33 days in South America & Central America 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 discover tucked-away gems like Parque Arvi and Escaleras Electricas De La Comuna 13. Take a break from Medellin with a short trip to Off-Road Tours in Guarne, about 36 minutes away. On the 1st (Tue), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of Museum Pablo Escobar, see the world from above with a helicopter tour, examine the collection at Toucan Coffee Museum, and get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Parque Explora.

For traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Medellin route planner.

Toronto, Canada to Medellin is an approximately 11-hour flight. In July in Medellin, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 20°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight to Cali.

Learning how to salsa may be the most popular thing to do in Cali, but this giant city in southwestern Colombia represents more than just the "Salsa Capital of the World." Home to over 2 million people, thriving Cali serves as a major commercial and industrial center in South America, boasting the fastest-growing economy in Colombia.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Museo Aereo Fenix and El Gato Del Rio( Gato De Tejada). There's much more to do: pause for some photo ops at Cristo Rey, examine the collection at Caliwood Museo de la Cinematografia, admire the masterpieces at Museo de Arte Colonial y Religioso La Merced, and admire nature's wide array of creatures at Zoologico de Cali.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, use the Cali day trip planning app.

Traveling by flight from Medellin to Cali takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Medellin in August, you will find days in Cali are somewhat warmer (37°C), and nights are about the same (22°C). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Panama City.

Arguably the most modern of Central American cities, Panama City boasts a shimmering skyline of glass skyscrapers.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Room Escape Games and Panama La Vieja. There's much more to do: wander the streets of Cinta Costera, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis, and admire the landmark architecture of Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus.

To find more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Panama City visit planner.

You can fly from Cali to Panama City in 4.5 hours. Traveling from Cali in August, Panama City is a bit warmer at night with lows of 29°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

Step off the beaten path and head to Venado Caves and Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge. Step out of La Fortuna de San Carlos to go to La Virgen and see Kayaking & Canoeing, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. There's still lots to do: head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, experience rural life at Granja Eco Turistica Victoria, get engrossed in the history at ChocoMuseo La Fortuna, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Mirador El Silencio.

To find reviews, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos itinerary planner.

You can fly from Panama City to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Panama City to La Fortuna de San Carlos due to the time zone difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Wed) so you can go by car to Tortuguero.

One of Costa Rica's least accessible destinations, Tortuguero sits within an eponymous national park and remains accessible only by plane or boat.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Thu): explore the striking landscape of Tortuguero National Park.

For reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Tortuguero route builder website.

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tortuguero takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In August in Tortuguero, expect temperatures between 35°C during the day and 26°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Nature & Wildlife Tours and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Venture out of the city with trips to Uvita (Santa Lucia Falls & Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge) and Dominical (Danyasa Eco-Retreat - Bamboo Yoga Play Studio & Mama Toucan's Natural and Organic Food Store). There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Playa Manuel Antonio, stroll around Parque Nahomi, and get the lay of the land with Walking tours.

To find traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio trip maker app.

Getting from Tortuguero to Manuel Antonio by car takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Jaco.

A seaside resort town with plenty of entertaining distractions along its attractive coastline, Jaco has long been a major tourist destination on the central Pacific coast.

On the 22nd (Tue), stop by Dantica Gallery, then explore by horseback at Vista Los Suenos Horseback Riding, and then see majestic marine mammals with Costa Rica Dreams Sportfishing. On your second day here, get to know the resident critters at Neo Fauna CR, tour the pleasant surroundings at Royal Butterflies, and then skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour.

For maps, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Jaco day trip website.

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to Jaco in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Wed) so you can go by car to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Thu): ride a horse along Finca el Rodeo, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Monteverde Karmen Massage, and then identify plant and animal life at Guia Naturalista Olman Gonzalez.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, read Monteverde itinerary planner.

You can drive from Jaco to Monteverde in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. On the 25th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to San Pedro.

San Pedro evolved from small fishing village and now represents one of the most visited locations in Belize.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Parasailing & Paragliding and Belizean Arts. There's much more to do: explore the gorgeous colors at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, make a trip to Shark Ray Alley, take in the exciting artwork at The Gallery of San Pedro, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Mexico Rocks.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, go to the San Pedro trip site.

Getting from Monteverde to San Pedro by combination of taxi and flight takes about 10 hours. Other options: do a combination of shuttle, bus, taxi, and ferry; or do a combination of taxi, bus, and ferry. In August, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight to Belmopan.

Nicknamed the "Garden City" thanks to its planned urban parklands, Belmopan serves as the capital of Belize and a launching point for tours of nearby caves and Mayan ruins.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Wed): explore the striking landscape of Blue Hole National Park and then get a dose of the wild on Belize True Adventures.

For ratings, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Belmopan trip app.

Fly from San Pedro to Belmopan in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. August in Belmopan sees daily highs of 37°C and lows of 30°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Placencia.

Once a humble fishing village, Placencia has been transformed into a leading tourist destination, with its focus primarily on outdoor activity and natural exploration.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Thu): take in the waterfront at Placencia Municipal Pier, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Placencia Fellowship, and then stop by Kaj Expressions Placencia.

For ratings, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Placencia online attractions planner.

Getting from Belmopan to Placencia by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In August in Placencia, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 27°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Fri) to allow time for the flight back home.