Ultimate Central America

Name: Ultimate Central America
Brand: Intrepid Travel
SKU: BM-3476
Price: 5940 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (103 reviews)

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Booking Type Instant Booking
duration 59 days
tour type Group
age requirement 15+ years old
max group size 16
Footprint

Starts Mexico City, Mexico
Ends Panama City, Panama

+28

Tour with Flexible Booking Policy

Change dates It is free to change your tour start date within 30 days of departure.
Choose a different tour Select a new tour run by the same tour operator within 30 days of departure.

HIGHLIGHTS Download trip notes

The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has got you covered.
Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas. This oldworld town is surrounded by indigenous villages that have retained their traditional customs and roots.
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.
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.

Starting in Mexico City and ending in Panama City, the Ultimate Central America tour is a guided explorer tour that takes 59 days. You will visit Panama City, Palenque, Tikal and 27 other destinations in 9 different countries. Ultimate Central America is a small group tour which will include accommodation, transport, meals and others. See below for further details.

Embark on an in-depth Central American adventure with Lonely Planet and Intrepid Travel from Mexico’s capital to the home of the Panama Canal. Pass through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama on a small-group journey through remote villages, traditional cities, ancient Maya and Aztec ruins, verdant cloud forests and pure Caribbean beaches. Get acquainted with the local cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories of Central America as you explore the wealth of tradition, spot the range of unusual wildlife, dive into unique underwater worlds and spend time travelling at your own pace. Did you hear that? Central America is calling – you better Belize it.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS ABOUT INTREPID TRAVEL

4.5 - Excellent

Based on 103 reviews

Review for another Intrepid Travel tour

5 - Excellent

Anonymous
From Malaysia
On Apr 25 2019

“The comfort level trip allows for the traveller to fully experience Italy as a local with their off the beaten track options but with the convenience of travelling comfort, local guidance and added inclusions.”

Tony's review for another Intrepid Travel tour

4 - Very Good

Tony
From UK
On Sep 27 2018

“Very Good”

Giselle's review for another Intrepid Travel tour

4 - Very Good

Giselle
From Australia
On Jul 12 2019

“This was a fantastic trip run by a very fit, friendly & experienced tour leader. It was tough & hilly but a great way to explore northern Spain”

Read more Intrepid Travel reviews

ITINERARY Expand All

Day 1: Mexico City
Day 2: Mexico City
Day 3: Puebla
Day 4: Puebla
Day 5: Oaxaca
Day 6: Oaxaca
Day 7: Oaxaca / Overnight Bus
Day 8: San Cristobal de las Casas
Day 9: San Cristobal de las Casas
Day 10: Palenque
Day 11: Palenque Ruins / Merida
Day 12: Merida
Day 13: Merida
Day 14: Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen
Day 15: Playa del Carmen
Day 16: Tulum
Day 17: Tulum
Day 18: Caye Caulker
Day 19: Caye Caulker
Day 20: Caye Caulker
Day 21: San Ignacio
Day 22: San Ignacio
Day 23: Tikal
Day 24: Rio Dulce
Day 25: Rio Dulce
Day 26: Antigua
Day 27: Chichicastenango / San Jorge La Laguna
Day 28: Lake Atitlan / Panajachel
Day 29: Antigua
Day 30: Antigua
Day 31: Antigua
Day 32: Copan
Day 33: Suchitoto
Day 34: Suchitoto
Day 35: San Miguel / El Cuco
Day 36: El Cuco
Day 37: Leon
Day 38: Granada
Day 39: Granada
Day 40: Ometepe Island
Day 41: Ometepe Island
Day 42: Monteverde
Day 43: Monteverde
Day 44: La Fortuna
Day 45: La Fortuna
Day 46: San Jose
Day 47: San Jose
Day 48: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 49: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 50: Bocas del Toro/Isla Colon
Day 51: Bocas del Toro/Isla Colon
Day 52: Bocas del Toro/Isla Colon
Day 53: Boquete
Day 54: Boquete
Day 55: Santa Catalina
Day 56: Santa Catalina
Day 57: Panama City
Day 58: Panama City
Day 59: Panama City

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Accommodation

Hotel (47 nights), Overnight public bus (1 night), Camping with facilities (1 night), Multishare Lodge (2 night), Lodge (2 night), Homestay (1 night), Hostel Multishare (2 nights), Hostel (2 nights)

Meals

1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

Transport

Private vehicle , Public bus , Local bus , Overnight public bus , Taxi , Shared boat , Ferry

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
Mexico City - Leader-led City Tour of Historic Center
Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led City Tour
San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)
Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit (entrance fee)
Palenque - Palenque Ruins (entrance fee)
Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Tulum - Leader-led orientation walk
Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
Tikal National Park - Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
Chichicastenango Market
San Jorge La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
Antigua - Leader-led walking tour
Copan - Archeological site (entrance fee and transport, no guide)
Suchitoto - Leader led walking tour
San Miguel - Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration
Leon - Leader led walking tour
Monteverde - Leader led walking tour
La Fortuna - Leader led walking tour
San Jose - Leader-led walking tour
Puerto Viejo - Leader-led orientation bicycle ride
Boquete - Leader-led orientation walk
Panama City - Leader-led walk along part of the Cinta Costera (Causeway) including a visit to the Fish Market

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

Any international flights to Mexico City and from Panama City are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
Travel insurance is not included in this Ultimate Central America tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.

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GOOD TO KNOW Download trip notes

CANCELLATION

No additional cancellation fees apply for this Ultimate Central America tour. You can cancel the tour up to 24 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 23 days of departure.

Payment

For any tour departures within 02 June 2021, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 02 June 2021, a deposit of 400 USD is required to confirm the tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 23 days before trip departure.

Travel Insurance

Ultimate Central America tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. We recommend using World Nomads' travel insurance.

Visa

For this Ultimate Central America tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are travelling to, as part of this itinerary.

Is this trip right for you:

This trip involves some long travel days, especially from El Cuco to Leon with a 9-hour overland journey. Although this can be tiresome, it's a great opportunity to sit back, enjoy the passing scenery and to bond with your fellow travellers. This is a real Central American adventure, after all.
This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. This trip also includes some travel by local transport, which can be basic and challenging, but is also a fantastic way to rub shoulders with the locals and get under the skin of a place, whilst being mindful for the environment.
As this trip covers destinations across eight countries, you'll need to make several border crossings. While these are usually straightforward, please prepare to be patient. Books, podcasts and car games will be your best friend.
Central America is tropical, so expect a hot and humid climate. Make sure you protect yourself from the sun, wear comfortable, light clothing and stay hydrated – especially when out on walking tours.
The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. Conditions during your homestay in San Jorge La Laguna are basic. Your room will consist of a couple of beds with clean bedding, and the bathroom will most likely be shared with the rest of the family. A hearty home-cooked breakfast and dinner will be served during your stay, which can be a lot more basic than what you're used to. However, corn, rice and beans are very filling.
Try to learn as many Spanish words as you can. Locals are very friendly, but also shy, so you'll need to make plenty of effort to break the ice. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care.
From walking the Costa Rican border crossing to optional full-day volcano hikes, this trip can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
There will be times when you have to walk with your luggage, and for this reason, we recommend packing light and using a backpack or something easy to carry.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
Departures will be limited to an average group size of 10 travellers to ensure COVID-19 safety for all travellers.
Hygiene protocols have been adopted on this tour. Wearing a mask, hand washing and sanitizing, physical distancing is highly encouraged, and frequently touched surfaces are regularly disinfected.
Distancing measures have been implemented to safeguard against COVID-19.

NEED HELP OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS TOUR?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.

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