Private Tour Highlights
- Reveling in the majesty of Xunantunich, an important Maya ceremonial center with spellbinding views from the El Castillo complex.
- Swimming to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and snorkeling the famous ‘Shark Ray Alley’.
- Looking out for the Slaty-tailed Trogon, Keel-billed Toucan, Thick-billed Mot-Mot, and many more birds on a hike through Soberania National Park.
- Admiring the Panama Canal on a boat tour, navigating the Bay of Panama and Gatun Lake.
- Trekking the mossy, plant-lined trails of the beautiful La Paz Waterfall Gardens before venturing to the mighty Poas Volcano.
- Walking the hanging bridges and canopy walkways of the Arenal National Park, gaining a unique perspective on the forests below.
- Absorbing some of the most pristine wilderness and unforgettable landscapes of Nicaragua, during a visit to Ometepe Island.
- Touring the ancient Maya Ruins of Copan, taking in the towering Hieroglyphic Stairways, expert stone masonry, manicured lawns and much more!
- Strolling through the cobblestone colonial town of Antigua, with its many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals rubbing shoulders with brightly-colored facades.
- Climbing to the summit of the Two-headed Serpent, a temple at Tikal which is 70m high and offers sublime views above the jungle canopy.
Tour Overview
Yampu’s Ultimate Central American Vacation will take you to Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala; including a visit to Belize. From Tikal, we will cross the border to Belize and explore the town of San Ignacio, and its surrounding Maya ruins. We then fly to Ambergris Caye, famous for its turquoise waters and barrier reef, where we will spend the last 3 days of our vacation.
Inclusions
Please consult with a Yampu Tour Consultant for upcoming Panama Canal transit dates.
Package Price: From £$ 12865
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Flight to Panama City
Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to the hotel.
Mini-hiking and aerial tram ride: Soberania National Park and Gamboa Resort
Depart read more...
Depart from Panama City early in the morning for Soberania National Park and world-famous Pipeline Road, the right place for birdwatchers and ecologists. It was site of the 1985 world record Panama Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (385 species of birds were identified in 24 hours). During World War II, a pipeline was built to transport fuel from one ocean to the other. Fortunately, it was never used. Today, the road built to maintain the pipeline provides excellent access to primary forest within Soberania National Park with the comfort and safety of vehicle support. After this short hike, head on over to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Once there, be taken into an aerial tram, which takes travelers from the shadowy rainforest floor through the understory and into the sun-drenched canopy. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of a thousand hues of green interspersed with the fluorescent exclamation points of flowering trees. The aerial tram is located in 100 hectares of rainforest licensed to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Find an exuberant flora and fauna typical of Panama’s neo-tropical forests. The resort has built five exhibits that showcase local flora and fauna as well as a replica of an Embera Indian village. Afterwards, be transferred back to the hotel. The tour includes: transportation and entrance fee to Soberania National Park. Overnight at Gamboa Resort. ...read less
Partial Canal Transit
Pick-up read more...
Pick-up from Gamboa for a partial Canal Transit.
This trip departs from the Flamenco Marina to travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline. Later on, pass under the Bridge of the Americas. At Miraflores Locks, the vessel will ascend 54 feet in two distinct steps. Yampu travelers will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel will be raised the last 27 feet to get into Gatun Lake. Once at Gatun Lake, sail through at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut is also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake and is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide. In addition, the vessel will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to the Panama Canal Dredging Division in Gamboa where passengers disembark and transfer back to Flamenco Pier. Note: Exact itinerary may vary, depending on where the transit starts.
...read less
Flight to San Jose de Costa Rica
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to San Jose de Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San José, transfer to the hotel.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to San Jose de Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San José, transfer to the hotel.
La Paz Waterfalls, Poas Volcano and coffee plantation private tour
First read more...
First stop is at a local cafe where one will enjoy an authentic Costa Rican-style breakfast. Visit a third-generation coffee plantation and learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted. Continue on to Poas volcano. This crater volcano is one of the four active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The crystal-blue sulfur pools will amaze along with the steam rising from the various volcanic vents. Last stop is La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Wander the trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens and allow the senses to delight at the five waterfalls that line the trail. Originally, the only way someone could view the falls was by literally hanging over the side of the mountain, looking through trees and ferns. With the construction of Waterfall Gardens, there are amazing views from platforms above, below and in front of the falls for great photo opportunities. The butterfly observatory is the largest in the world. Spanning the length of a football field and reaching heights of 50 feet, this enclosed structure allows butterflies to soar freely. The personal tour guide will take travelers through the butterfly observatory, the hummingbird garden and the waterfall trails. After the hike, enjoy a Costa Rican buffet lunch. Entrance fees, transportation and lunch are included. In the afternoon, transfer to the hotel in the Arenal area.
...read less
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Embark on a tour of Arenal's greatest highlights! Start with a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges for a 3 km hike. Continue from there to the La Fortuna Waterfall, where one can swim in an inviting pool at the base of the waterfall. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in La Fortuna and then hike in the Arenal Volcano rainforest, which includes a walk to the lava view point. Last, but not least, stop at Tabacon Hot Springs to soak in the natural pools and enjoy a buffet dinner.
Embark on a tour of Arenal's greatest highlights! Start with a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges for a 3 km hike. Continue from there to the La Fortuna Waterfall, where one can swim in an inviting pool at the base of the waterfall. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in La Fortuna and then hike in the Arenal Volcano rainforest, which includes a walk to the lava view point. Last, but not least, stop at Tabacon Hot Springs to soak in the natural pools and enjoy a buffet dinner.
San Jose- Managua, Nicaragua
Transfer to San José to take the flight to Managua, Nicaragua. Upon arrival, transfer to Granada. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Transfer to San José to take the flight to Managua, Nicaragua. Upon arrival, transfer to Granada. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Granada
Excursion read more...
Excursion of Granada, one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Granada was founded in 1524 by Spanish captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba. Although being overwhelmed city by pirates, destroyed during civil wars and set on fire by the American filibuster William Walker in 1856, it remains one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful cities. Take a carriage to visit interesting places and appreciate the beautiful architecture of Granada. Finish up this trip with a boat ride on the beautiful islands of Lake Nicaragua. Lunch included. Overnight in Granada. ...read less
San Jorge Port
Early read more...
Early departure and transfer to San Jorge port. Ferry and excursion on Ometepe Island, for an unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful places of Nicaragua. The excursion starts by heading toward the southern part of the country, getting to San Jorge’s port to take a ferry to Ometepe, one will be able to enjoy a spectacular view. Visit places like the pre-Columbian Museum, the Green Puddles lagoon, the great view of Volcano Conception and the green volcano Madera. Lunch will be taken in Santo Domingo beach. Back to the port to take the ferry and transfer to San Juan del Sur. ...read less
Day at Leisure
Day at leisure in San Juan del Sur. One may visit the small fishing town or just relax on the beach.
Day at leisure in San Juan del Sur. One may visit the small fishing town or just relax on the beach.
San Pedro Sula
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to San Pedro Sula. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to San Pedro Sula. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Copan Ruins
Transfer to Copán, which was a very artistic city during the Mayan era. Visit the Copán Ruins Archaeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (the social center of the Mayan city); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars, and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copán.
Transfer to Copán, which was a very artistic city during the Mayan era. Visit the Copán Ruins Archaeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (the social center of the Mayan city); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars, and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copán.
Copan Museum
Guided read more...
Guided by an authentic native cowboy, starting at the hotel you will ride heading south, by crossing the Copan River one will continue to a small but interesting archaeological site called Los Sapos (the toads). It is a common belief that the Mayan women used this place to come to give birth to their children. The ride continues to the Hacienda San Lucas, from this restored 100 year old farmhouse the traveler will relax enjoying some breathtaking lovely views of town and the valley while enjoying a refreshing cold beverage or a savory cup of Honduran coffee. Later on be taken back to the hotel in Copan. ...read less
Antigua Guatemala
Transfer read more...
