Escorted Central America Gold Tour

This popular escorted tour takes in the best that Mexico, Cuba, Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala have to offer. At twenty nine days in length (excluding travel time to and from Central America) you will have ample time to also enjoy the luxury and pampering the Inca Gold Tours are famous for. From cosmopolitan Mexico City to the last bastion of Communism, Cuba and onto the wildlife wonders of Costa Rica, this tour covers it all.

You have the opportunity to see the exciting cities of Mexico City, Merida, Havana and Cienfuegos. With their own charm and character, you will be taken on conducted tours to gain and understanding of their uniqueness. This will be balanced with great views as you gaze across the Caribbean from Playa del Carmen, in Mexico and travel by road from Havana to Trinidad de Cuba. To top it all, you will experience fantastic food, as well as attending a fabulous Cabaret and Cuban Salsa Show to liven up your nights.

See the historic and dynamic cities of Panama City, San Jose and Antigua. The Maya and Spanish transitions are very visible on this part of the tour, especially in Antigua where one culture has built upon that of the other. You stay in a luxury resort-style hotel near Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, as well as a jungle lodge in the pristine Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You see one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan, where you stay for two nights in the lakeside village of Panajachel. You visit Chichicastenango and the famous ruins for Tikal before travelling on to the beautiful Colonial city of Antigua.

This is a culturally and environmentally exciting tour which takes in the very best sites and is conducted at a leisurely pace to give you time to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the areas visited. Overall this is a very rounded tour with activities to keep you eagerly anticipating the next surprise.

Rates

The cost of the complete tour including all flights is $23,999 ex- Australia. Plus a local payment of US$770 which covers the cost of tipping, and local taxes.

Tour Dates:

• 29Feb12

Inclusions: 

• Economy-class group airfares throughout the entire tour.
• Services of a Senior Tour Conductor throughout the tour.
• Services of expert local guides throughout the tour.
• Accommodation in Superior or Deluxe-class hotels with private bathroom facilities.
• All airport transfers as described with English speaking guides.
• All private city and sightseeing tours as described with local English speaking specialist guides.
• All admission fees on such tours.
• Meals throughout the tour as indicated: (B = breakfast L = lunch D = dinner).
• All ground transportation as described in itineraries.
• All touring vessels.
• Reconfirmation of all onward flights.
• Porterage of 1 suitcase per person.

Exclusions:

• Departure & entry taxes in South America.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Passport and visa costs.
• Travel insurance.
• Excess baggage.
• Tipping on pre- or post-tour packages. 

Itinerary

 
Day 1: Wednesday, Depart Home / Santiago
 
This morning you will make your own way to Sydney International Airport for your flight to Santiago, via Auckland. As you cross the International Date Line you ‘gain’ a day so you will arrive in South America later on Wednesday. You will be met and taken to your luxury hotel for two nights. (Meals Inflight) 
 
Day 2: Thursday, Santiago
 
This morning we host a very informative tour orientation meeting in which we get to know each other and outline the important aspects of the day-to-day operation of your Inca Gold Tour of Central America. This afternoon we will take you on a city tour of Santiago. We will visit the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the 16th Century Cathedral, City Hall and National Congress Buildings and the Moneda Presidential Palace. We also see O’Higgins Park, featuring the former Chilean Military Academy and the Santa Lucia Hill where the foundation of Santiago took place in 1542. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner. (BD)
 
Day 3: Friday, Santiago/Mexico City
 
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mexico City. Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America and the most populous Spanish speaking country in the world. Its geography ranges from swamp to desert; from tropical lowland jungle to high alpine vegetation above the tree line; from thin arid soils to others so rich that they grow three crops a year! Mexico City, founded by the Spaniards in 1521, was built upon the remains of Teotihuacan, the Aztec Capital. On arrival into Mexico City we will be met and taken to our well located luxury hotel for three nights. (B)
 
Day 4: Saturday, Mexico City 

Today we take a comprehensive city and museum tour, visiting the Main Square with its centuries of tradition, the National Palace with its famous murals, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the city’s residential areas and the world famous, National Anthropology Museum. (BL)
 
Day 5: Sunday, Mexico City – Teotihuacan Pyramids
 
Today we drive out of the city to see the spectacular Teotihuacan Pyramids. This vast archaeological site contains some of the world’s most remarkable relics of an ancient civilisation. It is believed to date from around 300 BC and housed 250 000 inhabitants. One of the largest of the pyramids covers almost the same area as the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. On the way back to Mexico City we stop at the Shrine of Guadalupe Virgin, the Patron Saint of the Americas. (BL)
 
