Central American Odyssey With Holy Week
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Overview
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Accommodation
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Itinerary
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Fares
A journey overview
- Cartagena
- Panama City
- Arenal
- La Fortuna
- Granada
- Copan
- Lake Atitlan
- Antigua
18 Days Explorations
- Departing:
- 18 Mar 2021
Timed to coincide with Semana Santa (Holy Week), our observance of Antigua’s evocative Easter commemorations is preceded by immersions into Panamanian ruins and ancient Mayan sites. Explore lush rainforests and coastal islands prior to unearthing the mysteries of the past with a renowned archaeologist on this unique journey for just 24 Captain’s Choice guests.


Cultivate Your Palate in Cartagena
Sample some of the city's diverse street food and take part in a ceviche-making demonstration.

Verdant Views From Above
Traverse a series of hanging bridges through one of Costa Rica's flourishing rainforests, then swim at the base of its stunning waterfall.

Shamanic Ritual at Guatemala’s First Capital
Witness an authentic Mayan ceremony at Iximche, before a backdrop of ancient temples and palaces.

Easter Processions in Antigua
Attend Holy Week celebrations on Good Friday and participate in the preparation of the processional carpets.
RESIDENCES OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Cartagena
With vintage and modern stylings in an exquisite setting, this renowned property combines colonial architecture with modern comforts, while historic crypts, confessionals and ceramics add an air of mystery.

American Trade Hotel, Panama City
Located in the World Heritage-listed neighbourhood of Casco Viejo, colourful mosaic floors, mid-century modern furniture and pure white bedding spell equatorial chic.

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, La Fortuna
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa promotes rejuvenation amid cascading pools and natural hot springs. Relax and gaze out to scenes of flourishing flora in this tranquil oasis.

Hotel Atitlan, Lake Atitlán
Set on the banks of Lake Atitlan, the panoramas of Hotel Atitlan's grounds cast a radiant glow over our two evenings here. Each individually decorated room is enhanced by authentic local artwork, adding to its charm.

El Convento Boutique Hotel, Antigua
A distinct blending of ancient and modern is evident within the charming El Convento Boutique Hotel. Located in the centre of vibrant Antigua, its uniquely designed suites offer utmost comfort and sophistication.
Itinerary
Arrive Cartagena (Colombia)
Our discovery of Cartagena takes in the historic El Centro neighbourhood, the Inquisition Palace and Las Bóvedas. Choose to explore further by tasting your way around the Walled City and attending a ceviche-making demonstration. Alternatively, find the city's best angles while accompanying a photographer around its colourful streets. A late afternoon sail boat ride around Cartagena Bay is also on offer.
Panama City
Visit the Miraflores Locks to see transiting vessels from just a few metres away. You may prefer to visit Panama Viejo, the ruins of the original Panama City. A short drive then brings us to Gamboa for our cruise of the Panama Canal. At the Pedro Miguel Locks, our vessel is lowered a full ten metres, before we continue on to the Miraflores Locks, for two further descents. Our voyage then concludes at Fuerte Amador.
Panama City, Arenal
A flight delivers us to San Jose, from where we make our way to Arenal and the Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa. We then find ourselves suspended across a vast stretch of lush rainforest, courtesy of the Arenal Hanging Bridges. At the conclusion of our forest passage, we descend a succession of steps to arrive at a breathtaking waterfall. Later on, admire the expansive savannah of Arenal Volcano National Park or relax in our hotel's hot springs.
Granada (Nicaragua)
Having crossed into Nicaragua, the façade of San Francisco Convent greets us, before the bell tower at La Merced church offers views of Lake Nicaragua. The coffee plantation of Café Las Flores satisfies the senses, while a rum tasting at one of Granada's renowned cocktail lounges is also on the cards. Round out the Nicaraguan leg of our journey on the private island of Reith Lake, savouring dinner accompanied by music and traditional dance.
Copan (Honduras)
From San Pedro Sula airport, we take the road to Copan, home to one of the Mayan world's most exquisite archaeological sites. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Copan with renowned archaeologist David Sedat, before joining David at his home for cocktails and a presentation on the fascinating royal tombs he helped to excavate. Over dinner, David answers our many questions.
Lake Atitlán (Guatemala)
At the archaeological site of Iximche, we are treated to a Mayan ceremony. Arriving at Lake Atitlán, we find our hotel bestows wonderful lake views upon us. A cruise to the village of Santiago Atitlán then sees us visit with the revered Mayan deity, Maximon. As the sun goes down, the beguiling aroma of tortillas and Chiles Rellenos leads us on a Dine-around dinner to some of Panajachel's finest local restaurants.
Antigua
In Antigua, we witness the production of elaborate carpets to be used in the Holy Week processions. The smell of incense and the strains of a funeral dirge overwhelm the senses, before giant floats wind their way along the city streets. A host of men in purple robes carry a float bearing a statue of Christ, depicting his final hours. Donning black attire, a group of women follow in similar fashion, supporting a large figure of the Virgin Mary.
Antigua, Depart Guatemala City
Before we farewell Antigua, perhaps immerse yourself in one of Guatemala's oldest coffee estates and learn of their processes. Alternatively, accompany a photographer and find the best locations in which to capture the city’s sites and people. Finally, we share stories of our journey together during a Farewell Dinner.
Central American Odyssey With Holy Week
18 Days - Departing 18 March 2021
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