Others

Puerto Vallarta: Grab your new buddies and a Paloma cocktail. It’s time to feast on Mexican food and watch the sunset over the sea. Discover how Mexico’s famous liquor is made. And knock back a cheeky shot or two. Guadalajara: This work of architectural art was originally built as a place to care for disadvantaged people. Nowadays, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guadalajara: Stroll around the official birthplace of tequila and mariachi music. Guanajuato: Narrow cobbled streets. Colourful colonial architecture. Manicured gardens. You’ll see why this place is labelled ‘most beautiful city in Mexico’. Mexico City: The candy-coloured buildings and antiquated streets make this one of Mexico’s most photogenic cities. And the perfect backdrop for an Insta shoot. Mexico City: Craving some authentic tacos, pambazo or barbacoa? It’s time to galvanise your tastebuds. Mexico City: Heads up culture vultures! Visit Coyoacan to walk in the footsteps of the famous artist. And check out the museum in her honour. Mexico City: Admire the ‘City of Gods’: one of the first great cities of the Western Hemisphere. Although no one really knows who built it. Oaxaca: Stroll the cobbled streets of one of Mexico’s most authentic cities. Sample the epic street food and revel in the laid-back pace. Oaxaca: Test your courage with a ‘straight up’ of this potent national drink. Oaxaca: Explore one of the earliest cities of MesoAmerica. Then hit up the market for some local keepsakes. Oaxaca: Swoop into the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan region. Get set for a barrage of beaches, jungles, ancient Mayan sites and epic nightlife. Merida: A photogenic fiesta of colour and culture. This is the perfect place to get a real taste of life in Yucatan. Chichen Itza: Take a guided tour of this ancient Mayan city. Soak up the history and hear the myths and legends. Chichen Itza: It’s time to live your best life, as you cool off in the emerald waters of this sinkhole. Don’t forget your camera! Caye Caulker: Drift across the Caribbean Sea and watch the sun go down over Caye Caulker. This is how we roll. Tikal: Spend the night in the rainforest. Your chance to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Mayans. And meet monkeys and toucans. Tikal: Explore this epic Mayan ‘lost city’ in the heart of the jungle. And hear historic tales from a local expert. #bucketlist moment. Tikal: Ah, Guatemala! A rainbow-coloured fiesta of Insta ops and the official ’birthplace of chocolate’. Heaven on earth. Antigua Guatemala: Antigua is a ‘tale of two cities’. Here we’ll tour the ancient part (originally built by Spanish colonists) with a native guide. Antigua Guatemala: Fill up on tostadas, enchiladas and all the other spiced dishes of your foodie dreams.

Flights

Internal flight included. *** All other flights are not included.

Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Accommodation

19 nights in Hotels

Meals

7 Dinner (D) 18 Breakfast (B) Cancun: Get the party started with a Margarita and dinner with the gang. Gaze at the golden skies and bask in those mellow vibes.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Contiki through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Contiki from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guests’ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.

Transport

Coach

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Puerto Vallarta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Puerto Vallarta

Welcome to one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico, also known as the ’Mexican Riviera’. Spa, pool, relax, repeat are all high on the agenda today – and that’s before we top it all off with a beachfront dinner, with the water and twinkling lights setting an unforgettable scene.
Day 2 Day 2: Puerto Vallarta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Puerto Vallarta

Today you’re free to explore Puerto Vallarta however you like. You can surf, or zip line, take a day trip to remote beaches on a sailing trip. Then, in the evening, catch a Pirate show! Expect the unexpected in Puerto Vallarta.
Day 3 Day 3: Puerto Vallarta To Guadalajara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Puerto Vallarta To Guadalajara

Bye bye beach hangs, but don’t worry, this isn’t your last taste of Mexican beach life - we’ll see you soon, sea. Nothing screams ‘Mexico’ like tequila, so why not head to a genuine distillery where you can learn how this fiery spirit is made and taste some for yourself? Afterwards, take a stroll around the streets to get a feel for the old and new world architecture this place is known for – and then sample some seriously electric nightlife. It’s time to learn about the city known as the ’Pearl of the West’, Guadalajara, with its four main squares and glorious cathedral. Then you could go and find a spot to watch one of the city’s famous live Mariachi bands do its thing.
Day 4 Day 4: Guadalajara To Guanajuato
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Guadalajara To Guanajuato

