AROUND CENTRAL AMERICA
Visiting Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua,El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras & Belize
INCLUDING:
26 nights hotel accommodations with room taxes and service charges. Meals as marked in itinerary (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner). Transfers on arrival and departure (airport/hotel/airport). English speaking tour guides and entrance fees when necessary. All ground transportation for the different tours mentioned in this itinerary. Local airfare from Flores (Guatemala) to Belize City (Belize) and to Ambergris Caye. Entrance fees when necessary.
NOT INCLUDED:
U.S.A airport departure taxes (usually included in your airline ticket). Insurance (Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is $340 pp). Airport departure taxes -Costa Rica US$18.00, Belize $28, Guatemala $32, El Salvador $26, Honduras $28, Panama $30. Passports or entry documents. Tips to tour guides or bus drivers. Meals unless mentioned in you day by day itinerary.
Call (888) 724-5633 for more information or to book today! Mention code 11845517
- Tour Operator
- Tara Tours
- Duration
- 27 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - No
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Depart USA | SAT: USA-PANAMA : Arrive and transfer to new hotel HARD ROCK in Panama city. |
| Day 2 | Panama City | SUN: PANAMA CITY TOUR : AM Panama City is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and beautiful city, Capital of the Republic of Panama, and located at the pacific side of the American Continent. Built in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila, a Spanish Governor, it has been considered as on of the most important cities of the Americas. You will visit the oldest sector of modern Panama, known as the Casco Viejo. Other points of interest are the famed flat arch or Santo Domingo Church, the beautiful gold- plated altar of the San Jose Church, the Panama Canal Museum, the National Theater, the National Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and other numerous colonial churches and monuments. Then your tour will continue to see modern Panama and The Banking District and its beautiful Skyscrapers .The city is and important center of international finance and is home to more than 120 banks. Continue to visit Miraflores Locks & Panama Canal: Participants will be able to witness the magnificent Miraflores Locks and most probably, its operation. An expert canal guide will take us back in time to be part of it. What a way to experience this magnificent architectural masterpiece and to have a breathtaking view of the 8th wonder of the World. Overnight hotel HARD ROCK. (B) |
| Day 3 | Costa Rica | MON: PANAMA-COSTA RICA : Transfer to the airport. Arrive in San Jose and transfer to hotel IRAZU. (B) |
| Day 4 | San Jose | TUE: SAN JOSE CITY TOUR : AM Get a taste of San Jose City and its surrounding areas! San Jose is the Capital City of Costa Rica and economic center of the nation. It is currently undergoing a renaissance, with modern high rise buildings emerging, a brand new national stadium, and a new Chinatown section being built. Yet it still retains much of its past multicultural heritage in restored elegant old buildings, museums, historic statues and parks. The Walking City Tour is an intimate and authentic perspective of our capital city and contemporary Costa Rica. You will also visit our National Museum for an absorbing lesson of our history and a hill top view overlooking the city. Return to your hotel Irazu. (B) |
| Day 5 | Monteverde | WED: SAN JOSE- MONTEVERDE : Morning drive to Monteverde with your driver/guide, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most diverse and richest tropical cloud forests in the New World is best known as home to the Resplendent Quetzal but has hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species. Overnight in Monteverde at FONDA VELA LODGE (B, D.) |
| Day 6 | Monteverde | THU: MONTEVERDE : Morning visit to the Monteverde Canopy walkway composed of hanging bridges and nature trails that lets you observe Nature from a different perspective. In the afternoon hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. Overnight in Monteverde at FONDA VELA LODGE. (B, D) |
| Day 7 | San Jose | FRI: MONTEVERDE- SAN JOSE : Depart Monteverde for San Jose. Arrive San Jose mid-afternoon. Overnight hotel IRAZU (B) |
| Day 8 | Nicaragua | SAT: COSTA RICA-NICARAGUA : Transfer to the airport for flight to Managua. Arrive and transfer to new hotel HOLIDAY INN. (B) |
| Day 9 | Managua | SUN: MANAGUA CITY TOUR : Managua is the capital of Nicaragua since 1852. Managua is a very warm and sunny city. Among the places to visit are: "National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa". We will know in much detail, the story behind national hero Augusto Cesar Sandino and the Somoza dictatorship. We will see the ruins of old presidential palace, destroyed by the earthquake that leveled the city. Then we will drive down to the old city center to visit the "Park of Peace". We will also visit "El Malecon", for a closer look at Lake Managua and surrounding areas. We will see the monument to Simon Bolivar, in the avenue of the same name. National Theater Ruben Dario, New Presidential House, Palace of culture and other buildings. The tour will take us to see the enigmatic human footprints of Acahualinca, (6000 years). We will also see the future center of the city with its modern and new metropolitan cathedral. Completing with a visit to the arts and craft market for souvenirs, and the Coffee House. Hotel HOLIDAY INN (B) |
