Ultimate Central American Overland
55 days
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Group Tour
This 55 day overland tour journeys from Mexico City to Panama City through Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama.
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Guided tour around the famous Chichen Itza
- Trek up Santa Ana volcano in Cerro Verde National Park
- 3 nights on Belize island of Caye Caulker
- 2 night stay in a forest eco lodge at San Ignacio for optional jungle activities
- 2 nights in La Fortuna with optional excursions to the mighty Arenal volcano
- Visit the beaches and guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Head on a boat trip along the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon
- Take a boat trip to the remote Mayan ruins at Yaxchilan
- Guided tour of the magnificent ruins of Palenque
- Explore the cliff top Toltec Ruins of Tulum
What's this trip about?
This 55 day overland tour journeys from Mexico City to Panama City through Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama.
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMexico City
End CityPanama City
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- All the accommodation
- Transport
- Use of the truck and its camping equipment, library, etc.,
- Camping meals
- Prices in the brochure are correct at the time of printing, but may vary during the year
- Up-to-date prices are on the website.
- All prices are listed on a per person basis, based on shared accommodation where applicable.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Mexico City
Border information: if joining in Mexico City, you will most likely enter Mexico at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA code MEX).
There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a no...
Day 2-3: Oaxaca
Today we head to the wonderful laid-back colonial town of Oaxaca, famous for its cuisine and indigenous cultures.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, an...
Day 4-6: San Cristóbal de las Casas
Today we have a full day drive to the stunning old colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, one of Mexico's most beautiful towns. and well known as the heart of the indigenous Tzotzil Maya culture.
Estimated Drive Time - 12-14 hours.
On the following day we will ...
Day 7: Frontera Corozal
Today we will have a full day drive to the remote town of Frontera Corozal, on the Guatemalan border. En route, we may have time for an optional stop at the stunning waterfalls of Agua Azul.
In Frontera Corozal we will camp in the grounds of a hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
Day 8: Yaxchilan, Palenque
Today we will have an included guided visit to the remote ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilán, which is only accessible via a boat trip down the river. After our visit we will drive to the village of Palenque.
In Palenque we will camp in the grounds of a hotel located with...
Day 9: Palenque
Today we will have an included guided visit to the incredible Mayan ruins of Palenque, which rise out of the thick jungle surrounding them. In the afternoon we will have free time to go on a jungle tour, visit the on site museum, or travel to the nearby waterfall of Miso...
Day 10: Mérida
Today we will drive to the beautiful and artistic colonial town of Mérida, the capital of the Yucatan state.
In Mérida we wil stay in a colonial hotel in the heart of the city.
Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.
Day 11: Chichen Itza, Tulum
Today we will have an early start to drive to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - we have an included guided tour around this spectacular site before continuing our drive to the stunning coastal village of Tulum.
In...
Day 12: Tulum
This morning we visit the Tulum ruins, one of the last cities built by the Maya and one of the best preserved coastal Maya sites. We will have a free afternoon to explore the beaches or take part in some optional activities.
Included Activities:
Explore the phenomenal clifftop Maya-Toltec ruins at Tulum, wonderfully located right on the Caribbean coast
Included in Kitty
Day 13-15: Caye Caulker
Border information: Exit Mexico at Subteniente López, enter Belize at Santa Elena.
Today we will travel south across the border to Belize City, where we board a speed boat to the island paradise of Caye Caulker.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
We will have two fu...
Day 16-18: San Ignacio
Today we will head back to the mainland and rejoin the bus in Belize City. We then have a short drive to the village of San Ignacio, home to Belize's best archaeological sites and adventure activities!
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
We will have two full days to t...
Day 19: Tikal
Border information: Exit Belize at Benque Viejo del Carmen, enter Guatemala at Melchor de Mencos.
Today we will have a short drive across the Guatemalan border to the phenomenal Mayan ruins of Tikal, where we have an included guided tour.
In Tikal we will camp at a b...
