14-Day Central America Tour: Mexico to Panama

First steps in Mexico City

We meet at the tur stand at Istanbul Airport at 22:00. After passport and baggage procedures, we fly directly to Mexico City at 01:40 on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK 181. The flight takes approximately 14 hours and 50 minutes.

THY flight TK 181 flies directly from Istanbul (IST) to Mexico City (MEX). Departure is at 01.40 and arrival is at 07.05.

We arrive at Mexico City International Airport at 07:05 local time. After passport procedures, we meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. As we arrive early in the morning, immediate access to rooms is not guaranteed. Early check-in is subject to hotel availability.

After a short rest and breakfast at the hotel, we begin exploring Mexico City, the largest city in Latin America. We see Zócalo Square, one of the world's largest squares at the heart of the historic centre, Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Latin America, and the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), the presidential headquarters. We also visit the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor in the centre of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán.

We travel along Paseo de la Reforma Avenue to Chapultepec Park, one of the world's largest urban parks. Our itinerary also includes Chapultepec Castle and the Anthropology Museum.

We have lunch at a local restaurant, sampling tacos and enchiladas, two of the best-known dishes in Mexican cuisine.

After lunch, we visit San Juan Market, which offers Mexican souvenirs, handicrafts and spices. We then explore La Condesa and Roma Norte, Mexico City neighbourhoods known for their bohemian life.

We return to the hotel and complete check-in. There is free time in the evening. Guests who wish can explore Mexico City's nightlife or enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by Mariachi music.

We stay at NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico or a similar 4-star hotel.

Teotihuacan and Frida Kahlo Museum

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Teotihuacan Pyramids. The journey to one of Mexico's best-known archaeological sites takes approximately 1 hour.

The Teotihuacan Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient city of the Teotihuacan civilization, which lived here before the Aztecs. At the site, known as the City of the Gods, climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon to view the surrounding landscape. Walk along the Avenue of the Dead, the city's main axis, and visit the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcóatl), a ceremonial center. The guide provides information about ancient Mexican culture.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant offering traditional Mexican dishes. After lunch, visit a tequila workshop to learn about the production process and taste different varieties.

Return to Mexico City and head to Coyoacán, a historic, bohemian neighborhood where artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera lived. During the visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul / Blue House), see the artist's personal belongings, works and living space.

Then continue to Xochimilco. Take a canal tour along waterways dating back to the Aztec period in colorful traditional boats called Trajinera, accompanied by live Mariachi music.

After the tour, return to the hotel and rest. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico or similar hotels.

Flight to San Salvador

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Mexico City Airport. Depart for San Salvador at 16:55 on a scheduled Avianca Airlines flight. After a direct flight of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, arrive in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, at 19:05 local time.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to rest.

Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Barceló San Salvador or a similar hotel.

San Salvador city tour

The full-day tour begins after breakfast. The tour of San Salvador’s historic city centre includes visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace and National Theatre. Divina Providencia Chapel, the historic site where Archbishop Óscar Romero was killed, is also visited.

Next, visit San Andrés Archaeological Site, an ancient Maya settlement. The guide provides information about the temples and ruins of the Maya civilization.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, where pupusa and local meat dishes from El Salvador’s cuisine are sampled.

After lunch, head to Costa del Sol on El Salvador’s Pacific coast. Walk along the Pacific Ocean, take photographs and enjoy cold drinks by the shore.

After the tour, return to the hotel and rest. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Barceló San Salvador or similar hotels.

Antigua's colonial streets

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Depart from San Salvador at 08:15 on a direct scheduled flight with Avianca Airlines to Guatemala City. Arrive in Guatemala City at 09:00 after a flight of approximately 50 minutes.

Travel to Antigua by private vehicle, a journey of approximately 1,5 hours. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is known for its history and colonial architecture.

The walking tour includes visits to the city's central square, Plaza Mayor; the colonial-era Antigua Cathedral; the Santa Catalina Arch, a yellow arched passageway and city landmark; and La Merced Church, known for its yellow facade and intricate craftsmanship.

After the tour, transfer to the hotel with time to rest. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Porta Hotel Antigua or a similar hotel.

Pacaya Volcano and a coffee farm

After breakfast, we set out to explore the natural and cultural sites around Antigua. We hike on the active Pacaya Volcano, approximately 1,5 hours from Antigua. Along the trail, we take in the views and observe volcanic rocks, lava fields and steam vents.