We leave Guadalajara and hit the road. Here at the old colonial city of Guanajuato (now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City), you’ll learn about the history of the famous silver mining town and how the economy has shaped much of its culture. Discover the famous ’Mummies’, the lovers at the ’Alley of Kisses’, and even the Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.
Day 5 Day 5: Guanajuato To Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Guanajuato To Mexico City

Thanks to the bright facades of Guanajuato, your eyes should be wide open by now. Just in time too, because there is so much to see in Mexico City. Mexico City is the largest city in the country and impressively, the oldest capital in Central America. Known for its Aztec temple, its surprising altitude at 2200m, and mountainous landscape, this place is busy, bustling and oh-so-wonderful.
Day 6 Day 6: Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Mexico City

The theme ’getting out there’ will take on a whole new meaning today. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are the focus for this leg of your journey in this bustling city. Get stuck into the local flavours by tasting some Mexican delicacies at a local market. Do some shopping in Coyoacan. Then, tonight, re-fuel with city eats, like enchiladas, tamales and tacos. Even head out and get a little loco, if the mood takes you...
Day 7 Day 7: Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Mexico City

It’s a busy one today, travellers. Archaeological city Teotihuacan, pyramids and Aztec temples are the focus for this leg of your journey. As you go, local guides will kindly impart their extensive knowledge on many interesting topics so you’re in the know on anything and everything. And if you happen to be here at the right time, you might even get to experience Lucha Libre, Mexican wrestling!
Day 8 Day 8: Mexico City To Oaxaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Mexico City To Oaxaca

Meeting your TM and fellow travellers this morning, you’ll be setting off for Oaxaca (pronounced Wa-ha-ka)! Have you got it? Great - let’s hit the road. Welcome to Oaxaca, with its bohemian bars, charming colonial buildings and ridiculously pretty churches. Commonly known as the gastronomical capital of Mexico, the food here is guaranteed to guac your world. The perfect drink to wash it all down? Mezcal, of course.
Day 9 Day 9: Oaxaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Oaxaca

Today, you’re going to soak up some serious Oaxaca vibes with a guided city tour where you’ll get to check out the local markets. The colourful city streets are going to be the perfect place for some Insta shots, and if you can be dragged away from the views for long enough, there’s plenty of delicacies to try during your free night.
Day 10 Day 10: Oaxaca To Merida
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Oaxaca To Merida

Adios Oaxaca, Merida is calling our names! And we won’t waste any time, hopping on an included flight to whiz us there without delay. Here in mellow Merida, you’ll explore Mexico’s quiet side. Wander down cobbled streets and grand plazas on a unique walking tour, with some free time to explore the bustling markets. Later you can feast yourself on Yucatan specialities and head off for a blissful slumber.
Day 11 Day 11: Merida To Cancun
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Merida To Cancun

Pack up your swag of Mexican trinkets and say goodbye to the calm oasis of Merida and hello yet another incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed site: Chichen Itza. Next stop, the most famous ancient ruins in Mayan history. With our Local Guide leading the charge, we’ll learn all about the Mayan calendar, the positioning of the sun, the connections of the ruins around the country, and the worlds that came before us. Afterwards, we’ll take a dip in a cenote – which is the best way to beat the Mexican heat. In stark contrast, next up is Mexico’s super resort – Cancun. With high energy vibes this stop is a no brainer when it comes to getting your fiesta on. One suggestion for tonight’s dinner at the Mercado 28, a busy market serving true Mexican delights.
Day 12 Day 12: Cancun
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Cancun

Cancun is a hub of fiery entertainment… known for way more than party vibes. Powdery beaches, endlessly swimmable waters and laid-back taco joints (basically all you need, no matter your mood.) Your Trip Manager knows this place like the back of their hand too, so you’re guaranteed to be in the know on all the best spots to head for the evening.
Day 13 Day 13: Cancun To Playa Del Carmen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Cancun To Playa Del Carmen

Get ready for your next adventure this morning as we’re heading to the beautiful shores of Playa del Carmen. A bit of retail therapy never hurt anyone, so how about a stroll down Paseo del Carmen shopping centre to spend some pesos? You’ll fall head over heels for this sun-kissed seashore town. For the food addicts amongst you, a plethora of seaside bars and restaurants are here to blow your mind with their delicious cocktails and local recipes.
Day 14 Day 14: Playa Del Carmen To Caye Caulker
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Playa Del Carmen To Caye Caulker

