Costa Rica & Belize & Guatemala & Panama
Central America Odyssey
Blancaneaux Tour - 30 Night Itinerary
Explore the man-made wonder of the Panama Canal to the natural wonders of Costa Rica, Guatemala's colourful markets, colonial style and Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle. Conclude in a luxury forest lodge and beach resort in Belize.
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Travel Highlights
- Explore Panama City's historic Casco Viejo and experience the Panama Canal
- Visit Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose, the Poas Volcano and Waterfall Gardens
- Observe the wildlife by boat at Tortuguero National Park
- Trek in the foothills of the mighty Arenal Volcano
- Relax in the delightful colonial ambiance of Antiqua, Guatemala
- Explore the culture of Lake Atitlan and discover Chichicastenango market
- Fly to Flores and visit the Mayan jungle temples of Ceibal, Aguateca and Tikal
- Enjoy Frances Ford Coppola's jungle retreat in Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize
- End your trip with time on the beach in a first class resort on Ambergris Caye
Tour Route
- Panama City, Canal & Forest - 4 Nights
- San Jose - 2 Nights
- Tortuguero National Park - 3 Nights
- Arenal National Park - 3 Nights
- Fly to Guatemala and onto Antigua - 3 Nights
- Panajachel and Lake Atitlan - 2 Nights
- Chichicastenango - 1 Night
- Antigua - 2 Nights
- Ceibal, Aguateca & Tikal - 3 Nights
- Mountain Pine Ridge - 3 Nights
- Ambergris Caye - 4 Nights
- Fly back to the UK
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
Request QuotationTour Itinerary
Panama City, Canal & Forest
4 NightsDay 1 - Fly to Panama City
Day 2 - Guided tour of Panama City
Day 3 - Optional Panama Canal cruise or rail journey
Day 4 - Optional excursions
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Panama City
Depart the UK on daytime flight to Panama City. On arrival, you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your chosen hotel for a 4-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Your guide will give you a short orientation tour of you local surroundings.
Monday, 23 June 2025
Guided tour of Panama City
Today enjoy a tour of Panama City with your local guide, visiting the historic streets of Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe. First settled in 1673, Casca Viejo was built following the near total destruction of the original Panama city, Panama Viejo in 1671, when the latter was attacked by pirates. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997.
We also visit the Miraflores locks on the famous Panama Canal and watch the ships passing through this narrow stretch of water.
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Optional Panama Canal cruise or rail journey
Today, you can choose to take a cruise on the Panama Canal aboard the comfortable small ship, the Pacific Queen or a journey by rail to the picturesque Caribbean town of Colon.
The ship departs from the docks in Panama City sailing under the striking Bridge of the Americas to Miraflores Lock, a 2 step flight with gigantic lock chambers. Here, guided by the on board expert commentary, you will understand the history of the Canal and get a close up view of the mighty locks powered by their locomotives, known as mulas. You will see many large cargo ships and several cruise liners towering above the Pacific Queen - you become the attraction for these massive ships and their intrigued passengers!.
Wednesday, 25 June 2025
Optional excursions
A range of optional excursions are available today, including a birdwatching tour or perhaps a visit to an Embera Indian village by boat.
Courtyard Panama City
Courtyard Panama City by Marriott Panama combines the newest technologies with a residential touch. The 120 guest rooms are totally equipped for the leisure and business traveler. Strategically located in the new Punta Pacifica area, next to the Multiplaza Pacific Mall. Every room is equipped with a free high speed internet connection, restaurant, bar and…
Bristol Panama
Located in the heart of Panama City's vibrant financial and commercial district, the Bristol is a serene and luxurious retreat with "The Rosewood Tradition of Excellence".
The Bristol has just 56 rooms, each with Mahogany furnishings. All rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers, sumptuous baths and distinctive personal amenities.
There is a…
San Jose
2 NightsDay 5 - Fly to San Jose
Day 6 - Poas Volcano, coffee and gardens
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to San Jose
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to San Jose. On arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Friday, 27 June 2025
Poas Volcano, coffee and gardens
Today, enjoy a full day tour visiting the active Poas Volcano with its stunning crater, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and a local coffee plantation.
Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel is located on Avenida Central, San Jose’s most famous street and walking distance to the historic centre. It is easy to visit the Iglesia de la Merced, the cathedral, the central and Morazán parks, as well as the impressive gold and jade museums.
The hotel’s rooms include double beds, complimentary coffee, safe, hair…
Hotel Presidente
The Presidente Hotel is located in the heart of San José in the pedestrian zone of Central Avenue, 2 blocks from the National Theatre and the Cultural Square. The hotel has over 100 comfortable and spacious rooms, which all include cable TV, air conditioning, safety box and en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers amenities such as…
Hotel Alta Las Palomas
Located on the outskirts of San Jose in Santa Ana, the 23 room Hotel Alta is an excellent base to explore the capital city and surrounding attractions, including the Poas Volcano.
Public areas include a swimming pool, excellent dining at the elegant La Luz Restaurant and bar or the more relaxed cafe de Verano.
There are 5…
Tortuguero National Park
3 NightsDay 7 - Travel to Tortuguero National Park
Day 8 - Exploring by boat
Day 9 - Trekking in the rainforest
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Tortuguero National Park
Up early as we travel to the Caribbean coast and the famous Tortuguero National park, a vast tract of rainforest with canals and a unique habitat mixing fresh and salt water. On arrival, check into your chosen lodge for a 2 night stay on a full board basis including excursions in the rainforest on foot and by local boat.
Sunday, 29 June 2025
Exploring by boat
Today, enjoy a full programme of excursions by boat and on land exploring the diverse and spectacular sights and sounds of the rainforest. Optional activities also available, such as kayaks, zip wire adventures and night walks.
Monday, 30 June 2025
Trekking in the rainforest
A further day to explore Tortuguero National Park. Perhaps take a guided trek into the rainforest with an expert local guide.
Evergreen Lodge
Located near the entrance to Tortuguero National Park, Evergreen Lodge offers a sustainable way to explore the rainforest from the Penitencia Canal that flows directly in front of the Lodge.
The lodge has 66 rooms and private bungalows constructed over pillars designed in a Caribbean style, with wooden and bamboo furniture. Each has comfortable beds, ceiling…
Aninga Lodge
Located only 5 minutes from Tortuguero National Park and surrounded by a network of picturesque canals, the Aninga Lodge offers a comfortable base to explore.
The lodge has 33 comfortable spacious bungalows with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot water and ceiling fans. Public areas include a beautiful swimming pool. an excellent restaurant, bar and a spa…
Manatus hotel
The Manatus Hotel is located 2.5km from Tortuguero town centre, very close to the airstrip that you fly into thus avoiding a long transfer by road. It is also one of the few properties that sit directly on a strip of land separating the Caribbean Sea from several canals. With only 12 bungalows with 2…
Arenal National Park
3 NightsDay 10 - Travel to Arenal
Day 11 - Arenal Volcano Expedition 1968 Trail
Day 12 - Optional activities
Day 13 - Optional activities
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Arenal
Depart Tortuguero this morning and travel by road to Arenal, where we check into your chosen hotel for a 4 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Wednesday, 02 July 2025
Arenal Volcano Expedition 1968 trail
Today we trek in the foothills of the mighty Arenal Volcano, on the famous 1968 trail, named after the year of the last eruption. During the trek, enjoy incredible scenery and a wide variety of flora and fauna, such as the toucan, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes and monkeys.
Thursday, 03 July 2025
Optional activities
Today is free to relax at your hotel or lodge, or take a range of optional activities available, from mountain biking, trekking, zip wire adventures, white water rafting, nature tours and more. You local guide will assist you depending on your personal requirements.
Arenal Volcano Inn
Arenal Volcano Inn is a cozy hotel located in front of the Arenal Volcano, just minutes away from the main attractions in Arenal National Park.
The hotel has just 25 rooms, from standard to deluxe. Each is air-conditioned with FREE Wi-Fi, private bathroom with shower, cable TV, mini bar, safe and telephone. Choose from a garden…
Arenal Manoa Hotel
Located a short drive from Arenal Volcano in a very natural and private environment, surrounded by the La Palma River, the Arenal Manoa Hotel is an ideal refuge for the great diversity of birds, mammals, lizards, and a large variety of plants. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, the rooms have been designed so that…
Nayara Springs
Voted the leading spa hotel in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveller in 2105, the Nayara Springs has a proud reputation for excellence in the most lush and enjoyable surroundings. It is one of the few hotels in the region that are adults only.
The public areas include a stunning pool, the award-winning spa,…
Fly to Guatemala and onto Antigua
3 NightsDay 14 - Fly from San Jose to Guatemala City
Day 15 - Antigua
Day 16 - Colonial Antigua
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Guatemala and onto Antigua
Transfer to San Jose Airport and fly to Guatemala City. On arrival, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay in Antigua, the old capital, with traditional architecture and streets with cobbled stones. Enjoy the small safes, shops, museums and interior courtyards of the colonial buildings.
Saturday, 05 July 2025
Walking tour of Antigua
Today, enjoy a half-day guided tour of Antigua visiting the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents, and cathedrals including the Iglesia San Francisco, Antigua Cathedral, Central Park, and La Merced Church.
Sunday, 06 July 2025
Walking tour of Antigua
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Antigua today, visiting the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city including ruined churches, convents, and cathedrals. Your guide can personalise your tour depending on your interests.
Monday, 07 July 2025
At leisure in Antigua
Enjoy the charming ambience of this historic city at your leisure.
El Meson de Maria
The hotel Mesón de María is located in the heart of La Antigua Guatemala just a few steps from the main street, La Calle Del Arco. Constructed in harmony with the old colonial style and beauty, "El Mesón de María" provides a relaxed and refined atmosphere, personalized service, inviting you to stay in a combination…
Casa Encantada
Casa Encantada is one of the most intimate and relaxing boutique hotels in Antigua. Once you enter the hotel from the cobbled street enjoy the tranquility, calm and warmth of a private residence. Rustic but elegant architecture and charming decoration create a deep sense of tranquility and peace.
The cozy interior patio and garden has a small…
El Convento Boutique Hotel
Situated in one of Antigua's famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which you can discover the city's magnificent sites.
The all-suite El Convento gracefully marries the ancient with the modern. Combining artisanal brick vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and hand-crafted doors with the…
Panajachel and Lake Atitlan
2 NightsDay 17 - Travel to Panajachel
Day 18 - Santiago village and Lake Atitlan
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Panajachel
This morning we drive to Panajachel, a beautiful town on the shores of Lake Atitlán. The word "atitlan" is a Mayan word that translates as "the place where the rainbow gets its colours". In the highlands of Guatemala, especially around Lake Atitlan, the Maya culture thrives. On arrival, check-in to your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. There will then be time to visit the street market and surrounding indigenous villages, famous for their weavers.
Wednesday, 09 July 2025
Santiago village and Lake Atitlan
This morning we cross scenic Lake Atitlan and visit the village of Santiago. Here, we visit the house of the Maya God Maximon where you may see local shaman performing rituals for local people. We also visit the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art that is famous from this area. Lunch is included today.
Hotel Atitlan
The Hotel Atitlan is nestled within an ancient coffee plantation and has large, beautifully landscaped gardens. All 65 rooms are individually decorated and contain furniture designed and crafted in the hotels own workshops. There is a pool with spectacular views over the lake & volcanoes. One of the highlights of this hotel are the well…
Chichicastenango
1 NightDay 19 - Chichicastenango market
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Chichicastenango market
We depart Lake Atitlan at sunrise to experience famous Chichicastenango market in the morning, with its wide variety of fruit and vegetables and most notably the endless beautiful textiles, wooden and ceramic works. We also visit Saint Tomas Church where local Maya people come to perform rituals within the Catholic church - demonstrating the interesting way the two faiths have combined in recent times. Check-in to your hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Hotel Santo Tomas
The Hotel Santo Tomas is a colonial hotel situated in the marketplace in central Chichicastenango. There are 43 well decorated rooms and also a swimming pool, sauna, bar and restaurant. The staff all wear traditional costume. Accommodation includes room and American breakfast.
Antigua
2 NightsDay 20 - Travel to Antigua
Day 21 - Optional excursions
- Full Description
Travel to Antigua
This morning, drive back to Antigua, where you will stay for 2-nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Saturday, 12 July 2025
Optional excursions
Relax in the delightful colonial ambiance of Antigua, or take an optional excursion - perhaps visit a family of local weavers to learn about the textiles and traditions of their villages.
Ceibal, Aguateca & Tikal
3 NightsDay 22 - Fly to Flores and transfer to Aguateca
Day 23 - Ceibal
Day 24 - Exploring the jungle
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Flores and transfer to Aguateca
This morning, transfer to Guatemala City and fly to Flores in the northern rainforest. On arrival, travel by road to the "frontier" town of Sayaxche where you board a motorised canoe for the journey to the archaeological site of Ceibal. Hidden and isolated in the forest, many of the archaeological remains are still undiscovered under mounds of earth and the roots. Following your guided tour you will return to Sayaxche and continue on the river to reach our lodge on Petexbatun lagoon where you will stay overnight on a full board basis.
Monday, 14 July 2025
Aguateca
This morning, take the canoe across Petexbatun Lagoon to visit the archaeological site of Aguateca. Walk on a narrow trail through dense rainforest to the top of the small hill and down a narrow ravine to reach the archaeological area. Late morning we return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon return by canoe to Sayaxche, continuing by road to Flores and into Tikal National Park staying at the Jungle Lodge for two nights on a full board basis.
Tuesday, 15 July 2025
Tikal
One of the many highlights of this trip is the early morning guided tour of Tikal archaeological site. The pyramids rise above the surrounding forest and from the top you can view the sun rise and the abundant resident wildlife including tropical birds and the occasional troop of monkeys. Enjoy lunch at Jungle Lodge and return to Tikal in the afternoon.
Jungle Lodge Hotel
The family run Jungle lodge Hotel is ideally situated within the Tikal National Park, offering the closest accommodation to the temples & pyramids. The lodge has a rich history in providing accommodation for archeologists and explorers over many years.
The public areas include a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, games room and bonfires at night.
The…
Camino Real Tikal Hotel
In the lush Peten jungle, the Camino Real Tikal provides guests with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites and relax in an unspoiled natural paradise.
Public areas include the Ceibal Restaurant, bar, a Mayan sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool, shop travel agency, jacuzzi and lounge.
All rooms at the Camino Real…
Chiminos Island Lodge
The Chiminos Island Lodge is located on the beautiful Petexbatun Lagoon, in Guatemala's jungle region 45 minutes from Flores. It is a more remote alternative to stay if visiting Tikal, but you will be rewarded with a unique island experience with all meals included.
Public areas include a restaurant and bar.
The 5 attractive bungalows…
Mountain Pine Ridge
3 NightsDay 25 - Transfer to Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge
Day 26 - Francis Ford Coppola's Blancaneaux Lodge
Day 27 - Blancaneaux Lodge
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Transfer to Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pipe Ridge
In the morning, you have the opportunity to explore Tikal further. We then take a short drive to Blancaneaux Lodge set in the beautiful Privassion Creek valley, within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, for a special 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
In the early 1980's, the famous film director, Francis Ford Copolla fell in love with the area and purchased the lodge as his private residence. In 1993, Blancaneaux Lodge opened to the public as a 20 room luxury forest hideaway enabling daily adventures to the nearby Mayan ruins and forest combined with Italian dining and exquisite facilities of the lodge and its cottages.
There are many activities to enjoy during your stay including guided hikes, horse riding or mountain biking in the jungle, early morning bird-watching tours and fully guided excursions to the Mayan ruins at Caracol, Xunantunich or Tikal in Guatemala.
Thursday, 17 July 2025
Blancaneaux Lodge
Take part in one of the many optional excursions available from the lodge.
Friday, 18 July 2025
Blancaneaux Lodge
Enjoy your jungle hideaway and explore the forest.
Blancaneaux Lodge
Ensconced in a region of pristine rainforest, outside of San Ignacio in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a 300 square mile national wildlife reserve in the Maya Mountains is Blancaneaux Lodge.
Public facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, lush gardens and a spa.
The accommodation offers modern comforts in an entirely self-sustained jungle sanctuary. Each…
Ambergris Caye
4 NightsDay 28 - Transfer to Belize City, flight to Ambergris Caye
Day 29 - Relax in your tropical island
Day 30 - Optional excursions
Day 31 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Relax on a tropical island
Transfer to Belize City where we take a fifteen minutes small plane flight over crystal clear water and patch reef to San Pedro on the small island of Ambergris Caye. We stay for 4 nights at Victoria House Resort, located south of the village, close to the magnificent Hol Chan Marine Park.
The elegant Victoria House Resort is situated on the idyllic azure shores of Belize's magnificent barrier reef. The hotel is a series of charming air-conditioned palapa casitas, plantation style rooms, beautiful suites and two private villas, all with private bathroom and set amongst swaying palm trees and tropical gardens. The ambiance is one of relaxation and privacy but there are a number of activities to also take up. The resort has an excellent swimming pool and restaurant, and the little village of San Pedro is an alternative choice of restaurants, bars and shops.
Relax in a hammock under shady palms, snorkel in the rich waters of the barrier reef, enjoy yoga or take a trip to observe Manatees.
Perhaps the best place to explore is a trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Here, you can experience on a local boat the Belize Barrier Reef close up, snorkelling or scuba diving amongst the wide variety of protected coral reefs and marine life including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, grey snappers, black tipped sharks and many, many more.
Venture afield on an optional trip to other islands and enjoy a barbecue on the beach. You can take a boat trip to the ruins of Lamanai, take a birdwatching tour, go scuba diving and fishing.
If you love aerial photography, it is possible to take an unforgettable helicopter adventure over the Belize Barrier Reef to view the unique the famous Blue Hole and other reefs and sandbars.
Sunday, 20 July 2025
At leisure
Relax on the beach and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.
Monday, 21 July 2025
At leisure
At leisure in your island paradise.
Tuesday, 22 July 2025
At leisure
The last day to relax at the end of your epic journey in Central America.
Ramon's Village Resort
Ramon’s Village is a sanctuary nestled in a tropical garden of royal palms, bougainvillea, lilies, hibiscus and dozens of other types of tropical flora. Surrounded by the plant life are Mayan sculptures that provide a glimpse of the ancient civilisation in this Caribbean paradise.
The resort is particularly popular with scuba diving enthusiasts, with several dive…
Matachica Resort and Spa, an SLH Hotel
Matachica Resort and Spa is a sophisticated and elegant adults only resort directly on its own white sandy beach in Ambergris Caye.
Public areas include a stunning swimming pool, the Mambo restaurant, lounge area, bar, spa, pier and glorious white sandy beach with many activities on offer.
The accommodation is either a luxury villa, luxury suite,…
Victoria House Resort & Spa
Victoria House Resort & Spa is a place of casual elegance situated on the idyllic azure shores of Belize's magnificent barrier reef.
The resort has a beautiful swimming pool, restaurant, lounge, bar, delightful gardens and a spa. The little village of San Pedro is walking distance away and an alternative choice of restaurants, bars and shops.
Accommodation…
Fly back to the UK
Day 32 - Fly back to the UK
Day 33 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to the airport and fly overnight back to the UK, via Belize City and Cancun.
Thursday, 24 July 2025
Arrive in the UK
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season |
|---|---|
| Travel Dates | Year round |
| Room Arrangement | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £9,030 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £13,975 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 33 Days / 31 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Flights from Panama City to San Jose, Costa Rica; San Jose to Guatemala City; Guatemala City to Flores; Belize to San Pedro and back
- Accommodation
- 31 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
- Transfers and transportation as described
- Excursions with English-speaking guides
- Transport and meals as shown
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
Specialist Knowledge
Since 1999, we have crafted unique itineraries using our technology and extensine first-hand travel experience and local inspections
Your Perfect Tour
Your holiday is tailored by our specialist advisors to match your preferences, interests and budget using our kowledge of each destination
The Best Local Guides
Our local guides are specialy selected as your hosts providing an authentic insight into local life, culture, activities and visits
Travel Confidence
Our organisation provides local tour services and guides so you travel with confidence, reliability and 24-hour support
READY - 16 June 2025
LANDMARK TOURS - Multi-Country Itineraries
BRAZIL - New Tour NE, Fortaleza - Sao Luis, Dunes & Delta
INDONESIA - Rich Culture, Wellness, Lodges, Nature, Wildlife
PERU - Stunning Mountain, Ancient Culture, Wildlife & Luxury
PATAGONIA - Chile & Argentina Best from October to April
HONEYMOONS & CELEBRATIONS - "en Tete-a-Tete"
TRAVEL INSURANCE essential comprehensive cover