A land of many secrets lies host to a huge array of birdlife, flora and fauna which we hope to glimpse, hidden away in their natural habitats. Within the rainforests and beneath the volcanoes lie the rich legacy of the Maya and the Spanish, the lost city of Copan and a string of UNESCO protected towns rich in colonial architecture.

Across the Panama Canal to the Carib Coast
We begin in Central America's southernmost country, strolling through Old Panama before heading north to Boquete hidden away on the flanks of the Baru volcano. Reaching the shores of the Caribbean, we take a ferry to the archipelago of Bocas de Toros where we can snorkel, go dolphin-watching or simply relax. Crossing into Costa Rica, we explore Monte Verde cloud forest in search of the elusive Quetzal and listen to the rumbles of Arenal Volcano.

Volcanoes, Lakes & Beaches
We head to the volcanic island of Ometepe, its twin-cones dominating the horizon. We will visit the two colonial gems of Granada and Leon, home to some of the most impressive colonial architecture in Central America. Our journey is broken at the tropical paradise of Roatan where you will have the chance to snorkel and dive.

Mayan Copan & the "Old" Capital
The rainforested interior hid the spectacular Meso-American site of Copan for many centuries, the natural cover protecting one of the best preserved ceremonial centres in the Americas. Our journey comes to an end in Antigua, a Unesco heritage site and home to the oldest colonial buildings built by the Spaniards. From here there is the opportunity to visit the famous Chichicastenango market or take a flight to Tikal.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Panama City. 2 Sight-seeing, Canal visit (optn'l). 3 Public Bus to David; drive to Boquete. 4 Drive and ferry to Bocas Island. 5 In Bocas. 6 Ferry and drive to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui (C. Rica). 7 Drive to Arenal; optional hot springs. 8 Drive to Monteverde. 9 Visit Monteverde. 10 Drive to Rincon de la Vieja. 11 Visit Rincon NP. 12 Drive and ferry to Ometepe (Nic). 13 On Ometepe. 14 Ferry and drive to Granada. 15 In Granada; city tour. 16 Drive to Leon via Masaya market. 17 Drive to Tegucigalpa, (Hon). 18 Fly Roatan; free time. 19 On Roatan. 20 Ferry and drive to Copan. 21 Visit Copan. 22 Drive to Antigua (Guate). 23 & 24 In Antigua; Tikal or Chichi market optionals. 25 Drive Guatemala City where tour ends.

Accommodation: 24nts hotel/lodge; 4 breakfasts included.
Transport: Charter bus/Public bus/Ferry /On foot/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: Travelling overland through 5 Central American Countries this journey takes us through remote villages, hidden forests and atmospheric colonial towns - we'll also have time to wind down on the Caribbean.
Group: Approx. 16 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus drivers, boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: CAE