The colonial city of
Veracruz dates back to the 1519 when Hernan de Cortés made his first landing on Mexican
soil. It was from here that Cortés explored inland and discovered the Aztec capital and
launched his campaign of colonization in continental America. Today it is Méxicos
largest and oldest port. During our stay you will have the opportunity to visit the
Spanish fort of Ulúa, the Naval museum and lighthouse, and cruise the harbor on a boat.
The Zócalo (town square) at night is full of mariachis, music, and fun. Breakfast at the
famous La Parroquia cafe.
San Cristobal de las Casas
is the oldest colonial settlement in the state of
Chiapas. Settled in 1528, this warm city of cobblestone streets and red tiled
roofs invites the visitor to explore its special attractions. A strong Indian
presence in this area attributes to the culture and handicrafts of the
natives. The entire city has been designated a National Monument to preserve
its style. Enjoy the open-air market, colonial buildings and homes here.
Guatemala:
We spend our time in
Guatemala at a mountain hot-springs resort conveniently located outside Guatemala City.
From this "base camp" we take bus tours into the interior of the country. The
city of Antigua has been declared a United Nations "Monument of the Americas."
The entire city has been preserved as it was in the 17th century. Colonial buildings
including 80 churches, cathedrals and temples along cobblestone streets. The highland
Maya Indian town of Chichicastenango is not to be missed on market day. On this day you will
experience one of the most magnificent outdoor handicraft markets in the western
hemisphere. Surrounded by three perfect volcanoes, Lake Atitlán, is often compared to
Lake Tahoe in California. This unspoiled natural gem is just one of the many hidden
treasures in Guatemala, the land of Eternal Spring.
Belize:
The small Caribbean/Central American country with the longest barrier reef
in the Northern Hemisphere. Over 60% of its land still covered by tropical
forests and the center of the once powerful Mayan civilization. Belize is a
diverse, peaceful, English-speaking democracy. The atmosphere is so
laid-back it's almost comatose.
El Salvador:
The smallest of the
Central American countries, El Salvadors true Pipíl Indian name is Cuscatlán which
means "Land of Precious Things". The old saying, good things come in small
packages is very fitting of El Salvador, a land of 5 million industrious people and
beautiful natural scenery. In an area just over 8000 square kilometers (roughly the size
of Massachusetts) there are 25 volcanoes, 300 rivers, crater lakes, and over 200 miles of
Pacific coastline ranging from white to volcanic black sand beaches. While here you will
drive through the northern coffee growing region, visit the Pipil Indian ruins, the
Lighthouse of the Pacific, San Salvador, and spend time on beautiful beaches.
Honduras:
Discovered by Christopher
Columbus in 1502. During his 4th voyage, he landed in the Bay Islands, and came to shore
at present day Punta Castilla. Columbus brother, Bartolomé Colón disembarked at
the present day Port of Trujillo. This is where the first mass on continental American
territory was held. It wasnt until 1524 when the conquistadors came to Honduras with
the arrival of Cristóbal de Olid. This country is still relatively untouched by tourism,
thus unspoiled. We visit the capital city of Tegucigalpa, then you will have the chance to
go bass fishing in Lake Yohoa. The ruins of Copán are a highlight in this country. Some
of the best preserved temples are located here.
Nicaragua:
Nicaragua is a country with
fascinating geography. Your first impression will undoubtedly be of awe when you realize
that there are 25 volcanoes lining the coast, 12 of them have lakes in their craters. We
also camp along side Lake Nicaragua, the largest fresh water lake on this hemisphere and
home to fresh water sharks and swordfish. There are two volcanoes that form an island in
the middle of this grand lake. The city of Granada is a living museum to the grandeur of
Nicaraguas colonial times. Authentic banana boat rides are a special treat on Lake
Nicaragua
Costa Rica:
Covering an area of 52,000
square kilometers, over 2.5 million Ticos (the name for Costa Ricans) live in a tranquil
and exhilarating natural gem of the Central American isthmus. Costa Rica has the most
advanced tourism infrastructure of all the countries we visit. In a day you could stretch
out on a white sand Caribbean beach, tour volcanic mountain ranges, hike through humid and
lush lowland rain forest, bird watch in high misty cloud forests, raft down a white water
river, walk through several excellent museums and sip a rum drink while watching the sun
set over the Pacific. Then be back in San José in time to dance to salsa in a crowded
nightclub. You could do all this, but why? Were here to relax and enjoy all that
Costa Rica has to offer.
We are scheduled to spend about one week in this beautiful country. You can enjoy
activities like interesting museums, wild orchid and
butterfly farms,
coffee factories,
volcanoes, deep sea sport fishing or gambling in one of the country club casinos near
camp. During our drive through the country-side watch out for monkeys crossing the
highway, and parrots flying overhead.
Panama:
Its more than just a
canal ... so much more that you will be surprised at the variety of activities and
interesting cultures that exists in this country. Panamá City is a melting pot of cultures
including Kuna and Chocoe Indians, Creoles, Spanish, North Americans, East Indians,
Caribbean island cultures, Asians, Arabians and Europeans.
People are not the only source of variety in Panamá. The rain forests of the
Darién, where native Chocoe and Kuna Indians still maintan their
centuries-old customs, language and lifestyles. There are volcanic hills and valleys with mountains that tower over
10,000 feet.
In the crystal blue waters, there are hundreds of islands on both the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans. Then theres the Panamá Canal, one of the worlds most impressive engineering
feats. Construction began in 1903 and lasted 10 years. It took 75,000 men and $400 million
to complete it. Panama City is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city of skyscrapers and
international banks.
We spend most of our time in Panama City. Side trips can take you to the
Darien
Gap, the San Blas Islands, El Valle Nature Reserve, a Canal Cruise, or Rainbow Bass
fishing in Gatun Lake (average catch weight is 13 lbs)! There is
bird-watching, white water rafting, casinos and shopping excursions. During our week-long visit, there will be
many opportunities for you to enjoy what Panama has to offer.
Over 40 tours and events!
Tourleader and Staff
Unit number and ID Decal
Daily Drivers Meetings
Pre-trip scouting of route
All camping fees
Information Packet
Travel tips booklet
The Adventurelog Maps and mile-by-mile
routing Kit
Rendezvous travel briefing
30 point vehicle inspection
Colonial museum tour
Nunnery visit
El Tajin ruins and museum
Voladores pole dancers
Jungle river boat tour
Veracruz City Tour
Veracruz colonial museum
Aquarium of Veracruz
Mariachis & marimbas at night
San Cristobal Indian Market
Chamula/Zinacantan villages
Xela City Tour - Guatemala
Chichicastenango Market
Panajachel/Lk. Atitlan volcanoes
Tikal Mayan City tour
Guatemala City Tour
Antigua Colonial Tour
Jade Factory Tour
Palin Indian village & 500 year
old market tree
Live Volcano watching
Coffee Plant tour - El Salvador
Tazumal ruins - El Salvador
Joya de Ceren Ruins
San Andres Ruins
Salvadoren Typical Night (meal)
Copán Ruins - Honduras
Valle de Angeles artisan village - Honduras
Granada by horse buggy - Nicaragua
Managua city tour
Lake Nicaragua boat tour
Oxcart Factory in Costa Rica
Tin Church of Grecia
San Jose city tour - Costa Rica
Highest point Pan-Am Highway
Noriegas AF Base - Panama
Panama City tour
Old Panama ruins
Panama Canal Locks tour
Tours and events listed, may change without notice.
Proposed Itinerary
Day 1 McAllen, Texas
Day 2 McAllen, Texas
Day 3 La Gata, Mexico
Day 4 Tampico
Day 5 Costa Esmeralda
Day 6 Costa Esmeralda
Day 7 Costa Esmeralda
Day 8 Veracruz
Day 9 Veracruz
Day 10 Isthmus
Day 11 San Cristobal
Day 12 San Cristobal
Day 13 Comitan
Day 14 Quetzaltenango, Gua.
Day 15 Quetzaltenango
Day 16 Guatemala City
Day 17 Guatemala City
Day 18 Guatemala City
Day 19 Guatemala City
Day 20 Santa Ana, El Salvador
Day 21 Santa Ana
Day 22 Santa Ana
Day 23 La Libertad
Day 24 La Libertad
Day 25 San Vicente
Day 26 San Vicente
Day 27 San Miguel
Day 28 El Espino, Nicaragua
Day 29 Managua
Day 30 Granada
Day 31 Granada
Day 32 Western, Costa Rica
Day 33 San Jose
Day 34 San Jose
Day 35 San Jose
Day 36 David, Panama
Day 37-44 Panama City
Day 45 David
Day 46 San Jose, Costa Rica
Day 47 San Jose
Day 48 Rivas, Nicaragua
Day 49 Granada
Day 50 Granada
Day 51 Ojo de Agua, Honduras
Day 52 Tegucigalpa
Day 53 Lake Yohoa
Day 54 Lake Yohoa
Day 55 Copan Ruins
Day 56 Copan Ruins
Day 57 Quirigua, Guatemala
Day 58 Rio Dulce
Day 59-60 Tikal Ruins
Day 61 San Ignacio, Belize
Day 62 Belmopan
Day 63 Orange Walk
Day 64 Corozal
Day 65 Escarcega
Day 66 Palenque
Day 67 Villahermosa
Day 68 Veracruz
Day 69 Poza Rica
Day 70 McAllen
This itinerary is for reference purposes only. It is not final. All itineraries
and schedules are subject to change without prior notice either before or during the trip
at the sole discretion of Adventuretours.
Price: $6995 p/unit - 2 persons
Departure date:
January 25
Single travelers: $5995
Extra persons:
$2750 each
Deposit: $350, refundable up to 60 days prior
to departure, minus $75 processing fee.
COMPARE OUR TOUR
TO THE REST
Discounts: $100 Early Bird
Discount for reservations prior to 60 days before departure. $100 RV Club
membership discount if you belong to FMCA or the Good Sam club,
15 unit maximum. Reserve early. All sizes and types of units are welcome.
Pets restricted entry into Panama - all animals must be boarded in Costa
Rica at owners expense.