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Second Half Central America Gold Tour14 days duration (18 days including travel days to and from Central America).
Today you depart on your flight to Santiago in South America. As you cross the Date Line you 'gain' a day so you arrive in Chile later the same day. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for the night. This provides the opportunity to acclimatise to the new time zone and also breaks the long flight from Australia to Panama. (Meals Inflight)
Following a leisurely breakfast you are returned to Santiago Airport for your flight to Panama City.
On arrival into Panama City you are met and taken to your hotel where you stay for two nights. Here at the hotel you meet up with your Tour Conductor and the other members of your Inca Gold Tour. (B & Meals Inflight)
This morning we are taken to board our vessel for a visit to the greatest engineering masterpiece of the last century - the Panama Canal, considered the Eighth Wonder of the Modern World! Following the partial crossing we undertake a fascinating Panama City Tour.
The Spaniards' efforts to settle colonies in the Atlantic Region of Darien failed due to the unhealthy location and food scarcity. This led to a move to the Pacific Ocean, founding Old Panama City on 15th August 1519. Panama rapidly became a wealthy country of legend, attracting buccaneers who roved alongs its coasts. The pirate-captain Henry Morgan attached and 'sacked' the old city in 1671. Today's tour visits many of these sites. (BL)
After breakfast we return to Panama City Airport for our flight to San Jose in Costa Rica. On arrival we are met and taken on a scenic drive across the Cordillera Tillaran, passing through quaint villages, rolling mountains and dense tropical jungle to the classic cone-shaped 1633 metre high Arenal Volcano. We have views of the volcano from our resort-style hotel, our home for two nights.
Come nightfall, we may hear loud rumbles and see red hot lava as it is spewed from the volcano and tumbles down its sides (BL)
Costa Rica's main attraction is its countryside, nature and wildlife. With a quarter of the country preserved in national parks and wildlife conservation areas, a trip to Costa Rica would not be complete without visiting Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, where we undertake a boat trip into this wildlife paradise. On our return tonight, we can enjoy the hot springs and soak in their natural thermal waters. (BL)
This morning we depart Arenal and travel to Santa Elena, where the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is situated. This private reserve is home to the shy and very rare Resplendent Quetzal. Later in the day we undertake a canopy walk along suspension bridges through and above the tree tops of the cloud forest with our expert naturalist guide. (BD)
Following breakfast we visit the Monteverde Mariposario (butterfly farm) for a glimpse into the life and variety of butterflies and other insects from Monteverde and its surrounding areas.
Later in the day we depart for the beach-side village of Manuel Antonio with its beautiful beaches, views and lush national park. (BL)
Early this morning we are taken on a guided walk in the Manuel Antonio National Park by our naturalist guide, who will point out the many and varied species of birds, animals and plants which call this park home. On our return, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and explore further. Tonight we dine high above the Manuel Antonio cliff face, with Pacific Ocean sunset views. (BD)
Later this morning we are taken back to San Jose Airport where we board our flight to Guatemala City. On arrival we are met and taken to the bohemian lakeside village of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, considered by many as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Here we spend two picturesque nights. (B)
Today we undertake a boat excursion on Lake Atitlan, during which we visit the village of San Antonio Polopo. On our return we have lunch overlooking the lake before having the afternoon at leisure. (BL)
Following breakfast we are driven to Chichicastenango, the centre of the Maya-Quiche Highlands. Here we visit the magnificent Church of Santo Tomas with its famous markets offering a variety of handmade textiles, pottery and crafts. As we wander around the square, we may also witness the ancient incense-burning ritual on the steps of the church. From here we continue onto Guatemala City to board our evening flight to Flores where, on arrival we are met and taken to our hotel near Tikal for a two-night stay. (BL)
Today we visit the ruins of Tikal located in the Tikal National Park. Here we see the 'Q' Complex, the Great Plaza, the Palace of the Nobles and Pyramid IV, the highest of the Mayan Pyramids. From the top of this pyramid a complete view of Tikal and its surrounding jungle can be enjoyed. We also visit the Lost World Complex, recently discovered structures from the late pre-Classical period which pre-date Tikal itself. (BLD)
Early this morning we fly back to Guatemala City where we are met and driven to our hotel located in the beautiful Colonial City of Antigua. On arrival at our historic hotel we undertake a comprehensive tour of this spectacular hotel and its grounds!
Antigua is surrounded by three volcanoes, providing a dramatic backdrop to this quaint town. It overflows with fine churches, beautiful Colonial architecture, ruins and great shopping opportunities. In the afternoon we undertake a city tour which includes many of these highlights. (BL)
This morning we undertake a tour of Antigua's Coffee and Music Museum before visiting some of the surrounding indigenous villages and a coffee farm where you may be lucky enough to witness the beans being harvested and sorted for export.
Our afternoon is at leisure to further explore Antigua. Tonight we meet for our End of Tour Dinner. (BD)
This afternoon we bid farewell to Antigua, Guatemala and Central America as we return to Guatemala City Airport for our flight to Mexico City. Here we remain in transit before connecting with our overnight flight to Santiago de Chile. (B & Meals Inflight)
On arrival in Santiago this morning we are met and taken to our hotel for the day. Later tonight we are taken back to the airport for our flight home. (Meals Inflight)
Today is spent inflight as we re-cross the Date Line and 'lose' one day. (Meals Inflight)
This morning we arrive back home.
All prices are subject to currency fluctuations, additional airline charges and changes in costs from ground suppliers. We reserve the right to vary any part of the tour at our sole discretion as circumstances may require.
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