Fly from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to Mexico City International Airport (MEX)—book a nonstop flight if the schedule works, and allow roughly 5–7 hours door to door for airport transfers, check-in, the flight, and traffic into town. A morning departure gives you the best chance of reaching the center with energy to explore; from MEX, take an authorized taxi or app-based ride to Centro Histórico, rather than trying to drive and park in the busy core. If your flight lands late, keep in mind that the museum visit depends on arriving before its last entry.
Start with an easy loop around the Zócalo, the immense central square; allow about 45 minutes, and expect occasional event-related barriers or crowding. Then visit Templo Mayor, beside the square, to see the excavated remains of the Aztec ceremonial center and its museum. It generally opens Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; allow 1–1½ hours, check current admission details, and leave time for the entrance queue. The museum is usually closed Mondays, but that does not affect this Thursday plan.
Finish at El Cardenal (Centro Histórico) for classic Mexican cooking—try to arrive early or check whether your preferred branch takes reservations, as waits can build at peak mealtimes. Budget about MXN 300–600 per person. The walk between the square, museum, and restaurant is short; wear comfortable shoes for uneven paving, and take a taxi or app-based ride back to your hotel if you’re tired after the flight.
Start around 9 a.m. at Museo Nacional de Antropología in Chapultepec; allow about three hours for the major galleries, especially the Mexica and Maya collections. It’s generally open Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; check the official site for current admission and any ticket requirements. From there, walk roughly 15–20 minutes uphill to Chapultepec Castle—the climb is steep, so take it at an easy pace. Set aside 1½–2 hours for the rooms and sweeping city views. The castle is typically open Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with last entry before closing; confirm hours and whether advance tickets are required before you go.
After the castle, spend about an hour strolling the shaded paths of Bosque de Chapultepec. Keep the route relaxed: the park is large, and you’ll have already covered plenty on foot. Then take a rideshare to Contramar in Roma Norte—allow roughly 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic. Aim to arrive around 3:30 or 4 p.m.; this popular seafood restaurant is a daytime spot and generally closes around 6 p.m. Reserve ahead, and budget about MXN 500–900 per person. Try the tuna tostadas or the signature grilled fish if they’re available.
With the flight and road transfer taking roughly 6–9 hours door to door, keep the flexible: it works best if you reach Antigua Guatemala with time before dusk. After checking in, walk to Santa Catalina Arch for an easy 30-minute first look at the city’s volcanic-stone streets and the volcano views through the arch when the weather is clear. It’s outdoors and free to visit; if traffic or a late flight cuts into the afternoon, enjoy it at an unhurried pace rather than trying to make up time.
Continue on foot to Parque Central, about five minutes away, and spend around 45 minutes getting oriented among the arcades, fountain, and cathedral façade. The square is open to the public, and its benches are a good place to pause; keep an eye on your belongings in the busier central area. Finish at Café Condesa, a short walk from the park, for a relaxed meal in its colonial courtyard. Budget about GTQ 75–150 per person; check that it’s serving when you arrive, especially if your transfer runs late.
Start at Iglesia de La Merced and give yourself about 45 minutes for its striking yellow Baroque façade and interior. Sunday services may affect access, so check locally before going inside; a small visitor fee may apply. From there, walk north toward the Mercado de Artesanías near the bus terminal. Set aside about an hour to browse woven textiles and crafts, and compare prices before buying—cash in quetzales is handy.
Head to Cerro de la Cruz next, either on foot or by tuk-tuk for the short ride uphill. Allow 1–1½ hours for the viewpoint and the return; the climb is steep, so take it slowly and bring water. Go earlier rather than later if the sky is building clouds, as afternoon rain can roll in. The lookout is a popular spot, and conditions or access can vary, so ask your hotel about the day’s arrangements before setting off.
Finish at Rincón Típico for informal Guatemalan grilled specialties—roughly GTQ 60–120 per person. It’s an easy walk back from the central area; after a full day on foot, a tuk-tuk is a practical option if you’re tired or rain sets in.
Start at Convento de las Capuchinas, where the roofless rooms, quiet courtyards, and circular tower make the ruins especially atmospheric before the midday heat. Allow 1–1½ hours; it’s generally open daily during daylight hours, but check locally for current hours and the entrance fee, often around GTQ 40. From central Antigua, it’s an easy walk east—roughly 10–15 minutes on the cobbled streets.
Walk back toward the center for ChocoMuseo Antigua. Set aside 1–2 hours if you’re doing a chocolate-making session; workshops have limited spaces and set start times, so check the schedule and reserve ahead rather than relying on a walk-in spot. Afterward, continue east to Casa Santo Domingo Museums—about a 10-minute walk from the museum—for the collections and archaeological remains among the former convent’s courtyards. Plan on 1½–2 hours; museum access and fees can vary, so confirm at the entrance and leave a little time for the grounds.
Finish at Por Qué No? Café, a compact, lively dinner spot in central Antigua. Walk back west from Casa Santo Domingo in about 10–15 minutes; expect to spend roughly GTQ 100–200 per person. It’s small, so reserve if possible—or arrive early and be prepared for a short wait.
The transfer and flight will take most of the day, so keep the city visits flexible around your actual arrival. If you reach central San José before Mercado Central closes—often around 5 p.m., but individual stalls vary—spend about an hour wandering its covered lanes and grabbing a quick snack such as a casado or fresh fruit juice. A taxi or rideshare from the airport is the simplest way into town; allow extra time for traffic.
From the market, it’s a short walk to Plaza de la Cultura, a lively downtown square where 30–45 minutes is enough for a breather and a look around. If your flight arrives too late for the market, don’t count on it being open: check the current hours before setting out, and keep the square and dinner as the easier evening options.
For a traditional meal, take a taxi or rideshare to Soda Tapia in La Sabana; budget roughly CRC 5,000–10,000 per person. It’s a relaxed, long-running spot for Costa Rican comfort food. If the travel day runs late, go straight there and confirm its closing time before you leave central San José.
Start at Museo del Oro Precolombino, beneath Plaza de la Cultura. Give the collection about 1½–2 hours; it’s usually open daily, but check current hours and admission before setting out (allow roughly CRC 2,000–3,000 per person). Then walk a few minutes to Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica for a 45–60-minute guided visit. Tours depend on the day’s schedule and availability, so check ahead rather than counting on walk-in access; the café inside is a pleasant stop if you need a breather.
Take a taxi or rideshare to Museo de Arte Costarricense in La Sabana—allow around 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic. Set aside 1–1½ hours for Costa Rican art in the former airport terminal, and verify its opening arrangements before you go, as access and hours can vary. After a relaxed break, head to Restaurante Grano de Oro in Barrio Don Bosco for dinner; reserve if possible. Expect roughly CRC 15,000–25,000 per person, before drinks and tip.
Allow 6–8 hours door to door for the flight from San José, airport time, and the transfer into Bogotá; traffic can add time, so keep this arrival-day plan flexible. From El Dorado International Airport, use an authorized taxi or a prebooked hotel transfer rather than negotiating a ride at the curb. If you arrive with enough daylight, head to La Candelaria and spend about 45 minutes around Plaza de Bolívar, the city’s grand civic heart, where the historic façades make a good first introduction to Bogotá.
Step into Catedral Primada de Colombia, right on the plaza, for about 30 minutes. Access may be limited during services or other events, so check locally and be prepared to admire the interior from outside if it’s closed. Then walk a few minutes to La Puerta Falsa for classic Colombian comfort food; budget roughly COP 25,000–50,000 per person. It’s a small, popular spot, so expect a possible wait and check its hours before setting out—if your flight arrives too late for a meal, save this stop for an earlier opening rather than counting on access after a delay.
Start around 9 a.m. at Museo Botero in La Candelaria. Give the collection about 1½–2 hours; it’s typically open Tuesday–Saturday, with free admission, but check current hours and entry arrangements before you go. Then walk roughly 10 minutes to Museo del Oro. Set aside about two hours for its pre-Hispanic gold and archaeology galleries; Friday is usually a regular opening day, and admission is modest—around COP 5,000–6,000, subject to change.
After the museums, wander uphill through the neighborhood’s narrow, colorful lanes to Chorro de Quevedo; allow about 45 minutes to soak up the small plaza’s historic atmosphere and pause for a coffee nearby. Finish with dinner at Prudencia, a lovely restored-house restaurant serving thoughtful Colombian cooking. Book ahead, especially for dinner, and budget about COP 60,000–100,000 per person. The walk from Chorro de Quevedo is short, but the cobbles and slopes are easier in comfortable shoes; keep phones and valuables discreet on the street.
Head to Monserrate early, ideally around opening, to beat the weekend queues and give yourself 2–3 hours for the ride up, viewpoints, and a short wander at the summit. Take the funicular or cable car; allow roughly 30–40 minutes each way for the ride and more if lines are long. Budget around COP 30,000–40,000 per person for a round trip, and check the official site that morning for operating status and weather—cloud can quickly hide the view. Use a taxi or app-based ride to the lower station, and bring a light layer; it’s cooler and windier up top.
From the hill, take a taxi or app ride to Museo Nacional de Colombia in San Diego; traffic varies, so allow about 15–30 minutes. Set aside 1½–2 hours for the history and art collections. Saturday is generally a visiting day, but confirm current hours and admission before you go; budget a modest ticket fee. Afterwards, walk about 10 minutes to Parque de la Independencia for an easy 45-minute stroll among its paths and gardens.
Finish in La Macarena, a short walk from the park, for dinner at a well-reviewed neighborhood restaurant—there are good Colombian and international options along Carrera 4 and the nearby side streets. Plan on COP 40,000–80,000 per person before drinks, and book ahead if there’s a particular spot you have in mind. Take a taxi or app ride back after dark rather than walking long stretches; keep valuables out of sight, as you would anywhere in the city.
Allow 5–7 hours door to door for today’s travel and transfer, so this plan works best if you’re in Medellín by early afternoon; keep it flexible if delays eat into your time. After dropping your bags, head to Plaza Botero for about 45 minutes among Fernando Botero’s unmistakable sculptures. Stay aware of your belongings in the busy downtown area, and use a taxi or ride-hailing app between downtown stops if you’re tired.
Continue to the Museo de Antioquia, right beside the plaza, for its regional collection and Botero works. Set aside 1½–2 hours, but check the museum’s current Sunday hours before setting out: it may close earlier than on weekdays, and entry arrangements and prices can change. Budget roughly COP 20,000–30,000 per person. If your arrival runs late, prioritize the museum’s closing time rather than trying to squeeze in a rushed visit.
Take a taxi or ride-hailing car to Hacienda in El Poblado—allow around 20–30 minutes, more in traffic—for a relaxed introduction to Antioquian comfort food. Budget about COP 35,000–65,000 per person for a meal. It’s a good first-night choice after a travel day; confirm the specific branch and its Sunday hours before heading over.
Head to Comuna 13 in San Javier for a locally led visit. From El Poblado, a taxi or ride-hail usually takes about 35–60 minutes, depending on traffic; the Metro is another option, but allow time to connect to San Javier station and meet your guide. Set aside 2½–3 hours, and book with a reputable local guide in advance. The neighborhood’s outdoor escalators and murals are best explored with local guidance—follow your guide’s advice about where to walk and when to take photos. Tours vary in price; confirm what’s included when booking.
Take a taxi or ride-hail to Pueblito Paisa on Cerro Nutibara—roughly 25–40 minutes from San Javier in typical traffic—and allow 1–1½ hours for the small traditional-style village and city views. The final approach involves an uphill walk, so wear comfortable shoes. Then continue to Parques del Río for an easy 45-minute stroll along the landscaped riverfront; allow around 15–25 minutes by car, traffic permitting. The park is a public space and generally free to visit, though shade can be limited in places.
Finish at Mondongo’s in El Poblado for a filling bowl of mondongo or another regional dish; budget about COP 35,000–65,000 per person. From Parques del Río, a taxi or ride-hail typically takes 15–30 minutes, with rush-hour traffic sometimes stretching that out. Monday hours can vary, so check the restaurant’s current schedule before setting off; if you’ve had a late lunch, this is a good spot for an early dinner.
Start at Jardín Botánico de Medellín in Universidad and give the gardens 1½–2 hours. The grounds are usually open Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with free entry; check current hours before you go. Don’t miss the airy Orquideorama, whose timber canopy makes a lovely shady pause among the plants. From El Poblado, take the Metro to Universidad station or use a taxi/ride-hail; the gardens are a short walk from the station.
Walk over to Parque Explora, right beside the gardens, and allow 2–3 hours for the interactive science galleries and aquarium. It’s a good rainy-day option, but check the museum’s current opening hours, exhibit schedule, and admission price before setting out; budget roughly COP 40,000–50,000 per adult, subject to change. You can grab a simple lunch nearby or at the museum café, then take a breather at Parque de los Deseos, the open plaza next door. Spend 30–45 minutes there; it’s an easy place to sit and watch the neighborhood between visits.
Head to Café Zorba in Manila, El Poblado, for wood-fired pizza and an unhurried finish—budget about COP 35,000–65,000 per person. A taxi or ride-hail from Universidad is the simplest trip, especially after a full day on your feet; public transit is also an option via the Metro toward Poblado station, followed by a walk. Check the restaurant’s hours and consider reserving if you’re going at peak dinner time.
Today’s and airport transfer take roughly 7–10 hours door to door, so keep the evening flexible and head out only once you’ve checked in. From your accommodation, walk or take a short taxi to the Miraflores Malecón for an easy 45–60-minute stroll along the Pacific cliffs. The oceanfront paths are free and especially lovely around sunset; stick to the marked paths, as the cliffs are steep.
Continue to Parque Kennedy, about a 10–15-minute walk inland through Miraflores. Spend 30–45 minutes soaking up the neighborhood bustle, then settle in at La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla nearby for a casual Peruvian sandwich dinner. Expect roughly PEN 25–45 per person; it’s a popular, informal spot, so there may be a short queue. If your flight runs late, trim the walk rather than rushing—these stops are close together and easy to enjoy at your own pace.
Start at Huaca Pucllana, the impressive adobe ceremonial complex tucked into Miraflores’s modern streets. Allow 1½–2 hours for the guided visit; entry is generally by timed tour, so check the official booking information and reserve ahead rather than relying on walk-up availability. Admission is typically around PEN 15–20 per person, subject to change. A taxi or ride-hail is an easy way to get here from elsewhere in the district.
From the huaca, head to Avenida José Larco and take about an hour to browse its shops and pause at a café. Then continue toward the coast to Parque del Amor for 30–45 minutes among the mosaic details and sea views. The park is free; bring a light layer, as the waterfront can feel breezy even on a mild day. The walk between these stops is manageable, though a short taxi ride can save time if the sun is strong.
For dinner, settle in at Panchita for generous, traditional Peruvian cooking—try a classic criollo dish or share a few plates. Budget roughly PEN 70–120 per person before drinks, and reserve ahead if you can; it’s a popular spot. It’s in Miraflores, so you can walk or take a short ride from the waterfront depending on where you’re staying.
Head to Convento de San Francisco early for the guided visit through its colonial church, library, and catacombs. Set aside 1½–2 hours; tours and access can vary, so check the convent’s current schedule and admission details before going, and allow time to join the next available group. From there, it’s a short walk to Plaza Mayor de Lima. Spend about 45 minutes taking in the surrounding architecture; the square is free to visit, though access to individual buildings depends on their hours and security arrangements.
Walk about 10 minutes to Casa de la Literatura Peruana, housed in the former railway station. Give its exhibitions 1–1½ hours and check that day’s opening hours and access before setting out—Friday access can vary. For lunch, choose a nearby café in the Historic Center, then leave a little time to wander the surrounding streets before heading back toward Miraflores.
Take a taxi or ride-hail to El Bodegón in Miraflores; allow roughly 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Settle in for Peruvian criollo classics, budgeting about PEN 50–90 per person before drinks. It’s a popular, relaxed dinner spot, so check current hours and consider reserving, especially if you have a particular dinner time in mind.
Today’s flight and airport transfers will take roughly 5–7 hours door to door, so keep the afternoon flexible. After landing at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, take an authorized taxi or prearranged transfer to your accommodation; agree on the fare before setting off if you use a taxi. Cusco sits at about 3,400 meters, so drink water, walk slowly, and skip strenuous plans if you feel the altitude.
Once you’ve checked in and rested, take an easy, roughly 45-minute orientation walk around Plaza de Armas. Then visit Cusco Cathedral, right on the square; allow 1–1½ hours for its chapels and colonial art. Check current entry details and service-related restrictions before you go, as access and hours can vary. Keep the pace unhurried, and take a break at a nearby café if you feel short of breath.
For a relaxed first-night meal, Cicciolina is a short walk from the square. Plan on about PEN 60–110 per person; booking ahead is sensible, especially in the evening. Make it an early dinner if you’re tired, and leave the rest of the night quiet—your body will thank you for easing into the altitude.
Take it gently: Cusco sits at altitude, so walk slowly, drink water, and don’t try to cram in extra hills today. Start at Qorikancha in Santo Domingo, where Inca stonework meets the later convent. Allow about 1½ hours; check current opening hours and admission before you go, as access can vary. From there, it’s around a 15-minute downhill walk to San Pedro Market. Give yourself 1–1½ hours to browse the colorful produce and textile stalls and, if you’re feeling well, try a fresh juice or a simple cooked lunch. Keep food choices conservative if you’re still adjusting.
Walk north from the market toward Museo Inka, near the Plaza de Armas—about 15–20 minutes on foot, with cobbled streets and a gradual uphill stretch. Set aside 1–1½ hours for its Inca and pre-Inca collections. Opening arrangements can change, so verify hours and ticket details before setting out. Finish with dinner at Morena Peruvian Kitchen in the Historic Center, a convenient place to sample contemporary Peruvian dishes; budget roughly PEN 50–90 per person before drinks. Reserve ahead if you want a particular dinner time, and take a taxi back if the altitude or walking has caught up with you.
This is a very full day, so arrange the entire chain in advance: your transfer from Cusco to the train station specified on your ticket (often Poroy or Ollantaytambo), train to Aguas Calientes, bus up to Machu Picchu, and the return trip. Allow 12–15 hours door to door, or longer if connections, queues, or road conditions run slow. Confirm that your train arrival leaves enough time for the bus queue and your timed entry; don’t assume you can board an earlier service. Your hotel can help arrange an early pickup, and a small day bag is easier than bringing luggage.
At Machu Picchu, plan for roughly 2–3 hours on the circuit assigned to your ticket, including your guided visit. Timed-entry tickets are limited and must be booked in advance; train and bus tickets should be coordinated with that entry time. Availability isn’t guaranteed, so verify all three bookings before setting out. Follow your designated circuit—re-entry may not be allowed—and bring your passport, water, sun protection, and a light rain layer. The site is high and exposed, and facilities inside are limited.
If your return schedule allows, take a 30–45-minute breather around the center of Aguas Calientes, then grab a simple meal at a café near the station before boarding your booked train; budget about PEN 30–60 per person for food. Keep the break short enough to return to the platform with a buffer, since the station can be busy. The train and onward transfer back to Cusco are part of the long day, so have your pickup details and final connection confirmed before you leave.
Allow 5–7 hours door to door for the flight from Cusco, airport time, and the ride into Lima; keep the afternoon flexible for delays. From the airport, use an authorized taxi or prearranged transfer to your Miraflores hotel. Once checked in, head to Parque del Amor for a gentle 30–45-minute walk along the cliffs; it’s free, and late afternoon light is lovely if your arrival timing allows.
Continue to Larcomar, a short walk along the coast from the park. Browse the shops and settle in for coffee overlooking the Pacific; allow 1–1½ hours. It’s open daily, though individual shops and cafés keep their own hours, so check ahead if you have a particular stop in mind.
Finish at Pescados Capitales in Miraflores for contemporary seafood. Budget about PEN 90–160 per person; reserve ahead, especially for dinner, and confirm the reservation time against your actual arrival. If the flight runs late, skip the extra browsing rather than rushing—this is your final full evening, and dinner is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
If your flight leaves late, start with a30–45-minute stroll through Barranco, taking in Puente de Suspiros and the neighborhood’s old lanes before they get busy. Then walk to Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Lima (MAC Lima) for 1–1½ hours** of contemporary art. Check the museum’s current Wednesday hours and baggage-storage policy before setting out; don’t assume it can hold your luggage.
Have your final criollo meal at Isolina Taberna Peruana—portions are generous, so sharing is sensible. Budget about PEN 60–110 per person and reserve ahead. Then transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) for your flight to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), continuing onward to Cabo San Lucas. Check the full itinerary for connections and arrange your arrival transfer in advance; allow a full day door to door, including Lima traffic, airport check-in, and the onward ride from SJD. This day’s sightseeing only works with a sufficiently late departure. If your flight is earlier, prioritize the airport and arrange an extra Lima night or reduce the sightseeing rather than risk missing your flight.
No packing list attached yet.