11 Nov 2026
Twin share
£4,580pp
Single from £5,845
Escorted tour
Central America Explorer: Panama to Guatemala Overland – 25 Days
Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala overland, in a small group of up to 18.
25 days
From £4,580
Tour overview
This 25-day small-group journey crosses Central America overland, from the Panama Canal to the colonial streets of Antigua, through six countries. Groups have between 4 and 18 travellers aged 16 and over, with a tour leader throughout and local guides at key sites. You travel by bus, boat and ferry and stay in comfortable hotels and nature lodges, from a rainforest lodge in Sarapiquí to a volcano lodge at Rincón de la Vieja. Breakfast is included daily, with one lunch, leaving you free to try local food. The trip is land-only, starting in Panama City and ending in Antigua.
Panama City mixes a colonial old town with a modern skyline, and you watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. Heading west, you stay in the coffee town of Boquete beneath Volcán Barú, then take a boat to the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro for two days of beaches and optional snorkelling.
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Costa Rica is the nature-lover's heart of the trip: the rainforest around Sarapiquí, the cone of Arenal Volcano and its hot springs, a guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest looking for quetzals and bellbirds, and the bubbling mud pots and waterfalls of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. In Nicaragua you take the ferry to Ometepe, an island of two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua, then explore colonial Granada, hike the Mombacho crater and visit revolutionary León.
A water taxi across the Gulf of Fonseca brings you to El Salvador for a tour of San Salvador and the Joya de Cerén, a Maya village preserved under volcanic ash, and two nights in the cobbled colonial town of Suchitoto. Crossing into Honduras, you visit the great Maya site of Copán with a local guide, before ending with three nights in Antigua, framed by volcanoes, with options to visit Lake Atitlán or Chichicastenango market.
The physical rating is medium, with long travel days, border crossings and optional hikes. This trip suits travellers who want to see the whole isthmus in one journey, mixing wildlife, volcanoes, beaches and colonial towns.
Trip highlights
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The Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks (Day 2)
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The Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro (Days 4–5)
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Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest (Days 8–9)
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Ometepe Island and colonial Granada (Days 12–15)
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Joya de Cerén and Suchitoto in El Salvador (Days 18–19)
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The Maya ruins of Copán and three nights in Antigua (Days 21–24)
Your route
18 stops from Panama City to Antigua
- Panama City Days 1–2
- David Day 3
- Boquete Day 3
- Bocas del Toro Days 4–5
- Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí Day 6
- Arenal Volcano Day 7
- Monteverde Days 8–9
- Rincón de la Vieja Days 10–11
- San Jorge Days 12 & 14
- Ometepe Island Days 12–13
- Granada Days 14–15
- León Day 16
- Potosí Day 17
- La Unión Day 17
- San Salvador Day 18
- Suchitoto Days 18–19
- Copán Ruinas Days 20–21
- Antigua Days 22–24
Why choose this tour
Six countries overland in under four weeks, with plenty of free time and optional adventures. Combines Costa Rica's wildlife with lesser-visited Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras.
Best suited to
- Travellers who want to see the whole of Central America
- Nature lovers keen on volcanoes, cloud forest and wildlife
- Independent-minded travellers who like free time
- Anyone interested in colonial towns and Maya history
Day-by-day itinerary
25 days from Panama City, Panama to Antigua, Guatemala
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Day 1 · Panama City Arrive in Panama City
Arrive in Panama City, a capital of Spanish colonial streets and modern towers on the Pacific. Meet your leader and group at the welcome meeting.
- Hotel
- Urban Riande Granada or similar
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Day 2 · Miraflores Locks, Panama City The Panama Canal
Visit the Miraflores Locks to watch ships pass through the Panama Canal, an engineering wonder 50 miles long. The afternoon is free to explore the old town, Casco Viejo.
- Hotel
- Urban Riande Granada or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · David, Boquete To Boquete
Travel west to the Chiriquí highlands and the coffee town of Boquete, beneath Volcán Barú, Panama's highest peak.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Almirante, Bocas del Toro Boat to Bocas del Toro
After a free morning in Boquete, drive to Almirante and take a boat to Isla Colón and the laid-back Caribbean town of Bocas del Toro.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 5 · Bocas del Toro Free day in Bocas del Toro
A free day on the islands, ringed by beaches, with options to snorkel over the reefs or look for dolphins and sloths.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Sarapiquí Into Costa Rica: Sarapiquí
Return to the mainland by boat and drive north across the border to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, a region at the forefront of Costa Rica's rainforest conservation.
- Hotel
- Rainforest lodge
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Arenal Arenal
Explore the area around Sarapiquí in the morning, then travel to Arenal, with the option of an evening soak in the volcanic hot springs.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Arenal Volcano to Monteverde
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park and its perfect volcanic cone, then continue to the cloud-forest town of Monteverde.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 9 · Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Monteverde Cloud Forest
Rise early for a guided walk through the cloud forest, looking for the three-wattled bellbird and the resplendent quetzal. Optional canopy tours and night walks are available.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 10 · Rincón de la Vieja To Rincón de la Vieja
Travel to Rincón de la Vieja, a volcanic national park near the Nicaraguan border, with a free afternoon for optional hikes, horse riding or hot springs.
- Hotel
- Lodge
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 11 · Las Pailas Trail Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Hike the Las Pailas trail, about 3 km past fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and dry forest where monkeys and coatis are often seen.
- Hotel
- Lodge
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 12 · San Jorge, Ometepe Island Into Nicaragua: Ometepe
Cross into Nicaragua and take the ferry from San Jorge to Ometepe, an island formed by two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua.
- Hotel
- Hotel Villa Paraíso or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 13 · Ometepe Island Free day on Ometepe
A free day to explore the island: swim at a natural spring, cycle to beaches and petroglyphs, or hike on the slopes of a volcano.
- Hotel
- Hotel Villa Paraíso or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 14 · Granada Granada
Return to the mainland and drive to Granada, a colonial gem on the shore of Lake Nicaragua at the foot of Mombacho Volcano, for a city tour.
- Hotel
- Hotel Patio del Malinche or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 15 · Mombacho Volcano Mombacho crater
Hike the short but demanding loop around the crater of Mombacho Volcano with a local guide, then enjoy a free afternoon in Granada.
- Hotel
- Hotel Patio del Malinche or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 16 · León León
Drive to León, the old colonial capital, for an orientation walk through its cathedral square and revolutionary murals, with the option of hiking Cerro Negro volcano.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 17 · Gulf of Fonseca, La Unión Across the Gulf of Fonseca
Leave Nicaragua by water taxi across the Gulf of Fonseca to El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, with lunch included.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 18 · San Salvador, Joya de Cerén, Suchitoto San Salvador and Joya de Cerén
Tour the capital, San Salvador, and visit Joya de Cerén, a Maya farming village preserved under volcanic ash, before continuing to Suchitoto.
- Hotel
- La Posada de Suchitlán or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 19 · Suchitoto, Lake Suchitlán Free day in Suchitoto
A free day in this timeless colonial town of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, perhaps for a boat trip on Lake Suchitlán or an indigo-dyeing workshop.
- Hotel
- La Posada de Suchitlán or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 20 · Copán Ruinas To Copán in Honduras
Cross into Guatemala and then into Honduras at El Florido to reach the small town of Copán Ruinas.
- Hotel
- Hotel Plaza Copán or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 21 · Copán Copán ruins
Explore the UNESCO-listed Maya site of Copán with a local guide, famous for its carved stelae and Hieroglyphic Stairway, with a free afternoon.
- Hotel
- Hotel Plaza Copán or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 22 · Antigua Antigua
Drive into Guatemala to Antigua, set in a valley between the volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, for an orientation walk.
- Hotel
- Villa Colonial or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 23 · Antigua, Chichicastenango Free day in Antigua
Explore Antigua's churches, convents and cafés, or join an optional trip to the market at Chichicastenango.
- Hotel
- Villa Colonial or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 24 · Antigua, Lake Atitlán Antigua or Lake Atitlán
Another free day, perhaps for an optional trip to Lake Atitlán and the town of Panajachel, surrounded by volcanoes.
- Hotel
- Villa Colonial or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 25 · Antigua Trip ends in Antigua
The trip ends after breakfast. Allow plenty of time to reach the airport in Guatemala City, as traffic can be heavy.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Panama City (2 nights) Urban Riande Granada or similar
- Boquete (1 night) Hotel
- Bocas del Toro (2 nights) Hotel
- Sarapiquí (1 night) Rainforest lodge
- Arenal (1 night) Hotel
- Monteverde (2 nights) Hotel
- Rincón de la Vieja (2 nights) Lodge
- Ometepe Island (2 nights) Hotel Villa Paraíso or similar
- Granada (2 nights) Hotel Patio del Malinche or similar
- León (1 night) Hotel
- La Unión (1 night) Hotel
- Suchitoto (2 nights) La Posada de Suchitlán or similar
- Copán Ruinas (2 nights) Hotel Plaza Copán or similar
- Antigua (3 nights) Villa Colonial or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 24 nights in hotels and lodges
- Meals 24 breakfasts and 1 lunch
- Transport bus, boats to Bocas del Toro and Ometepe, and a water taxi across the Gulf of Fonseca
- Guided visits the Panama Canal, Arenal Volcano, a Monteverde cloud forest walk, Rincón de la Vieja, Granada, León, San Salvador and Joya de Cerén, Copán and Antigua
- Tour leader throughout, with local guides at key sites
Not included
- International flights to Panama City and from Guatemala
- Airport transfers
- Border fees and visas where required
- Meals not listed and optional activities
- Single supplement, tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want flights included — they are not
- You want most meals included — breakfasts and one lunch
- You dislike long travel days — there are several, with border crossings
- You want luxury hotels — accommodation is comfortable but simple
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £4,580 per person, twin share, tour only. 5 upcoming departures.
13 Jan 2027
Twin share
£4,695pp
Single from £6,020
10 Feb 2027
Twin share
£4,795pp
Single from £6,240
31 Mar 2027
Twin share
£4,795pp
Single from £6,240
17 Nov 2027
Twin share
£4,695pp
Single from £6,020
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
How many countries do we visit?
Six: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, with several land border crossings and a water taxi across the Gulf of Fonseca.
How active is the trip?
The physical rating is medium. Included walks are in Monteverde, Rincón de la Vieja and on the Mombacho crater, with many optional hikes.
What meals are included?
24 breakfasts and 1 lunch, leaving you free to try local restaurants and street food along the way.
Are there border fees?
Yes, several countries charge small entry or exit fees at land borders, paid locally. Your leader will advise on the current amounts.
What is the accommodation like?
Comfortable hotels and nature lodges, including a rainforest lodge in Sarapiquí and a lodge at Rincón de la Vieja.
Are flights included?
No. You fly into Panama City and out of Guatemala City, about an hour from Antigua.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary