54 days in South America, Central America & Mexico Itinerary
54 days in South America, Central America & Mexico Itinerary
Created using Inspirock trip planner
Route & dates
54 days in South America, Central America & Mexico Itinerary
Start: Sydney, Australia
Fly:
30h
1
Cartagena, Colombia
— 6 nights
Find places to stay »
Fly + Drive:
9h 15min
2
San Blas Islands, Panama
— 6 nights
Find places to stay »
Fly:
3h 30min
3
Panama City, Panama
— 2 nights
Find places to stay »
Fly:
2h 15min
4
Bocas Town, Panama
— 2 nights
Find places to stay »
+4
Fly + bus + foot + bus + shuttle:
14h 15min
5
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
— 3 nights
Find places to stay »
Drive:
2h 30min
6
Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
— 3 nights
Find places to stay »
+2
Drive + Fly + Drive:
10h 30min
7
San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala
— 5 nights
Find places to stay »
Drive:
2h 15min
8
Antigua, Guatemala
— 1 night
Find places to stay »
shuttle + Fly:
3h
9
Flores, Guatemala
— 3 nights
Find places to stay »
Fly + Drive:
5h 45min
10
Caye Caulker, Belize
— 4 nights
Find places to stay »
bus:
5h
11
Tulum, Mexico
— 6 nights
Find places to stay »
+3
bus + foot + Fly + bus:
6h 30min
12
San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
— 3 nights
Find places to stay »
bus + Fly:
5h 30min
13
Oaxaca, Mexico
— 2 nights
Find places to stay »
Fly:
3h
14
Mexico City, Mexico
— 3 nights
Find places to stay »
Fly:
22h 45min
End: Sydney, Australia
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6
nights
Cartagena, Colombia
6
nights

City of Heroes
The site of the continent's first Spanish colony, Cartagena retains much of its colonial flavor thanks to a World Heritage-listed old town, encircled by old walls and protected by imposing fortresses.Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Playa Puntilla and Isla Grande. Step out of the city life by going to Aviario Nacional de Colombia and Playa de Bocagrande. Step out of Cartagena with an excursion to Castillo de Salgar in Puerto Colombia--about 1h 55 min away. Next up on the itinerary: take a stroll through Barrio Getsemani, get outside with Bomba Beach Club, contemplate the long history of Centro Historico, and pause for some photo ops at La Gorda Gertrudis.
To find other places to visit, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Cartagena vacation builder .
Sydney, Australia to Cartagena is an approximately 30-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 15 hours traveling from Sydney to Cartagena. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Sydney in January: high temperatures in Cartagena hover around 36°C and lows are around 28°C. You'll have a few hours on the 23rd (Thu) to wrap things up before traveling to San Blas Islands.
Things to do in Cartagena
Side Trips
Isla Baru, Castillo de Salgar
Find places to stay Jan 16 — 23:
Highlights from your plan

Barrio Getsemani
2:30pm, Fri Jan 17

Bomba Beach Club
9:00am, Mon Jan 20

Playa de Bocagrande
10:30am, Wed Jan 22
6
nights
San Blas Islands, Panama
6
nights

San Blas Islands represent the offshore area of the indigenous province of Guna Yala.Discover out-of-the-way places like Isla Chichime and Isla Pelicano. Next up on the itinerary: stroll through Isla Perro.
For reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the San Blas Islands road trip app .
Explore your travel options from Cartagena to San Blas Islands with the Route module. In January in San Blas Islands, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 26°C at night. You will leave for Panama City on the 29th (Wed).
Things to do in San Blas Islands
Find places to stay Jan 23 — 29:
Highlights from your plan

Isla Chichime
9:00am, Sat Jan 25

Isla Perro
12:30pm, Fri Jan 24
2
nights
Panama City, Panama
2
nights

Dubai of Latin America
Arguably the most modern of Central American cities, Panama City boasts a shimmering skyline of glass skyscrapers.Start off your visit on the 29th (Wed): pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de la Merced, enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Veracruz, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Bahai Temple.
Plan my Panama City trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.
Getting from San Blas Islands to Panama City by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In January in Panama City, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 28°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 31st (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Bocas Town.
Things to do in Panama City
Find places to stay Jan 29 — 31:
Highlights from your plan

Bahai Temple
3:30pm, Thu Jan 30

El Arco Chato
10:30am, Fri Jan 31

Iglesia de la Merced
9:00am, Thu Jan 30
2
nights
Bocas Town, Panama
2
nights

The colorful and relaxed Bocas Town has a welcoming atmosphere, with the modestly sized urban area showcasing typical Caribbean clapboard houses and home to a mixed community from across the world.Kick off your visit on the 31st (Fri): indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the striking landscape of Bastimentos National Park and then stroll through Wizard Beach.
To see ratings, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read our Bocas Town trip itinerary builder .
Traveling by flight from Panama City to Bocas Town takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight, bus, and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Panama City in January, with highs in Bocas Town at 13°C and lows at 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) early enough to travel to San Juan del Sur.
Things to do in Bocas Town
Side Trips
Bastimentos National Park, Wizard Beach
Find places to stay Jan 31 — Feb 2:
Highlights from your plan

Bastimentos National Park
9:30am, Sat Feb 1

Wizard Beach
3:00pm, Sat Feb 1
Fishing Charters & Tours
10:00am, Sun Feb 2
3
nights
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
3
nights

Set in a crescent-shaped bay, San Juan del Sur has become known as a popular surfing spot and coastal holiday destination for Nicaraguan families and international visitors alike.Visiting Playa el Coco and Bordport will get you outdoors. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Popoyo Beach and La Flor Beach Natural Reserve. Explore San Juan del Sur's surroundings by going to Granada (Iglesia de Xalteva & Zipline). The adventure continues: get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, view the masterpieces at The Art Warehouse, and don't miss a visit to Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia.
To find where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the San Juan del Sur route maker tool .
Traveling by combination of ferry, car, and bus from Bocas Town to San Juan del Sur takes 14.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and shuttle; or do a combination of flight, bus, and shuttle. The time zone difference when traveling from Bocas Town to San Juan del Sur is minus 1 hour. When traveling from Bocas Town in February, plan for somewhat warmer days in San Juan del Sur, with highs around 36°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to drive to Isla de Ometepe.
Things to do in San Juan del Sur
Side Trips
Granada, Popoyo Beach, Bordport
Find places to stay Feb 3 — 6:
Highlights from your plan

Popoyo Beach
1:30pm, Mon Feb 3
©
Dolphin & Whale Watching
2:30pm, Thu Feb 6
©
Zipline
11:30am, Wed Feb 5
3
nights
Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
3
nights

Isla de Ometepe may be small in size, but it boasts two large volcanoes that dominate its landscape and influence the local lifestyle.On the 7th (Fri), wander the streets of Los Ramos, laugh and play at Chico Largo Adventure, and then kick back and relax at Punta Jesus Maria. Keep things going the next day: examine the collection at Museo Ometepe, then explore the activities along Rio Istian, then admire the sheer force of Cascada de San Ramon, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at San Ramon Waterfall.
To find traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Isla de Ometepe trip website .
You can drive from San Juan del Sur to Isla de Ometepe in 2.5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can travel to San Lucas Toliman.
Things to do in Isla de Ometepe
Side Trip
San Ramon Waterfall
Find places to stay Feb 6 — 9:
Highlights from your plan

Punta Jesus Maria
2:00pm, Fri Feb 7

Cascada de San Ramon
1:00pm, Sat Feb 8

Los Ramos
9:00am, Fri Feb 7
5
nights
San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala
5
nights

San Lucas Tolimán is a municipality in the Sololá department of Guatemala. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Colonial Church and Museo Lacustre de Atitlan. Visiting Tarrales Natural Reserve and Tzantizotz Nature Reserve will get you outdoors. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around San Lucas Toliman: Cojolya Museum and Store (in Santiago Atitlan), Cerro de Oro (in Solola) and Panajachel (Church of St Francis, Museo Arqueologico Azul Maya, & more). There's lots more to do: stroll through El Pico de Cielo, contemplate the geological forces at Volcano Toliman, head outdoors with Parque Ecologico Chuiraxamolo, and make a trip to The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute.
To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our San Lucas Toliman trip itinerary maker tool .
Explore your travel options from Isla de Ometepe to San Lucas Toliman with the Route module. In February, daytime highs in San Lucas Toliman are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to travel to Antigua.
To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our San Lucas Toliman trip itinerary maker tool .
Explore your travel options from Isla de Ometepe to San Lucas Toliman with the Route module. In February, daytime highs in San Lucas Toliman are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to travel to Antigua.
Things to do in San Lucas Toliman
Side Trips
Panajachel, San Juan la Laguna, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan, Spas
Find places to stay Feb 9 — 14:
Highlights from your plan

Volcan Atitlan
1:00pm, Thu Feb 13

Volcano Toliman
9:30am, Thu Feb 13

Cerro de Oro
10:00am, Mon Feb 10
1
night
Antigua, Guatemala
1
night

The former capital of Guatemala and a World Heritage Site, Antigua retains its colonial charm and remains one of the most visited destinations in the country.For photos, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Antigua trip site .
You can drive from San Lucas Toliman to Antigua in 2.5 hours. In February, daytime highs in Antigua are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. On the 15th (Sat), you'll travel to Flores.
Things to do in Antigua
Find places to stay Feb 14 — 15:
3
nights
Flores, Guatemala
3
nights

An island town, capital of the landlocked region of Peten, attractive Flores features pleasant architecture that complements the shimmering appearance of the surrounding lake.Do some cultural sightseeing at Cultural Triangle Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park and Parque arqueologico uaxactun. Explore hidden gems such as Actún Can and Actún Can. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Flores: Cerro Biotope Cahui (in El Remate), Centro de Conservacion e Investigaction (in Tikal National Park) and Dos Pilas (in Peten). There's still lots to do: get outside with Mirador del Rey Canek, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de Flores, explore the ancient world of Sitio Arqueologico Tayazal, and see the interesting displays at Museo del Islote Santa Barbara.
To find traveler tips, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Flores trip planner .
Getting from Antigua to Flores by combination of shuttle and flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or drive. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Flores when traveling from Antigua in February, with lows around 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Tue) so you can travel to Caye Caulker.
Things to do in Flores
Side Trips
Peten, Actún Can, Centro de Conservacion e Investigaction, Cerro Biotope Cahui, Cultural Triangle Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park
Find places to stay Feb 15 — 18:
Highlights from your plan

Parque arqueologico uaxactun
3:30pm, Mon Feb 17

Cerro Biotope Cahui
1:00pm, Mon Feb 17

Actún Can
2:00pm, Sat Feb 15
4
nights
Caye Caulker, Belize
4
nights
At just under 8 km (5 mi) long and 1.6 km (1 mi) wide, the limestone coral island of Caye Caulker offers a small but perfectly formed getaway 32 km (20 mi) offshore from Belize City.Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Museum of Belize and The Gallery of San Pedro. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Fishing Charters & Tours and Spas. Explore Caye Caulker's surroundings by going to San Pedro (Belizean Arts, Belize Chocolate Company, & more). And it doesn't end there: stroll through Shark Ray Alley, browse the exhibits of Aria Kat Art, take in the exciting artwork at Cooper's Art Gallery, and kick back and relax at Secret Beach Belize.
For photos, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Caye Caulker driving holiday planner.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Flores to Caye Caulker. Traveling from Flores in February, Caye Caulker is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) to allow time to take a bus to Tulum.
Things to do in Caye Caulker
Side Trips
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Museum of Belize
Find places to stay Feb 18 — 22:
Highlights from your plan
Fishing Charters & Tours
11:00am, Wed Feb 19

Shark Ray Alley
3:00pm, Sat Feb 22

Secret Beach Belize
2:00pm, Tue Feb 18
6
nights
Tulum, Mexico
6
nights
©
The only Mayan site built to overlook the ocean, Tulum remains a coastal paradise preserving the last vestiges of a pre-Hispanic civilization.Get in touch with nature at Paradise Beach and Fishing Charters & Tours. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Punta Sur Eco Beach Park and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Get out of town with these interesting Tulum side-trips: Scuba & Snorkeling (in Puerto Aventuras), Skydiving (in Playa del Carmen) and La Playa Xpuha (in Xpu-Ha). The adventure continues: shake up your sightseeing with a climbing tour, enjoy the sand and surf at Mayan Beach, explore the fascinating underground world of Cenotes Sac Actun, and head outdoors with Ziggy Beach.
To find where to stay, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read our Tulum trip planner .
You can take a bus from Caye Caulker to Tulum in 5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Caye Caulker in February, plan for a bit cooler nights in Tulum, with lows around 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to San Cristobal de las Casas.
Things to do in Tulum
Side Trips
Cozumel, Scuba & Snorkeling, Skydiving, La Playa Xpuha
Find places to stay Feb 22 — 28:
Highlights from your plan
©
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
9:00am, Sun Feb 23

