Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Starts
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Ends
Antigua, Guatemala
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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Ultimate Central America
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Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 808 customer reviews from
Anonymous
Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato
4 days ago
Highlights
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.
Tequila: 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: Admire the ‘City of Gods’: one of the first great cities of the Western Hemisphere. Although no one really knows who built it.
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. Plus, you can go inside the museum at your own cost if you purchase a ticket in advance.
Mexico City: Get set for a barrage of beaches, jungles, ancient Mayan sites and epic nightlife.
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!
Cancun: Get the party started with a Margarita and dinner with the gang. Gaze over the bay and bask in those mellow vibes.
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.
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: Admire the ‘City of Gods’: one of the first great cities of the Western Hemisphere. Although no one really knows who built it.
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. Plus, you can go inside the museum at your own cost if you purchase a ticket in advance.
Mexico City: Get set for a barrage of beaches, jungles, ancient Mayan sites and epic nightlife.
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!
Cancun: Get the party started with a Margarita and dinner with the gang. Gaze over the bay and bask in those mellow vibes.
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.
What's Included
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta (or similar) HotelHotel de Mendoza Guadalajara (or similar)Hotel Gran Plaza Guanajuato (or similar)Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar) HotelWyndham Garden Playa del Carmen (or similar) HotelTropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)Hotel Tikal Inn (or similar)Hotel Las Farolas
Meals
Dinner (x8)Breakfast (x17)Lunch
Transport
Travel by coach
Guide
Experienced Driver Guide
What's Excluded
Tour Availability
Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot
Ready to discover the ultimate blend of culture and adventure? The Ultimate Central America tour invites young explorers on an 18-day escapade from Puerto Vallarta to Antigua, weaving through the best of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. This trip is far more than beaches—though you’ll have your share of surfing and snorkelling under palm trees. Taste tequila at the source, wander ancient ruins, and feast on flavors that will 'guac' your world. Expert guides, group camaraderie, and seamless transport make every day effortless. The USP of this tour package is its multifaceted approach: combining cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable journey for those who want to experience the very heart of Central America.
day 1 - 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 or you can take a day trip to remote beaches on a sailing trip and that's before we top it all off with a beachfront dinner, with the water and twinkling lights setting an unforgettable scene.
Meals:Dinner
Location Visited:Puerto Vallarta
Accommodation:Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta (or similar)
day 2 - Puerto Vallarta
Today youre free to explore Puerto Vallarta however you like. You can surf, or, take on an optional zipline adventure. Then, in the evening, catch a Pirate show! Expect the unexpected in Puerto Vallarta.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Puerto Vallarta
Accommodation:Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta (or similar)
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.
Accommodation:Hotel de Mendoza Guadalajara (or similar)
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), youll learn about the history of the famous silver mining town and how the economy has shaped much of its culture. Discover the lovers at the 'Alley of Kisses' and the Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Guadalajara, Guanajuato
Accommodation:Hotel Gran Plaza Guanajuato (or similar)
day 5 - Guanajuato to Mexico City via San Miguel de Allende
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.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 Arcngel. And then we'll be on our way. 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.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City
Accommodation:Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
day 6 - Mexico City & Teotihuacan
Its a busy one today, travellers. Today, we'll get stuck into the local flavours by tasting some Mexican delicacies at a local market before heading to the archaeological city of 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. 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).
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Mexico City, Teotihuacan, Mexico City
Accommodation:Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
day 7 - 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. 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...
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Mexico City
Accommodation:Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
day 8 - Mexico City to Cancun
Goodbye Mexico City. Seoras y seores, let's hit the road!Welcome to Mexicos super resort - Cancun. With its high energy vibes, this stop is a no brainer when it comes to getting your fiesta on.
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.The most famous ancient ruins in Mayan history. With our Local Guide leading the charge, well 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, well take a dip in a cenote which is the best way to beat the Mexican heat.You've got the entire day tomorrow to spend soaking up the Cancun sun. So, rest up!
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.
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.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Cancun, Playa del Carmen
Accommodation:Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen (or similar)
day 12 - 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.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker
Accommodation:Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
day 13 - Caye Caulker
Youll 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.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Caye Caulker
Accommodation:Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
day 14 - 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.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Caye Caulker
Accommodation:Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
day 15 - 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. Its 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 Guatemalas 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.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Caye Caulker, Belize City, Tikal
Accommodation:Hotel Tikal Inn (or similar)
day 16 - Tikal to Antigua
Rise early today and take in the sounds of the jungle awakening around you on a guided tour of the Mayan ruin, Templo IV. Not a bad way to start the day, hey? End the morning with an optional zoom around the treetops like a monkey but securely attached on a zipline of course! We'll then take a trip to the island of Flores, where we'll have lunch 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.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Tikal, Flores, Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation:Hotel Las Farolas
day 17 - 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 youd 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.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation:Hotel Las Farolas
day 18 - 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!
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Antigua Guatemala
2 other people are considering this tour right now.
I was very disappointed in this trip, I’ve done many contiki trips before so knowing what it could be like stung a lot considering how much it cost. This trip needs a lot of changes. Some of the cities visited really didn’t make sense and had little to see and do. Some of the optionals were poor and some we were actively discouraged from signing up for because they weren’t good.
The hotels were basic but some had significant issues like brown water from the tap or a pool that wasn’t maintained showing bacterial growth (which was only found after we jumped in).
The trip manager was the worst I’ve had and made me consider cancelling my upcoming contiki trip. If it was my first contiki I would never return, because of him.
What isn’t mentioned is the hidden cost of using Uber to get around as a group, including to meals/things that are included with the tour. This added up a lot and I hadn’t budgeted for it. Other travellers were very frustrated by this too.
There were many issues with this trip I haven’t mentioned but basically I regret doing it. If you want to travel contiki pick a Europe or Asia tour.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
3.0 out of 5
Positives- travel times were short and smooth.
Accomodation was good overall.
The rest -Our TM wasn't attentive to the group as a whole and picked favorites. He went first through most lines, border crossings, planes etc and didn't always wait for the last people in the group to get through.
Nightclubs were the only recommended evening activities in each place. Our TM didn't care if girls got home safely from nightlife, he told us he wasn't responsible for any of us. There was a push to be involved by the TM in nightlife and for everyone to be paying for open bar at every place. We weren't given the option to do entry only. Our TM got irritated at people asking to do entry fee only, made us feel like we were rude for asking for more information.
Poor communication from the TM and a disjointed trip with late supply of day sheets that weren't clear.
Our TM shared minimal/incorrect/no information on regions culture, background, history of places we went to. We ended up just googling things overselves.
It felt like we had really short turn around at historic sites, like Chitcehnza we had a brief guided tour then were given 20min free time to explore the rest of Chitcehnza including the 10min walk back to the meeting point. (although that did mean we had longer at the cenote, which was good). A similar experience at Teotihuacan.
The places we were taken for included dinners were terrible. The optional dinners were expensive for the regions and terrible food also. Places I found myself by googling outside of the recommendations were 1000x better and cheaper al it is possible do to better.
The only good food places were on Caye caulker. But they were expensive compared to other places on the island and breakfasts that were meant to be included were not fully, I had to pay extra myself to cover the 10% service fee for our included breakfast for 3 mornings.
We weren't told to budget for the Ubers/taxis that we needed multiple times a day to get around for included activities and dinners.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
2.0 out of 5
I thought the zip lining in Puerto Vallarta was a lot of fun. You get to do a mix of things with the ATV's, the zip lining was great, and the indoor skydiving was really fun to try. The snorkeling there was fun and the crew put on a good show on the way back too. I thought the hot air ballon over Teotihuacan was really nice. It was an amazing view and nice experience. I thought the whale sharks was cool experience, but sort of expensive for what it was. Coco Bongo in Cancun was a really cool place as well. The show they put on is great. I think the best included meal was in Belize, and I did appreciate that the breakfast there was at a local restaurant and you could order what you wanted instead of just the continental breakfast of a hotel.
One of my biggest disappointments on the trip was in regards to food. Other trips I have done with Contiki have done some kind of food tour or we at least went to multiple places to try new or different things. A lot of the restaurants we would go to felt more touristy, were expensive for where we were at, and lacked flavor. We didn't really get to try much of the local food, or much that I would say is unique. It honestly felt like we would go to locations where our trip manager knew the people there and might have just gotten a kickback for bringing people. One of the restaurants we went to, a few people complained they did not like the food, or that it was not very good and our trip manager was visibly angry with the people on the trip. When we said we wanted to try the food markets or more local food, our trip manager said to avoid anyone getting sick we would really be going to more approved restaurants. We stopped at a food market I think the last day when we were in Mexico City, but it was for about 20 minutes or 30 minutes, so by the time you looked around, it was pretty much time to leave. We did a walking tour in Mexico City, but it felt very quick, and more of a jump off the bus, walk over here and jump back on the bus just to say that we did it. It was called out that one of the biggest forms of transportation in Mexico city is the subway. I think it would have been interesting to have actually taken it somewhere to explore the city if it is the main form of transportation there.
I would say most of the hotels we stayed at were alright. There was one hotel we stayed at though with a water slide, but the water was pretty gross. There was a lot of chunky stuff floating in the pool, and a dead bird had been in there for quite a while. My only complaint with the hotel in Cancun was that the majority of the elevators did not work.
It very much felt as though the trip manager payed much more attention and talked to the girls on the trip than the guys. More than once it seemed like he was flirting with or hitting on the girls on the trip. I feel like it also started off in a negative way when the trip manager says do not ask me to translate, do not ask me for recommendations or directions. That's what google is for. I heard from multiple people that our trip manager would talk negatively about people on the trip to other people on the trip.
Other things that stood out were the walking tour we did in Guanajuato. We got to one point and then our trip manager just said hey FYI it is this much money now to take the lift up to where we are meeting. It wasn't a lot, but it's the fact there was no other option of if you want, you can walk there as well. It was just more of a surprise cost. I think the other thing that did bug some people on our trip was the pushing to tip every person we come across. I think multiple people had said just make the trip cost a little more and have the trip manager tip for everyone if that is the expectation.
In comparison, and after having done two other trips with Contiki, I would recommend the Southeast Asia trip. I just felt like that one was so well done, that I would recommend that one over the Central America trip.
