Central AmeriCar

Good to know: This day-by-day itinerary is based on the trip that took place in October 2021. At present, no new CentralAmeriCar trip is planned.

Day 1 | Sunday 3 October: Amsterdam – Panama City

Today your Unique Journey begins! You’ll board your intercontinental flight to Panama City in Amsterdam. On arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel, situated in the Casco Viejo district. The charming narrow streets and colourful houses make this colonial district one of the city’s most delightful. What’s more, you’ll find plenty of good little restaurants here where you can enjoy dinner.
Overnight stay: American Trade Hotel

Days 2 & 3 | Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 October: Panama City

You’ll be staying in Panama City for the next few days. We’ll collect the cars together, and you’ll have time to explore the city at your leisure. Panama City is a true metropolis and offers a mix of sights; you’ll find modern skyscrapers, whilst you can also wander through the quaint streets of the historic centre, Casco Viejo. The ruins of the original old town can still be found there, and to top it all off, the world-famous Panama Canal runs right through the city. You can stroll to the fish market and the souvenir market, but be sure to stop for a good cup of coffee (or an even better iced coffee!) at Bajareque Coffee House & Roastery (Calle 1).
Accommodation: American Trade Hotel

Day 4 | Wednesday 6 October: Panama City – Boca Chica
(approx. 430 km / 6-hour drive)

Today we set off on our journey! We’re heading to the south-west of Panama. First, you’ll follow the Pan-American Highway, then head west towards Boca Chica. Boca Chica is situated on the coast in the Chiriquí region. This area has it all: the highest mountains, longest rivers, fertile valleys, long sandy beaches and a diverse range of marine life. Nestled in the heart of a beautiful tropical paradise lies the accommodation where we’ll be staying tonight. It’s the gateway to the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park, with its many lush green islands, palm-fringed white beaches and an incredible variety of wildlife.
Accommodation: Bocas del Mar Hotel

Day 5 | Thursday 7 October: Boca Chica – Dominical
(approx. 270 km / 4.5-hour drive)

You’ll leave Panama and drive through the province of Chiriquí towards the border with Costa Rica. You cross the border and continue through the lush countryside towards Uvita. This coastal village lies on the stunning South Pacific coast, where one of the most biodiverse jungle regions meets the Pacific Ocean. Although Dominical is not yet widely known to the general public, you’ll find excellent hotels and good places to eat here. There’s plenty to discover and experience in this area, which National Geographic has named “one of the most biologically intense regions in the world”.
Accommodation: Cuna del Angel

Day 6 | Friday 8 October: Dominical

Today is a day off, so you’ll have time to explore the area around Dominical. Your accommodation is situated near the Marino Ballena National Park, where you’ll have a good chance of spotting whales in September and October. Dolphins can be seen all year round. If you love nature, why not pay a visit to the Barú National Wildlife Refuge? Here, for example, you’ll find a beach where hawksbill turtles and monitor lizards come to lay their eggs. Barú is also home to more than 310 different species of birds and mammals. Of course, there are plenty of beautiful beaches in the area where you can relax, such as Playa Ventanas. At low tide, you can admire the sea caves along the coast here.
Accommodation: Cuna del Angel

Day 7 | Saturday 9 October: Dominical – La Fortuna
(approx. 280 km / 5.5-hour drive)

Today you’ll continue your journey through Costa Rica. From Dominical, you’ll follow a spectacular coastal road north-west, passing, amongst other places, the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Via Route 702, you’ll continue your journey to La Fortuna, passing numerous small coffee bars along the way. The final stretch takes you through cloud forest and small villages until you reach your destination. You’ll be staying at the Nayara Hotel, which features luxury villas surrounded by the vegetation of the Costa Rican rainforest. It’s a location of breathtaking natural beauty. From the resort, you’ll have spectacular views of the summit of the active Arenal volcano
Overnight stay: Silencio del Campo

Day 8 | Sunday 10 October: La Fortuna

Today is a rest day, giving you time to explore the area around La Fortuna. Why not visit Arenal National Park or take a walk through the jungle across suspension bridges, with stunning views of the Arenal volcano? You can also see the rainforest from above on a cable car. Other recommended attractions include the Baldi hot springs. Enjoy the natural hot water at a temperature that suits you.
Overnight stay: Silencio del Campo

Day 9 | Monday 11 October: La Fortuna – Granada
(approx. 360 km / 7-hour drive)

In the morning, you’ll continue your journey to Granada in Nicaragua. You’ll cross the border at La Tablillias, as this border crossing is less busy than the one at Peñas Blancas. We then recommend taking a short detour, driving along the eastern shore of Lake Nicaragua, as it were. Nicaragua is known as the land of volcanoes and lakes, which you will undoubtedly see during your journey. Your final destination is Granada, the colonial gem of Central America, founded in 1524 by Hernández de Córdoba. Your hotel, an antique colonial house retaining its original style and architecture, is situated next to the central park and the cathedral.
Overnight stay: Hotel Plaza Colón

Day 10 | Tuesday 12 October: Granada – León
(approx. 150 km / 3.5-hour drive)

Today’s itinerary includes a short drive. The road winds its way through the west of Nicaragua, heading towards the university city of León in the north. On the way, you can stop off at Masaya, where you can explore the colourful market and visit the volcano of the same name. You can view the crater of this active volcano from above, which is easily done by car as you can drive straight to the viewpoint. You can also visit a spot overlooking Lake Apoyo, a small crater lake, where this breathtaking panorama is complemented by the outline of Granada in the distance in the background. León is a colourful city with a historic centre.
Overnight stay: Hotel El Convento

Day 11 | Wednesday 13 October: León – El Tunco
(approx. 500 km / 8-hour drive)

Today you’ll be crossing two borders. From Nicaragua, you’ll drive via Honduras to El Salvador, with today’s final destination being El Tunco, situated in the south of El Salvador. El Tunco is a small surfing village. The coastline, with its high cliffs and deserted beaches, is nothing short of spectacular, especially when the setting sun bathes it in a golden glow.
Overnight stay: Bocas Olas Hotel

Day 12 | Thursday 14 October: El Tunco – Antigua
(approx. 300 km / 9-hour drive)

You’ll leave El Salvador and continue on to Guatemala. We recommend that you deviate from the quickest route and take a short detour, travelling from Sonsonate to Ahuachapan. This is the so-called Ruta de las Flores, a stunning route. This route is renowned for its abundance of wild flowers, offering stunning panoramic views of the mountain-side coffee plantations, lakes and dense, cloud-shrouded forests. There are at least 30 coffee-producing municipalities in this region, including the main ones: Apaneca, Ataco, Tacuba and Juavua. You then follow the CA8 to the Villa Nuevo / Las Chinamas border.
Overnight stay: El Convento Boutique Hotel

Day 13 | Friday 15 October: Antigua

A free day is planned! There’s plenty to see and do in this town. What’s more, all the sights are within walking distance, making it very easy to explore this colonial town at your own pace. Antigua is characterised by its cobbled streets, which create a charming streetscape. Visit the many ruins, the colourful local market near the bus station, the cathedral and the various churches scattered throughout the town. The park is a great spot to sit on a bench for a while and take in everything going on around you. There are also plenty of cosy little bars and restaurants to be found. A handy tip: the banana bread from Bakery Doña Luisa Xicotencatl (4a calle oriente #12) comes highly recommended and is a favourite with both locals and tourists. Every day around 2.00 pm, the freshly baked loaves – which are more like cake – go on sale. If you get there early enough, you can take it away whilst it’s still warm and enjoy it in the central park! In May 2018, our colleague Anke visited the town of Antigua; read the blog here: 24 hours in Antigua, Guatemala
Accommodation: El Convento Boutique Hotel

Day 14 | Saturday 16 October: Antigua – El Remate
(approx. 550 km / 10-hour drive)

Today you will cross a large part of Guatemala and travel to the north of the country. The highlands give way to a lush tropical rainforest with a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Maya built their settlements here two thousand years ago, and these historic ceremonial Maya centres are scattered throughout the area. The most famous attraction is Tikal National Park, where various temples, pyramids and plazas rise out of the jungle.
Overnight stay: Las Lagunas Hotel

Day 15 | Sunday 17 October: El Remate – Tikal – Placencia
(approx. 350 km / 6-hour drive)

Today’s route is stunning. In the morning, you’ll head to Tikal National Park. Tikal, or Tik’al, was one of the largest Mayan cities during the Classical Period. It was not until 1848 that it was rediscovered by a team of Guatemalan explorers. The first large-scale archaeological excavations began in the 1950s. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will explore the ancient Mayan city with your guide and learn a great deal about the history of Guatemala’s Mayan people. Afterwards, you will cross the border into neighbouring Belize. You will then drive via the capital, Belmopan, and along the so-called Hummingbird Highway to the hilly region of Belize. Your final destination for today is Placencia, where you will arrive in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Turtle Inn

Day 16 | Monday 18 October: Placencia

Today, enjoy the Caribbean coast and discover the underwater world of Belize. The clear, calm waters, combined with an abundance of fascinating coral and fish, make Placencia an excellent spot for snorkelling. There is also plenty more to experience here. Although Placencia has a real island atmosphere, it is actually situated on the mainland. The advantage of this is that you can easily undertake various activities from your hotel, allowing you to explore other parts of Belize as well. In this fishing village, you’ll find traces of both Mayan and Garifuna cultures. The Garifuna are an ethnic group descended from a mix of Indigenous peoples and Africans. In the town, you’ll find various souvenir shops, charming beach bars and restaurants serving delicious Caribbean cuisine. The beach at Placencia is the longest and most expansive in Belize; whilst your accommodation is situated right on the beach, on the other side you’ll find yourself close to the Placencia Lagoon, home to the rare manatee, amongst other species. Furthermore, Placencia is surrounded by mangrove swamps, and you can easily reach the inland areas.
Overnight stay: Turtle Inn

Day 17 | Tuesday 19 October: Placencia – Chichén Itzá (approx. 620 km / 8.5-hour drive)

In the morning, you’ll continue your journey and cross the border into Mexico. Today’s final destination is Chichén Itzá on the large Yucatán Peninsula, situated in south-eastern Mexico. This part of Mexico is largely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and borders the neighbouring countries of Belize and Guatemala to the south. Yucatán has plenty to offer even the most discerning traveller!
Accommodation: The Lodge at Chichén Itzá

Day 18 | Wednesday 20 October: Chichén Itzá – Campeche
(approx. 300 km / 4-hour drive)

Today begins with a visit to the amazing archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. An important temple city which served as a political and economic centre of the Maya civilisation in this region. The various structures can still be seen today and reflect an extraordinary sense of architecture and composition. The pyramid itself was the last and perhaps the largest of all the Mayan temples. After your visit to the Mayan site, you’ll drive on to Campeche, one of the most beautiful cities on the Yucatán Peninsula. On the way, you may choose to visit the temples of Uxmal, 80 kilometres south of Mérida.
Overnight stay: Hacienda Puerto Campeche

Day 19 | Thursday 21 October: Campeche – Palenque
(approx. 400 km / 5.5-hour drive)

Today you’ll travel further inland to Chiapas, Mexico’s southernmost state. You’ll be staying in the town of Palenque. Palenque is also home to an archaeological site. This Mayan city lies hidden in the tropical rainforest and was considered one of the most important cities of its time. This beautiful Mayan city is still relatively little visited, and when you visit this special place, you’ll truly feel like an explorer.
Overnight stay: Chan Kah Hotel

Day 20 | Friday 22 October: Palenque – San Cristóbal de las Casas
(approx. 225 km / 5-hour drive)

You will continue your journey through the state of Chiapas, heading south-west. The state of Chiapas is named after the indigenous people who live here and who are descended from the ancient Maya civilisation. Ancient customs, religions and traditions from the time of the Maya are still very much alive here. A visit to Chiapas is like a unique journey of discovery back in time. In a remarkably pragmatic way, the local people have blended the symbols of the Catholic Church – as brought over by the Spanish colonists – with their own religion. What’s more, Chiapas is an absolute must for nature lovers and those who enjoy active pursuits. You’ll be staying in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a place that’s definitely worth a visit! This authentic town is full of brightly coloured colonial houses and cobbled streets. A lovely place where life moves at a slower pace.
Accommodation: Bo Hotel

