Intrepid Travel  >  Latin America 2008  >  Browse pages 1-17  >  Latin America 2008

central america central american adventure Basix 32 days, Playa del Carmen to San Jose itiNerary... Days 1-3 Playa del carmen Welcome to this beach paradise on the Caribbean coast. Visit nearby Cozumel or the seaside ruins of Tulum for a taste of Mayan architecture. Days 4-5 *plus Local Payment US$600 Physical culture shock caye caulker The fun continues in Belize. Explore the colourful underwater worlds of this laid-back island. Days 6-7 san ignacio See the caves of Tunichil Muknal where 1,400 year old Mayan relics lie hidden. Maybe hire a canoe, go tubing or discover waterfalls and warm swimming holes. Days 8-9 Flores Here its hard not to be charmed by the cobblestone streets, colourful houses and relaxed lifestyle. Enjoy free time in the jungle and limestone temples of Tikal. Days 10-11 rio Dulce On the shores of Lake Izabal, Guatemalas largest, is this port for boaters from around the world. Find secluded spots to relax. Day 12 antigua Take in New World architecture, set against a backdrop of volcanoes. Days 1314 chichicastenango/Panajachel Explore the back streets and churches to soak up Old World charm. The blue-grey mountains, volcanoes and picturesque Lake Atitlan make this a beautiful spot for appreciating the great outdoors. Days 15-16 antigua Once the most important city of Central America, this citys colonial charm endures. Days 17-18 copan Huge carved faces stare out from ancient walls, and staircases surround the grassy plazas of the Mayan ruins of Copan. Wonder at the disappearance of such a creative civilisation. Days 19-21 utila island Heaven for scuba-diving, this Caribbean-style island is as famous for its marine treasures as its land iguanas. Day 22 comayagua Spend the night in this historic place, the first capital of Honduras. Days 2324 Granada Surrounded by volcanoes and located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, this is Nicaraguas oldest city. Days 25-26 ometepe island Head across the lake to this volcanic island. Take an optional hike up Concepcion Volcano or swing like Tarzan at a jungle swimming hole. Days 27-28 Monteverde Explore the lush cloud forests of Monteverde on foot or by mountain bike. Days 29-30 la Fortuna Watch the lava flow from the Arenal Volcano on an exhilarating night hike, or just dive into some hot springs. Days 31-32 san Jose Bid farewell to Central America with a final chance to dance the night away to some live Latin music. Above: Utila Island, Honduras - Dyan McKie Below: The colours of market day, Belize - Angela Zuniga accoMMoDatioN Simple hotels (31 nts) traNsPort Minibus, boat, local bus GrouP siZe Max 16 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow US$750 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sat GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed Notes Some accommodation may be multishare traVeller ratiNG 4.60 out of 5 start 2008 19 Jan 01 Mar 05 Apr 10 May 24 May Finish 19 Feb 01 Apr 06 May 10 Jun 24 Jun 21 Jun 09 Aug 06 Sep 20 Sep 04 Oct 01 Nov 22 Jul 09 Sep 07 Oct 21 Oct 04 Nov 02 Dec 2009 10 Jan 24 Jan 21 Feb 11 Apr 09 May 10 Feb 24 Feb 24 Mar 12 May 09 Jun 23 May 23 Jun 06 Jun 07 Jul " swim over underwater worlds in caye caulker " enjoy lakeside life in rio Dulce " Watch the sun set over antigua " Discover honduras historic first capital in comayagua " Marvel at Mayan ruins in copan " experience the lush cloud forests of Monteverde " explore the limestone temples of tikal real life experiences& With so much to see and do in Central America, the itinerary provided a range of experiences that enabled me to get a true taste for the region. Jennifer Mackenzie qrx triP coDe 14