Intrepid Travel

Best of Central America

Best of Central America

Explore incredible worlds above and below the water through some of Central America’s best. Amble down the Yucatan Peninsula to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, then cutting inland, hit the lush jungle around Tikal, cruise to the wide river Rio Dulce and end up among the clouds in Panajachel and Antigua. Continue to the relaxing beach vibes on the dark sands of El Cuco, spot colourful birds perched on the colonial facades of Suchitoto, stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde, then admire the colonial towns, steamy jungles of Costa Rice and Panama, stopping off at the stunning islands of Bocas del Toro. With your local leader to steer you in the direction of the best bars and surf breaks plus a small group of adventurers to enjoy them with, you can’t go wrong on this carefree Central American journey.

Activities

  • Caye Caulker – Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Ignacio – Leader-led orientation walk
  • Tikal National Park – Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Chichicastenango – Market Visit
  • Chichicastenango – Shaman Visit
  • San Jorge La Laguna – Traditional Maya Homestay
  • Panajachel – Leader-led orientation walk
  • Antigua – Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Miguel – Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
  • Copan Ruins – Visit
  • Suchitoto – Leader led orientation walk
  • Leon – Leader led orientation walk
  • Granada – Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas
  • Monteverde – Leader-led orientation walk
  • La Fortuna – Leader led orientation walk
  • San Jose – Orientation Walk
  • Puerto Viejo – Leader-led orientation walk
  • Puerto Viejo – Hands-on dinner in local home
  • Boquete – Leader-led orientation walk
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Panama City – Leader-led walk in Casco Viejo
  • Panama City – Leader-led walk along part of the Cinta Costera (Causeway) including a visit to the Fish Market

Highlights

  • Whether its slumbering on the sands of Playa del Carmen, gazing at the pyramids of Tikal or haggling in the vibrant markets of Chichicastenango, you’ll experience multiple sides of Central America.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Jorge La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Nicaragua is often neglected by travellers in favour of its neighbours but their loss is your gain as you’ll have incredible Ometepe Island, which was formed by massive volcanoes, pretty much all to yourself.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.
  • Clear sea perfect for swimming, shacks serving cold cerveza and sandy shores covered in starfish are waiting in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
  • Put your chef hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

07/02/2023 through 11/13/2024
07/02/2023 through 12/16/2024

Day 1 Playa del Carmen
Day 2 Playa del Carmen
Day 3 Chetumal
Day 4 Caye Caulker
Day 5 Caye Caulker
Day 6 Caye Caulker
Day 7 San Ignacio
Day 8 San Ignacio
Day 9 Tikal National Park
Day 10 Rio Dulce
Day 11 Rio Dulce
Day 12 Antigua
Day 13 San Jorge La Laguna
Day 14 Panajachel
Day 15 Antigua
Day 16 Antigua
Day 17 Antigua
Day 18 Copan
Day 19 Suchitoto
Day 20 Suchitoto
Day 21 El Cuco
Day 22 El Cuco
Day 23 Leon
Day 24 Granada
Day 25 Granada
Day 26 Ometepe Island
Day 27 Ometepe Island
Day 28 Monteverde
Day 29 Monteverde
Day 30 La Fortuna
Day 31 La Fortuna
Day 32 San Jose
Day 33 San Jose
Day 34 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 35 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 36 Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
Day 37 Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
Day 38 Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
Day 39 Boquete
Day 40 Boquete
Day 41 Santa Catalina
Day 42 Santa Catalina
Day 43 Panama City
Day 44 Panama City
Day 45 Panama City

Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua, the largest of the British Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles to the north. The population is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John’s on Antigua.

The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua has warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. These unique characteristics have made Antigua and Barbuda in one of the Caribbean’s premier tourist destinations.

The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for sailors to navigate is where today’s trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda — once a scavenger’s paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs — is now home to one of the region’s most significant bird sanctuaries.

Bocas Del Toro

Located in northeast Panama, the area is a series of islands and includes the Bastimentos National Park built to protect the natural wildlife of the area.

Chetumal

Located in the southern Yucatan, this capital of Quintana Roo, is on the border with Belize and is known for its fine hardwoods and agricultural products.

Leon

León, central Mexico, in Guanajuato State, in a fertile river valley, at an altitude of about 6000 ft. León is the industrial, commercial, and transportation center for a rich agricultural region and is a shoe-manufacturing center. Founded in 1576, León was a Spanish colonial administrative center.

08/26/23 - 10/09/23

Starting At $5,755

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09/23/23 - 11/06/23

Starting At $5,265

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09/30/23 - 11/13/23

Starting At $5,365

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11/11/23 - 12/25/23

Starting At $5,535

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11/14/23 - 12/28/23

Starting At $5,795

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11/18/23 - 01/01/24

Starting At $5,640

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11/25/23 - 01/08/24

Starting At $5,535

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11/28/23 - 01/11/24

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12/02/23 - 01/15/24

Starting At $5,220

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01/13/24 - 01/20/24

Starting At $6,030

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01/27/24 - 03/11/24

Starting At $5,770

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02/06/24 - 03/02/24

Starting At $5,555

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04/06/24 - 04/20/24

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05/04/24 - 05/25/24

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06/15/24 - 09/28/24

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10/05/24 - 10/26/24

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11/02/24 - 12/16/24

Starting At $5,745

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11/09/24 - 11/16/24

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