Day 6: Monday, Mexico City/Merida/Chichen Itza

This morning we will be transferred to Mexico City Airport for our short flight to Merida, called the “White City” because of the cleanliness and beauty of its Colonial streets and houses. Many Meridanoes wear immaculate embroidered costumes and speak the language of their Mayan ancestors, as well as Spanish. On arrival in Merida we will undertake a brief city tour before enjoying lunch in this beautiful Colonial setting. We then have time to explore the local markets and maybe acquire some of the specialities of the area.

Following our visit to Merida we will be driven to Chichen Itza for a two-night stay. (BLD)
 
Day 7: Tuesday, Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was the capital of the ancient Mayan Empire. Founded in 432 AD, re-founded in 987 AD and taken over by the Toltecs in the 10th Century, the site is now surrounded by jungle, with iguanas occupying the palaces. Today we will be taken on a very comprehensive tour of the site. We will see the Temple of Tigers and the Ball Court, where the first known ball games were played, as well as the Sacred Cenote, a sacrificial pool, which illustrates the paradox of a civilisation so barbarous and yet so scientifically advanced as to baffle archaeologists. After visiting this amazing site, you will have lunch and then your afternoon is at leisure. (BL)
 
Day 8: Wednesday, Chichen Itza/Playa del Carmen
 
This morning we will be taken by road to Playa del Carmen for a two-night stay. On arrival, the remainder of the day is at leisure to just relax or enjoy the atmosphere of this newborn Caribbean Riviera where the sun shines brightly and the unpolluted waters are warm and sparkling clear. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. (BD)
 
Day 9: Thursday, Playa del Carmen
 
Today enjoy a day at leisure in this idyllic location. Enjoy lunch and dinner at your hotel today.  (BLD)
 
Day 10: Friday, Playa del Carmen/Cancun/Havana
 
This morning is at leisure in Cancun before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Havana de Cuba. We will be met on arrival and transferred to our well-appointed and historic hotel for a memorable four-night stay. Havana, the capital of Cuba, was founded in 1514 by explorer Diego Velazquez. The original city is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. With narrow streets and a rich diversity of Colonial buildings, decorative balconies, shuttered windows and museums, Havana is one of the most appealing cities of the Americas. At sunset Havana’s bars and cafes come to life with the rhythm of Salsa and Jazz, embracing all those who stroll her streets. (B)
 
Day 11: Saturday, Havana
 
After breakfast we will be taken on a comprehensive tour of old and new Havana. Our tour includes the Arms Square, the Cathedral and the Museum of the Captain Generals. We also visit the traditional Del Medio Bar (an old haunt of writer Ernest Hemingway) and then have lunch at one of Havana’s most traditional restaurants. Later we visit a well known Cuban rum factory. The remainder of our afternoon is at leisure to further explore the Cuban Capital or perhaps visit the Lenin Botanical Gardens. (BL)
 
Day 12: Sunday, Havana – Hemingway – Cigar Factory
  
Hemingway lived in Havana for over 20 years, he drank his cocktails in bars and fished off its coast. This was his favourite way to while away the time. His yacht “El Pilar” gave him the feeling of being alive – adventure and challenge in one. His books “To Have and Have Not” and “The Old Man and the Sea” were written in Cuba. Today you will visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum at ‘La Vigia Country House, the last residence where he lived during he’s stay in Cuba. In Finca Vigia, where he lived with his cats and dogs, nothing has changed since his death in 1961, and sometimes one gets the feeling that he could walk in at any moment. You will have time for lunch.

