This four week tour will give you an in-depth look at the
ancient Mayan civilisation, as well as colonial cities and local villages, and
some of the top eco and adventure destinations in Central America. We visit the
Mayan sites of Tikal, Tulum, Yaxchilán, Palenque, and we tick off one of the
New Seven Wonders of the World at Chichen Itza.
We have time in San Ignacio to take part in the many
adventure activities on offer, such as mountain biking, caving and trekking,
and we also spend a few days on the paradise island of Caye Caulker off the
coast of Belize, where we can relax on the beach, go snorkelling and sea
kayaking, or take a flight over the famous Great Blue Hole.
There's also a visit to Manos Amigas, which is an
organisation in the Chimaltenango region of Guatemala that supports women and
children who have been victims of violence.
HIGHLIGHTS
Immerse yourself in chaotic Mexico city
Tour the Zapotec capital of Monte Alban near Oaxaca
Journey to San Cristobal des casas, the heart of Mayan culture
Head on a boat trip along the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon
Take a boat trip to the remote Mayan ruins at Yaxchilan
Guided tour of the magnificent ruins of Palenque
Guided tour around the famous Chichen Itza
Explore the cliff top Toltec Ruins of Tulum
3 nights on Belize island of Caye Caulker
2 night stay in a forest eco lodge at San Ignacio for optional jungle activities
Guided tour of the most spectacular setting of all Mayan ruins, Tikal
Overnight on a working Guatemalan farm
Boat trip on the Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingstone
Stay in a community centre in the mountains near Antigua
Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Antigua
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is an easy-going
historical and cultural trip, where you'll be staying in hotels most of the
time, with some nights camping. Along the way we have chances to take part in
some adventure activities if we wish. Drive days are mostly quite short, and
the scenery is stunning.
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Take a guided tour around the ruined Zapotec capital of Monte Alban near Oaxaca
Head on a boat trip along the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon
Take a boat trip out for a guided tour of the stunning and remote Mayan ruins at Yaxchilán
Take a fascinating guided tour around the magnificent ruined city of Palenque deep in the Mexican jungle including time to freely explore the excellent on-site museum
Visit the spectacular Chichen Itza Mayan ruins on a guided tour one of the New Seven Wonders of the World centred around the world-famous pyramid of El Castillo
Explore the phenomenal clifftop Maya-Toltec ruins at Tulum wonderfully located right on the Caribbean coast
Enjoy a guided tour of the phenomenal Mayan ruins of Tikal one of the greatest ancient sites in the world
Enjoy a beautiful boat ride down the Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingston
Spend a night at the Manos Amigas community project a centre which has been set up to support local women and their children
Border information: if joining in Mexico City, you will most likely enter Mexico at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA code MEX).
There will be an important group meeting at 18:00 at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
The rest of the day is free to explore Mexico's incredible capital and to take part in some optional activities. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Mexico City before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Mexico City.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes and see it's immense murals by world-famous Mexican artists such as Diego Riviera
Entrance: 70 MXN
Freely explore the colossal Chapultepec Park one of the world's largest urban green spaces and a cultural hotspot where you can often see the pole-swinging 'Volador' dancers
Entrance: Free
See Mexico City's famous traditional mariachi bands in the evening around Garibaldi Square
Entrance: 150 MXN
Visit some of Mexico City's most important museums and galleries such as the old house of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo the former home of revolutionary Leon Trotsky and the Museo Dolores Olmedo art gallery
Entrance: 75 MXN
Get an unrivalled view over the centre of Mexico City from the observation deck of the stunning Revolution Monument
Entrance: Free
Explore the magnificent ancient Mesoamerican ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City
Entrance: 75 MXN
Day 2 - Oaxaca (28th September 2021)
Today we head to the wonderful laid-back colonial town of Oaxaca, famous for its cuisine and indigenous cultures.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Day 3 - Oaxaca (29th September 2021)
Today we will have an included guided visit of the ruined Zapotec city of Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon we will have free time to further explore the area's highlights.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a guided tour around the ruined Zapotec capital of Monte Alban near Oaxaca
Included
Optional Activities
Visit the remarkably well-preserved Zapotec ruins of Mitla near to Oaxaca
Entrance: 64 MXN
Learn all about the history and cultures of Oaxaca at the incredible Museum of Cultures one of the best regional museums in Mexico
Entrance: 64 MXN
