Trip Overview
This 28 day overland tour journeys from Antigua to Mexico City through Belize, Guatemala, Mexico
This trip visits Manos Amigas, an organisation in the Chimaltenango region of Guatemala that works with women and children who have been victims of violence or abandoned.
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70% 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
SHOW MORE HIGHLIGHTSBorder information: if joining in Antigua, you will most likely enter Guatemala at Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (IATA code: GUA).
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 the beautiful colonial city and its dramatic surroundings, 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 Antigua 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 Antigua.
In Antigua we will stay in a delightful colonial hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a trek up to the famous active volcano of Pacaya near Antigua
Visit the old Jesuit church of Santo Domingo, an iconic building in Antigua and home to six fascinating museums
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
Head out on an exciting exploration of the forests and farmlands surrounding Antigua on a mountain biking trip
Participate in a local handicrafts workshop in a village near Antigua, learning traditional weaving, cooking, or woodworking skills
Visit a traditional coffee plantation in the cool hills surrounding Antigua
Today we will head off on a short drive to Panajachel, situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
On the following day 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.
In Panajachel we will stay in a nice local hotel.
Daily 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)
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out on a boat trip to visit the traditional Mayan villages dotted along the coast of Lake Atitlan
Take a tour through the spectacular highlands surrounding Lake Atitlan and Panajanchel, visiting picturesque villages and hot springs
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).
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Daily Activities
Spend a night at the Manos Amigas community project, a centre which has been set up to support local women and their children
Today we will drive north to Rio Dulce in Guatemala's beautiful central region.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
On the following day we will have an included boat trip to the village of Livingston on the Caribbean coast, before returning to Rio Dulce.
In Rio Dulce we will stay in an eco-lodge.
Daily Activities
Enjoy a beautiful boat ride down the Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingston
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a kayak out to explore the beautiful waters around Rio Dulce at sunrise
Explore deep into the Guatemalan rainforest on foot and trek on the canopy bridges near Rio Dulce
Today we have a free morning to enjoy some optional activities in Rio Dulce, before heading on a short drive to our fantastic eco-lodge near Poptún and have a free afternoon.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On the following day we will have free time to take part in the many optional activities offered at our eco lodge.
In Poptún we will camp at an eco-lodge on a working Guatemalan ranch.
Daily Activities
Stay at a wonderful eco-lodge on a working Guatemalan farm near Poptún
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Trek out to the incredible River Cave near Poptún, walking through the stunning Guatemalan rural landscape and exploring the underground rivers by candlelight
Take a day tour out to the nearby Mayan ruins of Ixcun, the comprehensive museum of Dolores and the beautiful waterfall of Mopan
Today we have a short drive to the phenomenal Mayan ruins of Tikal, where we have an included guided tour. We will likely stop briefly in the colonial town of Flores en route.
In Tikal we will camp at a basic campsite close to the ruins.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Daily Activities
Enjoy a guided tour of the phenomenal Mayan ruins of Tikal, one of the greatest ancient sites in the world
Border information: Exit Guatemala at Melchor de Mencos, enter Belize at Benque Viejo del Carmen.
Today we have a short drive across the border into Belize and on to the village of San Ignacio, home to the country's best archaeological sites and adventure activities!
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
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.
In San Ignacio we will stay in a forest eco-lodge.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the Actun Tunichil Mukwal Cave, a Mayan archaeological site that includes ceramics, stoneware, and skeletal remains such as the famous 'Crystal Maiden'
Head on a horse riding trip around San Ignacio
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
Learn about local herbs and plants on a medicinal jungle trail en route to a release program for Green Iguanas near San Ignacio
Explore the ancient ruins of Xunantunich, Belize's most-visited Mayan site and home to the mighty El Castillo pyramid
Visit the stunning ruins of Cahal Pech, atop a hill overlooking the southern outskirts of San Ignacio
Today we will travel north to Belize City, where we board a speed boat to the island paradise of Caye Caulker.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
We will have two full days of free time 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.