| Day 10 | Granada | MON: MANAGUA-GRANADA : Full day excursion to Granada. The colonial city of Granada was founded by Captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in the year 1524. It was founded next to the Mombacho volcano and the great lake of Nicaragua. Named after the city of Granada in Spain, this city has plenty of colonial churches, narrow streets and large homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and pretty colonial colors. Upon arrival, we will have a sightseeing tour to arrive later to the main plaza for our walking tour of the surrounding area. We will see "La Merced" church, the house of the Zamora family, the famous "Casa de Los Tres Mundos" and the San Francisco convent. Here, we will have the opportunity to see and take pictures of mysterious idols made by our ancestors. This is an impressive collection of genuine pre-Columbian sculptures in human and animal shapes. During the tour we will learn the history of the city, and about the adventures of filibuster William Walker, who invaded the city in the year 1855. Then, we will continue to Lake Nicaragua for a relaxing boat ride around some of the islands. Formed by the impressive Mombacho volcano. See the volcanic evidence and influence of the area. Enjoy great landscape views and wildlife and of course have a chance to take pictures. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Managua. Hotel HOLIDAY INN (B, L) |
| Day 11 | Salvador | TUE: MANAGUA-SALVADOR : Transfer to the airport. Arrive in San Salvador and transfer to hotel EL SALVADOR. (B) |
| Day 12 | San Salvador | WED: SAN SALVADOR : AM we will drive through the streets and avenues of the city until we arrive at Santa Elena; a beautiful residential area. After this we will visit the National Anthropological Museum Dr. David J. Guzman, where we will be able to have a guided tour in this interesting historical location. We will continue our tour through La Zona Rosa where you will be able to find everything to satisfy your nightlife; then to the Paseo General Escalon, until we arrive to the monument of the Divino Salvador del Mundo, located in the Plaza Las Americas. Then, we will continue the tour until we arrive at the monument of the Fallen Victims; then our tour shall continue through Los Heroes Boulevard, Alameda Juan Pablo II and Centro de Gobierno until we arrive to National Historical Center which will bring us very close to the Metropolitan Cathedral and to the National Palace; when we finish we will visit the monument of Central American Independence, then we shall go to a view-point located in Planes de Renderos, for a magnificent view of the city and also access to a gallery of hand crafted artifacts. Hotel EL SALVADOR. (B) |
| Day 13 | San Salvador | THU: SAN SALVADOR -La Palma and San Ignacio. : Today we will take you to La Palma, one of the most re-known cities for its art. Here interesting crafts are painted on wood and Copinol seeds with a singular artistic expression and beautiful colors. Also because we will be on an altitude of 1200 Mts. above sea level you are going to find a very pleasant climate. In La Palma, we will visit local craftsman's workshops; so we can have the opportunity to learn about their art and above all, you will be able to participate in the elaboration of one of these beautiful pieces and take it home as a souvenir of your unforgettable stay. After lunch we re-take our journey to the town of San Ignacio, a gorgeous and quiet place located on the roots of the Petal Mountain, the highest mountain of El Salvador. Hotel EL SALVADOR (B) |
| Day 14 | San Salvador | FRI: SAN SALVADOR -Joyas del Ceren : Joya de Ceren is considered to be the most important archeological site ever discovered in El Salvador, which was declared world heritage by UNESCO in 1993 for being the only location in the whole Mayan culture where you can appreciate the day to day living styles of the popular pre-Columbian inhabitants. All was well preserved thanks to the ashes of the volcano's eruption. We will return to the city through the Pan-American Highway going up and through the mountains that belong to El Balsamo's mountain range, and to finish our tour, we will stop at a restaurant to enjoy a good local lunch. Hotel EL SALVADOR. (B) |
| Day 15 | Honduras | SAT: EL SALVADOR-HONDURAS : Depart San Salvador for San Pedro de Sula. Arrive and transfer to Hotel CLARION. (B) |