Transfer to Antigua Guatemala. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon private tour of Antigua Guatemala, known more commonly as La Antigua or just Antigua. It was the Spaniards’ military capital city of Central America for more than 200 years. Be met at your hotel by a private guide to begin the half-day walking tour of Antigua. It will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrance fees are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park, and La Merced Church. This tour is flexible, and if one has specific sites that they wish to see please let a Yampu Travel Consultant know and it will be added. ...read less
Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlán
Be read more...
Be picked up from the hotel for a scenic boat ride across the lake, passing by the three impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlán and San Pedro. Upon arrival in Santiago, walk with a guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year, a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God so his location changes. Once with Maximon, one may see a local shaman performing rituals for local people. If one so wishes, one can ask a guide to help hire the services of a shaman to perform a personal ceremony. After visiting Maximon, visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town, and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art for which the town is famous. Take a ride in a local “flete” (a pickup truck in which passengers stand in the bed) to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, private transfer to Antigua for overnight. ...read less
City of Tikal
Early morning, transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, listen to the sounds of the rain forest with more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.
Early morning, transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, listen to the sounds of the rain forest with more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.
San Ignacio Belize
Private transfer to the town of San Ignacio in Belize. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Private transfer to the town of San Ignacio in Belize. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Xunantunich
Morning visit to the Xunantunich Maya site. Arrive at the village of San José Succotz, where a hand-cranked ferry carries vehicles and passengers to the other side of the Mopan River. One more mile will bring travelers to the impressive Maya site of Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock). It is a major ceremonial center and one of the country’s larger excavated sites; the view from the largest pyramid, El Castillo, is remarkable.
Morning visit to the Xunantunich Maya site. Arrive at the village of San José Succotz, where a hand-cranked ferry carries vehicles and passengers to the other side of the Mopan River. One more mile will bring travelers to the impressive Maya site of Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock). It is a major ceremonial center and one of the country’s larger excavated sites; the view from the largest pyramid, El Castillo, is remarkable.
San Ignacio-Belize City-Ambergris Caye
Transfer from San Igncaio to Belize City for a flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Transfer from San Igncaio to Belize City for a flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Afternoon of leisure. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Afternoon of leisure. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Day of Leisure
Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Flight Home
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize and connect with a flight back home.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize and connect with a flight back home.
Panama City, Panama
San José, San Jose, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Granada, Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur, Rivas, Nicaragua
San Pedro Sula, Cortés, Honduras
Copan Ruinas, Copan, Honduras
Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala
Peten, Guatemala
San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize
Belize City, Belize
Ambergris Caye, Corozal, Belize
Places You'll See
-
Ambergris Caye
Take in the striking white sands and blue waters at Ambergris Caye, the largest Island of Belize. With so many options for entertainment and adventure, one will never grow bored! Take on the Mayan Underworld, a series of caves that one can experience through tubing. Enjoy the wildlife with birding or scuba diving, or just relax in the soft snow-white sands.
-
Belize City
The largest city in its country of the same name, Belize is the commercial center of the country. Be sure to take in the Colonial architecture and enjoy walking and horse-and-buggy tours of this magnificent beach city. Enjoy the ocean breeze and visit the local zoo with a chance to see Lucky Boy, the Zoo’s beloved rescued Jaguar.
-
Peten
Dotted with many Mayan Archaeological sites the area of Peten, once the hub of Mayan civilization, is full of history and ancient mysteries. Deep in the rainforests of Peten is the ancient city of Tikal, among other lost Mayan cities that have begun restoration.
-
Antigua
Founded by the Spanish in the 17th century, Antigua city follows traditional layout and Spanish Baroque Style architecture. Enjoy chocolate making classes as you learn about the culture of the area or, For the more adventurous, there is the option to hike up several active volcanos in the region. With a walking coffee tour, one can learn about the process of picking and roasting one’s own coffee.
-
San Ignacio
Known for its lush forests, waterfalls and archeological sites, San Ignacio is the place for adventure. Hike and trek through the dense jungle and visit ancient Mayan sites such as Xunantunich, once a Maya ceremonial center. Also, get acquainted with nature with a visit to the Noj Ka’ax H’Men Eljio Panti National Park.
-
Copan Ruinas
Over one thousand years ago, Copan Ruinas was once the center of Mayan civilization. Here, one can witness some of the greatest Pre-Colombian artwork that is offered including ancient hieroglyphics. Nearby are many options for wildlife lovers including a bird sanctuary, butterfly house, as well as horseback riding and zip lining.
-
Granada
Granada is one of the oldest colonial towns in Nicaragua, where one can enjoy exploring a cloud forest atop Volcan Mombacho or see the smoke billowing from the active Volcan Masaya. Learn the history and the process of chocolate making at ChocoMuseo, or take a boat tour of the islets surrounding the area. Another top destination for Granada is Alhambra, an ancient Nasrid palace city.
-
Arenal
Experience the excitement of visiting a 7,000 year old, active stratovolcano by visiting the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Though it is now dormant, Arenal was the most active of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes until 2010. Its dense vegetation is also home to numerous species of wildlife.
-
Panama City
The largest and most modern city in central America, as well as the capital of Panama, is Panama City. Within the city is the Panama Canal which links the Pacific and Atlantic oceans through a fifty-mile channel. Enjoy views of the canal via airplane or stay close to the ground and delight in a terrific view of Panama from Amador Causeway, connecting three islands to the mainland.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
3 Star Properties
4 Star Properties
5 Star Properties
Luxury Properties
Testimonials
Liz K
Traveled February, 2012
Thank you again for everything
The trip went off without a hitch due to your excellent planning, awesome tour guides and drivers and wonderful accommodations. I had an incredible time, the Mayan sites were indeed magic and the scenery in Honduras, Guatemala and Belize is something not to be missed. I wanted to mention my driver, Gustavo Morales, who drove me from the Lake Atitlan hotel to the Guatemala Airport (for my flight to Flores). Gustavo should as far as I am concerned be nominated for the Tourist Driver of the Year Award. If such an award doesn’t exist, one should be created for him. On the day he was to drive me to the airport, there was a massive two-large truck collision in the middle of the main highway to the Airport. In addition, the teachers had gone on strike and were blocking the roads. Gustavo thought that we would not make it to the airport in time, but said he would try his best. He backtracked almost as far as Antigua and took all the back roads through Guatemala City to circle the city and come back to the airport from the other direction. Not only did he give me the Drive of a Lifetime, but he did get me to the airport in plenty of time for the flight. It was nothing short of a miracle and I would like to pass along my thanks and also, my admiration for his driving skills. He is a wonderful guy and I wish him all the best of luck for the future. Thank you again for everything I will definitely recommend Yampu to anyone who wishes a fantastic, personally tailored vacation.
Traveled To
Katy B
Traveled March, 2012
I would like to return to Costa Rica soon
We had a great time. The Parador was beautiful; the staff was very friendly. The food was also very fresh. All of the activities were very fun; I think the ATVs were the favorite by consensus. We were able to see a lot of animals on the nature walk, including: sloths, monkeys, iguanas, etc. The beaches were also very nice, and the weather is beautiful during the dry season. Thanks for your help with the trip; I would like to return to Costa Rica soon and possibly try out some new activities.
Traveled To
Greg B., United Kingdom
Traveled February, 2013
When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly
After working with Yampu to provide me with my second holiday to the America’s, I am delighted to say it has been another success. We have now travelled to Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras with routes dictated by my needs to see sites that may not be on other people standard routes. Yampu have twice worked with local providers to make my unique routes possible. When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly. I am already thinking ahead to my next trip with Yampu.
Traveled To