Epic South America & Central America Adventure: Lima to Cancun via Peru, Costa Rica & Mexico

Day 1: Arrival & Transit

London, UK / Miami, USA / Lima, Peru on May 17, 2025

1:35AM

Flight Delhi to London

Depart Delhi early morning for London Heathrow. Prepare for a long flight crossing multiple time zones.
Included in airfare, 9h5m

6:40AM

Layover in London

Enjoy a 3h15m layover in London Heathrow Terminal 5. Stretch legs and grab breakfast/snack at airport cafes.
Varies by food choice, 3h15m

9:55AM

Flight London to Miami

Board and fly to Miami, Florida, crossing Atlantic Ocean. Another long haul flight awaits.
Included in airfare, 9h35m

2:30PM

Layover Miami

Approximately 3h layover before connecting flight to Lima. Grab lunch in airport; options include Latin American and American cuisine.
Varies, 3h

5:50PM

Flight Miami to Lima

Evening flight heading to Lima, Peru. Use this time to rest and prepare for arrival in South America.
Included in airfare, 4h35m

10:25PM

Arrive Lima & Transfer to Hotel

Arrive late night in Lima and transfer to 3B Barranco by Katari Hoteles for 2 nights stay in a bohemian district.
Included in package, 30m

Day 2: Lima Culture & Modernity

Lima, Peru on May 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Café

Enjoy a Peruvian style breakfast featuring fresh fruits, coffee, and traditional dishes.
USD5-10, 1h

9:30AM

Huaca Pucllana Pyramids

Visit the pre-Incan archaeological site Huaca Pucllana. Guided tours available 9am-5pm, exploring adobe pyramids and sacred village remains.
USD6, 1h30m

11:30AM

Lima Historic Center Tour

Walk the historic center seeing the Cathedral, Viceroyalty buildings, Government Palace, City Hall, and San Francisco Convent. Most sites open 9am-5pm.
Varies, approx USD10, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at El Mercado

Dine on fresh seafood ceviche and Peruvian specialties at this popular Lima restaurant in Miraflores, open 12pm-3pm.
USD20-30, 1h

3:00PM

Miraflores Clifftop Walk & Love Park

Stroll the scenic Malecón boardwalk along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and visit Love Park with its colorful graffiti murals.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Panchita

Experience traditional Peruvian dishes like anticuchos and lomo saltado at Panchita, open 6pm-11pm, a top Lima eatery.
USD25-40, 1h30m

Day 3: Cusco & Sacred Valley

Cusco, Peru on May 19, 2025

5:30AM

Transfer to Airport

Early transfer to Lima airport for 6:55AM flight to Cusco.
USD15 taxi, 1h

6:55AM

Flight Lima to Cusco

Flight duration about 1h20m to this high-altitude Andean city, gateway to Sacred Valley.
USD80 approx, 1h20m

8:15AM

Arrive Cusco and Hotel Taypikala Machu Picchu Check-in

Check-in and acclimate to altitude at hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Sacred Valley: Maras Salt Ponds & Moray

Visit nearby Maras Salt Ponds and Moray's circular agricultural terraces. Guided tours last about 3-4 hours.
USD50-60, 4h

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Ollantaytambo

Try traditional Andean plates like cuy (guinea pig) or alpaca steak.
USD15-25, 1h

4:00PM

Explore Ollantaytambo Town

Walk charming cobblestone streets and visit the 15th-century Inca fortress before evening train to Aguas Calientes.
USD10 entrance fortress, 2h

7:00PM

Overnight Train to Aguas Calientes

Board the night train at Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu visit.
USD65-80, 1h30m

Day 4: Machu Picchu Visit

Aguas Calientes / Cusco, Peru on May 20, 2025

5:30AM

Bus to Machu Picchu

Catch early morning buses (open 5:30am) up to Machu Picchu citadel to enjoy sunrise and beat crowds.
USD24 bus roundtrip, 30m

6:00AM

Tour Machu Picchu

Explore iconic Inca ruins with a certified guide for about 3 hours. Open 6am-5:30pm daily.
USD70 entrance + guide USD30, 3h

10:30AM

Return to Aguas Calientes Town

Descend back to town; enjoy lunch and visit local hot springs if time allows.
USD10-20 for lunch, 2h

1:00PM

Train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco

Return by afternoon train and then travel by taxi to Cusco, check in Hotel Apartment INKASABIOS.
USD80 train + USD20 taxi, 4h

6:30PM

Dinner at Cusco's MAP Café

Upscale dining offering fusion Andean cuisine using local ingredients, open until 10pm.
USD30-40, 1h30m

Day 5: Cusco City Highlights

Cusco, Peru on May 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with energizing Andean breakfast with local fruit and coffee.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Full Day Cusco Archaeological Tour

Visit Sacsayhuamán fortress, Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha temple, Cusco Cathedral, San Blas neighborhood, and the Social Market. Tours run 9am-4pm.
USD40-50, 6h

12:30PM

Lunch at Pachapapa Restaurant

Traditional Cusco dishes served in a relaxed courtyard setting; open 12pm-4pm.
USD15-25, 1h

4:00PM

Visit Museo de Arte Precolombino

Explore pre-Columbian art with impressive artifacts collection; open until 6pm.
USD7, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Chicha by Gastón Acurio

Dine at one of Peru’s most famous chefs' restaurants emphasizing local flavors with a modern twist; open until 11pm.
USD35-50, 1h30m

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain Trek

Cusco, Peru on May 22, 2025

5:00AM

Pickup for Rainbow Mountain Trek

Begin early with pickup from your hotel for a full-day trek or horseback ride to the famous Rainbow Mountain, famous for colorful sedimentary layers.
USD60-80 tour including mule rental, 9h

2:00PM

Return to Cusco & Rest

Return to hotel in late afternoon; relax and recover from the high altitude trek.
Included, Rest of day

7:00PM

Dinner at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse

Try succulent Andean meats in a cozy atmosphere; open 7pm-11pm.
USD30-45, 1h30m

Day 7: Fly to Costa Rica

Cusco, Peru / San José, Costa Rica on May 23, 2025

5:00AM

Early transfer to Cusco Airport

Prepare for early morning flight to Lima to connect onward to San José, Costa Rica.
Taxi approx USD15, 30m

7:35AM

Flight Cusco to Lima

Flight about 1h30m. Layover in Lima before international flight to San José.
USD80 approx, 1h30m

12:40PM

Flight Lima to San José, Costa Rica

Depart mid-day for Central America with arrival later afternoon.
USD200 approx, 4h55m

3:35PM

Arrive San José, Pick up Rental or Shuttle to La Fortuna

Drive approximately 3 hours to La Fortuna close to Arenal Volcano.
USD50 shuttle or taxi, 3h

7:00PM

Check-in & Dinner

Check in at local hotel and enjoy dinner featuring Costa Rican flavors such as casado or fresh seafood.
USD20-35, 1h

Day 8: Arenal Volcano Adventure

La Fortuna, Costa Rica on May 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Local tropical fruits and coffee will fuel your day.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park

Explore trails through ancient lava fields and rainforest with chances to spot wildlife. Park open 8am-4pm.
USD15 entrance, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at Soda Viquez

Casual eatery serving authentic Costa Rican dishes with friendly atmosphere, open 11am-3pm.
USD10-15, 1h

1:30PM

Ziplining or Hanging Bridges Tour

Choose adrenaline-pumping ziplining or a serene walking tour over suspended bridges to view wildlife.
USD40-60, 3h

5:00PM

Relax at Tabacón Hot Springs

Soak in warm volcanic thermal pools surrounded by lush jungle, open until 10pm.
USD40 entry, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Popular restaurant in La Fortuna offering modern Costa Rican cuisine and cocktails until 10pm.
USD25-40, 1h30m

Day 9: Manuel Antonio Beach

La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica on May 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast & Checkout

Enjoy a filling breakfast and pack for drive to Manuel Antonio.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Manuel Antonio

Scenic 4-5 hour drive through Costa Rican countryside to Pacific coast resort area.
USD50-70 transport, 5h

1:00PM

Check-in & Lunch

Settle into beachside hotel and grab lunch at a nearby café serving fresh seafood.
USD15-25, 1h

2:30PM

Manuel Antonio Beach Relaxation

Enjoy sunbathing or swimming in the calm ocean waters on this famous white sand beach.
Free, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner Overlooking Ocean

Dine at a beachfront restaurant featuring freshly caught fish and local Costa Rican recipes.
USD25-40, 1h30m

Day 10: Manuel Antonio Park & San José

Manuel Antonio & San José, Costa Rica on May 26, 2025

7:00AM

Early Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park

Beat crowds to explore wildlife-rich trails and pristine beaches within the park, open 7am-4pm.
USD18 entrance, 3h

10:30AM

Beach Time & Lunch

Relax on the beach and enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café serving Costa Rican snacks.
USD15, 2h

12:30PM

Drive Back to San José

Three-hour return drive to capital city, prepare for next travel days.
USD50-70 transport, 3h

4:00PM

San José City Museum Visit

If time permits, stroll through San José’s National Museum or walk Central Avenue.
USD10, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Park Café

Upscale dining experience featuring fusion Costa Rican delicacies, open until 10pm.
USD30-45, 1h30m

Day 11: Fly to Mexico City

San José, Costa Rica / Mexico City, Mexico on May 27, 2025

5:30AM

Early Transfer to Airport

Get to San José International Airport for 7:20AM flight to Mexico City.
USD15 taxi, 30m

7:20AM

Flight San José to Mexico City

Morning flight arriving about 11:10AM, start exploring Mexico’s capital.
USD150 approx, 3h50m

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Cardenal

Famous for authentic Mexican dishes and historic ambiance, open 1-5pm.
USD20-30, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Zócalo & Metropolitan Cathedral

Explore Mexico City’s historic heart, including the Plaza de la Constitución and grand cathedral.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Check-in & Dinner

Relax at hotel and enjoy dinner featuring Mexican regional cuisine.
USD25-40, 1h30m

Day 12: Mexico City Culture

Mexico City, Mexico on May 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Tacuba

Historic café serving Mexican specialties blends perfect start to your day.
USD10-15, 1h

9:30AM

Museo Frida Kahlo & Coyoacán

Visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House and explore the colonial neighborhood of Coyoacán. Museums open 10am-5:30pm.
USD15, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Coyoacán

Casual Mexican market for treats like quesadillas, tacos, and fresh juices.
USD8-15, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Museo Nacional de Antropología

World-class archaeological and ethnographic exhibits on Mexico’s indigenous cultures, open 9am-7pm.
USD5, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Pujol

Renowned fine dining restaurant offering modern Mexican tasting menus by Chef Enrique Olvera, reservations needed.
USD70-100, 2h

Day 13: San Miguel de Allende Art

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on May 29, 2025

7:00AM

Travel to San Miguel de Allende

Bus or drive about 3-4 hours from Mexico City to colorful colonial town famous for art and history.
USD20-40, 4h

11:00AM

Check-in & Brunch

Settle into hotel and enjoy a light brunch.
USD15-20, 1h

12:30PM

Museo Histórico Casa de Allende

Explore this museum dedicated to Ignacio Allende, a key figure in Mexican independence.
USD3, 1h

2:00PM

Fabrica La Aurora

Visit this contemporary art and design center housed in a former textile factory. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 2h

4:30PM

Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano

Discover the Museum of Popular Mexican Toys showcasing folk art and cultural history.
USD3, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at The Restaurant

Fine dining blending Mexican flavors and global influences, open till 10pm.
USD30-50, 1h30m

Day 14: Culture & Views San Miguel

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on May 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Rama

Artistic ambiance with delicious coffee and pastries.
USD10-15, 1h

9:30AM

El Mirador & Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez

Visit El Mirador viewpoint for panoramic views of the town followed by cultural exhibits at the Ignacio Ramírez center.
Free or small donation, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de Artesanías

Enjoy street foods and fresh local produce at this artisan market.
USD10-15, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

Visit the iconic neo-Gothic church in the town center with stunning architecture.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Relax & Shop in Local Boutiques

Spend afternoon browsing boutique shops selling textiles, ceramics, and artwork.
Varies, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cumpanio

Taste farm-to-table Mexican cuisine with local ingredients.
USD25-40, 1h30m

Day 15: Guanajuato to Cancun

Guanajuato / Cancun, Mexico on May 31, 2025

7:00AM

Travel to Guanajuato Airport

Morning transfer to Guanajuato airport for 10:15AM flight to Cancun.
USD15 taxi, 30m

10:15AM

Flight to Cancun

Flight approx 3.5 hours to the Caribbean coast.
USD80 approx, 3h30m

2:00PM

Check-in & Lunch

Check into resort and enjoy lunch by the beach with fresh Mexican seafood specialties.
USD20-30, 1h

3:30PM

Relax at Cancun Beach

Spend afternoon unwinding on the white sandy beaches of Cancun.
Free, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at La Habichuela

Dine at a landmark restaurant known for Mayan-inspired decor and regional cuisine.
USD30-50, 1h30m

Day 16: Chichen Itza Day Trip

Cancun / Chichen Itza, Mexico on June 1, 2025

7:00AM

Depart for Chichen Itza

Join early guided tour or drive to Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Park open 8am-5pm.
USD25 entrance + USD40 tour, 9h

8:30AM

Tour of Chichen Itza

Explore the impressive Mayan ruins including El Castillo pyramid, ball courts, and temple complexes.
Included in tour, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch near Ruins

Enjoy Yucatecan cuisine at a nearby restaurant with traditional dishes like cochinita pibil.
USD15-25, 1h

1:30PM

Return to Cancun

Head back to Cancun late afternoon.
Included in tour, 3h

6:30PM

Dinner at Porfirio’s Cancun

Upscale Mexican cuisine focusing on fresh local ingredients and flavors.
USD30-50, 1h30m

Day 17: Departure Day

Cancun / Philadelphia / London / Delhi on June 2, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy leisurely breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h

12:39PM

Flight Cancun to Philadelphia

Depart Cancun early afternoon for Philadelphia arrival around 5:24PM.
USD200 approx, 4h45m

7:35PM

Flight Philadelphia to London

Evening flight departing Philadelphia arriving London early next day.
Included, 7h30m

Day 18: Fly Home

London / Delhi on June 3, 2025

8:05AM

Arrive London & Transit

Arrive London Heathrow and transfer to connecting flight to Delhi.
Included, 3h

10:25AM

Flight London to Delhi

Depart London for final leg home, arriving Delhi night same day.
Included, 9h