Antigua to Panama City Travel Pass

Transfer from Antigua to Panajachel

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Panajachel, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Upon arrival at Avenida Santander Zona 2 (next to Hotel Dos Mundos), you will be given instructions on how to take a public bus from Panajachel to reach the village where your host family lives, San Jorge La Laguna. Enjoy a genuine insight into the lives of locals with a fascinating homestay.

Home Stay in San Jorge La Laguna (D)

Upon arrival at Avenida Santander Zona 2 (next to Hotel Dos Mundos), you will be given instructions on how to take a public bus from Panajachel to reach the village where your host family lives, San Jorge La Laguna.

The home stay will give you a genuine insight into the everyday lives of a local family during your trip by staying one or more more nights with a family from the Kakchiquel Indigenous group in San Jorge La Laguna. Maya Experience Home Stays has started this home stay program in the village to give something back to the communities around Lake Atitlan, and also to give you a very genuine experience of living with a Maya local family to experience their culture and customs. This experience is very new to the village and families who welcome foreigners into their homes. As a responsible traveler, we as guests must be aware of and sensitive to the culture by behaving respectfully during our time with the family and in the village.

Although shy at first, the villagers are very friendly and welcoming people. Make sure you ask permission to take photos of the people in the village since the Mayan community commonly believes a photograph will steal their soul. You will most likely find the housing situation in San Jorge La Laguna rather basic but the reason for partcipating in this home stay is to enjoy a real insight into Guatemala, so you can experience the culture firsthand and interact with the local community on a personal basis. We hope that you enjoy this very unique experience.

A small gift for the family would be a nice gesture of appreciation for the family welcoming you into their home.  Cooking or kitchen materials such as pasta, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables or kitchen utensils are very much appreciated ($3 USD per person approx). Other materials from your home country or children's books (coloring, basic English, workbooks, almanacs) would be a great addition to the family library.

Today, you will hop in a boat for a tour of Lake Atitlan and a visit to its colorful indigenous villages. You will be dropped off back in Panajachel when the tour is finished.

Boat Tour of Lake Atitlan with visits to indigenous villages. Return to Panajachel (B)

You will have all the instructions on how to go from the Homestay to the meeting point. Then, you will hop in a boat for a tour of Lake Atitlan and a visit to its colorful indigenous villages.

The word "atitlan" is translated from Maya as "the place where the rainbow gets its colors" and accordingly you will understand why so many people have been drawn to this magical lake for hundreds of years. Panajachel alone is an 800 year old town home to mostly Cachikel Maya and an increasing number foreigners from every corner of the globe, all coming together to soak up a piece of that serenity and originality that this place provides.

You'll visit the following villages:

San Pedro La Laguna, much like Panajachel has a large population of bohemian tourists and ex-pats, however the indigenous people of the town still preserve their original ways of life and wear traditional dress, remain very conservative and practice the same style of subsistence agriculture that their ancestors practiced years ago. Just outside of town coffee crops are cultivated on the mountain side and hard working farmers hike up and back on a daily basis to tend to their crops.  Walk uphill towards the town center (away from the docks) and you will see a whole different side to this popular lakeside village.

Santiago Atitlán is the largest of the communities around the lake with a population of over 32,000, 95% of which are indigenous Tz’utujils. Traditionally, it is fishing and farming town; it is also known for the manufacture of cayucos, wooden canoes. Directly from the dock, the main street leads visitors up to the main square where there is a vibrant and very lively indoor/outdoor marketplace where street hawkers target "gringos" as they wander by looking for good deals on original locally made souvenirs. Santiago is also home to a very interesting Maya/Catholic sacred statue called Maximon (also known as San Simon by the Spanish and Rilaj Maam by the Maya). All Guatemalan people worship this deity and go to him to ask for blessings or give offerings.  During "Semana Santa" (Holy Week) in March/April, the statue is paraded around town and celebrations are held to worship this Guatemalan god. If you can, catch a glimpse of this interesting and very unique local custom.

San Antonio Palopo is one of the most interesting villages around lake Atitlan and the best place to really get an idea for how these traditional indigenous towns used to feel. Walking through the village one can see people wearing intricately designed "huipiles" (woven tunics) and women weaving fabric made of wool and cotton. Take in the views of this tranquil town and imagine what the villagers' peaceful life is like living in adobe houses with tin roofs, farming and selling souvenirs to make a living. This is one of the best places to purchase a "huipil" traditional hand-woven tunic knowing that the profits are going straight to the villagers.

You will be dropped off back in Panajachel when the tour is finished.

Transfer from Panajachel to Lanquin

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Lanquin, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Hike through the mysterious caves of Kamba, which are filled with extraordinary limestone formations. Enjoy free time to swim in the crystalline waters of Semuc Champey, where you will find natural pools filled with fresh mountain spring water above a 300-meter long limestone bridge immersed in a pristine lush jungle setting.

Take a hike through the mysterious caves of Kanba (activity at your own risk) which are filled with extraordinary limestone formations distributed among an endless stretch of different chambers (so far, the end of the cave system has not yet been discovered) housing a sharp pointed rock altar where ancient Maya once performed sacred rituals. The Maya people of Guatemala continue holding spiritual ceremonies here and believe that the cave is the "heart of heaven" where the secrets of many centuries are held.

Enjoy some free time to swim and go river tubing in the crystalline waters of Semuc Champey where there are natural pools filled with fresh mountain spring water above a 300-meter long limestone bridge. Flowing underneath the bridge is the Cahabón River where you will have time to swim in the cool waters in a beautiful natural surrounding immersed in native flora and fauna. At the end of the bridge you will visit waterfalls over 40-feet in height where the water from the pools rejoins the Cahabon River. The color of the water is constantly changing depending on factors such as the season, sun and rainfall, a characteristic of the national park that makes this place an idyllic and awe-inspiring setting to experience and take photographs.

Transfer from Lanquin to Antigua

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Antigua, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Brag to your friends about trekking an active volcano after hiking up the steep slopes of the Pacaya Volcano to reach a moon-like landscape of dried lava with panoramic views of nearby volcanoes above the clouds.

Get up close and personal with an active volcano and brag to your friends about it. Hike up the Pacaya Volcano slope fo two hours and then trek onto dry lava that resembles a moon-like landscape. Look up to catch an eruption from the active volcano if you're lucky (depending on the activity of the volcano you may or may not see eruptions or lava). Take unforgettable photos in a landscape so surreal that you feel like you are walking on the moon. Admire the breathtaking landscape and views of neighbouring volcanoes peeking through the clouds around you. Take your time returning to the base of the mountain as you make your way down the slippery, muddy slopes. (Note: Horses can be rented for the trip up and back.)

We recommend wearing comfortable trekking shoes and bringing a flash light and a walking stick (or rent one for a few dollars from local kids before you start your hike). It gets dark and steep on the mountain if you are going up in the afternoon. If you are travelling during rainy season bring a raincoat or poncho... you will definitely need it! Bring bottled water for the trek and some extra cash to buy snacks afterwards or pack a few power bars in your day pack to take with you.

Transfer from Antigua to Copan

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Copan, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Discover the National Park of Copán ruins, a unique archeological site, named world heritage by UNESCO, and learn the most relevant facts of this important Mayan city.

At around 8:00 hrs, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation to start your tour of Copan, called the Mayan Paris. For many years, Copán Ruins have been famous for its magnificent Mayan ruins, declared by UNESCO as Archaeological World Heritage Site in 1980. The majestic archaeological site owes this name to what was, at the time, its avant-garde and colourful architecture. After seeing these spectacular ruins on a guided tour, you will continue through the sculpture museum, where you will find a life-size replica of the Rosalila temple. After the tour, you will be dropped back off at your accommodation.

Transfer from Copan to El Tunco

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to El Tunco, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Transfer from El Tunco to Leon, NI

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Leon, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Embark on an adrenaline pumping adventure to Cerro Negro volcano where you will go boarding down the ashy slopes on a sled.

Depart from Leon in the morning for an exciting and breathtaking adventure to nearby Cerro Negro Volcano. Hop on a 4x4 vehicle to reach the base of the volcano and prepare for your hike up to make your ascent to the top. Take in the magical scenery and landscapes from the peak of the volcano that affords sweeping views of the lush surrounding forests and the multi-coloured active crater. Enjoy your ride down the slopes of the volcano on a sled that will bring you to the base of the volcano. Take a moment to catch your breath and relax in nature to recover. Share your photos of this unforgettable experience with your new friends as you make your way back to your hostel.

Transfer from Leon, NI to Granada, NI

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Granada, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Immerse yourself in the pristine natural environment of Lake Nicaragua with a boat tour to the islets. There you can visit a local village to see the laid-back way of life and observe playful monkeys while listening to the magical song of colorful birds with a local guide.

Start off the day at 03:00 pm with your knowledgeable local guide who will take you to the shore of Lake Nicaragua for a boat ride to see the Islets. Observe a wide variety of flora and fauna such as playful monkeys and colorful birds that inhabit the jungle-covered islets in the lake. Enjoy the scenery and the serene atmosphere as you immerse yourself in nature in this beautiful pristine landscape. Return to your hostel at 06:00 pm and enjoy the rest of the afternoon to yourself to discover the colonial town of Granada.

Transfer from Granada, NI to San Jorge

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to San Jorge, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Today, you will board a ferry from San Jorge to Ometepe. Once there, one of our representatives will pick you up and take you to your homestay.