La Playa Xpuha
9:30am, Wed Feb 26
Scuba & Snorkeling
1:00pm, Wed Feb 26
3
nights
San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
3
nights

San Cristóbal de las Casas, also known by its native Tzotzil name, Jovel, is a town and municipality located in the Central Highlands region of the Mexican state of Chiapas. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Mirador Manos Que Imploran and Historic Center. Take a break from the city and head to El Rancho Evergreen Guest Ranch and Grutas de Rancho Nuevo. The adventure continues: examine the collection at Museo Centro Cultural Altos de Chiapas, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, make a trip to El Arcotete Parque Ecoturístico, and take an in-depth tour of Museo Jtatik Samuel.
To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the San Cristobal de las Casas travel itinerary planner .
Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Tulum to San Cristobal de las Casas takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Tulum to San Cristobal de las Casas is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Tulum in February, you will find days in San Cristobal de las Casas are a bit warmer (38°C), and nights are about the same (20°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Mon) early enough to travel to Oaxaca.
To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the San Cristobal de las Casas travel itinerary planner .
Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Tulum to San Cristobal de las Casas takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Tulum to San Cristobal de las Casas is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Tulum in February, you will find days in San Cristobal de las Casas are a bit warmer (38°C), and nights are about the same (20°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Mon) early enough to travel to Oaxaca.
Things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas
Side Trip
Mirador Manos Que Imploran
Find places to stay Feb 28 — Mar 2:
Highlights from your plan

Steps in San Cristobal
10:30am, Fri Feb 28

Museo Centro Cultural Altos de Chiapas
11:00am, Sun Mar 1

Museo Jtatik Samuel
4:00pm, Sun Mar 1
2
nights
Oaxaca, Mexico
2
nights

Capital city of the eponymous state, Oaxaca relies heavily on its colonial charm, its core a maze of tree-shaded alleys flanked by photogenic mansions, government buildings, and old churches.On the 2nd (Mon), hike along Coyote Aventuras, then take in the exciting artwork at Voces de Copal, then explore the world behind art at Alvarez Bravo Photographic Center, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Del Amor. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: Head underground at Yagul, then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and then trot along with a tour on horseback.
To see maps, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, read Oaxaca vacation planner .
You can do a combination of bus and flight from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Traveling from San Cristobal de las Casas in March, expect little chillier with lows of 15°C in Oaxaca. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) early enough to travel to Mexico City.
Things to do in Oaxaca
Side Trips
Playa Del Amor, Yagul
Find places to stay Mar 2 — 4:
Highlights from your plan
3
nights
Mexico City, Mexico
3
nights

City of Palaces
Breathtakingly large, Mexico City provides a home for almost 9 million people living in nearly 1,700 distinct neighborhoods.Museo Trick Eye and Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl National Park and Colonia Roma. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Mexico City: Playa La Virgen (in Tequesquitengo), Grutas La Estrella (in Ixtapan de la Sal) and Paso de Cortes (in Amecameca). There's still lots to do: wander the streets of Tlalpan and make a trip to San Jacinto Plaza.
For other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Mexico City tour planner.
Fly from Oaxaca to Mexico City in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Traveling from Oaxaca in March, you will find days in Mexico City are a bit cooler (28°C), and nights are about the same (12°C). On the 7th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.
Things to do in Mexico City
Side Trips
Central Mexico and Gulf Coast, Playa La Virgen, Paso de Cortes, Grutas La Estrella
Find places to stay Mar 4 — 7:
Highlights from your plan

Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec
9:30am, Wed Mar 4

Tlalpan
4:00pm, Wed Mar 4

Colonia Roma
9:00am, Sat Mar 7
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