Day 1
Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Mini-hiking and aerial tram ride: Soberania National Park and Gamboa Resort
Depart from Panama City early in the morning for Soberania National Park and world-famous Pipeline Road, the right place for birdwatchers and ecologists. It was site of the 1985 world record Panama Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (385 species of birds were identified in 24 hours). During World War II, a pipeline was built to transport fuel from one ocean to the other. Fortunately, it was never used. Today, the road built to maintain the pipeline provides excellent access to primary forest within Soberania National Park with the comfort and safety of vehicle support. After this short hike, we will head to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. There you will be taken into an aerial tram, which takes you from the shadowy rainforest floor through the understory and into the sun-drenched canopy. You will enjoy a bird’s eye view of a thousand hues of green interspersed with the fluorescent exclamation points of flowering trees. The aerial tram is located in 100 hectares of rainforest licensed to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Here you find an exuberant flora and fauna typical of Panama’s neo-tropical forests. The resort has built five exhibits that showcase local flora and fauna as well as a replica of an Embera Indian village. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel. The tour includes: transportation and entrance fee to Soberania National Park. Overnight at Gamboa Resort.
Day 3
Pick-up from Gamboa for a partial Canal Transit
Your trip departs from the Flamenco Marina, and you will travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. You will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline, and later you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas. At Miraflores Locks, the vessel will ascend 54 feet in two distinct steps. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel will be raised the last 27 feet to get into Gatun Lake. Once at Gatun Lake you will sail through at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut is also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake and is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide. In addition, the vessel will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to the Panama Canal Dredging Division in Gamboa where passengers disembark and transfer back to Flamenco Pier. Note: Exact itinerary may vary, depending on where the transit starts.
Panamanian Night Tour
Enjoy an oasis of flavor and folklore characteristic of the countryside and taste delicious Panamanian-style dishes in comfortable and elegant surroundings at Las Tinajas Restaurant, located in the center of Panama City. Includes transfer to and from hotel, typical Panamanian dinner, cover charge, service charge and dance show. Available only on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Day 4
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to San José de Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San José, transfer to your hotel.
Day 5
La Paz Waterfalls, Poas Volcano and coffee plantation private tour
First stop is at a local cafe where you will enjoy an authentic Costa Rican-style breakfast. Then visit a third-generation coffee plantation and learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted. We then continue to Poas volcano. This crater volcano is one of the four active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The crystal-blue sulfur pools will amaze you along with the steam rising from the various volcanic vents. Last stop is La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
As you wander the trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens your senses will delight at the five waterfalls that line the trail. Originally, the only way you could view the falls was by literally hanging over the side of the mountain, looking through trees and ferns. With the construction of Waterfall Gardens, you have amazing views from platforms above, below and in front of the falls for great photo opportunities. The butterfly observatory is the largest in the world. Spanning the length of a football field and reaching heights of 50 feet, this enclosed structure allows butterflies to soar freely. Your personal tour guide will take you through the butterfly observatory, the hummingbird garden and the waterfall trails. After you hike, you will enjoy a Costa Rican buffet lunch. Entrance fees, transportation and lunch are included. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in the Arenal area.
Day 6
Arenal Hanging Bridges: Located within the corridor followed by birds migrating between North and South America, the trails and bridges of this project will bring you as close as you could ever hope to get to the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rain forest. You will be able to walk right into the forest, thanks to the imposing hanging bridges and the beautiful trails that are safe and easy to walk on. In the afternoon, return to your hotel to rest.
At around 4 p.m., we will pick you up from the hotel to observe the activities of the great Arenal Volcano: its constant emissions of gases, vapors of water and explosions. We will then go to Tabacon Hot Springs for a fabulous and healing bath. Dinner at Tabacon included.
Day 7
Transfer to San José to take the flight to Managua, Nicaragua. Upon arrival, transfer to Granada. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8
Excursion of Granada, one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Granada was founded in 1524 by Spanish captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba. Although being overwhelmed city by pirates, destroyed during civil wars and set on fire by the American filibuster William Walker in 1856, it remains one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful cities. You can take a carriage to visit interesting places and appreciate the beautiful architecture of Granada. We will end our trip on a boat ride on the beautiful islands of Lake Nicaragua. Lunch included. Overnight in Granada.
Day 9
Early departure and transfer to San Jorge port. Ferry and excursion on Ometepe Island, for an unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful places of Nicaragua. The excursion starts by heading toward the southern part of the country, getting to San Jorge’s port where we will take a ferry to Ometepe, where you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view. We will visit places like the pre-Columbian Museum, the Green Puddles lagoon, the great view of Volcano Conception and the green volcano Madera. Lunch will be taken in Santo Domingo beach. Back to the port to take the ferry and transfer to San Juan del Sur.
Day 10
Day at leisure in San Juan del Sur. You may visit the small fishing town or just relax on the beach.
Day 11
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to San Pedro Sula. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 12
Transfer to Copán, which was a very artistic city during the Mayan era. Visit the Copán Ruins Archaeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (the social center of the Mayan city); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars, and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copán.
Day 13
In the morning, visit the Copán Museum in the town. In the afternoon, we will visit the Hacienda San Lucas, with a magnificent view of the valley. We will then enjoy a delightful and unique dinner with typical Copán flavor (included). Overnight in Copán.
Day 14
Transfer to Antigua Guatemala. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon private tour of Antigua Guatemala, known more commonly as La Antigua or just Antigua. It was the Spaniards’ military capital city of Central America for more than 200 years. You will be met at your hotel by your private guide to begin your half-day walking tour of Antigua. It will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrance fees are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park, and La Merced Church. This tour is flexible, and if you have specific sites that you wish to see please let us know.
Day 15
Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlán
You will be picked up from your hotel for a scenic boat ride across the lake, passing by the three impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlán and San Pedro. Upon arrival in Santiago, you will walk with your guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year, a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God so his location changes. Once with Maximon, you may see a local shaman performing rituals for local people. If you wish, you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman to perform a personal ceremony. After visiting Maximon, you will visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town, and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art for which the town is famous. Take a ride in a local “flete” (a pickup truck in which passengers stand in the bed) to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, private transfer to Antigua for overnight.
Day 16
Early morning, transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, you can perceive the sounds of the rain forest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.
Day 17
Private transfer to the town of San Ignacio in Belize. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 18
Morning visit to the Xunantunich Maya site. We arrive at the village of San José Succotz, where a hand-cranked ferry carries vehicles and passengers to the other side of the Mopan River. One more mile will bring us to the impressive Maya site of Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock). It is a major ceremonial center and one of the country’s larger excavated sites; the view from the largest pyramid, El Castillo, is remarkable.
Trip continues with a visit to the Belize Zoo, 40 minutes drive from Belize City. Only indigenous species are housed at the zoo, all of which have been either rescued or donated from owners who could not take care of the animals properly. The “guests” (birds, cats, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.) are housed in large compounds containing what would be their natural habitats. Transfer to Belize City and transfer to your hotel.
Day 19
Morning tour of Altun Ha Maya site. Located 35 miles from Belize City on the Old Northern Highway, Altun Ha (Rock Stone Water) is a great example of a Maya ceremonial and trading site. This is where, in 1968, Dr. David Pendergast uncovered perhaps the most precious of all Mayan artifacts—the Jade Head, representing Kinich Ahau (the Sun God). Air transfer from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Day 20
Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Afternoon of leisure. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Day 21
Day of leisure. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Day 22
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize and connect with flight back home.
Mexico and Central America Combined
Arenal Volcano
Copan
Ambergris Caye