In Caye Caulker we will stay in a local hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out to the stunning coral reefs off Caye Caulker on a snorkelling trip
Take a scenic flight over the phenomenal natural Great Blue Hole off Caye Caulker
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)
Hire sea kayaks to explore the deserted mangroves of Caye Caulker's North Island
Go on a half-day fishing trip in the idyllic blue ocean near Caye Caulker
Border information: Exit Belize at Santa Elena, enter Mexico at Subteniente López.
Today we will head back to the mainland and rejoin the bus in Belize City, before continuing our drive to the stunning coastal village of Tulum.
In Tulum we will camp in a basic campsite near to the Mayan ruins.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
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.
Daily Activities
Explore the phenomenal clifftop Maya-Toltec ruins at Tulum, wonderfully located right on the Caribbean coast
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out to explore some of the incredible cenotes (natural water-filled sinkholes) near Tulum
Hire snorkel gear on the beautiful beaches of Tulum
Go on a scuba diving trip through the ocean reefs near Tulum, or to some of the area's natural cenotes
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 beautiful and artistic colonial town of Mérida, the capital of the Yucatan state.
In Mérida we wil stay in a colonial hotel in the heart of the city.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Daily 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
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a swim in the stunning natural cenote of Ik Kil near the ruins of Chichen Itza
Today we will have a full day drive to the village of Palenque.
In Palenque we will camp in the grounds of a hotel located within the national park.
Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.
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.
Daily 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
Today we will have a drive to the remote town of Frontera Corozal, on the Guatemalan border. In the afternoon 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.
In Frontera Corozal we will camp in the grounds of a hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Daily Activities
Take a boat trip out for a guided tour of the stunning and remote Mayan ruins at Yaxchilán
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. En route, we may have time for an optional stop at the stunning waterfalls of Agua Azul.
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
On the following day 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.
On the next day 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.
In San Cristóbal de las Casas we will stay in a good hotel in the centre.
Daily Activities
Head on a boat trip along the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out on a mountain biking tour through the cloud forests and highlands surrounding San Cristóbal de las Casas
Visit the atmospheric Tzotzil Mayan villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan
Learn all about the traditional medicines of the Mayan people at the award-winning Mayan Medicine Museum
Explore the wonderful botanical gardens of Orchideas Moxviquil, and discover its collection of over 400 species of native plants and orchids
See the incredbile showcase of handwoven fabrics from throughout Central America at the Mayan World Textiles Centre
Today we have a full day drive to the wonderful laid-back colonial town of Oaxaca, famous for its cuisine and indigenous cultures.
Estimated Drive Time - 12-14 hours.
On the following day 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.
In Oaxaca we will stay in a good hotel.
Daily Activities
Take a guided tour around the ruined Zapotec capital of Monte Alban near Oaxaca
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the splendid Baroque Dominican church of Santo Domingo in Oaxaca's colonial centre
See the incredible Tree of Tule, which with a circumference of 42 metres hs the widest trunk in the world
Visit the remarkably well-preserved Zapotec ruins of Mitla near to Oaxaca
Learn all about the history and cultures of Oaxaca at the incredible Museum of Cultures, one of the best regional museums in Mexico
Today we will have a full day drive to Mexico's incredible bustling capital of Mexico City.
In Mexico City we will stay in a good hotel in the central district of Bellas Artes.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Border information: if leaving in Mexico City, you will most likely exit Mexico at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA code: MEX).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Mexico City. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team 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
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
See Mexico City's famous traditional mariachi bands in the evening around Garibaldi Square
Explore the magnificent ancient Mesoamerican ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City
Visit the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes and see it's immense murals by world-famous Mexican artists such as Diego Riviera
Freely explore the huge area of the Zocalo in Mexico City's centre, along with its famous Metropolitan Cathedral and the Temple Mayor (the last remains of the old Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan)
Explore the vast system of waterways and flower gardens at Xochimilco, possibly including a visit to the creepy Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls)
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
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
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This group overland journey has multiple departures.
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