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Central American Highlights

20 DAYS / 19 NIGHTS

from US$ 10,450.00

DISCOVER OUR BEST OF CENTRAL AMERICA VACATION TOUR

CENTRAL AMERICAN HIGHLIGHTS

DISCOVER FIVE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES IN ONE AMAZING TRIP – PRIVATE TOUR 

Central America offers diverse vacation options featuring lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins, with top destinations including Costa Rica for ecotourism, Nicaragua for its lakes, and Guatemala for cultural history. Ideal for adventure and relaxation, visitors can explore volcanoes, snorkel, and visit the Panama Canal.

Explore FIVE amazing countries on your Central America Highlights vacation: Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

The Central American land bridge between Mexico and South America is molded by many small, very diverse, and adjacent countries.

ABOUT YOUR CENTRAL AMERICA TRAVEL PACKAGE:

Discover the cultural and scenic highlights of Central America: vibrant markets in Guatemala, mystical Mayan sites like Tikal, colonial cities such as Antigua, León, and Granada, and breathtaking volcanic and lake landscapes. Exciting boat trips, easy hikes, wildlife and nature observation, and encounters with local cultures—from Mayan traditions to the Emberá village—make this journey particularly enriching.

Culinary highlights such as a cooking class and a chocolate tour complete the experience and your Central America travel package. The extension to Panama offers fascinating insights into Panama City, the world-famous Panama Canal, and tropical rainforests—an unforgettable adventure for explorers.

From/To

Beginning: Guatemala City, Guatemala (ideally Wednesdays)
Ending: Panama City, Panama 

Make sure to also check out our other Multi-Country Tours!

TOUR ITINERARY

of your Central America vacation

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala

Leon, Nicaragua

Embera village, Panama

Panama City, Panama

US $ 5,750.00 per person

in a double room

based on 2 pax traveling

DAY 1

GUATEMALA CITY – TRANSFER IN (-)

Individual arrival at the international airport La Aurora. Your driver will take you to your hotel in the city center.

DAY 2

CHICHICASTENANGO + PANAJACHEL (B)

Our destination today is the famous highland market of Chichicastenango. You will have the opportunity to stroll through what is arguably the most beautiful and colorful market of the highland Indians. Later, visit the over-400-year-old church of Santo Tomás before your journey continues through the panoramic Guatemalan highlands to the colorful and lively town of Panajachel on Lake Atitlán. Fertile hills and three majestic volcanoes lend the lake a fairytale atmosphere.

 

DAY 3

PANAJACHEL – ANTIGUA (B)

Experience the unique atmosphere of Lake Atitlán and its surroundings on a boat trip today. Our destination is the village of Santiago Atitlán, nestled at the foot of majestic volcanoes and the heart of the Tzutujíl Maya civilization. After this fascinating glimpse into the past, we will return to Panajachel by boat and then travel overland to Antigua Guatemala.

DAY 4

ANTIGUA – FLORES – SANTA ELENA (B)

Guided city tour of Antigua, one of the oldest cities in the Americas and the former colonial capital of Central America. Founded in 1543 and almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, it was finally declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979! Numerous monasteries, churches, and convents are scattered throughout the city. Later, travel to Guatemala City and evening flight to Flores in the El Petén region. Short transfer to your hotel in Santa Elena.

DAY 5

SANTA ELENA – TIKAL – GUATEMALA CITY (B)

Today is dedicated to visiting the Mayan site of Tikal, one of the most important and impressive Mayan sites in all of Central America. Tikal flourished between 100 and 900 AD. During the guided tour of the most interesting parts of the site, visit Complex Q, the North and Central Acropolis, the Central Plaza, Temple IV, and the Lost World. Later, flight back to Guatemala City and short transfer to your city hotel.

DAY 6

GUATEMALA CITY – SANTA ANA/EL SALVADOR (B)

Head to the border with El Salvador where you will be met by your tour guide for the coming days in El Salvador. Together, you will begin your journey to the majestic city of Santa Ana, an architectural gem in the west of the country. Before reaching Santa Ana, you will enjoy a leisurely one-hour walk in Cerro Verde National Park. Your hotel is located near the historic center of Santa Ana, a charming colonial city.

DAY 7

SANTA ANA – SUCHITOTO – LA UNION (B)

Today, you travel to the picturesque colonial town of Suchitoto, considered the cultural heart of El Salvador. Comprehensive walking tour through the cobblestone streets, past lovingly restored colonial houses with colorful facades and wrought-iron balconies. Visit the Church of Santa Lucía, the town’s most important landmark, offering breathtaking views over the rooftops of Suchitoto to Lake Suchitlán. Afterward, you’ll continue your journey to El Salvador’s east coast. In La Unión, on the Gulf of Fonseca, end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

DAY 8

GOLF OF FONSECA – LEON, NICARAGUA (B)

Morning water taxi across the Gulf of Fonseca, past volcanic islands and breathtaking coastal scenery. Later, continue your journey overland to the historic city of León in Nicaragua, one of the country’s most culturally significant cities. León is renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant university atmosphere, and pivotal role in Nicaraguan history. This afternoon brings another highlight: an exclusive boat tour through the mangroves of the Juan Venado Wildlife Sanctuary on the Pacific coast. This ecological paradise is home to exotic bird species, reptiles, and other local wildlife. 

DAY 9

LEON – MASAYA VOLCANO – GRANADA (B)

In the morning, you will visit the charming city of León, considered the cradle of Nicaragua’s art, poetry, and history. Discover the city’s vibrant, colorful streets and visit the Basilica Cathedral of León, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, make your way to Nicaragua’s colonial highlight: Granada. En route, visit Masaya Volcano -one of the few volcanoes in the world where you can experience an active crater up close- a fascinating natural spectacle that serves as a spectacular conclusion to this day of travel.

