Independent 2 to 3 week trip plans

The Unpackaged Traveler

Stay longer, travel bolder, spend less. Tours not required.

I have spent 25 years learning how to travel well for less in 154 countries. This is that playbook, shaped for US retirees who want real adventure without handing the itinerary to a tour company.

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Backpack, map, passport, and coffee on a Central America street table — Central America loop · on the road, not on a bus tour

The loop

Houston
San Salvador
Copán Ruinas
Tikal
Caye Caulker
Mexico City

From the road

Real photos from the loop.

El Salvador coastline and volcanoes seen from an airplane window — El SalvadorFirst glimpse of El Salvador from the inbound flight

The National Palace in San Salvador historic center — San SalvadorNational Palace, part of an easy historic-center walking day

Metropolitan Cathedral facade in San Salvador — San SalvadorMetropolitan Cathedral in the renovated old center

A yellow bus moving through San Salvador street traffic — San SalvadorCity traffic near the center, useful context for moving around

Colorful portrait mural in the Zacamil apartment complex — San SalvadorZacamil mural district, a worthwhile street-art detour

Volcano mural painted across a building wall in Zacamil — San SalvadorVolcano mural in Zacamil

Brightly painted courtyard and railings in Zacamil — San SalvadorColorful apartment walkways around the Zacamil murals

A shuttle bus waiting before dawn for the Honduras transfer — Transfer dayThe early tourist shuttle to Honduras, before the day warms up

Launch trip plan

The Central America Loop: Five Countries in Two Weeks, No Tour Bus Required

A complete independent trip plan from Houston through El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. Real logistics, real costs, retiree-grade pacing. I ran this exact route in March 2026.

Duration: 14 days
Activity level: Moderate
Countries: 5

Open the route plan

The Unpackaged Traveler

Real photos from the loop.

The Central America Loop: Five Countries in Two Weeks, No Tour Bus Required

One full trip plan a month, lighter notes between.