45 Days from Mexico to Panama: A Surf‑Flavored, Adventure‑Forward Itinerary Through Central America

Ride Pacific waves, wander Maya ruins, zipline rainforests, and savor coffee culture on a relaxed 45‑day journey from Mexico City to the Panama Canal—with ample beach time and zero hectic vibes.
Colorful cityscape of Toluca with large Mexican flag in the foreground, vibrant buildings in the backdrop.
Photo by Ricky Esquivel on Pexels

Eight countries, one easy-flow route. This 45-day Mexico and Central America itinerary layers surfing, ruins, jungles, coffee, and coastlines without cramming your days. You’ll linger in places that beg for extra sunsets and splice in a few adrenaline hits when the mood strikes.


From Mexico City’s pre-Hispanic heart to Belize’s barrier reef, Antigua’s baroque streets, El Salvador’s volcanic spine, and Nicaragua’s colonial plazas, history is never far. Farther south, Costa Rica’s Arenal region and the Gold Coast beaches bring rainforest thrills and Pacific peelers; Panama closes with canal lore, island catamarans, and breezy bay views.

Practical notes: pack for tropical heat and mountain cool, check current border and visa rules, and plan surf days around swell forecasts. Street tacos, pupusas, gallo pinto, cacao, and third‑wave coffee keep you fueled. Where it makes sense, we’ve added vetted tours, transport times, and mid‑range stays to match your budget vibe.

Mexico City

Days 1–3: Teotihuacán skies, tacos, and lucha night

CDMX brims with Aztec roots and modern culture. Spend your first days between the Centro Histórico, Roma/Condesa cafes, and a sunrise over the Valley of the Gods.

  • Don’t miss: Zócalo and Templo Mayor, Museo Frida Kahlo (book ahead), Sunday stroll in Chapultepec.
  • Adventure & unique: Float above pyramids at dawn, then explore the site with an expert.

Activities (Viator):

Eat & drink: Tacos al pastor at El Vilsito; seafood at Contramar (tuna tostadas); mole at Azul Histórico; third‑wave at Quentin, Café Avellaneda (Coyoacán), or Buna.


Sleep: Browse stays on VRBO Mexico City or Hotels.com Mexico City (Roma/Condesa for cafe culture, Centro for history).

Getting in: Compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Cancun (Riviera Maya gateway)

Days 4–8: Cenotes, Chichén Itzá, beaches, and Isla Mujeres

Use Cancun as an easy base for world‑class ruins, jungle adventures, and powder‑soft beaches. Add a day in Tulum for seaside ruins and fish tacos, or ferry to Isla Mujeres.

Activities (Viator):

Eat & drink: El Fish Fritanga (dockside seafood and views), La Parrilla (Yucatecan plates, mariachi after dark), Taquería Los Chachalacos (pastor and suadero). Coffee at Cafe Nader or Marakame Café’s garden.


Sleep: Hotel picks: NIZUC Resort & Spa (design-forward, quiet cove), Selina Cancún Laguna Hotel Zone (social, budget‑friendly), Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive. Or browse VRBO Cancun / Hotels.com Cancun.

Getting there: Fly CDMX→CUN (~2h 10m, often $60–150) via Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Belize City & Caye Caulker

Days 9–12: Reef time—snorkel with rays, then cave float inland

Base in Belize City for easy logistics, then hop to Caye Caulker’s sandy lanes for reef days. Mix in a jungle river-and-cave float inland for contrast.

Activities (Viator):

Eat & drink: In Belize City: Riverside Tavern (legendary burgers, craft beer), Nerie’s II (Creole stews), Bird’s Isle (sea breezes, conch fritters). On Caye Caulker: Wish Willy’s (grilled snapper), Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen, coffee at Ice and Beans.


Sleep: Check VRBO Belize City / Hotels.com Belize City, plus VRBO Caye Caulker for island stays.

Transit: Fly CUN→BZE (~1–2.5h; $150–250) on Trip.com.

Antigua, Guatemala

Days 13–18: Colonial streets, volcano nights, and Lake Atitlán

Antigua pairs cobblestone grace with smoking volcano backdrops. Take a coffee class, then hike above the clouds to watch Fuego’s embers fizz after dark.

