Epic Central America

Bienvenidos! Your adventure starts in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, Mexico City has plenty of museums, galleries and walkable streets to keep you busy. Maybe check out the Chapultepec area with its many museums, hop on one of the colourfully painted boats that cruise through the canal district of Xochimilco or head to the National Palace to see the murals of Diego Rivera. After your meeting tonight, you might want to seek out some tacos for dinner (try to place your order in Spanish)! If you want to explore the vibrant nightlife tonight, your trip leader will have the best recommendations.

Maybe grab some chilaquiles (a type of breakfast nachos) this morning, then join your leader for an orientation walk around the historic centre of the city. Mexico City can feel overwhelming due to its sheer size and volume of people, but your leader will know where to go. Along the way, visit our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva - an organisation tackling food scarcity and homelessness while promoting a sustainable food movement in Mexico. Walking makes you hungry, so it’s time to head on an included taco crawl and sample a couple of tacos from local street food vendors. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy – if you like art, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a must-see, and for all museum lovers, there's also the Museum of Anthropology or the Palace of Fine Art. Don’t forget to snack your way around the city too, munching on tostadas, tortas, and chicharrones.

Take a public bus to the smaller but no less beautiful city of Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’). This colourful town in the south is full of colonial buildings, colourful arcades and busy markets. You’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings when you arrive. With two full days here, you’ll have heaps of time to explore the narrow, cobbled streets in the city, as well as the culture and natural beauty of the surrounding area. Indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec selling colourful woven blankets and shawls populate the markets – a great place to shop for textiles, as well as margarita flavours. Here, you’ll also find some tasty regional food specialties – everything from cactus fruit to spicy baked chilli and lime grasshoppers. Make sure you pick up a tejate (a maize and cinnamon-flavoured chocolate drink served cold).

The city (and state) of Oaxaca is yours to explore on this free day. Perhaps head to the mountaintop temples of Monte Alban just outside the city. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples and is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre. The settlement's terraces, dams, canals and pyramids were carved out of the mountain. You’d better have your camera ready because up here you can get a fantastic view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Alternatively, you could take a day tour of the nearby Mitla Ruins. Mitla (the Nahuatl word for ‘underworld’) is an important Zapotec archaeological site and was the main religious centre for the Zapotec people. For something more relaxing, drop by the springs of Hierve el Agua – a series of mineral pools and calcified waterfalls dotted on top of a mountain, providing sweeping views of the Mexican countryside.

Today is another free day in Oaxaca, but you’ll board an overnight bus later tonight to the mountain-top village of San Cristobal de las Casas. You’ve got today to bask in the colour and sights of Oaxaca, so why not test out your culinary skills at a cooking class. Otherwise, check out the artisan stores in the markets and around town, or head to the historic Templo de Santo Domingo – a grand stone church with a large forecourt.

This afternoon, say ‘hola’ to San Cristobal, your pastel-hued highland home for the next two days. Your leader will point out the main things to know on a leader-led orientation walk this morning. With its winding cobblestone streets snuggled in the Chiapas highlands, San Cristobal de las Casas has an old-world feel mixed with strong pre-Hispanic roots. After your walk, you’ll head to the colourful Santo Domingo textile market with your group – one of the best spots to shop for jewellery and clothing. After, maybe wander to a local cafe and check out their baked goods or try some pox (a traditional corn-based liquor, often flavoured with other ingredients).

There’s no alarm clock needed this morning as today is yours to explore San Cristobal de las Casas at your own leisure. Maybe take in the cobblestone streets and architecture, soaking up the old-world feel that’s mixed with strong, pre-Hispanic roots. If you're in the mood for adventure, maybe take a trip to Sumidero Canyon, where you can take a boat down the mighty Rio Grijalva. Or you might like to get things pumping with further exploration of the villages by mountain bike.

Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque. When you arrive, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Situated in a steamy jungle, Palenque is a central town close to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name, which you'll have a chance to check out tomorrow.

This morning, you’ll head to the archaeological zone and visit the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD 600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you take a self-guided walk among the temples, listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and screeching parrots echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins that are still un-excavated and remain concealed in the forest. You can opt to take a guided tour of the ruins or through the surrounding jungle to a hidden waterfall (at an extra fee). The area gives you an idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they arrived. This afternoon visit Misol-Ha, where the cascading falls and quiet surroundings create a refreshing escape into nature.

