Splendours of Central America

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Panama City, via the US, with United Airlines. Transfer to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for 3 nights. (N)

Morning city tour, including the ruins of old Panama and the historic colonial district. (B)

Take a shared partial transit and cruise through the various locks of the Panama Canal. (B, L)

Fly to Costa Rica’s capital and visit a coffee plantation on the slopes of the active Poás volcano. Overnight at the Hotel Presidente. (B, L)

Transfer to Monteverde and stay for 2 nights at the Monteverde Country Lodge. Afternoon visit to the Selvatura’s hummingbird garden and hanging walkways. (B)

Morning visit to Monteverde cloud forest to see its rare flora and fauna. In the evening meet up with one of the early local pioneers for a fascinating conversation. (B)

Full-day journey across the border into Nicaragua to the city of Granada, overlooking Lake Nicaragua (approx 7-8 hours). Stay 2 nights at Dario Hotel (or similar). (B)

Morning tour of the colonial city, including the Franciscan convent. Take a boat ride through the canals formed by the small islands in the lake, which is the tenth largest lake in the world. Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Transfer to Managua and fly to San Salvador. Continue to the charming town of Suchitoto for 1 night at Posada de Suchitlán. (B)

Explore the cobbled streets of Suchitoto, then transfer to the archaeological site of Joya de Ceren, known as the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’. Later, explore cloud forest trails and enjoy spectacular volcano views on the picturesque Route of the Flowers. Overnight at Hotel Misio´n de Angeles. (B, L)

This morning explore the traditional artisan town of Ataco and stop at Santa Ana en route to Honduras (approx 10 hours). Stay at the Hotel Marina Copán for 2 nights. (B, L)

In the morning, tour the fascinating Mayan ruins of Copán with its intricate and wellpreserved sculptures. Optional afternoon tour to a bird sanctuary. (B)

Cross into Guatemala and on to the Caribbean coast, visiting the impressive carved stelae at Quirigua en route (approx 6 hours). Take a 1.5- hour boat ride along the coast to the town of Livingston, which has a strong Garifuna culture. Stay overnight at the Hotel Villa Caribe. (B)

Morning walking tour of Livingston, before taking a boat trip along the lush gorges of the Dulce river to visit Bird island and an indigenous community. Continue by road to the Flores area for a 2-night stay at the lakeside Camino Real Tikal or Villa Maya. (B)

Morning tour of Tikal, one of the most spectacular Mayan ruins, located in the heart of the jungle. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Early morning flight to Guatemala City and transfer to colonial Antigua for 2 nights at Mesón de María. Afternoon walking tour. (B)

Day at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Transfer to Guatemala City and fly to London via the US, arriving the next day. (B) (N)