Trip Overview
This 35 day overland tour journeys from Playa del Carmen to San Jose through Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua
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80% Highlights
Relax on an Island getaway in Caye Caulker, Belize
Explore the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Tikal
Spend a night at our community project Manos Amigos
Spend some time in the Bay Island of Roatan in Hondura
Explore the Cerro Verde National Park in El Salvador
Get active in the Costa Rican cloud forests at Monteverde
Free time to explore La Fortuna including visiting the town's famous waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park
Spend the night on Isla Ometepe
SHOW MORE HIGHLIGHTSBorder information: if joining in Playa Del Carmen, you will most likely enter Mexico at Cancun International Airport (IATA code CUN).
There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
In Playa del Carmen we will stay in a comfortable hotel.
Today we will have an early start to drive to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - we have an included guided tour around this spectacular site before continuing our drive to the stunning coastal village of Tulum.
In Tulum we will camp in a basic campsite near to the Mayan ruins.
Estimated Drive Time - 2 hours.
Daily Activities
Visit the spectacular Chichen Itza Mayan ruins on a guided tour, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World centred around the world-famous pyramid of El Castillo
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out to explore some of the incredible cenotes (natural water-filled sinkholes) near Tulum
Hire snorkel gear on the beautiful beaches of Tulum
Border information: Exit Mexico at Subteniente López, enter Belize at Santa Elena.
Today we will have an early start to travel south across the border to Belize City, where we board a speed boat to the island paradise of Caye Caulker.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
We will have a full day of free time to explore and enjoy some optional activities available here, such as snorkelling, diving or taking a scenic flight over the phenomenal Great Blue Hole.
In Caye Caulker we will stay in a local hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out on a fantastic scuba diving trip through the colossal coral reefs off the Caribbean island of Caye Caulker (there are many different options and sites available)
Head out to the stunning coral reefs off Caye Caulker on a snorkelling trip
Take a scenic flight over the phenomenal natural Great Blue Hole off Caye Caulker
Hire sea kayaks to explore the deserted mangroves of Caye Caulker's North Island
Go on a half-day fishing trip in the idyllic blue ocean near Caye Caulker
Today we will head back to the mainland and rejoin the bus in Belize City. We then have a short drive to the village of San Ignacio, home to Belize's best archaeological sites and adventure activities!
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Tomorrow we have time to take part in some optional activities available in San Ignacio, including trekking, caving, biking, and exploring the excellent Mayan ruins in the area.
In San Ignacio we will stay in a forest eco-lodge.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head on a horse riding trip around San Ignacio
Rent mountain bikes and explore the area around San Ignacio
Visit the Actun Tunichil Mukwal Cave, a Mayan archaeological site that includes ceramics, stoneware, and skeletal remains such as the famous 'Crystal Maiden'
Take a full day tour to the remote ruins of the ancient Mayan capital of Caracol, once twice the size of the modern Belize City
Explore the ancient ruins of Xunantunich, Belize's most-visited Mayan site and home to the mighty El Castillo pyramid
Visit the stunning ruins of Cahal Pech, atop a hill overlooking the southern outskirts of San Ignacio
Learn about local herbs and plants on a medicinal jungle trail en route to a release program for Green Iguanas near San Ignacio
Border information: Exit Belize at Benque Viejo del Carmen, enter Guatemala at Melchor de Mencos.
Today we will have a short drive across the Guatemalan border to the phenomenal Mayan ruins of Tikal, where we have an included guided tour.
In Tikal we will camp at a basic campsite close to the ruins.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Daily Activities
Enjoy a guided tour of the phenomenal Mayan ruins of Tikal, one of the greatest ancient sites in the world
Today we have a short drive to the small town of Poptún, stopping in the colonial town of Flores en route. We will arrive at our fantastic eco-lodge near Poptún and have a free afternoon.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to take part in the many optional activities offered at our eco lodge.
In Poptún we will camp at an eco-lodge on a working Guatemalan ranch.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Stay at a wonderful eco-lodge on a working Guatemalan farm near Poptún
Trek out to the incredible River Cave near Poptún, walking through the stunning Guatemalan rural landscape and exploring the underground rivers by candlelight
Head out on a self-guided walk around our eco-lodge, taking in fantastic views of the surrounding rural landscape
Take a day tour out to the nearby Mayan ruins of Ixcun, the comprehensive museum of Dolores and the beautiful waterfall of Mopan
Explore the incredible caves of Naj Tunich, boasting the largest and most exceptional amount of Mayan cave inscriptions, paintings, and hieroglyphs in the world
Today we will have a short drive to Rio Dulce in Guatemala's beautiful central region. On arrival we will have a free afternoon to take part in some optional activities.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
In Rio Dulce we will stay in an eco-lodge.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Enjoy a beautiful boat ride down the Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingston
Take a kayak out to explore the beautiful waters around Rio Dulce at sunrise
Explore deep into the Guatemalan rainforest on foot and trek on the canopy bridges near Rio Dulce
Today we will drive day to San Andres Itzapa, a small village located in the mountains around Antigua. We will spend one night at the community centre of Manos Amigas, run by the Italian NGO 'Mani Amiche' in support of local women who have been abandoned and abused, and who are staying in the centre with their children.