Take a local bus to the coast to spend the night in Campeche – a seaside town with photogenic streets lined with multi-coloured low-rise buildings. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. For dinner tonight, you’ll find good seafood almost anywhere, and some great local restaurants at Portales de San Martin.

Tavel to the city of Valladolid, known for its pastel-coloured buildings. On the way, visit the town of Becal, known as ‘the Hat Town’, where your group will meet with an artisan who weaves traditional jipi hats (named after the variety of palm used to make them). Learn about the history of jipi and how the palm bunches are hung out to dry, often in the backyards of local homes. Once dyed and dried, a skilled artisan braids the palm strands into beautiful hats, often working in a homemade cave – the cave's humidity makes the palm fibers easier to manipulate. After talking with the locals, you’ll carry onto Valladolid. When you arrive, visit a local market with your leader and enjoy a free evening to explore at your own pace.

Today is a free day to explore Valladolid and its surroundings. Maybe start the day with a morning walk around the city’s gorgeous streets, then visit one of the nearby cenotes – Xkeken, Samula, Nool-Ha and Suytun are all gorgeous natural swimming holes and you can spend your day lazing in the underground cave, with huge stalactites hanging above, swimming in the electric blue waters. Tonight, maybe ask your leader where the best spots for some local food are.

This morning see one of the new Seven Wonders of the World at Chichen Itza – considered the most important examples of the fusion of Maya and Toltec traditions in Yucatan. See the Caracol (a circular stellar observatory), the Great Ball Court (the largest field in Mesoamerica), the main sight in El Castillo (a step pyramid dominating the centre of the site) and many more historic ruins (don’t forget your camera!). For lunch, get to know a local family over a pibil feast in Piste (a traditional Maya style of cooking that involves wrapping food in banana leaves and barbecuing it underground). After, head to the Yokdzonot cenote for a swim. Surrounded by hanging vines, the cenote was developed by a group of local Maya women as a sustainable and communally owned source of employment for the local people. Later, continue to Playa del Carmen. Blessed with clear waters and gorgeous beaches, you can spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves or in underground caverns or strolling along the white sands of the playa (beach). Your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the city when you arrive. Tonight, maybe feast on seafood, kick back with your group and watch the waves with a margarita

The day is yours to explore - Playa del Carmen is the perfect spot to soak up some free time. Perhaps go for a walk through the town, relax on the beach or take the ferry across to Cozumel – this island is known for its reef diving. You’ll have another meeting tonight at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you. After, head out with your leader for an included dinner at a local taquisa for tacos – make sure you order one with freshly caught fish! To improve your lingo, your leader will also conduct an informal Spanish lesson between bites, so that you can understand your burritos from your banos.

Today, you’ll hop on a local bus and travel along the Caribbean coast to Tulum, where it's all about that laidback life on the white sands of the Yucatan Peninsula. Head out on a leader-led orientation walk around Tulum and maybe visit a Maya site that’s full of hidden details – the Temple of the Frescoes. See how this walled city of ruins clings to a clifftop overlooking the ocean. Grab some cool photos before heading down to the beach for an optional swim with the ruins towering over you. Tonight, maybe kick back and watch the waves roll in at a beachside bar.

With a free day to relax in Tulum, you can settle into the laidback vibe this coastal city has to offer. Maybe rent a bike and cruise around the area on two wheels. The town is heaving with cool cafes and restaurants with many vegetarian and vegan options. There are also plenty of places to relax the mind and the body through yoga and meditation. Maybe you’d like to explore Dos Ojos (two eyes) – one of the area's most famous cenotes (natural sinkholes), this pair of connected caves is an underwater world full of stalagmites and stalactites. Tonight, maybe you’ll explore the vibrant nightlife of Tulum with your fellow travellers – check out a DJ set at a beach club or enjoy a live band.

Say adios to Mexico and hello to Belize. You’ll have a long travel day today, so grab a window seat if you can or get stuck into a good book. This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a bit better! You’ll drive by local bus to the border, then carry on to Belize City. When you arrive, let the wind and the sea wake you right up after a big day of travel with a speedboat ride to the palm-fringed island of Caye Caulker.

Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy. It’s said that the pace of life is so slow here that it's almost backwards! If being underwater is your thing, maybe head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the world's second-largest barrier reef. Snorkel among the colourful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. You can also take daytrips to other nearby Cayes, as each island has its own charm. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which makes chatting with locals much easier here.

Today is another free day to take up any other optional activities you like, or to simply pull up a towel and relax on the beach with a book, a cocktail or some friends. If you’ve already been snorkelling, maybe continue your marine exploration with a manatee tour. Get a bit more active with kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding or take the chill route and just relax on the beach. This island's also great for food and is famed for its lobster and tasty street food. How about some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with the local fire-water.

Leave island paradise behind today and return to Belize City by boat, before taking a local bus to San Ignacio via Belize’s capital, Belmopan. The local buses here are a little more basic than in Mexico, but this is a great opportunity to mix with Belizeans and get a feel for local life. Arrive in San Ignacio – a lively town that makes a solid base for exploring the surrounding fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins. After a leader-led orientation walk, your afternoon is free, so maybe visit the Chaa Creek butterfly garden to see the Belizean Blue butterfly or stop by a barbecue street food stall for a char-grilled chicken leg for dinner.

There’s heaps to do in San Ignacio, so your free day today has endless possibilities. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Maya relics – you can wade through its waters until you reach the remains of 1100-year-old calcified skeletons. You might take a day tour to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to visit waterfalls and swimming holes or float down the Macal River in canoes or tubes. If you prefer a slower pace, maybe take a trip to Xunantunich – an impressive ancient Maya city. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry down the river. Back in San Ignacio tonight, maybe walk down Burns Avenue and join the locals for a chat in one of the many restaurants or street food stalls.

Today you’ll leave San Ignacio, cross the border and get dropped off at Tikal National Park – often referred to as the Maya Forest. Check in at your hotel before exploring the ruins of Tikal, which was one of the most powerful cities in ancient Maya civilisation. Pass through the lush jungle vegetation, and if you've got the energy, climb the tallest structure in Tikal, Temple IV, to take in the epic canopy views and grab some awesome photos. While you’re here, consider taking an optional guided tour to check out more of the area.

Head from the jungle to the lakeside town of Flores this morning. Here, there's time to grab some lunch and briefly explore the town. Then it's back to the private vehicle and you’re off to Rio Dulce! When you arrive, you’ll transfer to the hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also by boat, which can be organised through the hotel – or you can take a short walk through the jungle. Take some time to absorb the atmosphere of this laidback Caribbean town, which has a different vibe to the inland communities. A highlight for many guests is the Casa Natural – an open-air accommodation with screened-in rooms, shared bathrooms and a lounge looking out to the surrounding jungle.

There are loads of activities to choose from in Rio Dulce today. Take a scenic boat trip down the river to Livingston – an easy-going town on the Caribbean coast that offers the unique experience of local Garifuna culture. Go boating on the lake or explore the nearby San Felipe de Lara fort in Livingston. You could also hike through the forest of the surrounding Chocon-Machacas natural reserve and spot the protected manatees of the area. Your local leader can always help with recommendations and bookings for activities over the course of your adventure.

This morning you’ll travel to Antigua. When you arrive, maybe stroll around the city and tuck into some tasty tamales (a local dish served in a corn husk or banana leaf) or pepian (a spiced meat stew of chicken, beef or pork). You'll find the best value food in the square next to the La Merced Church.

Travel by private vehicle to the famous market in Chichicastenango (nicknamed Chichi market). This is the most colourful market in the country. On Thursdays and Sundays, locals come from the surrounding villages to sell their wares and the streets come alive with stalls where you can stock up on cool trinkets. After visiting Chichi, head to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, where you'll check in to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll join your group for dinner at a local pupuseria – an eatery specialising in round corn cakes called pupusas, which are stuffed with a range of fillings like cheese, beans or meat.

This morning, make a trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Mayan village life. Visit a local midwife to learn about this traditional and sacred Maya art. Then visit the village's medicinal garden before a hands-on workshop where you'll learn about Mayan textile weaving and dyeing techniques. Hungry yet? Settle in for a home-cooked lunch with your hosts and chat about life in the village. This is the perfect way to really immerse yourself in local culture and get off the beaten track. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Panajachel and soak up the views of deep blue Lake Atitlan with a free evening.

After breakfast, hit the road back to Antigua – four nearby volcanoes dominate the horizon, creating a unique landscape. Join your leader on a walk to orientate yourself around this World Heritage-listed city that’s paved with cobblestones and full of leafy town squares and ornate churches. There are hushed museums and lively indigenous markets to explore here, or you could cycle the countryside and chase views of mountain peaks and deep valleys. If you're into salsa dancing – or if you'd just like to learn some moves – Antigua is the place to be! Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so maybe sign up and get moving. Tonight, why not bring out your new moves and dance the night away.

You have a free day in Antigua today, so why not explore the vibrant buildings and curved archways further, or hike around the puffing volcanoes of Pacaya, Agua and Jumaytepeque. The number one stop for any chocoholic should be the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll get a history lesson and, more excitingly, participate in a chocolate-making workshop. For those more interested in the other famous Central American bean, you can go on a coffee tour, visit the plantations, do some tastings and even buy some for the road. Tonight, you’ll have another meeting at 6 pm to meet your new fellow travellers.

Today will be an early start as you journey across the Guatemalan border to your next destination – Cerro Verde, El Salvador. From rolling hills to rolling Rs, watch the world go by from the comfort of your private vehicle as you travel through lush volcanic landscapes and endless mountain terrain while learning the local lingo from your leader in an informal Spanish lesson. Arrive in Cerro Verde in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Today is all about fuelling up with local favourites and getting outdoors! Maybe visit Santa Ana’s volcanic crater for spectacular views of Lake Coatepeque, Juayua and Izalco Volcano. Or, instead of admiring the view from the crater, why not take a dip in Lake Coatepeque. There are many ways to keep busy in one of El Salvador's most beautiful national parks. El Salvador is also home to pupusas (a flatbread made from cornmeal and often stuffed with fillings like cheese, fried pork or refried beans), and tonight, you’ll watch a pupusa-making demonstration, then try some for yourself. Yum!

This morning, you’ll continue south by private vehicle, passing through the capital of San Salvador on your way to San Miguel. Resting in the shadows of Chaparrastique, an active volcano sets the backdrop to this vibrant town. San Miguel has rebuilt itself into one of the country's largest and most populated cities since facing a severe earthquake in 1917. This afternoon, explore the city on foot, opt to take a swim at the Cuevas de Moncagua or find a good dinner spot to hole up with a few new travel buddies.

Say a quick hola and adios to Honduras as you cross through two borders to reach ‘the land of lakes and volcanoes’ – Nicaragua (or Nica, as it’s known locally). The drive will be well worth the ride as you’re welcomed into the artsy and sophisticated city of Leon. Why not refuel after your journey with some traditional Nicaraguan dishes like gallo pinto (this hearty combination of rice and beans is the national dish) or quesillo (corn tortillas filled with melted cheese, pickled onion and sour cream). Home to one of the oldest universities in Central America, Leon is considered a ‘college town’ and is known for its youthful, fun atmosphere and nightlife. Why not head out with the group tonight for an optional salsa class.

You’ll join your leader on an orientation walk around Leon this morning. Then, take some time to explore on your own, maybe checking out the Basilica de la Asuncion – Central America’s largest cathedral. Or, stop by the Museo Historico de la Revolucion for an insight into revolutionaries who fought hard for the freedom of their country. You might like to go volcano sandboarding (this is the only place in the world where you can do it) in the dunes. If you’re feeling peckish, why not fill up on a traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs and gallo pinto before heading to Granada – founded in 1524 and scattered with colourful architecture, this city sits on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes.

This morning, you’ll have breakfast with your group at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a local cafe run entirely by deaf people. The cafe's owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities. Then, you’re free to explore Granada – maybe you’d like to take a guided tour of the city, visit the markets or wander the cobblestone streets, snapping photos of the colourful buildings. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, opt to hire a kayak and paddle around the islets of Lake Nicaragua, rent a bike and ride to Laguna De Apoyo (a 200-year-old lake set into a lush forest crater), or hike through the flora and fauna along the Mombacho Volcano Crater Trail. For a cultural insight into the heritage of the Nicaraguan people, the city of Masaya (or the ‘City of Flowers’) offers a variety of folkloric entertainment, from marimba music to street theatre. Tonight, maybe spend your evening along Calle la Calzada, where you can grab a drink at one of the many outdoor bars and watch the wandering performers bring the street to life.

