The ultimate 3-week Central America itinerary

It’s all about the journey, hey? Though the destination is pretty fantastic too. Welcome to your ultimate 3- week Central America itinerary! 18 days sandwiched between the US and South America, exploring that gorgeous strip of land which is filled to the brim with culture, locals whose smiles shine brighter than the sun, and all the mouth-watering street food you could ever want. This is the Ultimate Central America trip, and if you aren’t enticed already, then let us convince you some more with a breakdown of this gem.

Week 1 – Mexico

We start this gorgeous journey through Central America in Mexico – and we’ll be here for the week. Get used to golden sun over these next three weeks, it’s going to become your new normal.

Begin in Puerto Vallarta: a worthy place to begin any story of adventure and friendship and bravery. Also known as the Mexican Riviera, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico and where all the locals like to come and party on the burning sand and inhale the sea breeze. The only thing on the agenda here is total relaxation! Or, an optional zipline and pirate show dinner, too.

Did someone say tequila? Time to visit a tequila distillery in Tequila! This is the real stuff straight from the source, so get your lime and salt ready. After that, it’s straight to Guadalajara, aka, the Pearl of the West. Spend the evening discovering the city through the four main squares and get a show from the local Mariachi bands.

Next we’ll be stopping by Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage City where you can get your fill of culture. Mummies, anyone? The food here is to die for – and Mexican food is always to die for.

Day 5 and we’re leaving for Mexico City but stopping at San Miguel de Allende first which is another UNESCO Heritage City known for baroque architecture and a bright and colourful art scene. Once we get to Mexico City, it’ll be our home base for the next 2 days! Prepare for local food markets, Aztec temples and high altitudes, witnessing the birthplace of Frida Kahlo, and taking a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan!

Week 2 – Mexico and Belize

If you thought week 1 of your 3-week Central America itinerary was amazing, week 2 is going to blow you away.

Day 8 and 9 and 10 are all about gently baking yourself in Cancun! You’ve probably heard of it, it’s the perfect bachelorette party and spring break destination. The most resort place of all resort places, you can get your zen on, toast in the sun, swim in refreshing crystal waters, and have all the street tacos you can fit in your belly. How does a day trip out to Chichen Itza for a dip in a cenote sound? And if you ever get bored of the beach (how?) you can also swim with whale sharks, ride in a jungle speedboat, and luxuriate during a sunset beach dinner. Your Trip Manager will give you all the best reccos for your Cancun stay.

After Cancun, it’s off to Playa del Carmen. Shopping spree! This seaside town is sunkissed and adorable, and it’s a perfect place to purchase your souvenirs from Mexico! The seafood here is also a must.

So, you’ve seen a whole lot of Mexico, how about a little bit of Belize? Day 12 of your ultimate 3-week Central America itinerary, so it’s time to discover a new country. Caye Caulker is a serious contender for the title of ‘heaven on earth’. Soak up that syrupy sunset when you arrive, drink in the sunrise, and fill your days with pure and total bliss the rest of the time. We’re here 3 days, and activities include: sailing, snorkeling, snorkeling with rays (omg!), having as many siestas as you need, and of course having the time of your life.

That’s a wrap on week 2, but there’s still a few more days to go.

Week 3 – Belize and Guatemala

Tikal! We’re coming for you. These last few days of the trip will take us to our third country, Guatemala. This is where we’ll be trading the beach for thick rainforests and natural playgrounds.

First, we’re staying in the heart of Tikal National Park. How many times can you say you’ve spent the night in the rainforest? You won’t be able to shut up about it, and your friends are going to hate having brunch with you for the foreseeable. Once you’ve got loaded up on lush green scenery with a healthy amount of dramatic mist and a light glowing sheen of sweat, we’re going to Antigua.

Take a tour of Tikal National Park, including the crumbling ruins of Flores, a Mayan city, and then we fly. Antigua, an old colonial town, is quaint and charming and made extra special by the two volcanoes that flank it. Talk about a postcard view!

Start off with a local walking tour to really get to know your home for the next few days, and then have a feast. There’s no better way to get to know a country than through their food, and this Guatemalan spread will have your mouth watering in seconds. Want to get active? Feel free to hike Pacaya Volcano or hop on a bike ride through an old coffee plantation. And, if your sweet tooth is calling, then a visit to the Chocolate Museum will be your cure.

And with those 18 sizzling and magical days gone by, your 3-week Central America itinerary comes to an end. Don’t be too sad, there’s plenty more Contikis to be had and friends to be made. In fact, why not drag your crew down south for an Ultimate South America trip…?