Experience Central America – El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize
Visit 4 Central American countries for 13D/12N starting at $4,350.00 per person.
This journey weaves together the rich cultural tapestry and wild natural beauty of Central America, tracing a route from the Pacific shores of El Salvador through the highlands of Honduras and Guatemala, and onward to the lush jungles and waterways of Belize.
Designed for curious travelers who want more than a single destination, the itinerary balances immersive cultural encounters with active adventure, offering a dynamic perspective on the region’s diverse landscapes and traditions.
The experience begins on El Salvador’s relaxed coastline, where the rhythm of the Pacific sets the tone. From the surf breaks of El Tunco to the remarkably preserved Maya village of Joya de Cerén, the early days provide a compelling introduction to both the country’s modern energy and its ancient roots.
Moving inland, the cool mountain air of the Ruta de las Flores brings a shift in pace, with coffee plantations, cloud forests, and colorful highland villages forming the backdrop for hiking, biking, and canopy adventures.
Crossing into Honduras, the journey deepens with an exploration of Copán, one of the most refined and artistically significant cities of the Maya world. Here, intricate carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions reveal centuries of history, while nearby experiences—from zip-lining through forest canopies to encounters with vibrant tropical birdlife—add variety and depth.
Moments of relaxation, including time at natural hot springs, provide a welcome contrast to the more active elements of the trip.
The route continues into Guatemala’s remote lowlands, where rivers carve through jungle-clad canyons and ancient trade routes come alive by boat. In the Petén region, the towering temples of Tikal rise dramatically above the rainforest, offering one of the most iconic archaeological experiences in the Americas.
Wildlife sightings and the sounds of the jungle enhance the sense of stepping into a living, breathing landscape shaped by both nature and history.
In Belize, the adventure shifts once more, blending jungle exploration with water-based experiences. From tranquil pontoon journeys across jungle-fringed lakes to the thrill of drifting through ancient cave systems, the final days highlight the country’s remarkable natural diversity.
The itinerary concludes in Belize City, leaving travelers with a vivid collection of experiences that span cultures, ecosystems, and centuries of history—all seamlessly connected in one thoughtfully crafted journey.
Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.
Day 1: San Salvador
Arrive San Salvador Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the beach town of El Tunco, known for great surfing.
Overnight Tekuani Kal, breakfast included.
Day 2: Joya de Ceren – Apaneca
Breakfast and morning at leisure with free time to take shots on surfing at the Sunzal point break!
Your guide picks you up and drives you to Joya de Ceren which was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 for being the only location in the whole Mayan culture where you can appreciate the day to day living styles of the popular pre-Colombian inhabitants.
Joya de Ceren was buried by several eruptions of volcanoes and the village under 14 layers of ash. The villagers were apparently able to escape in time – no bodies have been found – although they left behind utensils, ceramics, furniture, and even half-eaten food in their haste to escape.
Afternoon transfer to the mountains of the Ruta de Las Flores, famous for its abundance of wild growing flowers. This region has beautiful panoramic views of the mountain side coffee plantations, lagoons and dense cloud forests.
Overnight in Concepcion de Ataco at Fleur de Lis, breakfast included – 2 nights.
Day 3: Apaneca
Today your adventure takes you around the Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde) with the serene sounds of the cloud forest. Optional activities include mountain biking or hiking. Bike tour starts up the mountains of Apaneca and visits the Laguna Verde Crater Lake on a downhill ride which can be all the way into the nearby colonial town.
The hiking route travels around the lagoon, through coffee plantations.
In the afternoon you will experience the marvelous sensation of flying on a zipline through the sky over a coffee plantation in the Apaneca region. You will slide along more than 2000 meters of cable, fourteen platforms suspended from the canopy trees.
Day 4: Copan
After breakfast you will visit the archaeological site of Casa Blanca where you will see a workshop producing indigo (anil) dye from pre-Classic and Classic period of Maya. Indigo is a natural colorant extracted from the Xiquilite plant.
It was a very important element for the Mayans since they used it for magical/religious rituals, as a medical plant, for pottery and for painting. When the Spanish “Conquistadores” arrived in El Salvador in 1524, indigo became the new source of wealth in the region.
Transfer to Copan, Honduras. Located close to the Guatemalan border, Copán is the main highlight of our cultural offering with the most elaborate high relief sculptures in the Mayan World and two world-class archaeological museums.
The time-tested skills of Mayan ancestors still exist today with specially honed skills for working with wood, leather and stone carving. The city of Copán has narrow streets, along with the brightly colored buildings and a friendly intimacy that creates a warm and inviting place.
The site of Copán itself is the most studied archaeological site in the Maya world. Through the city and the site you can truly understand the balance of life of the Maya ancestors and how they have influenced life in the country today.
Overnight Hotel Plaza Copan, breakfast included – 3 nights.
Day 5: Copan Ruinas & Canopy Tour
After breakfast depart with your guide to Copan Ruinas. Tour the mystical Mayan ruins, where you will be able to witness the ancient Mayan culture.
The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century. Copan, with its temples, plazas and terraces, comprises a type of architectural complex among the most characteristic of the Mayan civilization.
