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Basix

18 to 35s

Real Central America

16 Days | Traverse the lakes, volcanos and jungles of Central American adventure

4.9

Excellent

69 reviews

16 days

Start

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Finish

Antigua, Guatemala

Trip Code

QBYA

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - null

Physical Rating

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Local bus, Public bus, Taxi, Shared Boat, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Multishare lodge (2 nights), Multishare hotel (2 nights)

From £1,183(16 days)

Trip Informations

On this 16-day Central American adventure, you’ll explore the vast lakes, steaming volcanos and thick jungles of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Starting in Playa de Carmen, you’ll explore hotspot Tulum, where you can visit the Temple of Frescoes and dance the night away after a few margaritas. Hit island paradise in Caye Caulker, where you have a couple of days to snorkel, swim and laze on the beach. Explore San Ignacio, a place of waterfalls and Maya ruins, at your own pace before hitting Tikal National Park. Take scenic boat rides in Rio Dulce, trek through the jungle in your spare time and then head to the gorgeous Lake Atitlan, where you’ll visit the famous Chichi market and make the trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Maya village life. End it all in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.

Why you’ll love this trip

Enjoy traditional Guatemalan hospitality with a homecooked lunch in a local home in San Juan La Laguna, after visiting a local midwife, walking through medicinal gardens and experiencing a weaving and dying workshop.

Head to Tikal National Park within the dense Maya forest to explore ancient Maya ruins at the archaeological site – you might like to opt to swing through the canopy on the optional zipline experience!

Soak up extended time in the paradise of Caye Caulker and unique Antigua, offering the perfect opportunity for some laidback island vibes and buzzing city life. Swim among tropical fish and then hit the salsa lessons.

Visit the colourful markets of Chichicastenango, nicknamed Chichi, where you can explore the local handmade wares like jade jewellery, pottery and traditional huipils – the traditional dress worn by Maya women.

See some of the best of Central America in one trip travelling through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Enjoy loads of free time where you can rent bikes and explore on wheels, go snorkelling and kayaking or rent a paddleboard and explore the landscape from the water.

Is this trip right for you?

You’ll be crossing the borders between three countries on this trip and while it is usually straightforward, you may need to be patient.

Is it hot in here? Well, you’re in tropical Central America, so it can get really hot and humid. Carry plenty of water as hydration is key, especially when walking a lot.

It’s a good idea to try and brush up on as many Spanish words as possible. While locals are friendly, they’re also shy, so knowing some local lingo is a great way to break the ice and show you care.

This trip involves some long days of travel by private and local transport. While this can be tiring, it's also a fantastic way to rub shoulders with the locals.

