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C. A. EXPLORER Highlighting the Best of Central America 12 Days

Locally Hosted Independent Tour Suggested Departure Day: Saturday

ITINERARY (Subject to change without notice):

Saturday - USA - Panama: Afternoon flight south to Panama, Crossroads of the Americas. Upon arrival, meeting and transfer to Hotel Bristol in the heart of the city.

Sunday - Panama: Full day guided tour of the highlights of Panama City including the new sections of the city, the ruins of the old city sacked by the Pirate Henry Morgan, the Church of the Golden Altar and the former Canal Zone area to view the operations of the Pacific Locks at Miraflores. Lunch included en route. (L)

Monday - Panama - San Jose: Morning transfer to the airport for short flight north to San Jose, capital of Costa Rica. Meeting and transfer to the San Jose Marriott. Balance of the day free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Tuesday - San Jose: Morning departure to the area of Braulio Carillo National Park were you will take the Aerial Tram for a 45-minute ride along the treetops of the jungle canopy. Afterwards, take a walk along the forest floor. A snack will be provided before return to San Jose. (B/L)

Wednesday - San Jose: Early morning drive along the old 1606 Spanish route to the Pacific coast for a visit to the Carara Biological Reserve with some 4,700 hectares of transitional forests with numerous varieties of bird, reptile and mammal life. Lunch included en route before afternoon return to San Jose. (B/L)

Thursday - San Jose - Managua: Mid-day transfer to the airport for your flight to Managua, capital of Nicaragua. Upon arrival, meeting and transfer to the InterContinental Hotel. Balance of the day at leisure to explore at your own pace. (B)

Friday - Managua: Full day visit to the area northwest of Managua for a guided tour of one of the country's oldest cities, Leon. This was a provincial center during the Spanish colonial era and you'll visit the Spanish cathedral, Subtiava Church and the home of the famed poet Ruben Dario. Lunch included en route. (L)

Saturday - Managua - Guatemala City: Morning visit to the impressive Masaya Volcano where you can stand right on the edge of the active crater. Then continue to the town of Masaya and its famed arts and crafts market before returning to Managua. Later in the day, transfer to the airport for flight to Guatemala City, with transfer to the Hotel Marriott in the heart of the Zona Viva.

Sunday - Guatemala City - Chichicastenango: Early morning drive north 3 hours through the scenic countryside to the heart of the Quiche province and the colorful town of Chichicastenango. Sundays is market day and the town is jammed with stalls filled with handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and traditional Indian goods. Visit the Church of Santo Tomas to witness the blending of pagan and Catholic rites and have plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Overnight at the Mayan Inn, just a block from the teeming market. (B)

Monday - Chichicastenango - Guatemala City: Morning return drive to Guatemala City with visits en route to the volcano rimmed Lake Atitlan and the colonial capital of Antigua for a guided tour of one of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage site. Late afternoon return to Guatemala City. (B)

Tuesday - Guatemala City: Today you will enjoy a full day excursion to Tikal deep in the heart of the Peten jungle and the greatest Classic Maya city yet uncovered. You'll visit the Grand Plaza with Temples I and II, Temple IV, Mundo Perdido and the museum. Picnic lunch before return drive to the airport at Flores for return to Guatemala City. (B/L)

Wednesday - Guatemala City - Miami: Morning transfer to the airport for return flight to the USA. Clear immigrations and customs and make connections to your home city. (B)

RATES and DETAILS: