Grand Mexico & Panama

Day 1 - Arrive Mexico City
The first day of your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. In order to allow time to relax and see some of the sights you may wish to add pre-tour accommodation.

Mexico City is the world's most populated city with over 20 million people. Founded by Spanish conquerors in 1521, Mexico's capital sits at 2309 metres above sea level and was built on the site of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The extensive metro system and trolley buses make getting around easy and there is certainly plenty to see and do here.

A good starting point is the main plaza, the enormous Zócalo, where you will find the impressive Catedral y Sagrario Metropolitano, the main cathedral of Mexico City, with a magnificent Latin-Baroque style façade. Remember to look through the glass flooring outside of the church to see the ancient Aztec city beneath. Just behind the cathedral are the Aztec ruins of the ancient Teocali, which were only discovered in 1978. You can also visit the world famous Anthropology Museum and the National Palace where you can see murals depicting the history of Mexico by one of the country's most famous artists Diego Riviera. A museum dedicated to his equally famous wife, Frieda Kahlo, is located in her childhood home in Coyoacán. In the evening you can enjoy a spicy Mexican dinner and maybe a few tequilas in the Zona Rosa while enjoying music performed by a mariachi band.

Accommodation
1 night in a hotel at Hotel El Salvador or similar.

Day 2 - Puebla
Before heading to Puebla we take a short bus journey from Mexico City to the ancient site of Teotihuacan where we can enjoy a guided tour. Here you will see an amazing abandoned city built around 300 BC by a civilisation now lost in the mists of time. The historic complex is a fascinating combination of ceremonial pyramids, such as the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Ciudadela, which are connected by the Street of the Dead, palaces, old temples and the Plaza of the Sun. The buildings are decorated with friezes and other ornate artworks. Heading back to Mexico City we board a comfortable bus to Puebla on a two hour journey. In Puebla you can admire the Spanish colonial architecture and try a mole poblano, a rich spicy sauce containing chocolate, cinnamon and nuts.

We continue to one of Mexico's oldest towns, Puebla, which means "City of the Angels". Set in a valley with a dramatic backdrop of volcanoes and snow-topped peaks, Puebla is a fascinating old colonial town founded in 1531. The historic city centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site partly due to its impressively preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Puebla is the best place to try mole poblano, a rich, spicy sauce containing chocolate, cinnamon and nuts, as well as different types of hot peppers, often served over chicken.

Approximate Travel Time: 3,5 hrs

Included Excursions
Guided tour of Teotihuacán ruins

Accommodation
1 night in a hotel at Hotel Alhondiga or similar.

Day 3 - Oaxaca
Next on our list is Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ka), a beautiful city bordered by mountains and thick forests, with a very pleasant Plaza de la Constitución where you can eat, drink and watch the world go by. After getting taxis to the bus terminal we will spend 4-5 hours travelling in first class to Oaxaca. Sample tasty street food and admire the colourful colonial buildings in this attractive town.

Approximate Travel Time: 5,5 hrs

Accommodation
1 night in a hotel at Meson del Rey or similar.

Meals
1 Breakfast

Day 4 - Night Bus to San Cristóbal
From Oaxaca we include a guided excursion of Monte Albán, the holy city of the ancient Zapotecs located 400 metres above the Oaxaca valley. There are many structures to explore around the Grand Plaza including numerous tombs, ceremonial altars, tunnels, pyramids and palaces, many decorated by glyphs, paintings and intricate carvings. After enjoying the charms of Oaxaca we take an overnight bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Approximate Travel Time: 13,5 hrs

Included Excursions
Guided tour of Monte Albán ruins

Accommodation
1 night on overnight sleeper bus. No single room upgrade available.

Day 5 to 7 - San Cristóbal
Ascending into the mountainous Chiapas region we arrive at the fascinating colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Situated in the middle of the highlands, here you will find Mexico's richest example of indigenous culture, as it is surrounded by 21 indigenous villages with distinct languages, dress and customs. Red tiled houses painted in brilliant colours dominate the city, maintaining a delightful provincial charm. There are numerous interesting museums to see such as the Amber Museum, the Coffee Museum, the Maya Medicine Museum, and the 'Na Bolom' Cultural Centre.

We can enjoy an included tour of the nearby villages where you can buy beautifully made local handicrafts and get a true feel for how modern descendents of the ancient Maya people live today. The tour gives you a fascinating insight into their pre-Columbian beliefs and their daily struggle to be heard in what is one of Mexico's most isolated regions.