This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Epic Mexico, Belize & Guatemala or Epic Mexico to Costa Rica.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Day 1 • Playa del Carmen
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. You’ll kick things off in Playa del Carmen – it’s recommended that you book a couple of extra days here to chill on the coast and explore at your own pace before the trip starts. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, maybe go snorkelling or cycling, or simply stroll along the sandy playa (beach). Tonight, head out with your group leader for an included dinner at a local taquisa for a selection of delicious tacos – make sure you order one with freshly caught fish! To improve your lingo, your group leader will conduct an informal Spanish lesson between bites, so that you can understand your burritos from your banos.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Optional activities
Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) - MXN273
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Tulum
Today, you’ll hop on a local bus and travel along the Caribbean coast to Tulum, where it's all about that laidback life on the white sands of the Yucatan Peninsula. Head out on a leader-led orientation walk around Tulum and maybe visit one of the best-looking Maya sites – the Temple of the Frescoes. See how this pre-Columbian walled ruin city clings to a clifftop overlooking the ocean and grab some cool photos before heading for an optional swim in the archaeological zone. Tonight, maybe kick back and watch the waves roll in at a beachside bar with a margarita.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Tulum - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional activities
Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) - MXN142
Tulum- Bike rental - MXN263
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Tulum
With a free day to relax in Tulum, you can settle into the laidback Mexican vibe. Maybe rent a bike and cruise around the area on two wheels. The town is heaving with hip cafes and restaurants with many vegetarian and vegan options. There are also plenty of places to relax the mind and the body with yoga and meditation. Maybe you’d like to explore Dos Ojos (two eyes) – one of the area's most famous cenotes (freshwater rock pools) and an underwater world full of stalagmites and stalactites. Tonight, explore the vibrant nightlife of Tulum with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Tulum - Cenote Adventure - USD135
Tulum - Jungle Adventure - USD135
Tulum - Jungle Bike tour - USD125
Tulum - Maya Inland Expedition - USD159
Tulum - Sian Ka'an Adventure - USD150
Tulum - World Wonder Discovery - USD160
Tulum - Sian Ka'an Muyil - USD180
DAY 4
Day 4 • Caye Caulker
Say adios to Mexico and hello to Belize. You’ll have a long travel day today, so make sure you grab a window seat if you can or get stuck into a good book. This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a bit better! Drive by local bus to the border, then carry on to Belize City. Let the wind and the sea wash the travel sweat away with a 1-hour speedboat ride when you arrive – to the palm-fringed island of Caye Caulker.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Caye Caulker
Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy. It’s said that the pace of life is so slow here that it's almost backwards! If being underwater is your thing, maybe head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the world's second-longest barrier reef. Snorkel among the colourful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. You can also take day trips to other Cayes nearby as each island has its own Caribbean charm. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which makes chatting with locals much easier here.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
Caye Caulker - Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included) - BZD230
DAY 6
Day 6 • Caye Caulker
Today is another free day to take up any other optional activities you like, or to simply pull up a towel and relax on the beach with a book, a cocktail or some friends. If you’ve already been snorkelling, maybe continue the marine exploration with a manatee tour. Get more active with sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards or go the other way and just chill out. The island's also great for food – famed for its lobster and super tasty meals cooked on the side of the road. How about some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with the local fire water.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD44
DAY 7
Day 7 • San Ignacio
Leave island paradise behind today and return to Belize City by boat, before taking a local bus to San Ignacio via Belize’s capital, Belmopan. The local buses here are a little more basic than in Mexico, but this is a great opportunity to mix with Belizeans and get a feel for local life. Arrive in San Ignacio – a lively town surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins, making it the best base for exploring the region. Your afternoon is free, so maybe visit the Chaa Creek butterfly garden, or try one of the barbeque street stalls for a char-grilled chicken leg for dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
All guests at your hotel in San Ignacio must pay an additional charge of USD 20 per night if they choose to use the air conditioner in their room. Electricity in Belize is incredibly expensive, so most hotels charge an extra rate to use the air conditioning.
DAY 8
Day 8 • San Ignacio
There is heaps to do in San Ignacio, so your free day has endless possibilities. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Maya relics and you can wade through its waters until you reach a bunch of spooky 1400-year-old crystallised skeletons. You could take a day tour to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and swimming holes or go down the Macal River in canoes or tubes. If you prefer a slower pace, maybe take a trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Maya ceremonial centre with panoramic views. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked boat down the river. Belizeans are super friendly, so tonight, maybe walk down Burns Avenue and join the locals for a chat in one of the many restaurants or streetside stalls.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - BZD263
San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - BZD200
San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) - BZD158
San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry - BZD10
San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24
San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD11
DAY 9
Day 9 • Tikal National Park
Today you’ll leave San Ignacio, cross the border and get dropped off at Tikal National Park – often referred to as the Maya forest. Check-in at your hotel before exploring the Maya ruins of Tikal. Pass through the lush jungle vegetation, and if you've got the energy, climb Temple IV to take in the epic canopy views. While here, there's also the option to check out more of the area with a guided tour or to fly through the canopies like a toucan with a zipline.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Tikal National Park - Archaeological Site Tour (Entrance fee & Transport)
Optional activities
Tikal National Park - Guide for Ruins (per person, min 5 participants) - GTQ105
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Rio Dulce
Head from the jungle to the lakeside town of Flores this morning. Here, there's time to grab some lunch and quickly explore the town. Then it's back to the private vehicle to Rio Dulce. When you arrive, you’ll transfer to the hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also by boat, which can be organised through the hotel – or you can take a short walk through the jungle. Take some time to absorb the atmosphere of this laidback Caribbean town, which feels quite different from the inland communities. A highlight for many guests is the 'Casa Natural' – an open-air accommodation with screened-in rooms, shared bathrooms and a lounge looking out to the surrounding jungle.
Accommodation
Lodge (Multishare) (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Rio Dulce
There is a load of kick-ass activities to choose from in Rio Dulce today. Take a scenic boat trip down the river to Livingston – a laidback town on the Caribbean coast that offers the unique experience of local Garifuna culture. Go boating on the lake, relax in the thermal hot springs or explore the nearby San Felipe fort in Livingston. You could also hike through the dense forest of the surrounding Chocon-Machacas Natural Reserve and spot the protected manatees of the area.
Accommodation
Lodge (Multishare) (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) - GTQ263
Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) - GTQ210
Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) - GTQ89
Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) - GTQ95
DAY 12
Day 12 • Antigua
This morning you’ll travel to Antigua, where you’ll spend the night before heading to Lake Atitlan. When you arrive, maybe stroll around the city and tuck into some tasty tamales (a local dish served in a corn leaf) or pepian (a spicy meat stew of chicken, beef and pork in a dark sauce). You'll find the best value food in the square next to the La Merced Church.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Chichicastenango / Lake Atitlan
Travel by private vehicle to the famous market in Chichicastenango (nicknamed Chichi market). This is the most colourful market in the country, where on Thursdays and Sundays, locals come from the surrounding villages to sell their wares and the streets are lined with stalls where you can stock up on cool trinkets. After visiting Chichi, head to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, where you'll check in to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll join your group for dinner at a local pupuseria.
Accommodation
Hotel (Multishare) (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Chichicastenango - Market Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Lake Atitlan
This morning, make a trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Mayan village life. Visit a local midwife to learn about this traditional and sacred art. Then visit the village's medicinal garden before a hands-on workshop where you'll learn about Mayan textile weaving and dyeing techniques. Hungry yet? Settle in for a homestyle lunch with your hosts and chat about life in the village. This is the perfect way to really immerse yourself in local culture and get off the beaten track. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Panajachel and soak up the views of deep blue Lake Atitlan with a free evening.
Accommodation
Hotel (Multishare) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
San Juan La Laguna - Weaving & Dyeing experience
San Juan La Laguna - Midwife home visit
San Juan La Laguna - Medicinal Garden
Optional activities
Panajachel - Bicycle rental (per day) - GTQ50
DAY 15
Day 15 • Antigua
After breakfast, hit the road back to Antigua – three nearby volcanoes dominate the horizon, creating a truly unique landscape. Join your leader on a walk to orientate yourself around the World Heritage-listed city full of cobblestones, leafy town squares and ornate churches. There are hushed museums and lively Indigenous markets to explore here, or you can cycle the countryside and chase amazing views of mountain peaks and deep valleys. If you're into salsa dancing or if you'd just like to learn some moves, Antigua is the place to be! Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so maybe sign up and move your hips. Tonight, why not bring your freshly learned dance moves, shout a round of mojitos and dance the night away.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional activities
Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ236
Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour - USD95
Antigua - City Tour with lunch - USD70
Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure - USD170
Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch - USD115
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 16
Day 16 • Antigua
While there are no activities planned for today, Antigua has a lot to offer, from its vibrant colonial-style buildings and curved archways to the puffing volcanoes of Pacaya, Agua and Jumaytepeque. The number one stop for any chocoholic should be the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll get a history lesson and, more excitingly, participate in a chocolate-making workshop. For those more interested in the other famous Central American bean, you can go on a coffee tour, visit the plantations, do some tastings and even buy some to take home. If you’d like to spend more time in Antigua, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Local bus, Public bus, Taxi, Shared Boat, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Multishare lodge (2 nights), Multishare hotel (2 nights)