Activities (Viator):

Eat & drink: Caoba Farms (garden‑to‑table), Los Tres Tiempos (pepian, jocón), Toko Baru (budget falafel), Antigua Brewing Company (rooftop views). Coffee at Fat Cat Coffeehouse and Fernando’s Kaffee.


Sleep: Casa Santo Domingo (living museum), Hotel Mesón del Valle, or browse VRBO Antigua.

Transit: Fly BZE→GUA (~1h; $120–220) on Kiwi.com; 1–1.5h drive to Antigua.

San Salvador & El Tunco (Surf City, El Salvador)

Days 19–22: Volcano rims, hot springs, and right‑hand point breaks

Hike Santa Ana’s turquoise crater early, soak in volcanic hot springs, then base in El Tunco/Sunzal for consistent Pacific rights. Evenings are for pupusas and sunset beers.

Activities (Viator):

Surf & scene: Sunzal’s long right point is ideal for mellow point‑break rides; beginners can book lessons in El Tunco. Grab post‑surf pupusas at Pupusería La Bocana; craft beer at Cadejo Brewing (beach branch).


Eat & drink: Beachfront ceviche at Beto’s, wood‑fired pizza at Tunco Veloz, specialty coffee at Point Break Café.

Sleep: Search VRBO El Tunco / Hotels.com El Tunco. In the city, see Hotels.com San Salvador.

Transit: Fly GUA→SAL (~45m nonstop, $80–180) via Trip.com.

Roatán, Honduras

Days 23–26: Reef life—snorkel channels, meet sloths, toes‑in‑sand bars

Roatán sits on the Mesoamerican Reef with easy boat access to shipwrecks, blue channels, and sea stars. Even non‑divers can see heaps by snorkel.

Activities (Viator):


Eat & drink: Roatán Oasis (globally inspired plates), Creole’s Rotisserie Chicken (local fave), Gingers Caribbean Grill (beachfront). Sports on TV at The Booty Bar; sunset at Sundowners.

Sleep: Search VRBO Roatán / Hotels.com Roatán (West End for nightlife, West Bay for calm water).

Transit: Fly SAL→RTB (often 2–4h with connection; $180–350) via Kiwi.com.

Granada, Nicaragua

Days 27–29: Colonial plazas, lake islets, and a lava-lit night

Founded in 1524, Granada’s pastel facades and horse carts frame lake breezes. Cruise Las Isletas by dusk, then peer into Masaya’s fiery crater at night.

Activities (Viator):


Eat & drink: The Garden Café (healthy brunch), Pita Pita (Mediterranean), El Zaguan (grilled meats), social enterprise Café de las Sonrisas. Coffee at Espressionista.

Sleep: Hotel Plaza Colon (on the park), Hotel El Maltese (lakefront), or browse Jicaro Island Lodge for a splurge.

Transit: Fly RTB→MGA (via SAP; 3–5h, $220–420) on Trip.com; 1h drive to Granada.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Days 30–32: Surf days and sunset at the Cristo

SJDS is a mellow surf town anchoring access to Playa Remanso (great for learners) and Playa Maderas (consistent A‑frames). Board rental and lessons are easy to arrange in town.

Activities (Viator):


Surf & chill: Lessons with local schools near Remanso; day trip north to Popoyo if swell cooperates. Hike up to Cristo de la Misericordia for a golden‑hour panorama.

Eat & drink: Dale Pues (casual favorites), The Beach House (seafood), El Social (burgers, games). Coffee at Barrio Café; catch games at Henry’s Iguana Sports Bar.

Sleep: Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge (eco‑lux hideaway), Casa Oro Eco Hostel, or browse VRBO San Juan del Sur.

Transit: Private shuttle SJDS→La Fortuna (via Peñas Blancas/Liberia) ~6–8h; arrange locally or compare routes by flying MGA→SJO then overland to Arenal on Kiwi.com.

La Fortuna (Arenal), Costa Rica

Days 33–35: Hanging bridges, waterfall swims, and hot springs

Arenal is Costa Rica’s adventure capital: cloud‑forest bridges in the morning, La Fortuna Waterfall at noon, and hot springs after dark.


Activities (Viator):

Eat & drink: Don Rufino (modern Costa Rican), Soda Viquez (homestyle, great value), Organico Fortuna (healthy bowls). Coffee at Down to Earth and Chocolate Fusion.

