39 Day itinerary in Mexico, North America
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Cancun to San Jose, uncovering the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Central America. Experience thrilling activities like exploring ancient Mayan ruins, snorkeling in crystal-clear Caribbean waters, and hiking lush rainforests. Delight in local cu... Read More
By Bamba Travel Inc
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trip type
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Backpacking
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Culture & Heritage
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Visit the magnificent ruins of Chichen Itza and Tikal
Explore the capitals San Salvador and San Jose on guided tours
Snorkel alongside sharks and rays in Belize
Trek through the Kanba Caves in Guatemala
Visit the magnificent ruins of Chichen Itza and Tikal
Explore the capitals San Salvador and San Jose on guided tours
Snorkel alongside sharks and rays in Belize
Trek through the Kanba Caves in Guatemala
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: Cancun, Mexico
Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Cancun)
Departure Time: 4:00
Duration: 12 hrs
Embark on a thrilling adventure to the heart of ancient civilization with this breathtaking early morning tour of Chichen Itza. Rise with the sun and beat the crowds as you delve into the rich history of this renowned archaeological site.
With a specialized guide by your side, journey back in time as you explore the remains of this once powerful city. Discover the secrets of the Maya civilization and learn how Chichen Itza played a pivotal role in shaping their world from 600 AD to 1200. Marvel at the intricate details of this sacred site, still considered holy by the Maya people of the Yucatan today.
Brave the jungle's lush terrain as you unearth the mystery of this lost city, protected by UNESCO and now listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With the cool morning air at your back and the warm sun at your face, this early morning tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Chichen Itza in a way most will never have the chance to.
Please note: The government requires an additional fee for the use of mobile devices such as GoPros, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and drones at the ticket office. Get ready for a truly epic adventure!
Meals: Lunch
Day 2: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Type: Bus
Time: Every 30-45 minutes from 06:30 to 21:30
Duration: 1.2 Hours
Transfer from Cancun to Playa del CarmenDay 3: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 4: Tulum, Mexico
Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Type: Bus
Time: 09:16, 09:25, 09:51, 10:00, 10:36
Duration: 1 Hours
Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Tulum.
Day 5: Tulum, Mexico
Tulum: Shared ATVs, Rappel, Ziplines, Cenote Tour with Lunch
Departure Time: 8:30, 12:00
Duration: 5 hrs
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tulum's jungle with our ATV Park experience. Get ready to kick off the excitement by navigating through lush trails on powerful ATVs, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Take your adrenaline to new heights as you zip through the treetops on our exhilarating zip lines, providing breathtaking aerial views of the jungle landscape. Then, dive into the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula with a refreshing dip in a stunning cenote, a natural sinkhole with pristine, crystal-clear waters, creating a unique and invigorating swimming experience.
To ensure a stress-free journey, our package includes convenient transportation. After your thrilling activities, indulge in a delicious lunch featuring local flavors, providing a culinary delight that complements your day of adventure. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience in Tulum's jungle!
If you choose a shared ATV and the number of travelers in your reservation is odd, the extra passenger will be automatically assigned an individual ATV, and extra 12USD will be charged at check-in.
We offer roundtrip transportation (from hotel or meeting point, as applicable) for all travelers who book this tour.
Meals: Lunch
Day 6: Bacalar, Mexico
Tulum to Bacalar
Type: Bus
Time: 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00, 18:00, 20:00
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from Tulum to BacalarDay 7: Chetumal, Mexico
Bacalar to Chetumal
Type: Bus
Time: 00:15, 05:29, 06:00, 06:14, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 15:45, 16:00, 16:10, 17:00, 18:00, 19:15, 20:00, 21:00, 23:00
Duration: 1 Hours
Transfer from Bacalar to ChetumalDay 8: Caye Caulker, Belize
Chetumal to Caye Caulker via San Pedro
Type: Boat
Time: 10:00
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from Chetumal to Caye Caulker
Please make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer to Caye Caulker. Please keep in mind that check-in is 2 hours prior to Departure.
*Note: The Ferry departs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays.
Day 9: Caye Caulker, Belize
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 10: Caye Caulker, Belize
Snorkel with Sharks & Rays
Departure Time: 10:30, 13:30
Duration: 3 hrs
Discover the unparalleled natural beauty of Belize's marine life with a snorkeling experience that you will never forget. On this half-day tour in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, you will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel along the reef in complete serenity. Navigate through mazes of pristine coral reef among schools of tropical fish, and even get the chance to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. See all this and more at three different snorkeling stops along the magnificent local reef of Caye Caulker.
Meals: Snacks
Day 11: Belize City, Belize
Caye Caulker to Belize City
Type: Ferry
Time: 6:30 to 17:00
Duration: 45 min Hours
Transfer from Caye Caulker to Belize City
Please make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer to Belize City.
Day 12: San Ignacio, Belize
Belize City to San Ignacio
Type: Shuttle
Time: 13:30
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Transfer from Belize City to San Ignacio
Please make your own way to the meeting point to catch your transfer to San Ignacio.
Day 13: Flores, Guatemala
San Ignacio to Flores
Type: Shuttle
Time: 15:00
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from San Ignacio to Flores
Please make your own way to the meeting point to catch your transfer to Flores.
Day 14: Flores, Guatemala
Tikal Early Morning Day Tour
Departure Time: 04:30, 06:00, 08:00
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Depart Flores at 4:30 am this morning for your early morning experience to Tikal archaeological site. Walk among giant pyramids towering over 200 feet at dawn to feel the magical vibration of Tikal and its historic splendor. Listen to the jungle sounds of exotic birds, monkeys and small mammals and feel the humid jungle air on your skin as the Maya inhabitants of this site felt it 2000 years ago. Immerse yourself in the jungle at dawn for an early morning tour through the archaeological site to experience the jungle come alive as it wakes up at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in touch with nature and marvel at the majestic pyramids hidden away in the jungle.Day 15: Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Flores to Rio Dulce
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from Flores to Rio Dulce
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Rio Dulce, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 16: Lanquin, Guatemala
Rio Dulce to Lanquin
Type: Shuttle
Time: 13:00
Duration: 7 Hours
Transfer from Rio Dulce to Lanquin
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Lanquin, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 17: Lanquin, Guatemala
Semuc Champey & Kanba Caves Tour
Departure Time: 09:00
Duration: 10 hrs
Take a hike through the mysterious caves of Kanba (activity at your own risk) which are filled with extraordinary limestone formations distributed among an endless stretch of different chambers (so far, the end of the cave system has not yet been discovered) housing a sharp pointed rock altar where ancient Maya once performed sacred rituals. The Maya people of Guatemala continue holding spiritual ceremonies here and believe that the cave is the "heart of heaven" where the secrets of many centuries are held.Day 18: Panajachel, Guatemala
Lanquin to Panajachel
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00
Duration: 11 Hours
Transfer from Lanquin to PanajachelDay 19: San Jorge La Laguna, Guatemala
Maya Homestay Experience 2D/1N with Maya Communities Lake Tour
Home Stay in San Jorge La Laguna (D)
Upon arrival at Avenida Santander Zona 2 (next to Hotel Dos Mundos), you will be given instructions on how to take a public bus from Panajachel to reach the village where your host family lives, San Jorge La Laguna.
The home stay will give you a genuine insight into the everyday lives of a local family during your trip by staying one or more more nights with a family from the Kakchiquel Indigenous group in San Jorge La Laguna. Maya Experience Home Stays has started this home stay program in the village to give something back to the communities around Lake Atitlan, and also to give you a very genuine experience of living with a Maya local family to experience their culture and customs. This experience is very new to the village and families who welcome foreigners into their homes. As a responsible traveler, we as guests must be aware of and sensitive to the culture by behaving respectfully during our time with the family and in the village.
Although shy at first, the villagers are very friendly and welcoming people. Make sure you ask permission to take photos of the people in the village since the Mayan community commonly believes a photograph will steal their soul. You will most likely find the housing situation in San Jorge La Laguna rather basic but the reason for partcipating in this home stay is to enjoy a real insight into Guatemala, so you can experience the culture firsthand and interact with the local community on a personal basis. We hope that you enjoy this very unique experience.
A small gift for the family would be a nice gesture of appreciation for the family welcoming you into their home. Cooking or kitchen materials such as pasta, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables or kitchen utensils are very much appreciated ($3 USD per person approx). Other materials from your home country or children's books (coloring, basic English, workbooks, almanacs) would be a great addition to the family library.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 20: Panajachel, Guatemala
Maya Homestay Experience 2D/1N with Maya Communities Lake Tour
Boat Tour of Lake Atitlan with visits to indigenous villages. Return to Panajachel (B)
You will have all the instructions on how to go from the Homestay to the meeting point. Then, you will hop in a boat for a tour of Lake Atitlan and a visit to its colorful indigenous villages.
The word "atitlan" is translated from Maya as "the place where the rainbow gets its colors" and accordingly you will understand why so many people have been drawn to this magical lake for hundreds of years. Panajachel alone is an 800 year old town home to mostly Cachikel Maya and an increasing number foreigners from every corner of the globe, all coming together to soak up a piece of that serenity and originality that this place provides.
You'll visit the following villages:
You will be dropped off back in Panajachel when the tour is finished.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21: Antigua, Guatemala
Panajachel to Antigua
Type: Shuttle
Time: 12:00, 16:00
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Transfer from Panajachel to Antigua
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Antigua, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 22: Antigua, Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano Trek
Departure Time: 14:00
Duration: 8 hrs
Get up close and personal with an active volcano and brag to your friends about it. Hike up the Pacaya Volcano slope fo two hours and then trek onto dry lava that resembles a moon-like landscape. Look up to catch an eruption from the active volcano if you're lucky (depending on the activity of the volcano you may or may not see eruptions or lava). Take unforgettable photos in a landscape so surreal that you feel like you are walking on the moon. Admire the breathtaking landscape and views of neighbouring volcanoes peeking through the clouds around you. Take your time returning to the base of the mountain as you make your way down the slippery, muddy slopes. (Note: Horses can be rented for the trip up and back.)
We recommend wearing comfortable trekking shoes and bringing a flash light and a walking stick (or rent one for a few dollars from local kids before you start your hike). It gets dark and steep on the mountain if you are going up in the afternoon. If you are travelling during rainy season bring a raincoat or poncho... you will definitely need it! Bring bottled water for the trek and some extra cash to buy snacks afterwards or pack a few power bars in your day pack to take with you.
Day 23: Copan, Honduras
Antigua to Copan
Type: Shuttle
Time: 04:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from Antigua to Copan
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Copan, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 24: Copan, Honduras
Copan Mayan Archaeological Experience
Departure Time: 08:00
Duration: None hrs
At around 8:00 hrs, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation to start your tour of Copan, called the Mayan Paris. For many years, Copán Ruins have been famous for its magnificent Mayan ruins, declared by UNESCO as Archaeological World Heritage Site in 1980. The majestic archaeological site owes this name to what was, at the time, its avant-garde and colourful architecture. After seeing these spectacular ruins on a guided tour, you will continue through the sculpture museum, where you will find a life-size replica of the Rosalila temple. After the tour, you will be dropped back off at your accommodation.
Day 25: El Tunco, El Salvador
Copan to El Tunco
Type: Shuttle
Time: 10:00
Duration: 6 Hours
Transfer from Copan to El Tunco
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to El Tunco, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 26: Leon, NI, Nicaragua
El Tunco to Leon
Type: Shuttle
Time: 09:30
Duration: 14 Hours
Transfer from El Tunco to Leon, NIDay 27: Leon (NI), Nicaragua
Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding
Departure Time: 13:00
Duration: 6 hrs
Depart from Leon in the morning for an exciting and breathtaking adventure to nearby Cerro Negro Volcano. Hop on a 4x4 vehicle to reach the base of the volcano and prepare for your hike up to make your ascent to the top. Take in the magical scenery and landscapes from the peak of the volcano that affords sweeping views of the lush surrounding forests and the multi-coloured active crater. Enjoy your ride down the slopes of the volcano on a sled that will bring you to the base of the volcano. Take a moment to catch your breath and relax in nature to recover. Share your photos of this unforgettable experience with your new friends as you make your way back to your hostel.
Meals: Dinner, Snacks
Day 28: Granada, NI, Nicaragua
Leon to Granada
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:30
Duration: 4 Hours
Transfer from Leon, NI to Granada, NI
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Granada, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 29: Granada (NI), Nicaragua
Isletas Day Trip
Departure Time: 10:00
Duration: 3 hrs
Start off the day at 03:00 pm with your knowledgeable local guide who will take you to the shore of Lake Nicaragua for a boat ride to see the Islets. Observe a wide variety of flora and fauna such as playful monkeys and colorful birds that inhabit the jungle-covered islets in the lake. Enjoy the scenery and the serene atmosphere as you immerse yourself in nature in this beautiful pristine landscape. Return to your hostel at 06:00 pm and enjoy the rest of the afternoon to yourself to discover the colonial town of Granada.
