On this zippy holiday, you visit three Central American countries, close neighbours, but culturally they couldn't be more different. You pack it all in: peaceful Costa Rica, famed for its national parks, coffee and eco-tourism. Guatemala, steeped in indigenous and Spanish colonial tradition and religious mysticism. Belize, a truly Caribbean country, English-speaking, utterly laid-back, offering active adventures and lazy coral beaches.
Start off in Costa Rica, gaze down into a volcanic crater and explore the bird-filled cloud forest of the interior. Move on to Antigua, Guatemala’s colonial masterpiece, and continue to the serene setting of Lake Atitlán, encircled by volcanoes, handkerchief-sized fields and tiny indigenous villages.
On to Tikal, the vast Mayan ruined city where ancient temples and pyramids penetrate the rainforest canopy. Crossing the border into Belize, stay at a countryside lodge surrounded by tropical foliage rich in wildlife; enjoy the thrills and spills of outdoor activities, or just relax. Round off the holiday at the pearl white beaches of Caye Caulker in the Caribbean, maybe with a bit of snorkelling or scuba diving.