-
Mexico City, Mexico
Start your journey in the vibrant capital — explore the historic Zócalo, eat tacos al pastor in Roma Norte, and wander through Chapultepec Park. The city is huge but very backpacker-friendly with great hostels in Condesa.
-
San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
A charming highland town in Chiapas with colorful colonial streets and indigenous Tzotzil culture. Day-trip to the Sumidero Canyon and nearby villages of San Juan Chamula. Great coffee and cheap eats abound.
-
Antigua, Guatemala
One of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America, surrounded by volcanoes. Hike Volcán Acatenango for a bucket-list overnight trip with views of erupting Volcán de Fuego. The central park and local markets are unmissable.
-
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
A stunning volcanic crater lake ringed by indigenous Mayan villages. Hop between San Marcos, San Pedro, and Santiago by lancha (water taxi). Don't miss the relaxed hippie vibe of San Marcos and fresh ceviche by the water.
-
Leon, Nicaragua
Nicaragua's revolutionary and cultural capital with a lively backpacker scene. Climb Volcán Cerro Negro for an adrenaline-pumping volcano boarding experience. The city's cathedral is one of the largest in Central America.
-
Granada, Nicaragua
A beautifully preserved Spanish colonial city on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. Kayak among the Las Isletas archipelago and climb the Iglesia de La Merced bell tower for panoramic views. The colorful streets are perfect for an evening stroll.
-
San Jose, Costa Rica
A useful transit hub with a surprisingly good food and nightlife scene in the Barrio Amón and Escalante neighborhoods. Stock up on supplies and visit the Mercado Central for fresh fruit and casados. Most travelers use it as a launchpad for the rainforest.
-
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Home to one of the world's most famous cloud forests, packed with biodiversity and canopy zip-lines. Walk the hanging bridges through the misty jungle canopy and look for resplendent quetzals. It's a bit pricier than elsewhere but absolutely worth it.
-
Bocas del Toro, Panama
A Caribbean archipelago with turquoise water, coral reefs, and a laid-back island atmosphere. Snorkel at Coral Cay, party on the main island of Isla Colón, and spot sloths and red poison dart frogs in the jungle. One of Central America's top backpacker beach destinations.
-
Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia's dazzling walled Caribbean city with colorful bougainvillea-draped streets in Getsemaní. Explore the colonial old town, take a boat to the Islas del Rosario, and try a fresh seafood ceviche. The nightlife and street food scene are incredible.
-
Medellin, Colombia
South America's most transformed city, now a hub of innovation, coffee, and culture. Ride the famous cable cars for sweeping views over the barrios, explore the street art of El Centro, and spend evenings in the Parque Lleras area. Day-trip to the Guatapé rock formation is a must.
-
Bogota, Colombia
Colombia's sprawling high-altitude capital with world-class museums and a buzzing food scene. Visit the Gold Museum, explore the colorful La Candelaria neighborhood, and ride the cable car up Monserrate for panoramic city views. The Sunday ciclovía is a local institution.
-
Quito, Ecuador
The world's highest official capital city, perched at 2,850m in the Andes with a stunning colonial old town. Visit the Mitad del Mundo monument to stand on the equator and wander the La Ronda street for local food. A great gateway to the Amazon and Galápagos.
-
Banos, Ecuador
An adventure sports mecca nestled between the Andes and the Amazon basin, with the active Tungurahua volcano as a backdrop. Swing on the famous 'Swing at the End of the World,' go white-water rafting, and bike the spectacular Route of the Waterfalls. Taffy candy (melcocha) is the local specialty.
-
Cusco, Peru
The ancient Inca capital and gateway to Machu Picchu, sitting at over 3,400m altitude — take it easy the first day to acclimatize. Explore the San Blas neighborhood, the Sacsayhuamán ruins above the city, and feast on ceviche and lomo saltado. Book the Inca Trail or train to Aguas Calientes well in advance.
-
Machu Picchu, Peru
The legendary Inca citadel perched high in the Andes — one of the world's great wonders. Arrive early at sunrise to beat the crowds and hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking views. Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes to get two mornings at the site.
-
Lake Titicaca, Peru
The world's highest navigable lake, shared between Peru and Bolivia, with fascinating indigenous Uros floating reed islands. Stay overnight with a local family on Isla Amantaní for an authentic cultural experience. The town of Puno is the main base and has a lively festivals scene.
-
La Paz, Bolivia
The world's highest administrative capital, dramatically set in a giant canyon surrounded by the Andes. Ride the Mi Teleférico cable car system over the city's rooftops, browse the Witches' Market, and try salteñas for breakfast. The city is a jumping-off point for the famous Death Road bike ride.
-
Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
The world's largest salt flat creates a surreal, endless white landscape that becomes a giant mirror during the rainy season. Join a 3-day 4WD tour from Uyuni town to also visit colorful lagoons, geysers, and flamingo colonies. This is one of South America's most iconic and unforgettable landscapes.
-
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
A dusty desert oasis in the driest non-polar desert on Earth, with out-of-this-world landscapes at every turn. Watch the sunset over the Valle de la Luna, soak in the El Tatio geysers at sunrise, and stargaze under some of the clearest skies on the planet. Easily cross-accessible from Bolivia's salt flats.
-
Buenos Aires, Argentina
South America's most cosmopolitan city — the 'Paris of the South' — with world-class steak, tango, and culture. Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood, watch a live tango show in San Telmo, and spend evenings in the hip Palermo bars. The city truly comes alive after midnight, so sleep in and embrace the local rhythm.