DAY 10

GRANADA – COOKING LESSON – ISLETAS (B/L)

Walking tour of Granada, the colonial jewel of Nicaragua. You’ll visit important landmarks such as the Convento & Museo San Francisco and the Church of La Merced. Later, visit a local market and shop for the ingredients for lunch. A local chef will introduce you to the secrets of Nicaraguan cuisine. Enjoy your self-prepared meal before enjoying a boat trip through the “Las Isletas” (Isletas). These small islands were formed by past volcanic eruptions and create a unique labyrinth of natural channels. 

DAY 11

VOLCAN MOMBACHO – OMETEPE ISLAND (B)

Today, travel to the foot of the imposing Mombacho Volcano. Later, board a four-wheel-drive vehicle that will take you up a winding road to the higher elevations of the extinct volcano where you will embark on an easy hike through the mystical cloud forest that blankets Mombacho. Afterward, continue your journey along the famous Pan-American Highway toward the port of San Jorge. Ferry ride to Ometepe Island, a true natural gem comprised of two majestic volcanoes in the middle of Lake Nicaragua.

DAY 12

OMETEPE (B)

In the morning, a walk around the nearby Charco Verde lake in the nature reserve is highly recommended. The view of the Concepción volcano with the lake in the foreground makes for a rewarding photo opportunity. Listen for and observe the various birds. You might even spot howler monkeys in the trees. Later, a guided kayaking trip on Lake Nicaragua awaits you. You will paddle along the lakeshore to the mouth of the Istian wetlands and meander inland through the channels, observing herons and other bird species up close.

DAY 13

OMETEPE – SANTA ROSA NP/COSTA RICA (B)

Time to say goodbye to the multifaceted country of Nicaragua! Ferry back to San Jorge and continue to the Peñas Blancas border crossing. From there, head to Santa Rosa National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most historically significant protected areas. View the historic Casona de Santa Rosa and embark on a hike through the dry forest, one of the country’s rarest ecosystems. You might spot howler monkeys, agoutis, or other native wildlife. Finally, continue your journey to your hotel near Cañas.

DAY 14

WATERFALLS VIENTO FRESCO – LA FORTUNA (B)

A diverse nature experience awaits you today in the Tilaran region. Enjoy a short hike to several waterfalls begins. Along the way, a viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the El Tobogán waterfall. Catarata Arcoiris, the largest waterfall in the area, offers a natural pool that’s ideal for swimming. Rainbows often appear here on sunny days. Later, continue your journey to La Fortuna.

DAY 15

LA FORTUNA (B)

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of cacao and chocolate! In this interactive, hands-on experience, you’ll follow cacao from its origins to the finished product. Lean about harvesting cacao pods, the traditional processing of the beans, the preparation of the cacao-based beverage of our ancestors, and sampling your own organic chocolate.

Afternoon at your leisure. Relax or book additional activities, such as a hike to the Arenal volcano, ziplining, or a boat safari on the Peñas Blancas River.

DAY 16

LA FORTUNA – SARCHI – ALAJUELA (B)

Today we travel to Sarchí, known for its traditional handicrafts and colorful, hand-painted oxcarts. Afterwards, we continue to the Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, a 20-hectare oasis of biodiversity. The garden also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and fascinating insights into tropical flora – a tranquil and enriching experience for nature and plant lovers.

Afterwards, transfer to your hotel near the airport.

DAY 17

ALAJUELA – AIRPORT SAN JOSE – PANAMA CITY TOUR/PANAMA (B)

Short transfer to SJO airport and flight to Panama city, Panama. Your guide awaits you upon arrival and you start your Panama City Tour, surely a highlight of your Central America vacation.

The guided tour includes a visit to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center of the Panama Canal. Later, stop at the ruins of Panamá Viejo, the country’s first settlement from the 16th century, and enjoy a walking tour of old city center Casco Antiguo (UNESCO World Heritage site).
Your hotel is located in the modern city. 

DAY 18

VISIT AN INDIGENOUS EMBERA VILLAGE (B/L)

Transfer to Lake Alajuela. From here, small dug-out-boats take you up the Chagres River. A fascinating jungle backdrop will accompany your ride. In the village of the Emberá tribe you will gain authentic insights into a culture that has inhabited this land long before the Europeans discovered the new continent. Visitors are greeted by rhythmic sounds of traditional instruments. After a simple lunch, you return to modern Panama.

DAY 19

PARTIAL TRANSIT OF THE PANAMA CANAL (B/L)

Discover the world-famous Panama Canal on our most popular Partial Transit Cruise—a one-day Panama Canal boat tour featuring the Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, the Culebra Cut, and stunning views of Panama City and the Pacific entrance of the Canal.

DAY 20

PANAMA CITY – AIRPORT TRANSFER (B)

During the course of the day, private transfer to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) for your return flight. Thank you for traveling with us!

Price (private): from US$ 10,450.00 per person in a double room

Included services

  • All transfers and transportation in comfortable vehicles with a/c and by boat according to program
  • Accommodation in standard rooms with private bathrooms
  • Meals as per description
  • English-speaking tour guide for excursions, transfers with local drivers; the tour guides change per country.
  • All entrance fees for the mentioned excursions and activities
  • Domestic flight GUA-FRS-GUA
  • International flight SJO-PTY
  • Travel documentation with useful information

Not included

  • Tourist cards and border fees (between US$ 4-10 per person)
  • Tips
  • Beverages
  • Additional meals
  • All extras in the hotels
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

LET'S PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP!

You can request a quote, chat with us, email us, or schedule a free call right here.


We are here to design extraordinary Central America travel packages tailored to your wishes. Every itinerary is handcrafted!

Contact us today and let's create something magical together. 

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