Itinerary
- Day 1
Antigua
You'll fly into Guatemala City and then head to Antigua, about 45 km away. The drive takes you through changing landscapes as you move toward this colonial town nestled in the highlands.
Landmarks Antigua - Day 2
Antigua
Start the day walking through Antigua's colonial streets and learning about the city's history. After that, you'll visit a coffee plantation where you can shake off jet lag by seeing how coffee grows in the highlands. Later, check out Casa K'Ojom museum to experience indigenous musical instruments and get a feel for local culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tour of Antigua
- Visit to a coffee finca
- Casa K'Ojom museum for indigenous musical instruments
Landmarks Antigua Casa K'Ojom - Day 3
Chichicastenango - Panajachel
Head out early to Chichicastenango's market, one of the largest indigenous markets in Guatemala. You'll see local crafts and products displayed by vendors. Then visit the Church of Santo Tomás to see where Catholic and Mayan traditions blend together. Afterward, continue through the highlands to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán and take an evening walk around the lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to the market in Chichicastenango
- Visit to the Church of Santo Tomás
- Boat trip on Lake Atitlán
Landmarks Chichicastenango Church of Santo Tomás Lake Atitlán Panajachel - Day 4
Santiago de Atitlán - Flores
Take a boat across Lake Atitlán to Santiago de Atitlán and walk through the village market. Visit the church there, and then head back to Guatemala City. From there, fly north to Flores for your next phase of exploration.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat trip to Santiago de Atitlán
- Visit to Santiago de Atitlán village market and church
Landmarks Lake Atitlán Santiago de Atitlán Flores - Day 5
Tikal
Spend the day at Tikal, one of Central America's most important Mayan archaeological sites set deep in the jungle. You'll see over 3,000 structures including the northern and central acropolis, main square, and Mundo Perdido. The best part comes when you climb Temple IV and get panoramic views of the jungle stretching in every direction.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Mayan site of Tikal
Landmarks Tikal Temple IV - Day 6
Cobán
Travel toward Cobán and stop at the Candelaria Caves located in limestone hills. The caves are rich with Mayan mythology and history, so you'll learn about how indigenous people used these spaces.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Stop at Candelaria Caves
Landmarks Candelaria Caves Cobán - Day 7
San José
Start with a short hike in the Biotopo del Quetzal nature reserve to explore cloud forests where the quetzal bird thrives. Then visit an orchid farm to see different flower species. By afternoon, head back to Guatemala City and fly to San José, Costa Rica.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Short hike in the quetzal biotope
- Visit to an orchid farm
Landmarks Biotopo del Quetzal San José - Day 8
Monteverde
Stroll through San José and check out the impressive National Theater. Head up to Poás volcano, which is still active, and peer into its emerald green crater while catching the sulfurous smell. Afterward, continue to Monteverde, known for its cloud forest located at 1,400 meters elevation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to National Theater in San José
- Excursion to the Poás volcano
Landmarks National Theater Poás Volcano Monteverde - Day 9
Monteverde
Get an early start and visit the Santa Elena cloud forest reserve to experience native flora and fauna before the crowds arrive. In the afternoon, explore the cloud forest from a different perspective using suspension bridges that cross through the canopy and treetops. You'll learn about the ecosystem's connections and how everything works together.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Santa Elena cloud forest reserve
- Suspension bridges in Monteverde
Landmarks Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve - Day 10
La Fortuna
Visit a local farm to meet the family and learn about their agricultural heritage. You'll see banana, macadamia, coffee, and cocoa cultivation with special focus on their historic sugar cane operation. See, smell, and taste products made from sugar cane before traveling to La Fortuna.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sugar cane and chocolate tour
Landmarks La Fortuna - Day 11
La Fortuna
Take a hike at the foot of Arenal volcano and enjoy views of ancient lava fields and Arenal Lake. Later, head to Natura Ecopark private reserve where you can spot crocodiles, turtles, and 30 different frog species including rare glass frogs. In the evening, take a night walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike in the private reserve at Arenal
- Visit to Natura Ecopark
- Night walk in Natura Ecopark
Landmarks Arenal Volcano Arenal Lake Natura Ecopark - Day 12
Sarapiquí
Explore the Tirimbina rainforest reserve spotting monkeys, sloths, coatis, and colorful birds throughout the day. Learn about cocoa production in its natural habitat, from bean to finished chocolate bar, and then taste the results.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Tirimbina rainforest reserve
- Cocoa production and tasting experience
Landmarks Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve - Day 13
Tortuguero
Head early to Guapiles for breakfast, then take a short bus ride before transferring to a boat that sails through Tortuguero's impressive canals to reach your lodge. Use the afternoon to visit the information center about endangered green sea turtles or walk to the local village.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Boat trip through the canals of Tortuguero
Optional Activities
- Visit to information center about green sea turtles
- Walk to local village
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park - Day 14
Tortuguero
Sail through canals and lagoons in small boats experiencing one of the world's most biodiverse natural areas. The park protects endangered green sea turtles and also hosts monkeys, crocodiles, and iguanas in dense jungle. After lunch, walk on flat rainforest paths to see more wildlife and plants.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Boat tour through Tortuguero canals and lagoons
- Rainforest hike on flat paths
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park - Day 15
Puerto Viejo
Sail through Tortuguero's canals one more time before heading back by bus from Guapiles after lunch. You'll reach Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, known for excellent Creole cuisine and beautiful beaches. Spend the afternoon relaxing in town or on the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Boat trip through Tortuguero canals
Landmarks Tortuguero National Park Puerto Viejo - Day 16
Bocas del Toro
Cross the border into Panama and arrive at an island paradise in the Caribbean Sea. Your resort offers snorkeling and kayaking activities plus a shuttle to Bocas del Toro town, just four kilometers away.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Snorkelling at resort
- Kayaking at resort
- Shuttle to town of Bocas del Toro
Landmarks Bocas del Toro - Day 17
Bocas del Toro
Spend the day as you wish using the resort's facilities or exploring the colorful town of Bocas del Toro on your own. There's also an optional full-day boat excursion to the beautiful island world with wildlife spotting, secluded beaches, and natural islands. You can snorkel at Coral Cay and search for red poison dart frogs at Red Frog Beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional full-day excursion to island world by boat
- Wildlife spotting
- Snorkelling at Coral Cay
- Red Frog Beach visit to see red poison dart frogs
Landmarks Bocas del Toro Coral Cay Red Frog Beach - Day 18
Panama City
Fly to Panama City for a city tour. Explore the ruins of Panama La Vieja, where Spanish conquistadores founded the city in 1519. Visit the modern city center with its skyscrapers 10 kilometers west. Learn about the Panama Canal's history and visit the Miraflores Locks to see why three locks were built between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Experience Panama City intensively
- Visit to Panama La Vieja ruins
- Visit to modern Panama City center
- Visit to Miraflores Locks
Landmarks Panama La Vieja Miraflores Locks Panama City - Day 19
Panama City
Experience the Panama Canal from the water on a partial cruise through this engineering feat. Pass through the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks while learning about the canal's history. Watch massive cargo ships maneuver and have lunch on board before returning to the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Partial crossing of the Panama Canal
Landmarks Panama Canal Pedro Miguel Locks Miraflores Locks - Day 20
Panama City
Enjoy free time in Panama City to run errands or explore on your own. There's also an optional excursion to an Emberá indigenous village by boat where you'll learn about their millennia-old culture and traditions unchanged since before the first Europeans arrived. Browse homemade handicrafts and enjoy a traditionally prepared lunch.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Emberá indigenous village
- Emberá village tour
- Viewing of Emberá handicrafts
- Traditional Emberá lunch
Landmarks Emberá Village - Day 21
Departure
Have time for last-minute errands or a stroll through the city in the morning. After that, head to the airport for your journey home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 22
Arrival at Home
You'll arrive at your departure airport and complete your journey home.