We return to Antigua for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we visit the Antigua coffee farm. Here, we learn about the region's coffee production process, taste coffee and discover Guatemala's coffee culture. We then head to Hobbitenango nature park, known for its houses resembling a Hobbit village and its rest areas surrounded by greenery. Guests who wish can take photos on the swinging platform, go for short walks or enjoy the mountain views.

After the tour, we return to the hotel to rest. We stay at the 4-star Porta Hotel Antigua or similar hotels.

Flight to San Jose

After breakfast, we leave Antigua and transfer to Guatemala City Airport. After completing passport and baggage procedures, we depart for San Jose (Costa Rica) on Avianca Airlines' scheduled flight at 21:45. After a flight of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we arrive in San Jose at 23:15.

We are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. After check-in, we rest. The direct flight with Avianca Airlines from Guatemala City to San Jose departs at 21:45 and arrives at 23:15. Accommodation is at Gran Hotel Costa Rica or a similar 4-star hotel.

San Jose's historic centre

After breakfast, we set out on a full-day tour to explore San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. During our tour of historic downtown San Jose, we see the National Theatre building, one of Latin America's theatres, Plaza de la Cultura square, the Central Market and San Jose Cathedral.

We then visit the National Museum (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica), which houses collections on Costa Rica's history and local cultures. At the museum, we explore pre-Columbian artefacts, objects from the Spanish colonial period and exhibitions on the country's biodiversity. We have lunch at a local restaurant.

We walk through the historic Barrio Amón neighbourhood, viewing colourful houses dating from the colonial period and art galleries. For dinner, we sample Costa Rican dishes at a local restaurant.

We spend the night at the 4-star Gran Hotel Costa Rica.

Free time in San Jose

After a late breakfast at the hotel, guests have free time in San Jose. Those who wish can browse the city's boutique shops, spend time in local cafés to taste Costa Rican coffee, or take a walk in San Jose's parks. Guests can also join optional tours at an extra cost, such as a rainforest day trip or a tour to Arenal Volcano. Accommodation is at the 4-star Gran Hotel Costa Rica or similar hotels.

Arrival in Panama City

We leave the hotel early in the morning and transfer to San Jose Airport. We depart for Panama City at 12:40 with Avianca Airlines. After a flight of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, we arrive in Panama City at 14:55. After being welcomed on arrival, we begin our city tour.

Our first stop is Casco Viejo (Old Town), the oldest settlement area, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this area, known for its colonial architecture, historic churches and colorful streets, we see San José Church, known for its golden altar, Plaza Mayor, Bolivar Square and the Presidential Palace.

We then pass through the skyscraper district, which has become a symbol of modern Panama, and take a panoramic tour of Punta Paitilla, the city's new center. We have lunch at a local restaurant.

We visit the Amador Causeway area, where a group of artificial islands extends toward the entrance to the Panama Canal. Here, we enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama skyline, with free time for shopping. After returning to the hotel, the evening is free time.

The direct flight between San Jose and Panama City is operated by Avianca Airlines, departing at 12:40 and arriving at 14:55. Accommodation is at Hilton Panama or a similar 4-star hotel.

Panama Canal and Taboga Island

After breakfast, we visit Panama's main attractions. At the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, we watch up close as ships pass between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

At the Panama Canal Museum, we learn about the canal's construction between 1881-1914. We explore the technical and historical aspects of this century-old project, started by the French and completed by the Americans.

We then travel by boat to Taboga Island, known as the Island of Flowers, in the Pacific Ocean. The island is known for its beaches, clear waters and natural surroundings. We spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming or exploring the island's small colonial town. We have lunch at one of the island's beachfront restaurants.

In the late afternoon, we return to Panama City and transfer to the hotel. We stay at the 4-star Hilton Panama or similar accommodation.

Free time and the flight home

After breakfast, you will have free time in Panama City until your flight. During this time, you can do some last-minute shopping, walk along the waterfront or spend time in local cafés. At the time set by the guide, we will leave the hotel and transfer to the airport.

The direct return flight to Istanbul departs at 20:15 on Türk Hava Yolları flight TK 801. THY flight TK 801 departs from Panama City (PTY) and arrives in Istanbul (IST). The departure time is listed as 20.15 and the arrival time as 17:05 (+1).

The night is spent on board.

Arrival in Istanbul

After a flight of approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes, we arrive at Istanbul Airport at 17.00 local time. Our tour ends after passport control and baggage collection.

Our 14-day Central America trip covering the Aztec pyramids, Maya ruins, Antigua's colonial streets, the Panama Canal, Taboga Island and Costa Rica ends here. Thank you for choosing us for this trip.