This afternoon you will visit the Cigar Factory where you can see firsthand the process in rolling these world class cigars. (B)
 
Day 13: Monday, Havana
 
Today is at leisure to further explore Havana, its museums and its unique socialist way of life. This evening we will be taken to La Taverna Restaurant in downtown Havana, to enjoy dinner and a Cuban cabaret. (BD)
 
Day 14: Tuesday, Havana/Trinidad
 
This morning we leave Havana and travel via the Che Guevara Memorial and Museum in Santa Clara to the Cuban city of Trinidad. Here we stay for two nights to soak up the atmosphere and history of this relic of early Spanish Colonisation. (BLD)
 
Day 15: Wednesday, Trinidad
 
Trinidad was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988 and today this “Museum Town” offers a great Spanish Colonial atmosphere of pastel painted buildings with tiled roof tops, cobbled stone streets, Baroque church towers and wrought iron gates. The classic old American cars and horse drawn carts add to the ambiance of a by-gone era. Today we undertake a tour of the old town of Trinidad with its museums and churches. One of the highlights is a visit to the Borrell Family Mansion. This 1820’s home now houses the Municipal History Museum. There is also a splendid view from the tower overlooking Trinidad. Tonight we have the opportunity to enjoy some typical Cuban Salsa music. (BLD)
 
Day 16: Thursday, Trinidad/Cienfuegos
 
The city of Cienfuegos, with its strong French influence depicted in its imposing Neoclassic architecture, sits on beautiful Cienfuegos Bay in the Caribbean Sea. This morning we depart by road to Cienfuegos. On arrival we will take a walking tour of the old city before visiting the romantic and historic La Reina Cemetery, including the graves of Spanish soldiers and broken-hearted lovers. The striking Castillo de Jagua affords good photo opportunities. Punta Gorda is the aristocratic quarter of Cienfuegos and is home to the outlandish Moorish-style Palacio de Valle. This palace was built in 1917 and has a stunning view from its tower and also houses the city’s best seafood restaurant. (BLD)
 
Day 17: Friday, Cienfuegos/Havana/Panama City
 
Late this morning we will be driven from Cienfuegos to Havana Airport for our flight to Panama City. On arrival we will be met and taken to our hotel for two nights. (BL)
 
Day 18: Saturday, Panama City – Panama Canal
 
Early this morning we will be transferred to the pier to board our vessel for a visit to the greatest engineering masterpiece of last century —the Panama Canal, considered the Eighth Wonder of the Modern World! This afternoon we will be taken on a fascinating city tour of Panama City. The Spaniards’ efforts to settle colonies in the Atlantic Region of Darien failed due to the unhealthy location and food scarcity. This led to a move to the Pacific Ocean, founding Old Panama City on 15th August 1519. Panama rapidly became an expensive, rich, legendary place, attracting buccaneers who roved along its coasts. The pirate-captain Henry Morgan attacked and ‘sacked’ the old city in 1671. Today’s tour visits many historical sites. (BL)
 
Day 19: Sunday, Panama Canal/San Jose/Arenal
 
Early this morning we will be transferred to Panama City Airport for our flight to San Jose in Costa Rica. On arrival, we will be met and taken on a scenic drive across the Cordillera Tillaran to the Arenal Volcano Region. Passing through quaint villages, rolling mountains and dense tropical jungle, we will stop for lunch enroute. We then travel along the shores of Lake Arenal, from where we will be afforded spectacular views of the beautiful and classic cone shaped 1633 metre high volcano. The Arenal Volcano has three active craters and has been continuously active since 1968. At night (weather permitting) you may hear the loud rumbles and see the red hot lava as it is spewed from the volcano and tumbles down. (BL)
 
Day 20: Monday, Arenal – Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge
 
Costa Rica’s main attraction is its countryside, nature and wildlife. With 23% of this tiny country preserved in national parks and wildlife conservation areas, a trip to Costa Rica would not be complete without visiting Cano Nego National Wildlife Refuge. This is Costa Rica’s most important wetland. Today we drive north towards Nicaragua before taking a boat trip through dense, tropical vegetation into this wildlife paradise. An endless variety of birdlife live here along with caimans, turtles, monkeys, sloths, iguanas and lizards. Our local guides will point out all manner of wildlife as we slowly cruise the lake. On return to our Arenal hotel tonight, we may have the opportunity to visit the hot springs to soak in their natural thermal waters. (BL)
 
Day 21: Tuesday, Arenal/Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
 
This morning we depart Arenal and travel to Santa Elena, where the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is situated. This private reserve is home to the shy and very rare Resplendent Quetzal. This afternoon we enjoy a canopy walk along suspended bridges through and high above the tree tops of the cloud forest. You can usually see monkeys, sloths and a variety of birds, but the most striking feature is the forest itself and the myriad shades of green. Tonight we will visit the Frog Pond where you can view many of Costa Rica’s colourful and varied frogs. (BL)
 