Mexico, you’ve stolen a slice of our hearts forever but with Belize & the Caribbean Island of Caye Caulker on the horizon, we’re not feeling too sad... Hello heaven. Rub your eyes, blink and blink again - yes this pinch-yourself tropical paradise truly is real, This evening is all about enjoying the last dregs of sunshine, sampling fresh seafood and getting down to some reggae rhythms... **PLEASE NOTE: this day may be replaced with another night in Playa del Carmen when the Belize Ferry is not operating as scheduled. Caye Caulker activities will be rescheduled so all inclusions and optional experiences are still offered as per itinerary. A Free Time Add On Activity of ATV riding may also be offered by the Trip Manager when the itinerary has 2 nights in Playa del Carmen.
Day 15 Day 15: Caye Caulker
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Caye Caulker

You’ll need a big breakfast today because you’re free to do whatever you want, which could mean a whole lot of exploring. Belize has a spectacular Barrier Reef that’s just begging to be discovered, so grab a snorkel and get out there. Back on land, it’s all about sandy streets flanked by palm trees and dotted with cafes and bars lined with colourful hammocks, painted tables and the most laid-back vibes we know. You’ll be begging to stay longer. And your wish is our command.
Day 16 Day 16: Caye Caulker
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Caye Caulker

Another free day to soak up the vibes of this beautiful city, and spend some more time in the water. Snorkel, siesta, or sip something sweet as you watch the golden sunset over the shimmering waters. Bliss.
Day 17 Day 17: Caye Caulker To Tikal
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Caye Caulker To Tikal

Water taxis will whizz us back to the mainland across the glorious underwater playground you’ve become so well acquainted with over the last few days, landing us back in the arms of Belize City. It’s a super swift passing by of the beloved Belize City before we take to the road to journey across the border into yet another stunning country: Guatemala. This leg of the trip will see you travel overland through Guatemala’s Peten forests. This afternoon before we drop anchor at our hotel, you could zoom around the treetops like a monkey but securely attached on a zipline of course! Later on you will doze off to the tranquil sounds of the nature all around you, but in a comfy bed with all the amenities you need.
Day 18 Day 18: Tikal To Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Tikal To Antigua

Rise early today to watch the sun stretch over the the top of the Mayan ruin Templo IV. Not a bad way to start the day, hey? We’ll then take a guided tour of the crumbling ruins before a trip to the island of Flores, where we’ll have lunch and time for shopping before flying this afternoon to Guatemala’s capital city and then on to beautiful Antigua. This place isn’t just about the dreamy scenery - there’s plenty of history to soak up too. You’ll notice colorful rooftop gardens dotted amongst the crumbling colonial buildings and you’ll hear the clip clop of the horse drawn carriages that are still a favoured form of transport today. You’ll be glad to know there are two peaceful nights planned here in the old colonial town set right beneath two massive volcanoes.
Day 19 Day 19: Antigua Guatemala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Antigua Guatemala

Start with a tour with our guide to learn about the local architecture, tiny squares, and fountains. Don your explorers cap this afternoon and head off for some ME time. Being able to choose your own adventure could take you up Pacaya Volcano on a guided hike. If you’d rather produce those endorphins by making (and eating) your own chocolate, then that is also a rather delicious option where you’ll learn about the process from start to end and take home the results of your efforts. Guatemalan delights tonight? Yes please. We’ll get local over chiles rellenos (or peppers stuffed to the brim with vegetables, meat and sauces). You’re sure to hear a collective mmmm.
Day 20 Day 20: End Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: End Antigua

Morning global roamers, we came, we saw, we sizzled. We’ll fuel up on one last breakfast together, then it’s time to wipe away the tears and do those final friend requests because today you’re homeward bound with firm plans in full steam for a Contiki 2.0 reunion in Asia. See you next time!

+17

20 days tour

Ultimate Central America (20 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Ultimate Central America (20 Days)

Day 1: Start Puerto Vallarta

Day 2: Puerto Vallarta

Day 3: Puerto Vallarta To Guadalajara

Day 4: Guadalajara To Guanajuato

Day 5: Guanajuato To Mexico City

Day 6: Mexico City

Day 7: Mexico City

Day 8: Mexico City To Oaxaca

Day 9: Oaxaca

Day 10: Oaxaca To Merida

Day 11: Merida To Cancun

Day 12: Cancun

Day 13: Cancun To Playa Del Carmen

Day 14: Playa Del Carmen To Caye Caulker

Day 15: Caye Caulker

Day 16: Caye Caulker

Day 17: Caye Caulker To Tikal

Day 18: Tikal To Antigua

Day 19: Antigua Guatemala

Day 20: End Antigua

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania