Central America Discovery

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04.10.24-04.20.24
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10 Nights
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From the mangrove forests of Guatemala to the beaches of Costa Rica, experience the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and wildlife along the Pacific coastline on this spellbinding voyage of discovery. Visit biodiverse marine ecosystems and snorkel with humpback whales in waters off the coast of Mexico, or go diving with dolphins and turtles. Hike through lush cloud forests, go whitewater rafting, or simply relax on a beach and soak up the sun.

Itinerary

Pichilingue (La Paz)
Day 1
Pichilingue is a port and fishing village in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches, ocean views and diverse wildlife. The local economy thrives on fishing, providing fresh seafood to the town's many restaurants. Nearby, the Espiritu Santo Islands are popular for snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and bird watching, with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
Day at sea
Day 2
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Manzanillo
Day 3
Nicknamed the Sailfish Capital of the World, Manzanillo is one of Mexico’s most significant port cities. Most of the activities in town are centred around the water, and seafood dominates the local culinary scene. Although the city is largely a modern development, ancient history is never far away in this part of the world. The archaeological site, Zona Arqueologica la Campana is about a two-hour drive away from Manzanillo port.
Zihuatanejo
Day 4
One of Mexico’s most visited cities, Zihuatanejo is a modern beach resort surrounded by archaeological sites with a fascinating, ancient past. Xihuacan, an ancient ceremonial centre, holds the key to the region's rich history. Yet to be fully excavated, the ruins of ball courts, temples and plazas and over 800 pre-Hispanic artefacts provide glimpses into daily lives. The Zihuatanejo Museum of Archaeology delves further into the region's history.
Acapulco
Day 5
Acapulco, Mexico's glamorous 'Pearl of the Pacific,' has roots as a Spanish galleon port with important landmarks along Avenida Costera Miguel Aleman. La Quebrada hosts famous high cliff divers, while Capilla de la Paz chapel atop the bay offers the best views. Other attractions include Fort of San Carlos, a vital military base for the Spanish Empire and the Museum of the Mask, in Chilapa with 10,000 masks from 60 ethnic groups.
Day at sea
Day 6
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
Puerto Quetzal
Day 7
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala's modern port, opens the door to La Antigua Guatemala, a 16th-century UNESCO-listed town. Cobbled streets, the Santa Catalina Arch and San José Cathedral ruins illustrate its colonial charm. In the Guatemalan Highlands, Lake Atitlán is among the world's deepest lakes, embraced by three majestic volcanoes. Boats connect San Lucas Toliman to Panajachel, where Mayan artisans sell vibrant hand-woven textiles and souvenirs.
Acajutla
Day 8
Originally a Mayan village, Acajutla is El Salvador’s main export town for coffee, sugar and balsam. Inland, two important archaeological sites represent different eras in the country's history. Tazumal, a Mayan Ceremonial Centre, features a pyramid used for sacrificial ceremonies, where victims were burned. Joya de Cerén, a pre-Columbian Mayan village preserved in ash following a volcanic eruption, provides a unique glimpse into everyday lives.
La Union
Day 9
The small port town of La Unión in El Salvador is the gateway to the beautiful Gulf of Fonseca overlooked by Conchagua volcano. This remote region contains El Salvador's largest protected area, Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve. Cruising the mangrove canals reveals deserted beaches, remote islands, and wildlife like migratory birds and four nesting sea turtle species including endangered hawksbills.
Playa Flamingo, Marina Flamingo
Day 10
Playa Flamingo, one of Costa Rica's prettiest beaches, is a laid-back resort with postcard-perfect white sand, seashells and serene blue sea. Nearby Palo Verde National Park by the Tempisque River is a birdwatcher's paradise. The largest gathering place of aquatic and migratory birds on the Pacific Coast, Palo Verde hosts 279 species including toucans, scarlet macaws, roseate spoonbills, wood storks and tanagers.
Puntarenas
Day 11
Puntarenas, on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Pacific, provides an authentic Costa Rican experience with its beaches, seafood and lively carnival atmosphere. It serves as a gateway to natural wonders like Tortuga, Chira and Coco islands, popular for snorkelling, diving and wildlife observation. A short drive away, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a high-altitude rainforest renowned for its biodiversity, is a must-visit destination
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