Visit the splendid Baroque Dominican church of Santo Domingo in Oaxaca's colonial centre
Entrance: 50 MXN
Day 4 - San Cristobal de las Casas (30th September 2021)
Today we have a full day drive to the stunning old colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, one of Mexico's most beautiful towns. and well known as the heart of the indigenous Tzotzil Maya culture.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 14
Day 5 - San Cristobal de las Casas (1st October 2021)
Today we will have a free day for exploration and to take part in some optional activities such as taking a tour to the fascinating Maya village of San Juan Chamula, or exploring the nearby Lagunas de Montebello National Park.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Learn all about the traditional medicines of the Mayan people at the award-winning Mayan Medicine Museum
Entrance: 20 MXN
See the incredbile showcase of handwoven fabrics from throughout Central America at the Mayan World Textiles Centre
Entrance: 52 MXN
Head out on a mountain biking tour through the cloud forests and highlands surrounding San Cristóbal de las Casas
Entrance: 380 MXN
Explore the wonderful botanical gardens of Orchideas Moxviquil and discover its collection of over 400 species of native plants and orchids
Entrance: 30 MXN
Visit the atmospheric Tzotzil Mayan villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan
Entrance: 200 MXN
Day 6 - San Cristobal de las Casas (2nd October 2021)
Today we will have an included boat trip down the phenomenal Sumidero Canyon, viewing its colossal cliffs from the base and searching for the resident wildlife.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Head on a boat trip along the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon
Included
Optional Activities
Take a day trip to explore the idyllic national park of Lagunas de Montebello home to pine forests Mayan ruins and many beautiful lakes
Entrance: 250 MXN
Visit the fantastic cultural centre of Na Bolom, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of the Lacandon Maya culture and the preservation of the Chiapas rain forest
Entrance: 40 MXN
Day 7 - Frontera Corozal (3rd October 2021)
Today we will have a full day drive to the remote town of Frontera Corozal, on the Guatemalan border. En route, we may have time for an optional stop at the stunning waterfalls of Agua Azul.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit the spectacular stepped waterfalls of Agua Azul between San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque (if time allows)
Waterfalls & Entrance: 25 MXN
Day 8 - Palenque (4th October 2021)
Today we will have an included guided visit to the remote ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilán, which is only accessible via a boat trip down the river. After our visit we will drive to the village of Palenque.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a boat trip out for a guided tour of the stunning and remote Mayan ruins at Yaxchilán
Included
Day 9 - Palenque (5th October 2021)
Today we will have an included guided visit to the incredible Mayan ruins of Palenque, which rise out of the thick jungle surrounding them. In the afternoon we will have free time to go on a jungle tour, visit the on site museum, or travel to the nearby waterfall of Misol Ha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a fascinating guided tour around the magnificent ruined city of Palenque deep in the Mexican jungle including time to freely explore the excellent on-site museum
Included
Optional Activities
Take a trip out to the beautiful waterfall of Misol Ha near Palenque (if time allows)
Entrance: 35 MXN
Day 10 - Merida (6th October 2021)
Today we will drive to the beautiful and artistic colonial town of Mérida, the capital of the Yucatan state.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 11 - Tulum (7th October 2021)
Today we will have an early start to drive to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - we have an included guided tour around this spectacular site before continuing our drive to the stunning coastal village of Tulum.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the spectacular Chichen Itza Mayan ruins on a guided tour one of the New Seven Wonders of the World centred around the world-famous pyramid of El Castillo
Included
Optional Activities
Take a swim in the stunning natural cenote of Ik Kil near the ruins of Chichen Itza
Entrance: 6 USD
Day 12 - Tulum (8th October 2021)
This morning we visit the Tulum ruins, one of the last cities built by the Maya and one of the best preserved coastal Maya sites. We will have a free afternoon to explore the beaches or take part in some optional activities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Explore the phenomenal clifftop Maya-Toltec ruins at Tulum wonderfully located right on the Caribbean coast
Included
Optional Activities
Head out to explore some of the incredible cenotes (natural water-filled sinkholes) near Tulum
Entrance: 150 MXN
Take an introductory course in the exhilarating sport of kite surfing from the stunning beaches of Tulum
Course: 180 USD
Go on a scuba diving trip through the ocean reefs near Tulum or to some of the area's natural cenotes
Diving: 100 USD
Hire snorkel gear on the beautiful beaches of Tulum
Snorkel Hire: 10 USD
Day 13 - Caye Caulker (9th October 2021)
Border information: Exit Mexico at Subteniente López, enter Belize at Santa Elena.
Today we will travel south across the border to Belize City, where we board a speed boat to the island paradise of Caye Caulker.
Please note that in Belize we will travel on local transport, as it is not permitted to use a foreign vehicle in Belize.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Day 14 - Caye Caulker (10th October 2021)
We will have two full days to explore and enjoy the many optional activities available here, such as snorkelling, diving or taking a scenic flight over the phenomenal Great Blue Hole.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Take a scenic flight over the phenomenal natural Great Blue Hole off Caye Caulker
Flight: 260 USD
Head out on a fantastic scuba diving trip through the colossal coral reefs off the Caribbean island of Caye Caulker (there are many different options and sites available)
Marine reserve dive: 110 USD
Head out to the stunning coral reefs off Caye Caulker on a snorkelling trip
Price: 75 USD
Day 15 - Caye Caulker (11th October 2021)
Relax and enjoy the beach or head out on an activity on our second day on Caye Caulker.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Go on a half-day fishing trip in the idyllic blue ocean near Caye Caulker
Half day: 250 USD
Hire sea kayaks to explore the deserted mangroves of Caye Caulker's North Island
Hire: 20 USD
Day 16 - San Ignacio (12th October 2021)
Today we will head back to the mainland and rejoin our overland bus in Belize City. We then have a short drive to the village of San Ignacio, home to Belize's best archaeological sites and adventure activities!
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Day 17 - San Ignacio (13th October 2021)
We will have two full days to take part in the many optional activities available in San Ignacio, including trekking, caving, biking, and exploring the excellent Mayan ruins in the area.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Take a full day tour to the remote ruins of the ancient Mayan capital of Caracol once twice the size of the modern Belize City
Entrance: 110 USD
Visit the Actun Tunichil Mukwal Cave a Mayan archaeological site that includes ceramics stoneware and skeletal remains such as the famous 'Crystal Maiden'
Entrance: 95 USD
Learn about local herbs and plants on a medicinal jungle trail en route to a release program for Green Iguanas near San Ignacio
Entrance: 12 BZD
Explore the ancient ruins of Xunantunich Belize's most-visited Mayan site and home to the mighty El Castillo pyramid
Entrance: 10 BZD
Day 18 - San Ignacio (14th October 2021)
Today we enjoy a second free day for activities in and around San Ignacio.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Rent mountain bikes and explore the area around San Ignacio
6hr bike ride: 20 USD
Visit the stunning ruins of Cahal Pech atop a hill overlooking the southern outskirts of San Ignacio
Entrance: 30 BZD
Day 19 - Tikal (15th October 2021)
Border information: Exit Belize at Benque Viejo del Carmen, enter Guatemala at Melchor de Mencos.
Today we will have a short drive across the Guatemalan border to the phenomenal Mayan ruins of Tikal, where we have an included guided tour.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Enjoy a guided tour of the phenomenal Mayan ruins of Tikal one of the greatest ancient sites in the world
Included
Day 20 - Poptun (16th October 2021)
Today we have a short drive to the small town of Poptún, stopping in the colonial town of Flores en route. We will arrive at our fantastic eco-lodge near Poptún and have a free afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Day 21 - Poptun (17th October 2021)
Today we will have free time to take part in the many optional activities offered at our eco lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Trek out to the incredible River Cave near Poptún walking through the stunning Guatemalan rural landscape and exploring the underground rivers by candlelight
River Cave: 115 GTQ
Take a day tour out to the nearby Mayan ruins of Ixcun the comprehensive museum of Dolores and the beautiful waterfall of Mopan
Tour: 150 GTQ
Explore the incredible caves of Naj Tunich boasting the largest and most exceptional amount of Mayan cave inscriptions paintings and hieroglyphs in the world
Walks: 150 GTQ
Head out on a self-guided walk around our eco-lodge taking in fantastic views of the surrounding rural landscape
Walks: Free
Day 22 - Rio Dulce (18th October 2021)
Today we will have a short drive to Rio Dulce in Guatemala's beautiful central region. On arrival we will have a free afternoon to take part in some optional activities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Take a kayak out to explore the beautiful waters around Rio Dulce at sunrise
Kayak rental: 125 GTQ
Explore deep into the Guatemalan rainforest on foot and trek on the canopy bridges near Rio Dulce
Rainforest trail: 125 GTQ
Day 23 - Rio Dulce (19th October 2021)
Today we will have an included boat trip to the village of Livingston on the Caribbean coast, before returning to Rio Dulce.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Enjoy a beautiful boat ride down the Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingston
Included
Day 24 - San Andres Itzapa (20th October 2021)
Today we will drive day to San Andres Itzapa, a small village located in the mountains around Antigua. We will spend one night at the community centre of Manos Amigas, run by the Italian NGO 'Mani Amiche' in support of local women who have been abandoned and abused, and who are staying in the centre with their children.
In San Andres Itzapa we will stay in dormitories at the community centre (please note that there is no option to upgrade to private accommodation here).
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Spend a night at the Manos Amigas community project a centre which has been set up to support local women and their children
Included
Day 25 - Panajachel (21st October 2021)
Today we will spend the morning at the Manos Amigas project before heading off on a short drive to Panajachel, situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Day 26 - Panajachel (22nd October 2021)
Today we will have free time to enjoy some optional activities such as a boat on the lake out to some of the small local villages along the shoreline. If possible, we will include a visit to the famous Chichicastenango Market during these days, depending on the weekday. Please note that the market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays so you may not be able to visit during your trip.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit the bewildering Mayan markets at Chichicastenango taking in the incredible sights smells and atmosphere (provided it is running while we are in the area)
Visit: Free
Take a tour through the spectacular highlands surrounding Lake Atitlan and Panajanchel visiting picturesque villages and hot springs
Tour: 45 USD
Head out on a boat trip to visit the traditional Mayan villages dotted along the coast of Lake Atitlan
Private boat trip: 30 USD
Day 27 - Antigua (23rd October 2021)
Today we will have a short drive to the magnificent city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 60 kms from Guatemala City.
The rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful colonial city and its dramatic surroundings.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Day 28 - Antigua - End Date (24th October 2021)
Border information: if leaving in Antigua, you will most likely exit Guatemala at Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (IATA code: GUA).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Antigua. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Head out on an exciting exploration of the forests and farmlands surrounding Antigua on a mountain biking trip
Intermediate biking: 45 USD
Visit the Choco Museum of Antigua learning all about the history of the culinary use of cocoa ever since the Mayan period
Entrance: 120 USD
Visit a traditional coffee plantation in the cool hills surrounding Antigua
Tour: 200 GTQ
Participate in a local handicrafts workshop in a village near Antigua learning traditional weaving cooking or woodworking skills
Visit: 200 GTQ
Learn all about the culture and history of Antigua at some of its museums such as the Museum of Ancient Books and the Museum of Colonial Art
Visit: 30 GTQ
Take a trek up to the famous active volcano of Pacaya near Antigua
Day trek: 59 USD
Visit the old Jesuit church of Santo Domingo an iconic building in Antigua and home to six fascinating museums
Visit: 48 GTQ
Head on a challenging trek up the Fuego or Acatenango volcanoes near Antigua (please note that both these treks are very strenuous and only those in excellent physical shape will be able to participate)
Tony was a great tour leader from Mexico City to Panama City. He is hilariously sarcastic, never failing to make me laugh. He is effortlessly organised and it was a pleasure having him as crew.
Alison W
Tony was very professional and treated everybody equally and with respect.
Deborah P
Tony is an excellent tour leader- informative, very helpful and calm.
Bearing in mind both Tony and Lou plus a number of passengers were extremely ill during this leg, I never had any concerns that I had missed an opportunity or wouldn't get somewhere that we were supposed to go. They both did a fantastic job and I would not hesitate to go on a trip with them again either as leader or driver.
Alan M
Both were fantastic and clearly worked extremely hard to ensure trip ran smoothly.
Stella B
Very profesional, helpful and friendly crew.
Mark W
Really top rate leaders - both friendly and professional and very helpful.
Belinda M
It has been an incredible experience being a part of the Central American tour. Tony and Zoe are, without a doubt, two of the best tour guides that I have experienced throughout all of my overland travel experiences. Overall, the experience of being on the tour was wonderful and we all shared lots of laughs throughout the journey; the memories and friendships I will cherish forever. Thank you.
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