This morning, travel by local bus to Rivas, where you'll transfer to San Jorge ferry port by taxi. Catch a ferry across Lake Nicaragua (the largest in Central America and the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world) to the island of Ometepe and head to your hotel. The Hourglass-shaped island was formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua (Ometepe literally means two volcanoes in the Nahuatl language), and the deep jungle is home to wildlife such as Capuchin monkeys and parrots. Sit on the shore and watch fishermen return from a long day on the water with their catch or hike to a nearby waterfall.

Take advantage of a free day in this bucket list location to discover the island at your own pace. Maybe hike to the summit of Maderas volcano – but be warned, at 1394 m above sea level, this trek is no walk in the park. You might prefer to splash around in the natural springs, soak up the sun on the shore or check out the island's petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings). If you like watermelon, banana and citrus fruits, this is the place for you as you’ll have loads of delicious fresh fruit to feast on. Tonight, head to Los Ramos – an indigenous community in the middle of the island’s volcanoes – for a cooking class. Learn traditional techniques used to make Nicaraguan dishes like nacatamales (a dough-based snack often filled with meat and steamed in banana leaves) before sitting down for a meal together.

Today you’ll journey by ferry and public bus to San Juan del Sur – a laidback surf town on Nicaragua’s southwest coast. Though the beach that lines the town’s horseshoe bay isn’t particularly great for swimming, you don’t need to travel far to find golden beaches with year-round waves. You’ll have some free time today to acquaint yourself with this fun town – tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group.

Enjoy a free day exploring San Juan del Sur’s colourful coastal scenery. You might like to head south to La Flor Beach Reserve, where it’s possible to see olive ridley, hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles nesting between July and November. A massive statue of Christ (the largest in Central America) sits atop a cliff above the bay, so why not hike to the top for spectacular views of the town and the Pacific. In the evening, the city boasts a variety of great bars and restaurants where you can share a meal or a few drinks with the group.

Say adios to Nicaragua and continue your journey south to Costa Rica this morning. Take a bus to the border and then travel by private vehicle to Monteverde. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers – these settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Cloud forests are similar to rainforests, but instead, draw their water from a semi-permanent cloud covering the region. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the misty, panoramic views surrounding you – this is truly a nature lover's paradise! More than 2000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species call Montverde home – be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Today you have a free day to discover the reserve. Monteverde is not for the faint-hearted, so bring your sense of adventure and a solid pair of shoes. Maybe hike through the cloud forest, check out the area by mountain bike or fly over the canopy on a zip-line tour. Another way to see the forest from above is to take a tour along a series of hanging bridges suspended 40 m above the jungle. You can explore the park on your own or arrange for a local guide to accompany you. The guides are very knowledgeable and happy to engage in conversation. To see some wildlife up close, visit the butterfly and insect gardens. There are also several cooperatives worth visiting in the local communities.

Continue your journey through Costa Rica and take the scenic route to La Fortuna. Travel by shared minibus to Lake Arenal, then cross by boat. On a clear day, you'll see fantastic views of the surrounding area. On the other side of the lake, reboard the minibus and continue to your destination. La Fortuna is a small town just a few minutes from Costa Rica's most famous volcano – Arenal. While you're here, you might like to take some photos of the volcano reflected in the lake.

There are plenty of optional activities to participate in today. Maybe take a guided nature hike through the lush forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals, or opt to see the forest from a series of hanging bridges. Check out the 70 m high La Fortuna waterfall or get wet with some water sports on the lake, like stand-up paddle boarding. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area is home to several thermal hot springs – an ideal way to relax in the middle of nature. Alternatively, a boat safari down the Celeste River offers the opportunity to see lizards, crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat.

This morning, you’ll take a local bus to Costa Rica's capital – San Jose. Situated in the fertile Central Valley and home to over half the country's population, San Jose has lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. A good place to start your exploration is the central plaza. The Gold Museum also has a collection of over 1500 pieces of indigenous gold art. If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. This afternoon, you might want to rejoin your group for a final farewell dinner (or a guaro sour) and say muchas gracias to your Central American journey.

Today, there are no activities planned and your Central American adventure comes to an end. As there's a lot to see and do in and around San Jose, it’s recommended you stay here for a few days to make the most of the city. If you'd like to extend your visit, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.