Day 20-21: Poptún
Today we have a short drive to the small town of Poptún, stopping in the colonial town of Flores en route. We will arrive at our fantastic eco-lodge near Poptún and have a free afternoon.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On the following day we will have free time t...
Day 22-23: Rio Dulce, Livingston
Today we will have a short drive to Rio Dulce in Guatemala's beautiful central region. On arrival we will have a free afternoon to take part in some optional activities.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On the following day we will have an included boat trip to the ...
Day 24: San Andres Itzapa
Today we will drive day to San Andres Itzapa, a small village located in the mountains around Antigua. We will spend one night at the community centre of Manos Amigas, run by the Italian NGO 'Mani Amiche' in support of local women who have been abandoned and abused, and ...
Day 25-26: Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango
Today we will spend the morning at the Manos Amigas project before heading off on a short drive to Panajachel, situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to enjoy some optional a...
Day 27: Antigua
Today we will have a short drive to the magnificent city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 60 kms from Guatemala City.
The rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful colonial city and its dramatic surroundings.
In Antigua we will stay in a delightful colonial hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Day 28: Antigua
Border information: if joining in Antigua, you will most likely enter Guatemala at Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (IATA code: GUA).
There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a not...
Day 29: Cerro Verde National Park
Today we will cross the border into El Salvador and drive to the stunning Cerro Verde National Park, where we will be surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanoes and countryside. In the morning we will have will take a guided trek up the nearby Santa Ana volcano (approximately...
Day 30-31: Suchitoto
After our trek up the volcano, we will take a short drive to the beautiful town of Suchitoto, where we will have a free afternoon to explore the town, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, and to learn about the incredible work of the community centre in which...
Day 32-33: Copán
Border information: Exit El Salvador at Anguiatú, enter Guatemala at Anguiatú. Exit Guatemala at El Florido, enter Honduras at El Florido.
Today we will have a full day drive to return to Guatemala and then onwards to Honduras, arriving at the small village of Copán.
...
Day 34-36: Roatán
Today we will take a short drive to the town of San Pedro Sula and board a short local flight to Roatán, the largest of the famous tropical Bay Islands. On arrival we will transfer to the area of the West End Bay, where we base ourselves for our stay.
Estimated Drive T...
Day 37: Lake Yojoa
Today we will start early to transfer back to Roatán's airport and catch our flight back to the mainland, rejoining the bus! We will then continue our journey east through Honduras to the beautiful countryside of Lake Yojoa
In Lake Yojoa we will camp for the night in the grounds of a lodge and brewery.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Day 38: Somoto
Today we will cross the border into Nicaragua, we will the head to the Somoto Canyon and stay in cabins near a village community.
In the morning we will have an included half day canyoning experience, or alternatively for those who wish a farm and village tour.
Aprroximate drive time - 364km / 8hrs
Day 39-40: León
This morning we will enjoy our canyon tour and then drive to the university town of León.
Estimated Drive Time - 212km / 4hours.
On the following day we will have free time to explore the town's wonderful colonial architecture or to take part in the many optional activities available here.
In León we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.
Day 41-42: Granada, Masaya National Park
Today we will take a short drive to Nicaraguas's oldest city of Granada, a beautiful town which oozes with colonial charm! En route we will have an included visit to the traditional markets in the small town of Masaya, and witness the incredible active caldera of the nea...
Day 43-44: Ometepe Island
This morning we drive to the small town of San Jorge on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake. Here we will board a ferry to the stunning volcanic island of Ometepe, where we base ourselves in the port village of Moyogalpa and enjoy free time to ex...
Day 45-46: La Fortuna
Border information: Exit Nicaragua at Peñas Blancas, enter Costa Rica at Peñas Blancas.
Today we will take an early morning ferry back to San Jorge and drive to La Fortuna in Costa Rica, a stunning town under the shadow of the mighty Arenal volcano.
Estimated Drive T...
Day 47-48: Monteverde
Today we will leave our overland vehicle behind and transfer by taxi and boat into the dense cloud forests and coffee plantations of Monteverde, a stunning area offering an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On the following da...
Day 49-50: Manuel Antonio National Park
Today we will continue by taxi to the small town of Tilarán, where we will rejoin our overland vehicle and drive to the spectacular beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
On the following day we will have an in...
Day 51-52: Boquete
Border information: Exit Costa Rica at Paso Canoas, enter Panama at Paso Canoas.
Today we will drive across the Panama border into the Chiriqui highlands, arriving at the town of Boquete.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.
On the following day we will have a free da...
Day 53: Panama
Today we will continue to Chagres National Park and explore the Grandfather of the Panama Canal: the Camino Real, a cobblestoned road from the Caribbean to the Pacific through the rainforests of Panama, established as the transport route of Gold and Silver by Spanish con...
Day 54: Panama City
After early morning coffee you can go for an optional bird-watching hike on a trail with plenty of tropical birds (free with local guides). At return to community we have a hearty breakfast. We will then take a hike on the trail. Afterwards it is time to say good-bye an...
Day 55: Panama City
Border information: if you are finishing in Panama City, you will most likely exit Panama at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (IATA code: PTY).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Panama City. Please note there is no accommodation inclu...
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Dates & Availability
Price From $4,805
Price per day$87
Last Updated: 0/7/2022
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Dragoman.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Dragoman Reviews & Ratings
Cultural and Wildlife experiences. Friendships. Amusing
Educational. Exhilarating. Demanding. Cultural and Wildlife experiences. Friendships. Amusing
Everything worked well
In this type of travel I can say that everything worked wel...
Everything worked well
In this type of travel I can say that everything worked wel...
Ultimate Central American Overland
Vehicle and equipment excellently maintained and in very good condition.
Our trip through in Central America was great
Our trip through in Central America was great, fun, interesting and allowed a lot of learning about the different countries. Tony and Louise were always kind. Both a...
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At Dragoman we aim to offer authentic, grass-roots adventurous holidays. Travel with us and we’ll get you off the beaten track and really under the skin of the places, whatever style of trip you choose. This means taking the road less travelled, mixing with the locals, learning about their culture and most importantly having an open mind.
We are based in rural Suffolk in the east of England and are proud to be independently owned. We ran our first tour in 1981 and have grown to be a market leader in overland travel. Over the years we’ve grown steadily in size but are still small enough to aim to ensure that each Dragoman traveller has a unique - and hopefully - life changing experience. Last year 2500 travellers joined us on a Dragoman adventure, visiting 55 different countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Our overland tours range from 9 days to 235 days in length. Our shorter 2 or 3 week trips offer a great snapshot of a country or region; giving our travellers a short, sharp adventure travel experience. In just a short break from your everyday life we can get you off the tourist trail and take you on a perspective-changing journey.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Our trip price and kitty do not include optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Connecting flights
- Airport transfers, border taxes or charges
- Transportation while not on the trip or while exploring a city, passports, visas, vaccinations, first aid kits or medicines
- Extra accommodation
- Upgrades
- Contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster
- Meals at restaurants or cafes or whilst staying in hotels, drinks, tips, or personal spending money.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Day 1:
See Mexico City's famous traditional mariachi bands in the evening around Garibaldi Square
USD 1.58
Freely explore the colossal Chapultepec Park, one of the world's largest urban green spaces and a cultural hotspot where you can often see the pole-swinging 'Volador' dancers
Free
Visit some of Mexico City's most important museums and galleries, such as the old house of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo, the former home of revolutionary Leon Trotsky, and the Museo Dolores Olmedo art gallery
USD 13.13
Explore the vast system of waterways and flower gardens at Xochimilco, possibly including a visit to the creepy Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls)
Free
Freely explore the huge area of the Zocalo in Mexico City's centre, along with its famous Metropolitan Cathedral and the Temple Mayor (the last remains of the old Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan)
USD 3.94
Explore the magnificent ancient Mesoamerican ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City
USD 3.94
Visit the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes and see it's immense murals by world-famous Mexican artists such as Diego Riviera
USD 3.68
Day 2-3:
Visit the splendid Baroque Dominican church of Santo Domingo in Oaxaca's colonial centre
USD 2.63
See the incredible Tree of Tule, which with a circumference of 42 metres hs the widest trunk in the world
Free
Visit the remarkably well-preserved Zapotec ruins of Mitla near to Oaxaca
USD 3.36
Learn all about the history and cultures of Oaxaca at the incredible Museum of Cultures, one of the best regional museums in Mexico
USD 3.36
Day 4-6:
Visit the atmospheric Tzotzil Mayan villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan
USD 13.13
Head out on a mountain biking tour through the cloud forests and highlands surrounding San Cristóbal de las Casas
USD 23.63
Learn all about the traditional medicines of the Mayan people at the award-winning Mayan Medicine Museum
USD 2.89
Take a day trip to explore the idyllic national park of Lagunas de Montebello, home to pine forests, Mayan ruins, and many beautiful lakes
USD 25.21
See the incredbile showcase of handwoven fabrics from throughout Central America at the Mayan World Textiles Centre
USD 2.73
Explore the wonderful botanical gardens of Orchideas Moxviquil, and discover its collection of over 400 species of native plants and orchids
USD 2.63
Day 11:
Take a swim in the stunning natural cenote of Ik Kil near the ruins of Chichen Itza
USD 6
Day 12:
Go on a scuba diving trip through the ocean reefs near Tulum, or to some of the area's natural cenotes
USD 100
Hire snorkel gear on the beautiful beaches of Tulum
USD 10
Head out to explore some of the incredible cenotes (natural water-filled sinkholes) near Tulum
USD 5.25
Day 13-15:
Take a scenic flight over the phenomenal natural Great Blue Hole off Caye Caulker
USD 260
Head out to the stunning coral reefs off Caye Caulker on a snorkelling trip
USD 60
Head out on a fantastic scuba diving trip through the colossal coral reefs off the Caribbean island of Caye Caulker (there are many different options and sites available)
USD 65 - 260
Hire sea kayaks to explore the deserted mangroves of Caye Caulker's North Island
USD 20
Go on a half-day fishing trip in the idyllic blue ocean near Caye Caulker
USD 250
Day 16-18:
Head on a horse riding trip around San Ignacio
USD 85
Visit the Actun Tunichil Mukwal Cave, a Mayan archaeological site that includes ceramics, stoneware, and skeletal remains such as the famous 'Crystal Maiden'
USD 95
Take a full day tour to the remote ruins of the ancient Mayan capital of Caracol, once twice the size of the modern Belize City
USD 110
Visit the stunning ruins of Cahal Pech, atop a hill overlooking the southern outskirts of San Ignacio
USD 14.89
Explore the ancient ruins of Xunantunich, Belize's most-visited Mayan site and home to the mighty El Castillo pyramid
USD 4.96
Learn about local herbs and plants on a medicinal jungle trail en route to a release program for Green Iguanas near San Ignacio
USD 5.96
Day 20-21:
Trek out to the incredible River Cave near Poptún, walking through the stunning Guatemalan rural landscape and exploring the underground rivers by candlelight
USD 15.00
Take a day tour out to the nearby Mayan ruins of Ixcun, the comprehensive museum of Dolores and the beautiful waterfall of Mopan
USD 19.57
Day 22-23:
Take a kayak out to explore the beautiful waters around Rio Dulce at sunrise
USD 19.57
Explore deep into the Guatemalan rainforest on foot and trek on the canopy bridges near Rio Dulce
USD 17.61
Day 25-26:
Head out on a boat trip to visit the traditional Mayan villages dotted along the coast of Lake Atitlan
USD 30
Take a tour through the spectacular highlands surrounding Lake Atitlan and Panajanchel, visiting picturesque villages and hot springs
USD 45
Additional Information
Trip ID
dragom-CMP
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