There is also an option to visit the stunning Sumidero Canyon on a guided speedboat tour along a 30 kilometre section of the Grijalva river to the hydro-electric dam. There are plenty of opportunities to photograph local wildlife such as birds, crocodiles and iguanas. The cliffs towering over the river reach 100 metres at the highest point, which will provide a dramatic backdrop to your pictures.

Included Excursions
San Cristóbal village tour

Optional Excursions
Na Bolom Museum, the old house of Frans and Trudy Blom, an anthropologist and archaeologist, who worked with the Lacandon Indians. - MXN50
Canyon Sumidero. A tour to a deep impressive canyon, where you can spot several sun-bathing crocodiles. - US$25

Accommodation
3 night(s) in hotels at Palacio de Moctezuma or similar.

Meals
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 8 to 9 - Palenque
Next we take a scenic and lengthy bus journey to Palenque. You will pass beautiful views as we travel for just over five hours to the town and ruins of Palenque, famous for the tombs found filled with riches in honour of the renowned Lord Pakal and the Red Queen. This archaeological site houses more than 200 structures including a series of hilltop temples, towers, tombs and pyramids surrounded by steamy jungle. The most important constructions, which date back to the Classical period (400-700 AD) are the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Crypt, the Palace complex, the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Foliated Cross, and the Temple of the Sun.

Decorated with elaborate friezes, sculptures and inscriptions, Palenque is unquestionably one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites. Paths cutting through the jungle lead to various temples and the gorgeous waterfalls, where over time, strange figures have taken shape in the rock formations. A local guide may offer you the extra option of going on a forest walk where you can see unexcavated ruins enveloped in jungle.

Other attractions near Palenque include the fantastic Agua Azul Nature Reserve with more than 200 small waterfalls, and the incredible Misol-Ha waterfall with a 30 metre drop (optional half day tour includes both these falls).

Approximate Travel Time: 9 hrs

Included Excursions
Guided tour of Palenque ruins

Optional Excursions
Tour by minivan to Agua Azul and Misol Ha waterfalls - US$25

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Xibalba or similar.

Meals
1 Breakfast, 1 Local Breakfast

Day 10 to 11 - Mérida
Today we spend a full day on buses as we head from Palenque to Merida. After a short walk to the bus terminal, we board a first class bus and the journey will take the whole day. Capital of the Yucatan province, the 'white city' of Mérida is a pleasant mixture of colonial buildings, churches and plazas. The markets simply overflow with beautiful weavings, hammocks and batiks, making this a great place to buy handmade crafts and souvenirs. At night the city comes alive with live theatre and concerts. There are many city excursions on offer here, from a comprehensive hop on/hop off bus tour exploring the greater city area to a relaxing horse-drawn carriage tour around the cobbled streets of El Centro and Pasaje Montejo Boulevard. If you want to explore the region near Mérida you could visit the small fishing town of Celestún with its large flamingo population. You could also take a swim in the local 'cenotes' (sen-o-tays), fresh-water swimming holes connected by spectacular limestone caverns and deep underwater rivers once sacred to the ancient Maya, covering the entire Yucatan peninsula.

Approximate Travel Time: 9 hrs

Optional Excursions
Anthropological Museum - US$3
Mérida city tour - free
Uxmal ruins - US$65
Cenotes, it is possible to swim and snorkel in various cenotes which often resemble small, circular lakes or lagoons with vertical edges. - US$44
Hop-on hop-off bus - US$8

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Colonial or similar.

Meals
1 Local Breakfast, 1 Buffet Breakfast

Day 12 to 13 - Playa del Carmen
Before going to Playa del Carmen, we travel to Chichén Itzá, an impressive Maya/Toltec site recently voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Constructed between the 7th and 10th century AD, Chichén Itzá was a centre of pilgrimage for the Maya for over 1000 years.
The most famous attraction is the great Pyramid of Kukulkan, dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulkan and built with such precision that a shadow serpent descends down the steps during the equinox. After soaking up the beauty of Chichén Itzá, we will take the bus for approximately three hours to Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for relaxation. The beaches are coated with sugar-white sand with shimmering turquoise waters to swim in. You can also take advantage of one of the several interesting optional activities available in the area such as visiting the island of Cozumel or the amazingly located Maya/Toltec ruins of Tulúm. There are also many 'cenotes' in the area. Cenotes (se-note-tays) are fresh water swimming holes connected to underground limestone cave systems once sacred to the ancient Maya.

Approximate Travel Time: 4,5 hrs

Included Excursions
Guided tour of Chichén Itzá

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Playa del Carmen or similar.

Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast, 1 Breakfast

Day 14 to 16 - Caye Caulker
We set off very early from Playa del Carmen, we take a short walk to the terminal we begin our full day journey to beautiful Belize using a combination of buses, taxis and a ferry. When leaving Mexico you will have to pay a small departure fee of approximately MXN500. Belizeans know how to relax, and hopefully the locals' expertise on relaxation will be contagious during your stay on Caye Caulker. If not, there are signs to remind you to "Go Slow", "Take it easy", and even "No shirt, no shoes, no problem". We spend a couple of very laid back nights on Caye Caulker, where you can throw away your shoes to wander the sand filled streets, spend the evenings eating seafood, drinking cocktails, and listening to reggae music in one of the bars.

During the day we can organise a range of different optional snorkelling trips for you, such as to Shark and Ray Alley, where you can swim within a few feet of nurse sharks and majestic sting rays, or weather dependent, you may have the opportunity to swim with sea-cows! Another optional snorkelling tour takes you out to Hol-Chan Marine Reserve where you are guaranteed to see lots of colourful fish and interesting reef formations. Qualified divers can explore the so-called bottomless "Blue Hole", made famous by the explorer Jacques Cousteau (please note: this optional excursion does not go every day, check locally for availability). Other options include sunning yourself, riding a bike around the island, or trying your luck at fishing. If you are lucky, you can take your catch to one of the local restaurants so they can BBQ it for you.

Included Excursions
Caye Caulker

Optional Excursions
Half/full day Caye Caulker snorkelling - US$45-80
Scuba diving in the Blue Hole - US$290
Night Snorkelling - US$70
Flight over the Blue Hole - US$200pp (min 3 people)

Accommodation
3 night(s) in hotels at Hotel China Town or similar.

Meals
1 Basic Breakfast

Day 17 to 18 - San Ignacio
We continue on to San Ignacio referred to as "Cayo" by the locals, this agricultural centre is also known to be the 'adventure' and 'nature' capital of Belize. The surrounding jungle, wildlife, waterfalls, rivers and caves, have created the ideal location for the numerous optional excursions that are available, from canoeing downriver and tubing through caves, to visiting the famous caves Actun Tunichil Muknal, where they found untouched Mayan ceremonial and sacrificial remains.

Approximate Travel Time: 4,5 hrs

Optional Excursions
Tubing - US$100
ATM Caves - US$95
Canoeing - US$85
Caracol Ruins, the largest and most important Mayan ruin site in Belize - US$95
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve - US$85

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at The Aguada Hotel or similar.

Meals
1 Breakfast

Day 19 - Flores
Waving goodbye to Belize we cross into Guatemala to the charming island-town of Flores. When departing Belize you will be required to pay a small fee of $40.00BZD, and on arrival in Guatemala another small payment of 10q is required. Flores was the last town to be conquered by the Spanish and situated in the centre of Lake Peten Itzá. On the way to Flores we stop at the breathtaking Maya site of Tikal, it is regarded as the greatest city of the Maya world and is nestled deep in the jungle. This complex is one of the biggest Maya sites discovered, and you will have most of the day to explore and learn about the flora, fauna, and amazing Mayan history with our knowledgeable local guide.

The area around Tikal has been declared as the Tikal National Park and the preserved area covers 570 square kilometres. The ancient city has been completely mapped and at its height covered an area greater than 16 square kilometres, with more than 3000 structures. Today the main centre covers an area of approximately two and a half square kilometres. As you wander the site, you will see several tall mounds which are temples that have not yet been excavated, and you will have the opportunity to climb some of the tallest Mayan temples.

The emphasis was on height when creating these imposing structures because the Maya believed the higher the building, the closer they were to the gods. Around Tikal there is a lot of animal life, and if you're lucky, you will have the chance to spot the noisy howler monkeys, pizotes (a racoon-like animal), exotic birds such as toucans, and much more!

Approximate Travel Time: 4 hrs

Included Excursions
Guided tour of Tikal ruins

Accommodation
1 night in a hotel at Hotel Sabana or similar.

Meals
1 Breakfast Box

Day 20 - Rio Dulce
We carry on to the river town of Rio Dulce where we overnight in cabins right on the water. In the afternoon the boat tour along the 23 kilometre stretch of waterway to Livingston allows you to experience one of the most scenic areas of Guatemala. Livingston is situated at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, where it joins the Bay of Amatique, and is inhabited by the Garifuna people. This lively little town has a Caribbean atmosphere different to the rest of Guatemala and is a great place to try the delicious local specialty tapado (seafood coconut soup) and listen to the local African-style punta music.

Approximate Travel Time: 3,5-4 hrs

Included Excursions
Rio Dulce boat tour to Livingston

Accommodation
1 night in a hotel at Hotel Catamaran or similar.

Day 21 to 22 - Antigua
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is one of the most delightful colonial towns in Central America. The local indigenous can be seen throughout the cobbled streets and plazas of the city in their colourful costumes, selling their crafts and textiles. As the cultural centre of Guatemala, Antigua is an ideal place to experience the traditional music, architecture and art of the country. Rich in ornate churches, convents, parks, plazas, cafés, restaurants, bars and colourful street markets and surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanoes, Antigua is one place you will never forget.

Optional Excursions
Pacaya volcano climb - US$20
Walking tour - US$30
Chocolate making class - US$30
Coffee farm tour - US$25

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Posada Los Bucaros or similar.

Meals
1 Basic Breakfast, 1 Breakfast

Day 23- Chichicastenango & Panajachel
After breakfast we will leave Antigua and drive towards Guatemala's most famous market town, Chichicastenango. This village's population swells from approx. 1000 to over 20,000 on market day (when we visit). The local indigenous people, mostly descendants of the K'iche' (Quiché) Maya people, come down from the nearby hills to sell everything from kitchen pots and pans to live turkeys! Handicrafts, bags, jumpers and wall hangings are just a few of the bargains to be found here.
After grabbing some lunch, we will continue towards Lake Atitlan, a body of water in a massive volcanic crater. Ringed by steep, green hills, it is known for its Mayan villages and volcanoes with striking pointed cones. We will stay in the busy village of Panajachel, where vendors sell traditional textiles, pottery and much more.

Included Excursions
Visit to Chichicastenango markets

Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Utz Jay or similar

Meals
1 Breakfast

Day 24 to 25 - Panajachel & Lake Atitlan
The next two days are free at your leisure to relax in the town of Panajachel, or a choose from a range of optional excursions. Here you can take a boat tour to some of the many surrounding villages or possibly go for a swim in the lake. Panajachel also has many restaurants and interesting bars lining the main street, where you can have lakeside sunset drinks.

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Utz Jay or similar

Meals
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 26 to 27 - Quetzaltenango
We will continue towards the town of Quetzaltenango. It is framed by a backdrop of volcanoes, including the towering Santa Maria with its active Santiaguito lava dome. The city is known for its neoclassical buildings, including La Casa de Cultura and the Municipal Theatre.
You will find a host of great excursions from Quetzaltenango, including hot springs and volcano hikes for every ability.

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Las Americas or similar

Meals
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 28 - Antigua
We begin our journey towards Honduras, making a stop in Antigua en route.

Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Posada Los Bucaros or similar

Meals
1 Breakfast

Day 29 to 30 - Copán Ruinas
It’s time to leave Guatemala and embark on a lengthy bus ride to Honduras into the charming town of Copán. Within walking distance of the village is one of the best-kept and most intriguing of all the ancient Maya sites, the Copán ruins. On your guided tour you will see the intricately carved statues known as stelaes depicting the 16 rulers of this once magnificent and influential city. You will also discover the spectacular staircase, ball courts and enormous main plaza.
In the afternoon there are many optional activities to enjoy. Why not take a trip up to hot springs surrounded or visit the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Sanctuary? For coffee aficionados you can take a tour of a local plantation for an insight into where some of the world’s best coffee is made!

Included Excursions
Copan Ruins entrance and guide

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Lauros or similar

Meals
1 Breakfast, 1 Basic Breakfast

Day 31 - Tela
We will continue to Tela on the Caribbean coast of Honduras where we have the choice of various optional excursions in the afternoon. Tela is a gateway to the vast Lancetilla Botanical Garden, in the south, home to rich birdlife and an arboretum with a bamboo tunnel. In the west, Jeanette Kawas National Park has habitats ranging from coastal lagoons like Los Micos to beaches and jungle, plus the traditional village of Miami. For wildlife-lovers you can visit Punta Izopo National Park where Howler monkeys inhabit the mangroves.