Transfer to Ometepe (D)

Today, you will board a ferry from San Jorge to Ometepe. Once there, one of our representatives will pick you up and take you to your homestay. Upon arrival, you will have time at your leisure to explore the area.

Today, you will take part in a Hiking Experience through the island, you will climb the Concepción Vocano and make various stops along the path to be able to contemplate the impressive view of the island.

Ometepe Hiking Experience (B)

At around 06:00 we will leave the homestay in Ometepe accompanied by our guide. We will take the main path of the community until we reach the main road, later we will go into a path where we will be able to observe precious wood trees, chaff monkeys, the Concepción Volcano landslide and much more vegetation. We will make various stops along the path and as we go up we will be able to contemplate the impressive view of the island, and we will reach the crater at about 1610 meters above sea level. At this point, we will not be able to stay more than 15 minutes, since the crater is the product of the gases that the volcano emanates and it can be toxic. Then, we will begin the descent. It is important to mention that between the ascent and the descent, it will take us around 8 hours, for those who do not wish to climb to the highest peak, they can stay at the viewpoints that are located on the same path and stay at 300 or 600 meters above sea level, which reduces the time. For this activity it is essential to bring at least 3 liters of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, a scarf to cover your mouth when you reach the crater, long pants (no shorts), a jacket and a flashlight (in case the descent is falling at night). After the hiking experience, you will take the ferry back to San Jorge.

Transfer from San Jorge to San Juan del Sur

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to San Juan del Sur, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Transfer from San Juan del Sur to Liberia

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Liberia, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Transfer from Liberia to Monteverde

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Monteverde, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Swing through the treetops on a zip line tour along 14 different cables and if you are lucky catch an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua on a clear day. Catch a glimpse of diverse and beautiful flora and fauna. Fly alongside wild quetzals and native birds on the 1 kilometer-long Superman Cable.

Monteverde is a paradise for adventure lovers. You will get your adrenaline running with one of the best Canopy tours (Zipline) of Costa Rica. Swing through the treetops on a zip line tour along 14 different cables. You will feel the excitement on the big Tarzan swing, the 30 meters rappel, the Superman Cable measuring 1 kilometre in length, and the Underground Superman Cable through a 175 meters long tunnel. During the tour, you will observe some beautiful views of the area from the 75-150 meters high cables. To reach the major heights, mix the extreme adventure together with the majestic forest and admire the rich natural beauty of the forest and its treasures. If you're lucky, catch an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua on a clear day. Observe over 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds (including 30 kinds of hummingbirds), tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants (including 420 kinds of orchids) in one of Latin America's most outstanding wildlife reserves. Keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of diverse and beautiful wildlife including the jaguar, ocelot, Baird's tapir, three-wattled bellbird, bare necked umbrella bird and the famous quetzal.

Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Manuel Antonio, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Explore the tranquil white-sand beaches and turquoise coloured bays in this pristine national park. Hike through the mangrove swamps in the rainforest where you can spot monkeys, sloths, crabs, iguanas and over 180 bird species. Escape civilization for a day by lounging on a virgin beach and enjoying a picnic lunch.

Manuel Antonio is perhaps the most popular national park in all of Costa Rica, attracting more than 160,000 visitors annually to visit its tranquil white sand beaches and turquoise waters tucked away in mangrove swamps in the rainforest. Walking along the main trails that lead you through this majestic forest, you can see over 100 different types of animals, including white-faced monkeys, squirrel monkeys known locally as "mono titi", sloths, coatimundis and howler monkeys along with lizards, iguanas, crabs, marine life and over 180 bird species.

The Main Trail (1.3 miles) is the most popular and most frequented trail, taking you through a short loop of the park to the beaches. The Punta Catedral Trail takes you a bit further off the beaten track and out to the Cathedral Point for beautiful look out points. Visit the Playa Gemelas and Punto Escondido Beaches by following a trail of the same name for 1 mile and lastly for the most spectacular views of the park, take the Mirador Trail (a slightly more difficult trail a little less than a mile) to a beautiful overlook point. Enjoy the day wandering down endless trails into a naturally pristine refuge and feel that you are thousands of miles away from civilization.

Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to San Jose, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Unmask the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour that takes you through busy streets, bustling markets, and tranquil parks. Discover a side of this city that most tourists don't get to see, while indulging in typical cuisine and one of Costa Rica’s most delectable exports – coffee.

On this San Jose tour you’ll get up close and personal with Costa Rican life, through architecture, history, food, and more! Nothing could get you closer to authentic San Jose than strolling through the streets with a local as they show you the ins and outs of daily life. Take a wander through the city with us on this tour that takes typical San Jose and turns it into a local experience you’ll never forget.

