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16 Days Discover Central America

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Ancient Aztec temples towering above the jungle canopy, a flash of yellow as an exotic bird flies through the jungle, the orange glow of lava tumbling down a volcano. These are just some of the sights you can expect to see on this exciting journey through Central America.


		Day
		1

Arrive Cancún

On arrival at Cancún Airport you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel.
Standard: Ambiance Villas
Deluxe: Flamingo Resort


		Day
		2

Cancún – Chichén Itzá

Today explore the newly excavated Mayan site of Ek Balam, before continuing on to the famed Chichén Itzá, one of the new ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, where you will enjoy a guided tour. (B) All categories: Hotel Mayaland


		Day
		3

Chichén Itzá – Tulum - Chetumal

A busy day today will see you drive to the sacred city of Coba for a guided tour, before carrying on to the Maya-Toltec ruins of Tulum which are perched on cliffs
overlooking the turquoise Caribbean waters. After a guided tour around this unique site, carry on to Chetumal. (BL)
All categories: Holiday Inn


		Day
		4

Chetumal – Cahal Pech

Visit the local Anthropology Museum before crossing the Corozal Border into Belize. Travel south to San Ignacio, an excellent base to explore Mayan ruins, waterfalls, rivers and caves. Your accommodation for the next two nights is the Cahal Pech Village Resort, situated in tropical surroundings on top of a hill, with spectacular views. (B) All categories: Cahal Pech Village Resort


		Day
		5

Macal River

This morning canoe along the Macal River and stop off en route at the Blue Morpho butterfly nursery and a medicine trail. The rest of the day is yours to do with as you please. San Ignacio is just a 15-minute walk away, or why not explore the famous ruins of Cahal Pech, dating back to 400AD (not included). (B)


		Day
		6

Cahal Pech – Flores/Tikal

Leave Belize via Melchor De Mencos, and continue into Guatemala for your overnight stay in the charming town of Flores, gateway to the Tikal National Park. (BD)
Standard: Hotel Isla de Flores Deluxe: Hotel Esplendid Peten


		Day
		7

Tikal National Park –Guatemala City – Antigua

Enjoy today touring the wonders of Tikal National Park. Here, where six pyramids rise out of the dense, surrounding jungle, there is also a variety of stelae, ball courts, a royal palace and the Plaza of the Lost World to explore – a real treasure trove of Mayan architecture! Later on, return to Flores airport for your flight to Guatemala City (not included) and onward transfer to Antigua for a two-night stay. (BL)
Standard: Meson De Maria or similar Deluxe: Antigua Porta Hotel


		Day
		8

Antigua

Get your bearings this morning with a half day guided tour of colonial Antigua, discovering some of its churches, monasteries and convents. Its cobbled streets are lined with colourful houses and the town is overlooked by three dramatic volcanoes. Spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in the art and craft markets, or relaxing at your hotel. (B)


		Day
		9

Antigua – Lake Atitlan - Panajachel

An early start today will see you head for the town of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where a cruise across this mesmerising lake awaits. If time permits, a visit to timeles Santiago Atitlan may be possible this afternoon. (BL)
Standard: Posada De Don Rodrigo. Deluxe: Hotel Atitlan


		Day
		10

Panajachel – Antigua

Drive to the town of Chichicastenango, known for the range and quality of the handicrafts on sale at its Indian market. A tour of the Church of Santo Tomas, where the famous Mayan Popul-Vu book was found, is followed by a buffet lunch before heading to Antigua. (BL)
Standard: Meson De Maria or similar Deluxe: Antigua Porta Hotel


		Day
		11

Antigua – Guatemala City – San José

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to San José, where on arrival you’ll be taken to your chosen hotel. This afternoon is free for you to explore San José. (B)
Standard: Alta Hotel. Deluxe: Grano de Oro Hotel


		Day
		12

San José – Tortuguero

Depart your hotel early today and breakfast en route to Braulio Carillo National Park. Visit a banana plantation and take a boat ride through the beautiful canals of Tortuguero to your chosen lodge. After lunch enjoy a tour of the town and the beach before returning to your lodge for dinner. (BLD)
Standard: Mawamba Lodge. Deluxe: Manatus Hotel


		Day
		13

Full Day at Leisure

Today is free for you to explore or to try some optional activities. Take a sunrise boat ride or a wildlife tour through the scenic waterways, home to a varied wildlife. During the months of July to September, enjoy the spectacle of green turtles nesting at the beach. (BLD)


		Day
		14

Tortuguero – Arenal

An early start will see you catch a flight to San José. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to Arenal. The Arenal volcano is very active and on clear nights can provide a spectacular light show. (BL)
Standard: Arenal Springs Hotel. Deluxe: Arenal Kiro Hotel


		Day
		15

Arenal – San José

Get back to nature and take a walking tour on the trails of the Arenal Volcano National Park today. This afternoon you’ll be taken back to San José for an overnight stay. (B)
Standard: Alta Hotel. Deluxe: Grano de Oro Hotel


		Day
		16

Depart San José

Transfer to the airport to for your onward journey. (B)

We recommend that either before or after your tour you stay a few nights at one of the beautiful beach resorts in Mexico or Costa Rica.

Tour Prices - Price per person, in £'s from
Accommodation Grade	Standard		Deluxe
	Twin	Single	Twin	Single
01Jan08-30Apr08 01May08-30Nov08 01Dec08-31Dec08	1576 1542 1633	2161 2119 2248	2125 2114 2205	2870 2850 2984
Supplements apply New Year & during Easter, please call for details. Private tour supplement from £609 based on a min of 2 passengers. Transfer & tour at Tortuguero will remain on a shared basis.