From $1,492 Was $1,755
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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 with loads of free time where you can rent bikes and explore on wheels, go snorkelling and kayaking or rent a paddleboard and take in the landscape from the water.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2441
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle,Local bus,Public bus,Taxi,Shared Boat,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: QBYA
Starts: Playa del Carmen, Belize
Finishes: Antigua, Belize
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights),Multishare lodge (2 nights),Multishare hotel (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $1,492 ($93 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Included Activities:
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Optional Activities:
- Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) (273 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Tulum - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) (142 MXN)
- Tulum- Bike rental (263 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Tulum - Cenote Adventure (135 USD)
- Tulum - Jungle Adventure (135 USD)
- Tulum - Jungle Bike tour (125 USD)
- Tulum - Maya Inland Expedition (159 USD)
- Tulum - Sian Ka'an Adventure (150 USD)
- Tulum - World Wonder Discovery (160 USD)
- Tulum - Sian Ka'an Muyil (180 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing (126 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included) (230 BZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (44 BZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) (263 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) (200 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) (158 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry (10 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) (24 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry (11 BZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Tikal National Park - Archaeological Site Tour (Entrance fee & Transport)
Optional Activities:
- Tikal National Park - Guide for Ruins (per person, min 5 participants) (105 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) (263 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) (210 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) (89 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) (95 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Chichicastenango - Market Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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) (50 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (236 GTQ)
- Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch (115 USD)
- Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure (170 USD)
- Antigua - City Tour with lunch (70 USD)
- Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour (95 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Alasdair - Traveled, November 2023
A great tour, with quality accommodation. Although it is made by your tour guide which was 50:50 in our case!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Thomas - Traveled, September 2023
Euri was an incredible guide, spoke English perfectly. Helped me with my Spanish and had such good banter. Made my first trip with intrepid so seemless and enjoyable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Yael - Traveled, September 2023
This trip had a mixture of everything you could dream of. Culture, adventure, incredible scenery - whilst all unique in each place. Road tripping Central America was wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Alicia - Traveled, August 2023
This was my first tour and it was amazing! As a solo female traveller, the trip provided the security and safety that I was looking for whilst travelling through Belize and Guatemala. It also provided like mind-ed people to enjoy all the beautiful sights and experiences with along the way. Our group had so much fun, and we adored Caye Caulker, The ATM caves, and Guatemala. My highlight was the overnight Acatenago hike, make sure you leave an extra day on the end to attend the hike.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
John - Traveled, August 2023
Cannot recommend this trip enough, each day brought completely new and amazing experiences. None of which I will ever forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2023
Tamara - Traveled, August 2023
I had the best time on this trip!! I could not recommend it enough!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Amy - Traveled, August 2023
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking about booking this. I am a solo female traveler going all the way through Central America with intrepid and it has been amazing. I have met friends for life the leaders are all really knowledgeable of local areas and you never on your own! Intrepid plan everything really well from transport to hotels, I will definitely be booking again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Erica - Traveled, July 2023
This trip was the trip of a lifetime! I made amazing friends and felt so safe and secure thanks to the group! I saw amazing places, ate amazing food and made great memories! I’d highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves adventure and learning about new cultures!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Marius - Traveled, July 2023
A great trip which gave a good insight to completely new countries. Lots of fun to meet new people and see new places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Tony - Traveled, May 2023
Can't wait to do it again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Mary - Traveled, April 2024
A fantastic trip if you don’t have heaps of time but want to get a good introduction to Central America. I made memories for a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Teague - Traveled, March 2024
This tour exceeded all my expectations. As a first-time solo traveller I felt like our tour leader Gil constantly had our best intrests in mind, and I never found myself feeling unsafe. The locations, activities and company were second-to-none and I will look back on this trip as my best and easiest travel experience to date. I'm looking forward to my next intrepid trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Amber - Traveled, March 2024
Real Central America with Intrepid was incredible! Our tour guide Gil was amazing. He went above and beyond to make sure we all had a safe but fun time. Travelling through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala was an experience I will never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Kate - Traveled, March 2024
Our tour guide, Gil, truly made the experience exceptional. His knowledge of the region was unparalleled, and his passion for sharing it with us was infectious. From the bustling streets of Mexico to the serene beaches of Belize and the ancient ruins of Tikal in Guatemala, every moment was filled with wonder and discovery. Gil's expertise added layers of depth to each destination, as he expertly navigated us through historical sites, vibrant markets, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Lucy - Traveled, March 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations! It was an amazing experience with a great group of people and was made even better by our fantastic tour leader Gilberto. He really was the best, such a fun and calming person with a lot of knowledge to share, I will miss him!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Valli - Traveled, March 2024
The trip is brilliant. There is something for everyone on this trip - beach, culture, Mayan ruins, party, plus amazing food and drink. Our guide, Gil, was helpful, friendly, fun and knowledgeable - could not have asked for a better/more attentive and caring guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Jeremy - Traveled, December 2023
Real Central America is a great introduction to Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. The locals are kind and options of activities are in abundance.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Cecilia - Traveled, May 2023
You won’t be disappointed. It’s such a fun tour and you get such a good introduction to so many cool places. Will definitely try and make my way back to many of them to explore more!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Alana - Traveled, May 2023
Vin for PRESIDENT, so intelligent, funny and knowledgeable. Epic trip to some breath taking places and felt so safe the entire trip thanks to Vin! Especially loved the visit to San Juan and climbing Pacaya in Guatemala.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Alexandra - Traveled, March 2023
Mafer!! What to say about this simply incredible person. I made the epic trip Mexico to Antigua. 16 days up to my expectations and even more. Mafer was an outstanding guide. She was able to transmit to us her passion for her country (guatemala) she knows a lot of people so we were lucky to have access to the best locals, we learned a lot of things. She booked the best restaurants, the transport was perfect. The hotels were amazing for a basic trip and activities were pleasant. Her recommendations were excellent even after the trip. I recommend the experience to everyone if you want to discover a part of Central America while meeting extraordinary people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2023
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