Your San Jose food tour starts with a morning pick-up point, where you can get to know your local guide and relax into your surroundings. From here you’ll take a stroll through the park, enjoying the views of the Yellow House, or Foreign Ministry, as you go, and learning more about the park itself, which is the oldest in the city and also known as Expression Park. You’ll visit a number of landmarks in this area, including the National Liquor Factory and the Metal Building, two 19th century buildings that play an important role in the history of San Jose. Your guide will give you all the local knowledge about what these landmarks mean to the city, and its citizens, giving you exclusive insights in what makes San Jose tick.

Your San Jose walking tour continues through Parque Nacional for yet another taste of San Jose’s rich history, before you head back into contemporary Costa Rican life and towards the Central Market. While seeing the sights and architectural gems of San Jose will help you get to know the city better, on this tour you’ll use another sense – taste – to get you even more in tune with San Jose.

There’s no better place in San Jose to experience the local cuisine than the Central Market, a 120-year old building full to the brim with typical Costa Rican food and drink. Here you can sample local delicacies, learn about the herbs used in local medicines, or simply sip on your second rich and smooth Costa Rican coffee of the day. The Central Market is an experience that no visitor the San Jose should miss, and with a local guide by your side you’ll unearth all the secrets behind this San Jose treasure.

The Central Market will be the last stop on this San Jose tour, and by the end you’ll be full of local knowledge (and perhaps even some local lingo!), giving you the full San Jose experience that is sure to be a highlight of your time in this vibrant city.

Transfer from San Jose to Tortuguero

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Tortuguero, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Opt to tour the town upon arrival or take an optional night walk to see a green sea turtle nesting site (seasonal).

Depart from San Jose to Tortuguero and start your activities (B/L/D)

After breakfast we will continue driving on the shuttle and then transfer to a boat for the final leg of the journey into Tortuguero National Park, a pristine nature reserve and an important nesting site for green sea turtles. Along the way we will provide you with a brief introduction to the banana plantations.

This afternoon you may go on an optional walking tour of the Museum and the town to learn about the local culture (not included). Depending on the season, tonight you can also participate in an optional night tour (not included), which consists of a boat trip to Tortuguero National Park followed by walking on the beach to observe the nesting of the Giant Green Sea Turtle (available only from July to October).

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Today, tour the park with a boat ride and walk through pristine nature. Return to San Jose in the afternoon, arriving around 3:30pm.

Tortuguero Boat Walking Tour - Boat and Shuttle to San Jose (B/L)

Rise early again this morning to go on a boat tour to visit some areas of the park and admire breathtaking nature. Return to your accommodation for breakfast and to pack up your belongings for check-out before taking your transfer back to San Jose at 9:00 hrs. Have lunch on the way (budget package does not include lunch) and arrive in San Jose around 15:30 hrs.

Transfer from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Puerto Viejo, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Transfer from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Bocas del Toro, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Panama City

Please, make your own way to Bocas del Toro International Airport to catch your flight to Panama City.

You will be picked up at your Panama City accommodation for your land and boat transfer to your host island and then an exciting tour to discover your pristine surroundings.

Transfer from Panama City to San Blas Islands (L/D)

You will be picked up at your accommodation in Panama City early this morning and take an exciting ride through the jungle on 4x4 transportation. We will then make a stop to pass through immigration formalities and pay the entrance fees to Kuna Yala Islands (not included). We will continue our way to the dock where you will meet your boat to take a shared transfer to your island.

Note: Please note that there will no longer be a stop at the supermarket to avoid unnecessary time loss and to be able to arrive at the port as soon as possible. Therefore, we encourage you to purchase supplies to take with you to the island (snacks, drinks, water) the day before the tour.

Eenjoy another fantastic tour of this tropical paradise.

San Blas Islands Tour (B/L/D)

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with the sounds of the waves on the shore before going on an exciting tour. Afterwards, if time permits, opt to swim or snorkel around your island in the crystal clear turquoise waters to spot colourful tropical fish among coral reefs or simply spend time relaxing on a hammock. You can also hire a boat and visit a traditional Kuna Yala village of this archipelago, where you can purchase handmade souvenirs to contribute to the community (optional activity at extra cost, inquire upon arrival). Spend the evening watching the horizon turn different shades of red and pink as the sun sets over the Caribbean.

Say goodbye to this Caribbean haven and end your trip upon arrival in Panama City.

Transfer from San Blas Islands to Panama City (B/L)

Say goodbye to your piece of natural paradise this morning for your scenic one-hour return trip to the dock by boat and 4x4 transportation ride back to Panama City, and be dropped off at your accommodation in the afternoon.

Arrive in Panama City and make your own way to the hostel of your choice. Your once-in-a-lifetime adventure comes to an end. We hope to see you soon for your next adventure!