Day 22: Wednesday, Monteverde/Manuel Antonio NP

This morning we undertake a guided walk through the cloud forest. We will hear about the fauna and flora of the reserve from our expert naturalist guide and may be lucky enough to view the spectacular and rare Resplendent Quetzal. After lunch we depart Santa Elena for Manuel Antonio. Descending from the cool climate of the cloud forest, we travel back down to sea level and along the Pacific Coast to the port town of Quepos. Our destination is the beach-side village of Manuel Antonio with its beautiful beaches, views and national park. Tonight we will dine high above the Manuel Antonio cliff face, with Pacific Ocean sunset views. (BLD)
 
Day 23: Thursday, Manuel Antonio National Park
 
Early this morning we take a guided walk in the Manuel Antonio National Park. Our naturalist guide will point out the many and varied iguanas that call this park home. We may encounter troupes of playful monkeys, sloths, caimans, agouties, woodpeckers, toucans and a variety of other wildlife, which can sometimes be seen in this beach-side national park. (B)
 
Day 24: Friday, Manuel Antonio NP/San Jose/Guatemala City/Antigua
 
This morning we will be transferred by land to San Jose Airport for our flight to San Jose where we connect with our international flight to Guatemala City. On arrival we will be met and taken to Antigua, Guatemala’s cultural centre, located one hour’s drive from Guatemala City Airport. On arrival we check into our hotel for two nights. (B)
 
Day 25: Saturday, Antigua
 
This beautiful Colonial City was founded in 1543 and then partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Antigua is surrounded by three volcanoes, providing a dramatic backdrop to this quaint town. It overflows with fine churches, beautiful Colonial architecture, ruins and great shopping opportunities. This morning we undertake a city tour including the Main Square, the Cathedral Palace of the Captain General, the Arms Museum and the University. This afternoon is at leisure. (B)
 
Day 26: Sunday, Antigua/Guatemala City/Flores/Tikal
 
This morning we commence our overnight excursion to visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal. We transfer back to Guatemala City Airport for our flight to Flores. On arrival we will be met and taken to our Tikal hotel where we will stay tonight. (B)
 
Day 27: Monday, Tikal/Flores/Guatemala City/Antigua
 
Early this morning we visit the Tikal National Park. We will see the ‘Q’ Complex, the Great Plaza, squared-off with the pyramids of the Grand Jaguar and the Masks, the Palace of the Nobles and Pyramid IV. This is the highest of the Mayan Pyramids, from the top of which, a complete view of Tikal and its surrounding jungle can be enjoyed. We also visit the Lost World Complex, recently discovered structures from the late Pre-Classical period, more recent than Tikal itself. After lunch we transfer back to Flores Airport for our flight to Guatemala City and then return to our Antigua hotel for the night. (BL)
 
Day 28: Tuesday, Antigua/Chichicastenago/Lake Atitlan
 
This morning we drive to Chichicastenango, the centre of the Maya-Quiche Highlands. We will visit the magnificent Church of Santo Tomas with its famous markets offering a variety of handmade textiles, pottery and crafts. As we wander around the square, we may also witness the ancient incense-burning ritual on the steps of the Santo Tomas Church. We will then continue on to Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Here we will spend two relaxing nights in the bohemian lakeside village of Panajachel. (BL)
 
Day 29: Wednesday, Lake Atitlan
 
Today is at leisure. Tonight we will meet for sunset drinks and an End of Tour Dinner. (BD)
 
Day 30: Thursday, Lake Atitlan/Guatemala City/Mexico City/Santiago
 
This morning we bid farewell to Lake Atitlan as we are returned to Guatemala City Airport for our flight to Mexico City. On arrival we will enjoy dinner, later we will return to the airport for our flight to Santiago. Tonight is inflight. (BD)
 
Day 31: Friday, Santiago
 
On arrival in Santiago you will be met and taken to your hotel for tonight. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening we will be transferred to Santiago Airport for our flight to Auckland, departing soon before midnight. You will have full use of your hotel room until our transfer this evening. (B)
 
Day 32: Saturday, Santiago/Auckland
 
Today is spent inflight as we recross the International Date Line and ‘lose’ one day. (Meals Inflight)
 
Day 33: Sunday, Auckland/Arrive Home
 
This morning we will arrive into Auckland before continuing on to home. (Meals Inflight)
 
 
 

For more details, please call us on 02 9299 0088 or email travel@firstclass.com.au.