Maya today. The lush jungle terrain surrounds this protected UNESCO site. Experience Chichen Itza with cool morning air and warm sun, a way most will never have the chance to see it.
Included Activities
- Chichen Itza Day Trip from Cancun - early morning roundtrip guided tour of UNESCO-protected New Seven Wonders archaeological site
Landmarks Chichen Itza