Day 21 | Saturday 23 October: San Cristóbal de las Casas

You have the day at your leisure. In the beautiful surroundings of San Cristóbal, you can visit the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, amongst other things. There are also various other activities to enjoy from San Cristóbal. San Cristóbal is renowned for its colonial architecture. You’ll find remarkable churches there, such as the brightly coloured cathedral on Plaza 31 de Marzo, where, sitting on a bench, you can get a good sense of life in the town. The Santo Domingo church, with its impressive façade, is also a highlight, particularly in the evening when the sixteenth-century church is illuminated. The interior is richly decorated with gold elements. Every day, Maya people in traditional dress come to San Cristóbal from the various nearby mountain villages to sell their handmade goods at the market. The market is very colourful: hand-woven clothing, tablecloths, jewellery and other Mayan products are sold there.
Overnight stay: Bo Hotel

Day 22 | Sunday 24 October: San Cristóbal de las Casas – Puerto Escondido (approx. 630 km / 10-hour drive)

A long drive is on the itinerary, taking you from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Puerto Escondido. Puerto Escondido is a coastal town in the Oaxaca region, renowned for its excellent cuisine and rich culture. In this laid-back town, you’ll find several beaches where you can relax and unwind. Enjoy fresh fish at the beachside eateries and the friendly atmosphere on the beaches.
Overnight stay: Hotel Escondido

Day 23 | Monday 25 October: Puerto Escondido – Oaxaca (approx. 270 km / 7-hour drive)

Today you’ll be driving to Oaxaca, the capital of the region of the same name. Work began on a motorway twelve years ago, but it is still not finished to this day. This means you have a long, but beautiful, drive ahead of you. You’ll leave the coast behind and drive through lush, tropical forests for the first part of the journey. Along the way, you’ll see banana plants and feel the sweltering heat. Slowly but surely, the landscape changes and the banana plants give way to coffee plants. The road winds its way uphill and you’ll pass through several mountain passes. The views are breathtaking, overlooking various valleys. Meanwhile, you’ll drive through a mountainous landscape dotted with coniferous trees before entering the city of Oaxaca. The colonial architecture, colourful villages and the hospitable locals with their deep-rooted traditions make Oaxaca a wonderful travel destination.
Overnight stay: Quinta Real Oaxaca

Day 24 | Tuesday 26 October: Oaxaca

Today you’ll have time to explore the city of Oaxaca and its surroundings. The city has a beautiful colonial centre and the streets are full of life. There’s always a reason to celebrate here, which makes it great fun to stroll around the central square in the evening. There are plenty of restaurants and outdoor cafés where you can enjoy a delicious meal; Oaxaca is renowned for its excellent cuisine, and the city is the heartland of moles – a type of sauce. There is also plenty to see and do around the city. Just outside the centre of Oaxaca, you’ll find one of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites: Monte Albán. The city was a major centre for the Zapotec people and is thought to have been founded around 500 BC. Not far from Oaxaca lies the village of Santa María El Tule, famous for El Árbol del Tule (the Tree of Tule). This tree has a circumference of no less than 14 metres. El Tule lies on the road to Mitla, an archaeological site of one of the most important Zapotec cities. You can also visit Hierve el Agua today. These are hot springs where water bubbles up from the limestone. This hot spring has cooled down somewhat in recent years, but it has left behind a natural swimming pool from which you have a magnificent view of the Sierra Madre mountains. What’s more, the limestone in the water has created impressive limestone waterfalls. On the way back to the city, you may come across a traditional mezcal distillery. Against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre, the men are busy distilling mezcal.
Overnight stay: Quinta Real Oaxaca

Day 25 | Wednesday 27 October: Oaxaca – Catemaco
(approx. 400 km / 8-hour drive)

Today you’ll certainly encounter some of the better bends. The road to Tuxtepec winds its way through lush green valleys, with each view more stunning than the last. As you reach Tuxtepec, you’ll leave the mountains behind and the route takes you through rolling countryside, where, amongst other things, a great deal of sugar cane is grown. Eventually, you’ll reach the town of Catemaco, situated on the shores of the lake of the same name. This town in the state of Veracruz is known for witchcraft and shamanism. Once a year, a shamanic festival is held here, attracting people from all over Mexico.
Overnight stay: La Finca Catemaco

Day 26 | Thursday 28 October: Catemaco – Tecolutla
(approx. 350 km / 6-hour drive)

Today’s route runs almost the whole day along the Gulf of Mexico and you’ll eventually end up at a lovely spot on the coast. The route is fairly flat and you could stop for lunch en route in the historic port city of Veracruz.
Overnight stay: Bon Jesus Hotel

Day 27 | Friday 29 October: Tecolutla – San Miguel de Allende
(approx. 560 km / 7-hour drive)

Today you’ll be driving inland again to the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende. This takes you back into the mountains, where you’ll once again encounter picturesque mountain roads winding through lush, hilly countryside, treating you to stunning views along the way. If you set off early, you could visit El Tajín; allow about 3 extra hours for this. El Tajín is a very beautiful archaeological site, dating back to the first century AD but which enjoyed its heyday between 700 and 1000 AD. The impressive structures found at this site also date from this period. On the way to El Tajín, you’ll also pass through the town of Papantla. This is where the acrobats come from who ‘sail’ down from masts several metres high using ropes. These feats are performed regularly in Papantla’s main square, as well as at El Tajín. Finally, you’ll travel via the northern outskirts of Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, one of Mexico’s most beautiful towns.
Overnight stay: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Day 28 | Saturday 30 October: San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is like an open-air museum, with cobbled streets and brightly coloured Spanish colonial houses, their plastered walls covered in bougainvillea. As soon as you arrive in San Miguel de Allende, you’ll notice that the pace of life here is much slower. The birds are singing whilst the locals gather in the central square in the shade of the laurel trees. San Miguel de Allende was founded in the 16th century by the monk San Miguel, to whom the town owes the first part of its name. Later, in the 19th century, the name of the freedom fighter Allende was added. Ignacio Allende, as he was known in full, played a part in the struggle for independence against the Spanish, with San Miguel de Allende eventually becoming the first municipality to declare its independence from the Spanish. The town is a haven for many artists and writers, as reflected in the large number of art galleries.
Overnight stay: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Day 29 | Sunday 31 October: San Miguel de Allende – Mexico City
(approx. 275 km / 4-hour drive)

The final leg of this extraordinary journey will eventually take you to the Mexican capital, Mexico City. It’s not a long day’s journey today, so you can make a few stops along the way if you wish. For example, you could take a look around the colonial city of Querétaro, a city that served as the capital of Mexico on three separate occasions. You could also visit Teotihuacán, north of Mexico City – the vast Aztec city that flourished between 500 and 750 AD. At that time, it was home to 125,000 people. On arrival in Mexico City, you can park your car and get a first impression of the city. In the evening, enjoy a good dinner at one of the many restaurants near the hotel.
Overnight stay: St. Regis Hotel

Day 30 | Monday 1 November: Mexico City

Before you head back home, there’s a free day planned in the Mexican capital – make the most of it. If you’re interested in archaeology, the Templo Mayor, situated between the cathedral and the presidential palace, is well worth a visit. The remaining ruins of the pyramid were uncovered in 1978, and you can explore this complex with an archaeologist, learning more about Aztec culture along the way. The Museo Nacional de Antropología is also highly recommended for history enthusiasts. Fancy doing something different? Then take a stroll through the historic centre. Here you’ll find many special spots, such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Alameda Park and the large central square. Between Alameda Park and the Zócalo lies the pedestrianised shopping street Avenida Madero, which is a great place to shop. In the artistic district of Coyoacán, you’ll find Frida Kahlo’s Blue House, and here you can visit a lovely local covered market. Not far away is El Jarocho, a little coffee shop where, according to the locals, you can get the best coffee in the whole of Mexico City. For lunch, we recommend the rooftop terrace at the Down Town Hotel, where you can enjoy views over the central square. In the evening, sample popular Mexican dishes at Pujol.
Overnight stay: St. Regis Hotel

Day 31 | Tuesday 2 November: Mexico City – Amsterdam

Today marks the end of this unique and unforgettable journey through Central America. You will be taken to the airport, where you will board your intercontinental flight home. You will arrive there the following day.

Day 32 | Wednesday 3 November: Amsterdam

You will arrive at Schiphol today.