Get ready for a 21-day adventure through Latin America’s vibrant and diverse continent! From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable journey, experiencing the region’s natural wonders, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Day 1: Welcome to Mexico City!
- 12:00 pm – Check-in at your hotel in the trendy neighborhood of Condesa.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Visit the National Museum of Anthropology to learn about Mexico’s rich history, from the Aztecs to the Mayans.
- 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Stroll along Paseo de la Reforma, the city’s grand boulevard, and take in the stunning architecture.
Day 2: Discover the Hidden Gems of Mexico City
- 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Enjoy a breakfast of chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican dish, before taking a guided walking tour of the colorful streets of the historic district.
- 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Visit the famous Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, and learn about the iconic artist’s life and work.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Mexican cuisine, from tamales to mole.
Day 3: Explore the Wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula
- 8:00 am – Fly to Cancun and transfer to Tulum.
- 10:00 am to 12:00 pm – Discover the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
- 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Enjoy a traditional Yucatecan lunch of cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish, at a local restaurant.
- 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Visit the stunning cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, for a refreshing swim.
- 7:00 pm – Relax on the beach and watch the sunset before dinner at a seaside restaurant.
Day 4: Journey to Belize
- 9:00 am to 11:00 am – Cross the border into Belize and transfer to San Ignacio.
- 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, with stunning views of the Belizean countryside.
- 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Visit the Belize Botanic Gardens to learn about the country’s rich flora and fauna.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy a delicious Belizean dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Discover the Beauty of Guatemala
- 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Travel to Flores, a charming island town in the middle of Lake Peten Itza.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Visit the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Central America.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Explore the charming town of Flores, with its colorful buildings and stunning views of the lake.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine.
Day 6: Admire the Beauty of Lake Atitlan
- 9:00 am to 11:00 am – Take a scenic drive to Lake Atitlan, a stunning volcanic lake surrounded by lush hillsides and charming Mayan villages.
- 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Explore the village of San Juan La Laguna, known for its traditional textiles and handicrafts.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Take a boat tour of the lake, visiting the villages of San Pedro and Santiago Atitlan.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant and soak in the breathtaking views.
Day 7: Experience the Charm of Antigua
- 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Travel to Antigua, a charming colonial city surrounded by volcanoes.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Visit the Central Park and admire the stunning architecture of the city’s colonial buildings.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Take a walking tour of the city’s charming streets, visiting the Cathedral, the Palace of the Captains-General, and other historic sites.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine.
Day 8: Fly to Lima, Peru
- 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Fly to Lima, the capital of Peru.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Check-in at your hotel in the trendy neighborhood of Miraflores.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Take a walking tour of the historic center of Lima, visiting the Plaza Mayor, the Presidential Palace, and other historic sites.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at one of Lima’s renowned restaurants, known for its delicious ceviche and other seafood dishes.
Day 9: Discover the Flavors of Lima
- 9:00 am to 11:00 am – Visit a local market to learn about the different Peruvian ingredients and spices used in the country’s cuisine.
- 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Take a cooking class to learn how to make some of Peru’s most famous dishes, such as lomo saltado and ají de gallina.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Visit the Larco Museum to learn about the pre-Columbian history of Peru and admire the stunning collection of ancient artifacts.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some of the delicious dishes you learned to make in the cooking class.
Day 10: Journey to the Sacred Valley
- 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Take a scenic train ride to the Sacred Valley, a breathtakingly beautiful region near Cusco.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Visit the town of Pisac, known for its traditional handicrafts and stunning Inca ruins.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Visit the Ollantaytambo fortress, an impressive Inca archaeological site with stunning views of the valley.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Day 11: Explore the Wonder of Machu Picchu
- 6:00 am to 10:00 am – Take an early morning train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
- 10:00 am to 1:00 pm – Explore the stunning Machu Picchu ruins with a guided tour, admiring the incredible engineering and architecture of the Inca civilization.
- 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Enjoy a delicious lunch in Aguas Calientes, sampling some of the local Peruvian dishes.
- 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Take a scenic train ride back to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
- 7:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Cusco, sampling some of the delicious Peruvian cuisine.
Day 12: Discover the Beauty of Cusco
- 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Take a walking tour of the historic center of Cusco, visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and other historic sites.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Visit the San Pedro Market, a bustling market filled with fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and local delicacies.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Visit the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an impressive Inca site with stunning views of Cusco.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Cusco, sampling some of the delicious Peruvian cuisine.
Day 13: Journey to Lake Titicaca
- 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Take a scenic bus ride to Puno, a charming town on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Visit the Yavari, a historic steamship on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Take a boat tour of the Uros Islands, floating islands made of reeds, and learn about the unique way of life of the Uros people.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Puno.
Day 14: Explore the Magic of Colca Canyon
- 6:00 am to 11:00 am – Take a scenic bus ride to Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
- 11:00 am to 1:00 pm – Visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you can spot the majestic Andean condor soaring over the canyon.
- 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at a local restaurant.
- 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Relax in the hot springs of Chivay, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- 7:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Colca Canyon.
Day 15: Journey to Arequipa
- 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Take a scenic bus ride to Arequipa, the “White City” with stunning colonial architecture.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a beautiful and historic convent in the heart of the city.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00pm – Take a walking tour of the historic center of Arequipa, visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and other historic sites.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Arequipa, sampling some of the delicious Peruvian cuisine.
Day 16: Discover the Beauty of the Colca Valley
- 7:00 am to 11:00 am – Take a scenic drive through the Colca Valley, admiring the stunning landscapes and traditional villages.
- 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Visit the town of Yanque and its beautiful colonial church, and learn about the traditional way of life of the locals.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Visit the hot springs of La Calera, where you can relax in the natural pools surrounded by stunning views of the valley.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at your hotel in the Colca Valley.
Day 17: Journey to Bolivia
- 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Take a scenic bus ride to Copacabana, a charming town on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a beautiful colonial church with stunning views of the lake.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Take a boat tour of the Isla del Sol, the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilization, and admire the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Copacabana.
Day 18: Discover the Magic of La Paz
- 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Take a scenic bus ride to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Check-in at your hotel in the historic center of La Paz.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Take a cable car ride over the city, admiring the stunning views of the mountains and the colorful houses of the city.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in La Paz, sampling some of the delicious Bolivian cuisine.
Day 19: Explore the Beauty of Salar de Uyuni
- 7:00 am to 10:00 am – Take a flight to Uyuni, a charming town in the middle of the Bolivian salt flats.
- 10:00 am to 1:00 pm – Visit the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, and admire the stunning landscapes and unique formations.
- 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Enjoy a traditional Bolivian lunch on the salt flats.
- 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Visit the nearby Isla Incahuasi, a beautiful island in the middle of the salt flats with stunning cacti and incredible views.
- 7:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Uyuni.
Day 20: Journey to Chile
- 9:00 am to 11:00 am – Take a scenic bus ride to San Pedro de Atacama, a charming town in the middle of the Atacama Desert.
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Check-in at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.
- 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Visit the Valle de la Luna, a stunning lunar landscape with unique rock formations and incredible colors.
- 6:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama, sampling some of the delicious Chilean cuisine.
Day 21: Explore the Wonders of the Atacama Desert
- 8:00 am to 11:00 am – Visit the El Tatio geysers, a stunning geothermal field with bubbling mud pools and impressive geysers.
- 11:00 am to 1:00 pm – Enjoy a traditional Chilean breakfast on the geysers.
- 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Visit the nearby Machuca village, a charming town with traditional adobe houses and a beautiful church.
- 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Relax in the hot springs of Puritama, surrounded by stunning views of the desert.
- 7:00 pm – Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama.
CONCLUSION: This 21-day itinerary is a journey of discovery and adventure through some of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in Latin America. From the lush jungles of Belize to the stunning salt flats of Bolivia, travelers will experience the rich cultures and stunning landscapes of this incredible region. With a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, this itinerary offers something for every traveler, from history buffs to foodies to nature lovers. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of Latin America!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Latin America is a diverse and vibrant region that encompasses 20 countries and countless cultures. The region is home to some of the world’s most ancient civilizations, including the Maya, Inca, and Aztec empires. Today, the people of Latin America are proud of their rich history and cultural heritage, which is reflected in their art, music, dance, and cuisine.
The cultures of Latin America are a fascinating mix of indigenous, African, and European influences. In countries like Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia, ancient traditions and beliefs are still very much a part of everyday life, and visitors can witness colorful festivals and ceremonies that have been celebrated for centuries. The people of Latin America are known for their warmth, hospitality, and passion, and visitors are sure to be welcomed with open arms.
One of the most famous aspects of Latin American culture is its cuisine. From the spicy flavors of Mexico to the rich stews of Peru, the food of Latin America is a feast for the senses. Many of the dishes are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and are often accompanied by traditional beverages like tequila, pisco, and caipirinha. Visitors to Latin America will also find a wide variety of street food and markets, where they can sample everything from tamales to ceviche.
The cost of travel in Latin America varies widely depending on the country and the type of trip. Some countries like Mexico and Peru are relatively affordable, while others like Brazil and Argentina can be more expensive. Generally speaking, visitors can expect to find a range of options for accommodation, food, and activities, from budget-friendly to luxury.
The main languages spoken in Latin America are Spanish and Portuguese, although there are also many indigenous languages and dialects. Visitors who don’t speak the local language need not worry, however, as English is widely spoken in many tourist areas. The climate in Latin America varies depending on the country and the region, but generally speaking, the region is known for its warm and tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine and occasional rain showers.
Finally, the economy of Latin America is as diverse as its cultures. Some countries like Brazil and Mexico have thriving economies and are major players in the global market, while others like Bolivia and Peru are more focused on agriculture and mining. Visitors to Latin America will find a rich and complex region with much to explore and discover, from ancient ruins to bustling cities to breathtaking natural landscapes.