In San Andres Itzapa we will stay in dormitories at the community centre (please note that there is no option to upgrade to private accommodation here).
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Daily Activities
Spend a night at the Manos Amigas community project, a centre which has been set up to support local women and their children
Today we will spend the morning at the Manos Amigas project before heading off on a short drive to Panajachel, situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to enjoy some optional activities such as a boat trip on the lake, to some of the small villages along the shoreline. If possible, we will include a visit to the famous Chichicastenango Market during these days, depending on the weekday. Please note that the market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays so you may not be able to visit during your trip.
In Panajachel we will stay in a nice local hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a tour through the spectacular highlands surrounding Lake Atitlan and Panajanchel, visiting picturesque villages and hot springs
Head out on a boat trip to visit the traditional Mayan villages dotted along the coast of Lake Atitlan
Visit the bewildering Mayan markets at Chichicastenango, taking in the incredible sights, smells, and atmosphere (provided it is running while we are in the area)
Today we will have a short drive to the magnificent city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 60 kms from Guatemala City.
The rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful colonial city and its dramatic surroundings.
In Antigua we will stay in a delightful colonial hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the old Jesuit church of Santo Domingo, an iconic building in Antigua and home to six fascinating museums
Visit the Choco Museum of Antigua, learning all about the history of the culinary use of cocoa ever since the Mayan period
Walk up to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint to get unrivalled vistas over the town of Antigua
Take a tour of the nearby small village community of San Lorenzo, and visit its schools and traditional handicrafts (only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Visit a traditional coffee plantation in the cool hills surrounding Antigua
Participate in a local handicrafts workshop in a village near Antigua, learning traditional weaving, cooking, or woodworking skills
Border information: if joining in Antigua, you will most likely enter Guatemala at Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (IATA code: GUA).
There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
The rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful colonial city and its dramatic surroundings, and to take part in some optional activities. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Antigua before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Antigua.
In Antigua we will stay in a delightful colonial hotel.
We have a free day to enjoy Antigua, take a day trip into the National parks, go hiking or visit a coffee plantation.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a trek up to the famous active volcano of Pacaya near Antigua
Visit a traditional coffee plantation in the cool hills surrounding Antigua
Walk up to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint to get unrivalled vistas over the town of Antigua
Today we will cross the border into El Salvador and drive to the stunning Cerro Verde National Park, where we will be surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanoes and countryside. In the morning we will have will take a guided trek up the nearby Santa Ana volcano (approximately 4 hours).
In Cerro Verde National Park we will camp with basic facilities.
Border information: Exit Guatemala at Ciudad Pedro de Alvarado, enter El Salvador at La Hachadura.
Estimated Drive Time - 9 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
Daily Activities
Visit the spectacular volcanic landscape of Cerro Verde National Park, one of El Salvador's gems
After our trek up the volcano, we will drive to the beautiful town of Suchitoto, where we will some time to explore the town, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, and to learn about the incredible work of the community centre in which we stay.
In Suchitoto we will stay in dormitory rooms at the Centro Arte Para La Paz community centre, which runs many programs for the local communities to build cultural identity, unity, teaching skills, self-sufficiency, environmental equality and a culture of peace.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
On Day 4 we will have a day to explore Suchitoto, have a guided walking tour of the town, head out on a sunset boat trip or take a day trip to San Salvador.
Daily Activities
Spend the night at the wonderful community centre of Centro Arte Para La Paz in Suchitoto, which runs many workshops and projects for the locals in the area
Border information: Exit El Salvador and enter Guatemala at Anguiatú. Exit Guatemala and enter Honduras at El Florido.
Today we will have a full day drive to Honduras, arriving at the small village of Copán.
Estimated Drive Time - 8 hours.
On the following day we will visit the spectacular Mayan ruins of Copán, followed by a free afternoon to explore some of the other highlights in the area.
In Copán we will stay in a local hotel.
Daily Activities
Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent ancient Mayan ruins of Copán
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the beautiful old Mayan stone carvings of Los Sapos, with fantastic views over the town of Copán
Today we will drive to the town of San Pedro Sula and board a short local flight to Roatán, the largest of the famous tropical Bay Islands. On arrival we will transfer to the area of the West End Bay, where we base ourselves for our stay.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
The following day we have some free time to take part in optional activities and of course to relax and swim on the stunning Caribbean beaches here!
In Roatán we will stay in a local hotel near the beach.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out scuba diving to the beautiful coral reefs off the coast of Roatán
Rent sea kayaks to explore the magnificent Caribbean waters surrounding Roatán island
Take an exciting zip lining course on Roatán island
Today we will start early to transfer back to Roatán's airport and catch our flight back to the mainland, rejoining the bus! We will then continue our journey east through Honduras to the beautiful countryside of Lake Yojoa
In Lake Yojoa we will camp for the night in the grounds of a lodge and brewery.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Today we have a big drive day across the border to Nicaragua.
Approximate Drive time - 550km / 12 hrs
The following day we will have free time to explore the town's wonderful colonial architecture or to take part in the many optional activities available here.
In León we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Enjoy a fun and unique trip out to 'sand board' down the ash slopes of the Cerro Negro volcano
Trek up the impressive active Telica volcano near León (please note that this is a fairly strenuous trek and you will need to be in good physical shape to participate - the trek usually takes about 6-7 hours)
Visit the ancient ruins of León Viejo, the original settlement built by the Spanish before the town was moved in 1610
Today we will take a short drive to Nicaraguas's oldest city of Granada, a beautiful town which oozes with colonial charm! En route we will have an included visit to the traditional markets in the small town of Masaya, and witness the incredible active caldera of the nearby Masaya volcano (if its volcanic activity isn't too high).
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
In Granada we will stay in a centrally-located hostel, which has a mixture of private and dormitory rooms.
Daily Activities
Visit the dramatic crater rim of the active Masaya volcano between León and Granada
Visit the traditional markets in Masaya village, famous for its local handicrafts
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the incredible San Francisco Convent and Museum in Granada, the oldest building in Central America dating from 1585
Learn about the cultivation of cocoa and its manufacture into chocolate at the Choco Museo in Granada
This morning we drive to the small town of San Jorge on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. Here we will board a ferry to the stunning volcanic island of Ometepe, where we base ourselves in the port village of Moyogalpa and enjoy free time to explore on arrival.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to explore and take part in optional activities such as the challenging trek to the summit of the Concepción volcano that dominates the island, or seeing some of the mysterious ancient petroglyphs that are dotted through the landscape.
On Ometepe we will stay in a small local hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Climb to the summit of the Madera volcano on Ometepe Island (please note that although this is an easier trek than up Concepción volcano, it is still a very strenuous hike and you need to have a high level of fitness to complete it - the trek usually takes between 7-9 hours)
Freely explore the mysterious pre-Columbian petroglyphs scattered around the island Ometepe
Trek up to the stunning San Ramón waterfall in the forests near Madera volcano
Border information: Exit Nicaragua at Peñas Blancas, enter Costa Rica at Peñas Blancas.
Today we will take an early morning ferry back to San Jorge and drive to La Fortuna in Costa Rica, a stunning town under the shadow of the mighty Arenal volcano.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-6 hours.
On the following day we will have a free day to take optional treks through the incredible surrounding volcanic landscapes or forest canopies, or get involved in many different adventure activities such as zip-lining, white-water rafting, and canyoning. La Fortuna is also famous for its outstanding hot springs, which we will have the opportunity to visit.
In La Fortuna we will stay in excellent cabanas outside of town.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a fantastic white-water rafting trip on the Balsa or Sarapiqui rivers near La Fortuna, some of the best rafting areas in Costa Rica
Take a intense canyoning trip into the rugged gorges of the jungles near Arenal, including several waterfall abseils
Learn all about the intricacies of Costa Rican cuisine on a cooking class in La Fortuna
Today we will leave our overland vehicle behind and transfer by taxi and boat into the dense cloud forests and coffee plantations of Monteverde, a stunning area offering an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On the following day we will have an included guided walk on the trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest National Reserve, followed by a free afternoon to visit some of the town's highlights or enjoy some adventurous activities such as canyoning or horse riding.
In Monteverde we will stay in a local hotel.
Daily Activities
Take a guided trek to explore the stunning forest trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, learning all about the fascinating and beautiful ecosystem there
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take an exhilarating off-road quad biking trip around the stunning countryside of Monteverde (driving licence required)
Explore the incredible cloud forests of Monteverde at the tree-top level on a 3km canopy bridge circuit
Today we will drive to the vibrant city of San Jose, where you have time to explore the historic neighbourhoods, visit some of the museums or galleries and enjoy some live music.
Expected drive time: 150km / 4-5hrs
In San Jose we will stay in a comfortable hotel.
Border information: If you are leaving Costa Rica today, you will most likely exit Costa Rica at Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO).
Today is the final day of our journey. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation.
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