Activities

Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson

Tulum - Leader-led orientation walk

Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk

San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk

Tikal National Park - Archaeological Site Tour (Entrance fee & Transport)

Chichicastenango - Market Visit

San Juan La Laguna - Weaving & Dyeing experience

San Juan La Laguna - Midwife home visit

San Juan La Laguna - Medicinal Garden

Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional activities

Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) - MXN273

Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) - MXN142

Tulum- Bike rental - MXN263

Tulum - Cenote Adventure - USD135

Tulum - Jungle Adventure - USD135

Tulum - Jungle Bike tour - USD125

Tulum - Maya Inland Expedition - USD159

Tulum - Sian Ka'an Adventure - USD150

Tulum - World Wonder Discovery - USD160

Tulum - Sian Ka'an Muyil - USD180

Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126

Caye Caulker - Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included) - BZD230

Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD44

San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - BZD263

San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - BZD200

San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) - BZD158

San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry - BZD10

San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24

San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD11

Tikal National Park - Guide for Ruins (per person, min 5 participants) - GTQ105

Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) - GTQ263

Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) - GTQ210

Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) - GTQ89

Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) - GTQ95

Panajachel - Bicycle rental (per day) - GTQ50

Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ236

Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour - USD95

Antigua - City Tour with lunch - USD70

Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure - USD170

Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch - USD115

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,315£1,183

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025

Wednesday Jul 09, 2025

Trip size max: - 15 spaces left

£1,315£1,183

Tuesday Jul 15, 2025

Wednesday Jul 30, 2025

Trip size max: - 15 spaces left

£1,315£1,183

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025

Wednesday Aug 13, 2025

Trip size max: - 15 spaces left

£1,315£1,183

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025

Wednesday Aug 27, 2025

Trip size max: - 15 spaces left

£1,315£1,183

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025

Wednesday Sep 10, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,315£1,183

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025

Wednesday Sep 24, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,315£1,183

Tuesday Sep 23, 2025

Wednesday Oct 08, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,315£1,183

Tuesday Oct 21, 2025

Wednesday Nov 05, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,315

Tuesday Nov 04, 2025

Wednesday Nov 19, 2025

Trip size max: - 13 spaces left

£1,364

Tuesday Nov 11, 2025

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,364

Tuesday Nov 18, 2025

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,364

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025

Wednesday Dec 10, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,419

Tuesday Dec 02, 2025

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,419

Tuesday Dec 09, 2025

Wednesday Dec 24, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£1,419

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2 & 3 (Tulum), Days 10 & 11 (Rio Dulce) and Days 13 & 14 (Lake Atitlan) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This tour includes accommodation in multi-share rooms (triple and quad). This means travelers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single gender allocation.

3. Please be careful when booking flights from Antigua; make sure you fly out of Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights from Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.

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