ULTIMATE CENTRAL AMERICA

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 as well as an optional zipline adventure – and that’s before we top it all off with a beachfront dinner, with the water and twinkling lights setting an unforgettable scene.

Included Experience:

• Eat Dinner on the Beach in Puerto Vallarta

Optional Experience:

• Take a Zipline Adventure

Puerto Vallarta:

• Today you’re free to explore Puerto Vallarta however you like.
• You can surf, or, 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.

Optional Experience:

• Take a Day Trip to Sayulita
• Watch a Pirate Show (with Dinner too!)

Puerto Vallarta:

• Bye bye beach hangs, but don’t worry, this isn’t your last taste of Mexican beach life – we’ll see you soon, sea.

Tequila:

• 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.

Guadalajara:

• 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.

Included Experience:

• Visit a Tequila Distillery

Guadalajara:

• We leave Guadalajara and hit the road.

Guanajuato:

• 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.

Included Experience:

• Visit Hospicio Cabañas
• Explore Guadalajara on Foot

Guanajuato:

• 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.

San Miguel de Allende:

• Quick pitstop! We’ll check out this colourful UNESCO World Heritage City, known for its baroque architecture and vibrant art scene.
• Stroll through the charming plazas. Explore local artisan shops. Admire the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. And then we’ll be on our way.

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.

Included Experience:

• Tour Guanajuato on foot
• Visit San Miguel de Allende

Mexico City:

• It’s a busy one today, travellers. Today, we’re heading to the archaeological city of Teotihuacan.

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.
• Walk along the Avenue of the Dead, admire the grandeur of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon from ground level, and explore beautifully preserved murals and temples.

Mexico:

• Back in the capital, it’s time to look back on all the mesmerising history & architecture you’ve seen today (and catch a good night’s sleep).

Included Experience:

• Visit the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan

Optional Experience:

• Check out Teotihuacan from a Hot Air Balloon

Mexico City:

• Goodbye Mexico City. Señoras y señores, let’s hit the road!

Cancun:

• Welcome to Mexico’s super resort – Cancun. With its high energy vibes, this stop is a no brainer when it comes to getting your fiesta on. One suggestion for tonight’s dinner? Mercado 28, a busy market serving true Mexican delights.

Included Experience:

• Fly to Cancun

Cancun:

• Yes, Yes. We just arrived. But we’re saying goodbye to bright & buzzing Cancun (only for a bit!) to check out an epic historical hotspot.

Chichen Itza:

• 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.

Cancun:

• You’ve got the entire day tomorrow to spend soaking up the Cancun sun. So, rest up!

Included Experience:

• Tour Chichen Itza with a Local
• Swim in a cenote at Chichen Itza

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.

Included Experience:

• Chill with a Sunset Beach Dinner

Optional Experience:

• Swim with Whale Sharks
• Ride in a Jungle Speedboat
• Chill on the Beach at Isla Mujeres

Cancun:

• 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?

Playa del Carmen:

• 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.

Playa del Carmen:

• 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.

**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.

Caye Caulker:

• 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.

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.

Included Experience:

• Sail at Sunset

Optional Experience:

• Snorkel Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley
• Snorkel across a local reef

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.

Caye Caulker:

• 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.

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.

Tikal:

• This leg of the trip will see you travel overland through Guatemala’s Peten forests. We’ll drop anchor at our hotel and doze off to the tranquil sounds of the nature all around, but in a comfy bed with all the amenities you need.

Included Experience:

• Stay in Tikal National Park

Tikal:

• 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?

Flores:

• 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.

Antigua Guatemala:

• 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.

Included Experience:

• Guided tour: Tikal National Park
• Fly into Antigua (Guatemala)

Optional Experience:

• Jungle Ziplining

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.

Included Experience:

• Explore Colonial Antigua with a local
• Taste a Guatemalan feast in Antigua

Optional Experience:

• Pacaya Volcano Hike
• Visit a Native Chocolate Museum
• Antigua Bike Ride & Plantation Visit

Antigua Guatemala:

• 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!