60 days in South America, Central America & Caribbean Itinerary

Nestled between rising hills in a narrow valley, Medellin serves as an energetic melting pot of people from all socio-economic classes.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Walking tours and Jardin Botanico de Medellin. Next up on the itinerary: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Parque Explora, have fun at Parque Norte, make a trip to Plaza Botero, and get great views at Cerro Nutibara.

For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Medellin vacation planner .

Dublin, Ireland to Medellin is an approximately 17-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to Colombia Time (COT), which is usually a -5 hour difference. In July, Medellin is a bit warmer than Dublin - with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) so you can travel to Bogota.

Colombia's heart and soul, Bogota has earned the nickname "Athens of South America" thanks to its abundance of universities, libraries, and lower-level schools.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Catedral de Sal and Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santodomingo. Change things up with a short trip to Catedral Diocesana in Zipaquira (about 1h 30 min away). And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), take a stroll through Barrio La Candelaria, make a trip to Mount Monserrate, and get a taste of the local shopping with Parque 93.

For other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Bogota holiday maker app .

Traveling by flight from Medellin to Bogota takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. Traveling from Medellin in July, things will get slightly colder in Bogota: highs are around 21°C and lows about 10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Sat) early enough to travel to San Andres Island.

The coral San Andres Island boasts a rich colonial history, exotic beaches, and a laidback, tropical lifestyle.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Cayo El Acuario and Cayo Bolivar. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa de San Luis, make a trip to Mare, enjoy the sand and surf at Playa de Spratt Bight, and see the vivid underwater world at West View.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the San Andres Island itinerary planning website .

Fly from Bogota to San Andres Island in 2.5 hours. Plan for much hotter temperatures traveling from Bogota in July, with highs in San Andres Island at 35°C and lows at 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Cartagena.

The site of the continent's first Spanish colony, Cartagena retains much of its colonial flavor thanks to a World Heritage-listed old town, encircled by old walls and protected by imposing fortresses.

Explore hidden gems such as Plaza Santo Domingo and Plaza Bolivar. Spend the 4th (Sun) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, pause for some serene contemplation at Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, and steep yourself in history at Torre del Reloj.

For more things to do, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Cartagena visit planning app .

Traveling by flight from San Andres Island to Cartagena takes 3.5 hours. In August, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) early enough to travel to Antigua.

The former capital of Guatemala and a World Heritage Site, Antigua retains its colonial charm and remains one of the most visited destinations in the country.

Step off the beaten path and head to Volcán Pacaya and Arco de Santa Catalina. Step out of Antigua to go to Guatemala City and see La Aurora Zoo, which is approximately 58 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: see the interesting displays at ChocoMuseo, pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de La Merced, don't miss a visit to Cerro de la Cruz, and explore the ancient world of Convento de las Capuchinas.

To see maps, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Antigua trip itinerary planning tool .

You can do a combination of flight and shuttle from Cartagena to Antigua in 8.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of bus, flight, and shuttle. The time zone difference moving from Colombia Time (COT) to Central Standard Time (CST) is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Cartagena in August, things will get a bit cooler in Antigua: highs are around 30°C and lows about 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can travel to Peten.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Maya Biosphere Reserve and Mirador del Rey Canek. Venture out of the city with trips to Tikal (in Tikal National Park) and Jorge's Rope Swing (in Flores).

To see more things to do, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Peten journey builder tool .

Traveling by combination of shuttle, flight, and taxi from Antigua to Peten takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Tue) to allow time for travel to Machu Picchu.

A symbol of the Incan civilization, the abandoned city of Machu Picchu represents a must-see on a Peru vacation.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Intipuncu and Los Jardines de Mandor. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the long history of Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, examine the collection at Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon, make a trip to Plaza Manco Capac, and take in the awesome beauty at Phutuq K'usi.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Machu Picchu travel planning website .

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Peten to Machu Picchu. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time (CST) to Peru Time (PET), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Cusco.

Capital of the Inca Empire for three centuries, World Heritage-listed Cusco is now a major tourist destination, drawing nearly 2 million annual tourists with its well-preserved colonial architecture and proximity to Machu Picchu.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Pisac and River Rafting & Tubing. There's lots more to do: explore the ancient world of Sacsayhuaman, hunt for treasures at Mercado Central de San Pedro, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and appreciate the extensive heritage of San Blas.

For traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Cusco driving holiday planning website .

Traveling by combination of train and bus from Machu Picchu to Cusco takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. August in Cusco sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 2°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can travel to Arequipa.

In an area dominated three imposing volcanoes, Arequipa vacations allow visitors to admire well-preserved colonial architecture in a dramatic setting.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Plaza de Armas and Historic Centre of Arequipa. On the 28th (Wed), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Monasterio de Santa Catalina, do some two-wheel cruising with MotoAndes, take a stroll through Yanahuara, and take an in-depth tour of Museo Santuarios Andinos.

For maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Arequipa trip itinerary builder site .

You can fly from Cusco to Arequipa in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Cusco in August since evenings lows in Arequipa dip to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Lima.

Founded in 1535 by Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, Lima represents an interesting blend of modern attractions and preserved colonial architecture, much of it clustered in the World Heritage-listed city center.

Explore hidden gems such as Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor) and Miraflores Boardwalk. There's lots more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, make a trip to El Parque del Amor, explore the ancient world of Huaca Pucllana, and get to know the fascinating history of Centro Historico de Lima.

For traveler tips, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Lima online trip itinerary maker .

You can fly from Arequipa to Lima in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Arequipa in August, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Lima, with lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Sat) early enough to travel to Cayo Largo.

The stress of modern life feels a million miles away when you holiday on Cayo Largo, a small and unspoiled resort island off the coast of Cuba.

On the 1st (Sun), kick back and relax at Sirena Beach and then identify plant and animal life at Sea Turtle Hatchery. Keep things going the next day: kick back and relax at Playa Paraiso and then kick back and relax at Playa mal tiempo.

For where to stay, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Cayo Largo sightseeing planning site .

Fly from Lima to Cayo Largo in 11.5 hours. Traveling from Lima in September, you will find days in Cayo Largo are much warmer (37°C), and nights are somewhat warmer (28°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Havana.

Cuba's capital and major commercial center, Havana manages to be very old and very modern at the same time.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to El Morro and Plaza de San Francisco. Step out of Havana with an excursion to Playa de Jibacoa in Santa Cruz del Norte--about 1h 10 min away. The adventure continues: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Havana, contemplate the long history of Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana, make a trip to El Capitolio, and explore the world behind art at National Museum of Fine Arts.

To find traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Havana trip maker site .

You can fly from Cayo Largo to Havana in 1.5 hours. In September in Havana, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 26°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) early enough to drive to Trinidad.

Built on sugar and seemingly preserved in molasses, the town of Trinidad attracts visitors with its well-aged 19th century architecture and rustic charm, showcasing the sounds, scents, and sights of days gone by.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Plaza Mayor and Ancon Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Trinidad: Che Guevara Mausoleum (in Santa Clara) and Cienfuegos (El Nicho Waterfalls & Parque Jose Marti). There's much more to do: admire the sheer force of Salto del Caburni, stop by Casa del Alfarero, take in the spiritual surroundings of Convento de San Francisco de Asis, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Topes de Collantes.

To find maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Trinidad journey planner.

You can drive from Havana to Trinidad in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In September, daily temperatures in Trinidad can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) so you can drive to Varadero.

One of the largest resort towns in the Caribbean, Varadero boasts a 20 km (12 mi) long stretch of sand, lined with hotels and all-inclusive resorts.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Cayo Blanco and Delfinario. Go for a jaunt from Varadero to Matanzas to see Cuevas de Bellamar about 52 minutes away. There's much more to do: Head underground at Saturno Cave, tee off at Varadero Golf Club, admire the masterpieces at Mi Casa Beatles, and kick back and relax at Coral Beach.

For ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Varadero trip planner .

Traveling by car from Trinidad to Varadero takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus, train, and taxi. In September, daytime highs in Varadero are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.