Accommodation
1 night in Hotel Cesar Mariscos or similar

Meals
1 Basic Breakfast

Day 32 to 34 - Roatán Island
Today we head to the idyllic Roatán Island. This is the largest of the beautiful sun-soaked Caribbean Bay Islands. Development on the island means there is plenty to do, but it is also easy to find a deserted beach lapped by warm Caribbean waters. Here you will find palm-fringed lagoons, turquoise water, friendly locals, lively nightlife and stunning underwater scenery, with some of the cheapest diving and snorkelling in the world! You can elect to swim with dolphins, a truly unforgettable experience, or get into the true Caribbean sprit with a sunset cruise (optional).

Included Excursions
Roatán Island

Optional Excursions
Snorkelling with dive boat – US$20
Scuba diving – US$30 per dive
Scuba diving introduction dive (up to 15m) – US$100
Botanical gardens – US$5
Swim with dolphins – US$68- US$242
Kayak rental – US$20 per hour
Butterfly garden – US$5
Scooter rentals – US$35 per day
Glass bottom boat – US$20
Fishing trips – US$60 per hour

Accommodation
3 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Seagrape or similar

Meals
1 Breakfast Box, 2 Breakfast(s)

Day 35 to 36 - San José
After a quick layover in San Salvador we fly into the capital city of Costa Rica, San José, which is nestled in a fertile valley among coffee and sugar-cane farms.
 There is not much left of the colonial era architecture, due to the damage done by earthquakes, but it is certainly worth seeing the National Theatre, built in 1897. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to catch a performance whilst you're here. The Gold, Jade and National Museums are also particularly recommended for a visit.

There are plenty of interesting optional day trips that can be undertaken within a close vicinity of San José such as visits to the Poás or Irazú volcano, white water rafting, the Turu BaRi Topical Park or the Rain Forest Aerial Tram.

Please note: If you are are travelling into Costa Rica from Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama then you will need a valid yellow fever certificate.

Optional Excursions
Jade Museum - US$15
Museum National - US$4
Theatro National - US$5

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Rosa del Paseo Hotel or similar.

Meals
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 37 to 38 - Manuel Antonio
We travel from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast, through very lush green countryside to the small village of Manuel Antonio, where we will visit the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular parks in the country. This celebrated park is blessed with beautiful lagoons, palm fringed beaches, a vast array of animals and lush green forests. Some of the many creatures that call Manuel Antonio National Park home include sloths, pelicans, white-faced monkeys, anteaters and huge iguanas. It is also famous for its beaches - although almost deserted on weekdays, keep a sharp eye on your belongings, as the monkeys and raccoons are seasoned thieves!

Included Excursions
Entry to Manual Antonio National Park

Optional Excursions
Manuel Antonio National Park Catamaran Tour - from US$75
Zip Coaster - US$12
Enjoy the beach – free!

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Manuel Antonio or similar.

Meals
1 Breakfast

Day 39 to 40 - Santa Elena
We travel to the old town of Quepos, once a very important port for the exportation of bananas. We then ascend a steep and bumpy mountain road that offers great views over lush green hills that flatten to meet the Pacific ocean. We reach the small town of Santa Elena, nestled up in the clouds and established by American Quakers in the 1950's.

From here we visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in search of the mysterious endangered Quetzal, a very rare and timid bird with incredibly beautiful and unique plumage. There are several paths to explore in this privately owned reserve, one of which takes you to the continental divide. On a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen! We'll also stop at the Hummingbird Gallery where you can grab a drink and slice of cake. Here you can watch dozens of these energetic birds buzz around sipping on nectar. The area around Santa Elena is famous for its ziplines and hosts the longest zip line in the world. Here you'll have the option to go flying over the cloud forest on a series of cables strung out between the giant trees. For the less courageous, you may opt for a sky walk along a series of suspension bridges above the forest canopy. Along with the lovely horse treks, nature-spotting twilight walks, visits to coffee and dairy farms, you may find it hard to choose between all of the exciting excursions!

Included Excursions
Entry to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Optional Excursions
Bungee jump (the highest in Central America) – US$75
Wildlife night walk – US$27
Sugar cane tour - US$36
Zip Lining - US$54

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Don Taco or similar.

Meals
1 Breakfast

Day 41 to 42 - La Fortuna
Our next journey takes us through the mountains of the cloud forest using a combination of minivans and boats. The first leg to Lake Arenal takes about one hour 30 minutes and the landscape is truly spectacular. Rolling hills eventually give way to the distant views of Arenal Volcano and we can stop for photos at some of the best lookouts. Stopping by the side of the road a last time, we walk down a dirt path to our boat on the shores of Lake Arenal. The scenery is truly stunning of the lake and we travel for approximately an hour slowly approaching Arenal Volcano. Once we reach the other side, where we board another minibus and travel for thirty minutes to La Fortuna.

The main attraction in La Fortuna is the nearby Arenal Volcano, which has been constantly erupting since 1968 and 2010. Although not erupting anymore, the occasional puff of steam can be seen. After settling into our hotel you'll have time for a leisurely lunch and to explore the town. You can visit the luxuriant local hot springs for a relaxing dip.

There is also plenty of free time to partake in a variety of spectacular and exhilarating optional excursions while in La Fortuna; a visit to the some local waterfalls, caving, rappelling, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horse-riding, trekking, biking, and wild-life spotting.

Optional Excursions
Paddle Boarding - US$62
Canyoneering - from US$100
Mountain Biking - US$134
Arenal Volcano Walk - US$56
Hot Springs - US$76
Horse riding - US$76
Hanging Bridges - US$73
Zip Lining - US$92
Night walk tour - US$46

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Fortuna or similar.

Meals
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 43 - San José
We then return to San Jose for another night. In the evening there are plenty of world class restaurants to choose from and some great nightlife especially if you are here on the weekend.

Accommodation
1 night in a hotel at Rosa del Paseo Hotel or similar.

Meals
1 Breakfast

Day 44 to 45 - Bocas del Toro
Leaving Costa Rica we travel by bus to Panama. We are required to pay a departure tax of US$9 and on arrival in Panama, an entrance fee of US$4. We take the boat to tranquil Bocas del Toro with plenty of options for water sports. The islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago offer the visitor a great diversity of attractions and natural environments; luxurious rain forests with an abundance of fauna and flora. These sunny islands have beaches, coral reefs & crystal clear waters that compete with the Caribbean's best. You have two days to enjoy Bocas del Toro at your leisure. There are options for diving, snorkelling and kayaking expeditions, as well as bike rentals and boat trips to the nearby Mangrove Forest.

Included Excursions
Bocas del Toro

Optional Excursions
Diving - from US$35
Catamaran sailing adventures - US$45

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Delfines or similar.

Meals
1 Breakfast, 1 Basic Breakfast

Day 46 to 47 - Boquete
Then we travel onto the highlands and the charming mountain village of Boquete. Located on the eastern slopes of the Volcan Barú, Boquete is quickly becoming a destination for those who wish to bask in the cooler climate and marvel at the exquisite vistas. Boquete is known to produce some of the sweetest oranges and richest coffees in all of Panama as the surrounding hills and slopes are covered in shade-grown coffee plantations known for their sustainable farming practices. These farms are recognised the world over by conservationists and are home to an abundance of birds equal to those found in the cloud forests higher on the mountain.

Coffee is primarily picked by the indigenous Guaymi during the months of October through February. This is considered a festive time and colourfully clad Indian families come from various parts of the province to harvest the coffee cherries. Tours through some of the coffee fincas of Boquete can be arranged for those interested in seeing this spectacle along with wide variety of bird life.

There are plenty of other optional excursions on offer; in fact Boquete is already building up quite a reputation as an 'adrenalin town' with world class rafting facilities, mountain biking, rock climbing and rappelling at nearby Los Ladrillos in Bajo Mono.

Optional Excursions
Rafting – US$105
Ruiz coffee tours – US$30
Horse riding – US$35

Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel La Casa de la Abuela or similar.

Meals
2 Basic Breakfast(s)

Day 48 - Panama City
Today we head to David where we have a short flight to Panama City. Panama City is the crossing point to South America and home to the infamous Panama Canal which is definitely worth a visit. You have the option to book a place on the Panama Canal Transit, touring the infamous waterway by boat. Please note that it is not recommended to book any outward travel from Panama on the same day as this excursion due to time restraints.

Other interesting sites are the archaeological site of Panama La Vieja, the first city founded on the isthmus by the Spanish in 1519. The remaining ruins are the vestiges of the city left by Pirate Henry Morgan when he sacked the town in 1671. The second colonial city of Panama, Casco Viejo was built in 1673 to replace the original town. Casco Viejo is now surrounded by modern day Panama City but the charm of this era remains in the colonial streets, buildings, and squares around the French Plaza. The architecture here is a combination of the colonial styles of the French, Italian, American and Spanish.

Accommodation
1 night in a hotel at Hotel Centroamericano or similar.

Meals
1 Basic Breakfast

Day 49 - Depart Panama City
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Meals
1 Breakfast