The lengthy inscription on the Hieroglyphic Stairway Plaza is of considerable historical significance. Return to your hotel after the tour.
In the early afternoon transfer to the Copán Canopy Tour, located in the mountains northeast of town. There is a network of trails, 14 suspension platforms, and zip lines that will offer you the opportunity to observe and appreciate the tropical vegetation from different vantage points above the rainforest canopy.
Experience the exhilarating adrenaline rush. Zip lines requires no special athletic abilities or previous experience. All you need to know how to do is sit, enjoy and let gravity do the rest. The guides will gear you up and get you started from each platform.
Praised as one of the best in Central America, the Copan Canopy Tour includes 14 zip-lines through the hilltops – an exciting experience we are sure you will want to repeat!
Day 6: Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Reserve / Luna Jaguar Spa
Around 2.5 km outside Copán Ruinas is an extensive private reserve aimed at saving Central American macaws. There are plenty of them here, along with toucans, motmots, parrots, kingfishers and orioles, all flying around in spacious, humanely constructed cages.
In the ‘Encounter Center’ uncaged birds fly onto your shoulders or hands and you can pose for photos with them. Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Reserve offers a first class experience in an unspoiled part of the world.
Here you learn about and interact with the intelligent, colorful birds of Central America. An innovative tropical bird reserve located in western Honduras, home of birds that have been rescued and cares for those who are in danger of extinction in the American tropics.
In the afternoon you will be met at your hotel and transferred about 45 minutes on unpaved road to the local hot springs at the magical and imposing Luna Jaguar Spa, located in the community of Aguas Calientes, 20 km from Copan Ruinas.
Descend the steep entrance and cross the hammock bridge to the Mayan-style thermal bath spas. Your guide will be an expert in Mayan mysticism created for purification of the body in which you shed the bad vibes created by stress. It is claimed you will be reborn after a natural sauna and relaxation in the Jacuzzi.
Day 7: Copan – Rio Dulce
You will be met at your hotel by your driver for the transfer to Rio Dulce. You will be met upon arrival in Rio Dulce by your local guide for your half-day Rio Dulce Boat Tour.
While navigating the Rio Dulce (Sweet River) you will cross through “EL Golfete”, the wider section river where the Chocon Machaca Park and the Floating Gardens are located. Along the way you will also stop at Ak’Tenamit, a local cooperative that helps provide the village with education and medical services through sustainable methods.
Between “El Golfete” and Livingston, you pass through an impressive canyon with walls of jungle and limestone. Continue by boat to your hotel.
Overnight Villa Caribe (or similar), breakfast included.
Day 8: Transfer to Flores – Ixpanpajul
After breakfast at the hotel you will meet with your driver for the transfer to Flores. You will visit Ixpanpajul, located 10 minutes from Flores.
The 450 hectare natural preserve is a refuge for various species of birds, mammals, trees and plants. Ixpanpajul is the perfect destination for adventure and adrenaline fanatics: there are zip line circuits where biodiversity can be admired day or night, the park can be explored on horseback and over the 5 majestic suspension bridges. After tour transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Villa Maya (or similar), breakfast included – 2 nights.
Day 9: Tikal
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Tikal National Park.
Your guide will show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, some theories of why the Mayans disappeared and if you are lucky a few monkeys, parrots, macaws and toucans will be on site.
After the tour, enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle. Lunch included.
Day 10: Transfer to Belize
Welcome to Belize! You will be met and greeted at the Western Border (Melchor de Mencos), where you will meet your local driver on the Belizean side of the border. Transfer to your hotel in the San Ignacio area.
Overnight Cahal Pech Resort, breakfast included – 2 nights.
Day 11: Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour
Vaca Lake is a large body of pristine calm waters surrounded by verdant jungle and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Vaca Lake is a 6-mile man-made creation of the Vaca Dam. This large body of water is an ideal setting to experience the lush landscape and wildlife of Belize.
The large floating pontoon boat gives you the opportunity of spotting some colorful birds, crocodiles, monkeys and other types of wildlife that inhabits the banks of the Vaca Lake in comfort.
The Pontoon tour of Vaca Lake includes a stop at a waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the pool beneath the waterfall.
The boat continue to a second waterfall where is a beautiful backdrop for enjoying your lunch. The tour continues on to the crystalized waterfall where you will be able to see a small cave with sparkling stones and minerals. Lunch is included.
Day 12: Cave Tubing – Belize City
You will be met at the hotel lobby by your driver. Transfer to the park for the Cave Tubing excursion. You will be outfitted with gear, receive a safety briefing and set off for a trek through the jungle to the clear waters of the Caves Branch River.
Jump onto your tube and feel the excitement as you float into mysterious limestone archways beckoning you into the mouth of centuries-old caves, holding untold stories of Maya rituals.
Explore the many awesome formations that decorate these amazing caves and learn about the trees and jungle that surround them. Feel the rush of cool water as you meander into small rapids, letting the currents guide you where they will.
After the tour you will transfer to Belize City. Overnight Best Western Biltmore Plaza, breakfast included.
Day 13: Int’l departure
You will be transferred to the Belize City Int’l Airport.
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