Sleep: Browse VRBO La Fortuna / Hotels.com La Fortuna.

Transit: Shuttle from SJDS or Liberia; or fly MGA→SJO (1h) via Trip.com, then 3–3.5h drive to La Fortuna.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Days 36–40: Surf the Gold Coast and sail at sunset

Welcome to longboards, beach runs, and nightlife. Tamarindo is easygoing and surf‑centric, with quick trips to Langosta, Avellanas, and Playa Grande.


Activities (Viator):

Surf & sports: Book lessons with Iguana Surf or Witch’s Rock Surf Camp; watch big matches at Sharky’s Sports Bar (lively on game nights).

Eat & drink: Green Papaya Taco Bar (baja tacos), Dragonfly Bar & Grill (romantic garden dinners), Patagonia (Argentinian grill). Coffee at Nordico or Café Tico.

Sleep: See VRBO Tamarindo / Hotels.com Tamarindo.

Transit: Shuttle La Fortuna→Tamarindo ~4–4.5h; or pick up a car in Liberia. For the next flight, Tamarindo→LIR (1.5h drive) then fly LIR→PTY (~1h 20m, $120–250) on Trip.com.


Panama City, Panama

Days 41–43: Canal lore, Casco Viejo, and a monkey‑sloth safari

Panama City feels part Miami, part colonial gem. Alternate between lock‑watching and cobblestone cafes, then skim Lake Gatún for monkeys and sloths.

Activities (Viator):

Eat & drink: Fonda Lo Que Hay (inventive Panamanian plates), Maito (one of Latin America’s best), Mercado de Mariscos for fresh ceviche. Coffee at Café Unido; post‑dinner views at Tántalo rooftop; craft pints and game nights at La Rana Dorada.

Sleep: The Bristol Panama (classic service), Hotel Casa Panamá (Casco Viejo), or browse VRBO Panama City.

Transit: Fly LIR/SJO→PTY on Kiwi.com. Airport→Casco Viejo is ~30–40 minutes by car.


Playa Bonita, Panama

Days 44–45: One last beach day—close to the city, far from the rush

End with a palm‑lined pool day beside Panama Bay. If you want one more splash, book a Taboga catamaran or sunset sail right from the city marinas.

Activities (Viator):

Eat & drink: Veracruz seafood shacks for fried corvina and patacones; stay‑in dining at your resort is excellent for a no‑rush finale.

Sleep: The Westin Playa Bonita Panama, or browse Dreams Playa Bonita Panama. See also VRBO Playa Bonita.

Getting between countries (at a glance)

  • Mexico City → Cancun: ~2h 10m flight, ~$60–150 on Trip.com.
  • Cancun → Belize City: ~1–2.5h flight (nonstop or via connection), ~$150–250 via Kiwi.com.
  • Belize City → Antigua: Fly BZE→GUA ~1h, then 1–1.5h drive.
  • Antigua → El Tunco (via San Salvador): Fly GUA→SAL ~45m, then 45–60m to the coast; or shared shuttle 5–6h.
  • San Salvador → Roatán: 2–4h (often 1 stop), ~$180–350 via Trip.com.
  • Roatán → Granada (via Managua): 3–5h with 1 stop to MGA; 1h drive to Granada.
  • SJDS → La Fortuna: Private shuttle across border ~6–8h (morning departure).
  • Guanacaste → Panama City: LIR→PTY ~1h 20m, ~$120–250 on Kiwi.com.

Optional add‑ons if you want more adrenaline

Where to watch sports on the road

  • CDMX: Pinche Gringo BBQ or sports‑friendly pubs in Condesa.
  • Cancun: The Surfin’ Burrito (casual games by the beach).
  • Belize City: Riverside Tavern screens big matches.
  • Antigua: Antigua Brewing Company rooftop.
  • Tamarindo: Sharky’s Sports Bar.
  • Panama City: La Rana Dorada brewpub often shows soccer/US sports.

That’s your 45 days—sandy feet, volcano views, reef blues, and serious food and coffee cred. You’ll sample the best of Mexico and Central America without rushing, with extra surf days woven through for the perfect adventurous vibe.


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