| Day 16 | SAN PEDRO DE SULA | SUN: SAN PEDRO DE SULA -Full day Copan : Visit the most beautiful Mayan site where you will observe archaeologists at work excavating and marking new discoveries. Visit the archaeological park, museum and the quaint village of Copan. Late afternoon return to San Pedro Sula. Hotel CLARION. ABOUT COPAN Since it was discovered by John Stephens in 1839, Copan has become the highest artistic and cultural achievement of the ancient Maya civilization. Often referred to as the Athens of the Maya world, the great works and peaceful surrounding of the forested Copan valley seldom fail to touch the hearts of most modern visitors. Today Copan has been named an UNESCO World Heritage site and a Honduran national monument. Also, it holds the new sculpture museum-an architectural landmark. |
| Day 17 | SAN PEDRO DE SULA | MON: SAN PEDRO DE SULA : Depart from your hotel to visit one of the many banana plantations in the area. Here you will receive a brief history about bananas, how they are planted, harvested, transported and packed for shipping. You will visit the headquarters village of La Lima, home of the Chiquita Banana. Upon returning to San Pedro Sula visit the museum, the residential areas, and the Guamilito artisan market to do your souvenir shopping. Hotel CLARION. (B) |
| Day 18 | Guatemala | TUE: HONDURAS-GUATEMALA : Transfer to the airport. Depart San Pedro de Sula for Guatemala via San Salvador. Overnight hotel BARCELO GUATEMALA. |
| Day 19 | Guatemala | WED: GUATEMALA : Morning sightseeing tour of the Capital city, visiting the most important sites of old and new Guatemala City. Afternoon at leisure for some shopping. Guatemala has beautiful handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. Hotel BARCELO. (B) |
| Day 20 | Chichicastenango | THU: GUATEMALA-CHICHICASTENANGO : Early morning depart Chichicastenango. One of the Guatemala's most popular tourist destinations. Chichicastenango allows a glimpse of centuries-old-Indian ceremonies in the setting of a bustling, colorful marketplace. Travelers make a point of visiting this village, located some 90 miles from Guatemala City, on Thursdays and Sundays, when Indians from 60 surrounding villages bring handicrafts, produce and livestock to a lively open-air market in the town square. On arrival visit the colorful open-air market and Church of Santo Tomas. The afternoon is at leisure for further shopping or to see the town on your own. Overnight at the MAYAN INN. (B) |
| Day 21 | Atitlan | FRI: CHICHICASTENANGO-ATITLAN : In the morning, transfer to Lake Atitlan - Guatemala's most majestic natural wonder, framed by three volcanoes and towering mountains...Arrive in Atitlan and join the launch excursion to the picturesque lakeside village of Santiago Atitlan. The afternoon is at leisure for further shopping or to see the town on your own. Overnight at hotel ATITLAN (B) |
| Day 22 | Guatemala | SAT: ATITLAN-ANTIGUA-GUATEMALA : In morning you will depart for Antigua, the former Spanish Colonial Capital of the country and today a national monument of the Americas. Sightseeing tour of this charming town. A very pleasant city of cobble stones streets, houses and mansions with colonial-style facades and tile roofs. Your tour guide will take you to visit churches, convents, monasteries and other colonial buildings and explain the history of all these places. After lunch, continue to Guatemala City. Overnight Hotel BARCELO GUATEMALA. (B) |
| Day 23 | Tikal | SUN: GUATEMALA-TIKAL : Today, you will go back more than 2,000 years in time when you visit Tikal. Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to the city of Flores. Arrive and transfer by car or bus to the National Park of Tikal for a visit of the many pyramids, stelaes, temples and buildings of one of the major archaeological finds of the Americas "Tikal", the Capital of the Mayan Empire. After lunch you will visit the local museum to learn more about this great civilization. Overnight Hotel CAMINO REAL TIKAL on the shores of Lake Peten. (B, L) |
| Day 24 | Belize | MON: GUATEMALA-BELIZE : Transfer to the airport in Flores for flight to Belize City where you will be connecting with local flight to Ambergrys Caye. Arrive and transfer to hotel Sunbreeze -just a block away from the local airport and great location facing the Caribbean Ocean. Overnight hotel SUNBREEZE. (B) |
| Day 25 | Ambergrys | TUE: AMBERGRYS : Days at leisure to explore the island or just relax and stay by the beach. Great snorkeling and diving. Overnight hotel SUNBREEZE |
| Day 26 | Ambergrys | WED: AMBERGRYS : Days at leisure to explore the island or just relax and stay by the beach. Great snorkeling and diving. Overnight hotel SUNBREEZE |
| Day 27 | Return USA | THU: AMBERGRYS-BELIZE-USA : Walk to the local airport in Ambergrys for flight to Belize City where you will be connecting with flight back to USA. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
*2014 LAND TOUR COST: per person including local airfare Flores (Guatemala)-Belize City
Double: US$6,640; Triple $6,550; Single $10,924AIR COST: per person
From Miami $1,600/1,750; New York $1,750/1,950; Los Angeles $1,800/1,990
(This cost of airfare includes portion from Panama-S.Jose-Managua-Salvador-San Pedro-Guatemala)
Airfare subject to change at any time. USA airport tax/fuel surcharges/security not included, about $250.
*From Jan.1 to Mar.31 and from Jul.01 to Aug.15, add $190 pp. From Dec.09 to 31 add $350 to all rates.