Day 30: San Jorge, Nicaragua
Granada to San Jorge
Type: Shuttle
Time: 12:00
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Transfer from Granada, NI to San Jorge
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to San Jorge, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 31: Ometepe, Nicaragua
Ometepe Homestay 2D/1N
Transfer to Ometepe (D)
Today, you will board a ferry from San Jorge to Ometepe. Once there, one of our representatives will pick you up and take you to your homestay. Upon arrival, you will have time at your leisure to explore the area.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation:
Day 32: San Jorge, Nicaragua
Ometepe Homestay 2D/1N
Ometepe Hiking Experience (B)
At around 06:00 we will leave the homestay in Ometepe accompanied by our guide. We will take the main path of the community until we reach the main road, later we will go into a path where we will be able to observe precious wood trees, chaff monkeys, the Concepción Volcano landslide and much more vegetation. We will make various stops along the path and as we go up we will be able to contemplate the impressive view of the island, and we will reach the crater at about 1610 meters above sea level. At this point, we will not be able to stay more than 15 minutes, since the crater is the product of the gases that the volcano emanates and it can be toxic. Then, we will begin the descent. It is important to mention that between the ascent and the descent, it will take us around 8 hours, for those who do not wish to climb to the highest peak, they can stay at the viewpoints that are located on the same path and stay at 300 or 600 meters above sea level, which reduces the time. For this activity it is essential to bring at least 3 liters of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, a scarf to cover your mouth when you reach the crater, long pants (no shorts), a jacket and a flashlight (in case the descent is falling at night). After the hiking experience, you will take the ferry back to San Jorge.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 33: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
San Jorge to San Juan del Sur
Type: Shuttle
Time: 14:00
Duration: 1 Hours
Transfer from San Jorge to San Juan del Sur
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to San Juan del Sur, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 34: Monteverde, Costa Rica
San Juan del Sur to Monteverde
Type: Shuttle
Time: 06:00
Duration: 7 Hours
Transfer from San Juan del Sur to Monteverde
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Monteverde, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 35: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde Canopy Zip-line
Departure Time: 8:00, 11:00, 14:00
Duration: 3 hrs
Monteverde is a paradise for adventure lovers. You will get your adrenaline running with one of the best Canopy tours (Zipline) of Costa Rica. Swing through the treetops on a zip line tour along 14 different cables. You will feel the excitement on the big Tarzan swing, the 30 meters rappel, the Superman Cable measuring 1 kilometre in length, and the Underground Superman Cable through a 175 meters long tunnel. During the tour, you will observe some beautiful views of the area from the 75-150 meters high cables. To reach the major heights, mix the extreme adventure together with the majestic forest and admire the rich natural beauty of the forest and its treasures. If you're lucky, catch an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua on a clear day. Observe over 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds (including 30 kinds of hummingbirds), tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants (including 420 kinds of orchids) in one of Latin America's most outstanding wildlife reserves. Keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of diverse and beautiful wildlife including the jaguar, ocelot, Baird's tapir, three-wattled bellbird, bare necked umbrella bird and the famous quetzal.
Day 36: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00
Duration: 4 Hours
Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Manuel Antonio, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 37: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip
Departure Time: 7:00, 12:00
Duration: 3 hrs
Manuel Antonio is perhaps the most popular national park in all of Costa Rica, attracting more than 160,000 visitors annually to visit its tranquil white sand beaches and turquoise waters tucked away in mangrove swamps in the rainforest. Walking along the main trails that lead you through this majestic forest, you can see over 100 different types of animals, including white-faced monkeys, squirrel monkeys known locally as "mono titi", sloths, coatimundis and howler monkeys along with lizards, iguanas, crabs, marine life and over 180 bird species.Meals: Snacks
Day 38: San Jose, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00, 12:30
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to San Jose, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 39: San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose Bites & Sights Experience
Departure Time: 9:00, 11:30
Duration: 4 hrs
On this San Jose tour you’ll get up close and personal with Costa Rican life, through architecture, history, food, and more! Nothing could get you closer to authentic San Jose than strolling through the streets with a local as they show you the ins and outs of daily life. Take a wander through the city with us on this tour that takes typical San Jose and turns it into a local experience you’ll never forget.
Your San Jose food tour starts with a morning pick-up point, where you can get to know your local guide and relax into your surroundings. From here you’ll take a stroll through the park, enjoying the views of the Yellow House, or Foreign Ministry, as you go, and learning more about the park itself, which is the oldest in the city and also known as Expression Park. You’ll visit a number of landmarks in this area, including the National Liquor Factory and the Metal Building, two 19th century buildings that play an important role in the history of San Jose. Your guide will give you all the local knowledge about what these landmarks mean to the city, and its citizens, giving you exclusive insights in what makes San Jose tick.
Your San Jose walking tour continues through Parque Nacional for yet another taste of San Jose’s rich history, before you head back into contemporary Costa Rican life and towards the Central Market. While seeing the sights and architectural gems of San Jose will help you get to know the city better, on this tour you’ll use another sense – taste – to get you even more in tune with San Jose.
There’s no better place in San Jose to experience the local cuisine than the Central Market, a 120-year old building full to the brim with typical Costa Rican food and drink. Here you can sample local delicacies, learn about the herbs used in local medicines, or simply sip on your second rich and smooth Costa Rican coffee of the day. The Central Market is an experience that no visitor the San Jose should miss, and with a local guide by your side you’ll unearth all the secrets behind this San Jose treasure.
The Central Market will be the last stop on this San Jose tour, and by the end you’ll be full of local knowledge (and perhaps even some local lingo!), giving you the full San Jose experience that is sure to be a highlight of your time in this vibrant city.
Meals: Snacks
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