Explore Central America: Mexico and Guatemala
Explore Central America: Mexico and Guatemala
Explore Central America: Mexico and Guatemala
16 Days Starting in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and ending in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Visiting: Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Antigua Guatemala, Panajachel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26060
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Central America with our "Explore Central America: Mexico and Guatemala" tour. Dive into the serene waters off Mexico's white-sand beaches, witness breathtaking sunsets in Caye Caulker to the rhythm of reggae, and immerse yourself in local culture with a pottery demonstration at a women's cooperative. Experience the warmth of a local homestay near Lake Atitlán and explore the vibrant colonial city of Antigua with its colorful markets. This small group adventure includes stays in simple hotels, hostels, and a local homestay, with guided tours, beach time, and all transport between destinations. Join us for an enriching journey through Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Playa Del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen
Accommodation: Hotel 12 bees
Accommodation Name: Hotel 12 bees
Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the city.
ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Playa Del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen
Accommodation: Hotel 12 bees
Accommodation Name: Hotel 12 bees
Spend a full free day in the area! Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or snorkel off the coast of nearby Cozumel. For a more laid-back day, choose to enjoy the beach.
Take advantage of a full day of free time to relax or explore as much as you wish. Perched atop the sea you will find the ruins of Tulúm. In the coral-filled waters surrounding Cozumel you can snorkel, or you can go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, before exploring the town in the evening on your own.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, the diving mecca of Cozumel, or play in the waves and enjoy the beach!
Day 3: Playa Del Carmen/Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Travel from Mexico across the border into Belize today, which boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easy-going people. During the drive, picture the unbelievably clear blue waters and the opportunities you will have over the next few days for diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Arrive at the Mexican border then go to immigration to get passports stamped and pay the exit fee. After a quick trip on the bus, grab your luggage and pass through Belizean immigration and customs. Get back on the bus with your stuff and get ready to start exploring Belize.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
Day 4: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Enjoy a free day in Caye Caulker. Choose to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, keeping a lookout for stingrays and nurse sharks. You can also choose to go diving, or just chill out on the beach.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas–the Caribbean awaits!
Day 5: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Another full day of free time will allow you to participate in any optional activities in the area that you didn’t have time for yesterday.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas–the Caribbean awaits!
Day 6: Caye Caulker/San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Accommodation: Kawoq Hostel
Accommodation Name: Kawoq Hostel
Meals Included: Lunch
Cross back to the mainland of Belize via boat and travel by bus inland to San Ignacio. Along the way the group will stop for an included pottery demonstration and a typical lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
San Ignacio is a great base for exploring some of Belize’s lesser known inland gems. There will be ample free time here to wander the area by foot, canoe, or horseback, or you can choose to book a caving trip.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
ACTIVITY: Like in many places around the world, education for women in the village of San Antonio isn’t prioritized. Girls don’t typically attend school beyond primary levels. So a women’s cooperative was founded here, as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills, and share centuries-old Mayan techniques and knowledge. Visit the pottery workshop, which is newly expanded with an investment from G Adventures. Meet some of the women who’ve found community within its walls and gain insight into the tradition of throwing pots. Afterward, enjoy lunch together with these inspiring and unforgettable women, sampling traditional foods of the Cayo region.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 7: San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Accommodation: Kawoq Hostel
Accommodation Name: Kawoq Hostel
Enjoy a day at leisure to experience the surroundings of San Ignacio. Choose to visit the Sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, or set your eyes on the lesser-visited Xunantunich Mayan ruins.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a full day at your leisure in San Ignacio.
Day 8: San Ignacio/Flores
Location: Flores
Accommodation: Peten Express Hotel
Accommodation Name: Peten Express Hotel
While this trip is fast-paced, there will be some opportunity to rest on today's drive as the group crosses another border and travels to Guatemala. Enter the country in the northeast jungle Petén region and stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal on the way to Flores. This place is the capital of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake in Guatemala—Lake Petén Itzá.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
ACTIVITY: MORNING Grab your bags from the vehicle and head to immigration after paying the exit fee. Passports get stamped in immigration and then passed to your CEO for the short walk (200m) to the Guatemalan border where the entrance fee is paid. Lend a hand loading luggage into the vehicle while your CEO gets all the passports stamped. Welcome to Guatemala!
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 9: Flores/Rio Dulce
Location: Rio Dulce
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Travel for most of the day from Flores to Rio Dulce, which is on the shores of Lake Izabel, the largest lake in Guatemala. This journey across the country will take a road through dense jungle arriving at this port town in the evening.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 10: Rio Dulce
Location: Rio Dulce
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Meals Included: Lunch
Sit back and marvel at the scenery on a boat ride from Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingston. Make a stop at the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project there. Walk around the grounds and then gather for a delicious lunch steeped in local flavours.
ACTIVITY: El Manglar Restaurant in Guatemala is a women-led community tourism initiative founded by the Cayo Quemado Women's Committee with the aim of creating new job opportunities within the community. During your visit you will begin with a welcome given by the women of the committee and receive a brief introduction to the workshop. Then, there will be a short walk around the property, including a full explanation of the project, it's impact, and culture before you all sit down for lunch at the restaurant. Every traveler that visits Cayo Quemado has a direct impact on their community.
ACTIVITY: Take a boat down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean Sea passing through El Golfete and El Canyon before arriving to Livingston. Float past mangroves and lily pads and the Boquerón Canyon, where a sheer limestone cliff rises 122m (400 ft) out of the river, covered in vines, trees and moss. Arrive at the small fishing village of Livingston known for its unique Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population, with their unique art, music and delicious coconut seafood soup, “tapado”.
Day 11: Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Accommodation Name: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Spend most of the day travelling from Rio Dulce to Antigua, Guatemala. Rest up on the ride because upon arrival the group will set off on an orientation walk. The rest of the evening is free. Get a head start planning tomorrow’s activities or enjoy this colonial city’s nightlife.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 12: Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Accommodation Name: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
The group will have a full day at leisure in Antigua. From biking riding to climbing a volcano there’s plenty to see and do. Stay in town and café hop as a way to soak up the area’s culture.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time in Antigua. Relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture of this colonial town’s many museums and cafes, attend a chocolate workshop, visit one of the local coffee or macadamia nut plantations, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Day 13: Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Kamol Bey
Accommodation Name: Kamol Bey
Visit beautiful Lake Atitlán after travelling through the country’s highlands full of fertile hills and fields. The area is ideal for outdoor activities and you will have plenty of time to explore.
Additional Information: Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 14: Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
Location: Panajachel
Accommodation: Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay
Accommodation Name: Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay
Meals Included: Dinner
Take a boat ride across the lake before taking part in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Climb aboard and get your float on.
ACTIVITY: Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlán, arrive by boat to the laid-back village of San Juan La Laguna and immediately feel at home. Meet your host family, stash your stuff, then set off to explore the area. Admire the paintings of local artists, watch weavers who use traditional techniques to dye wool, go for a hike and admire the view across the lake. Feel good knowing you are supporting local families eager to benefit from tourism in their community.
Day 15: San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Accommodation Name: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
The group will journey back to Antigua and spend some free time exploring. Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills, or taking a salsa lesson.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 16: Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Depart at any time.
Additional Information: Please note that Antigua's nearest airport is Guatemala City, Guatemala. Don't get caught flying out from the Caribbean island nation of Antigua; it's nowhere near the finish point of this tour!
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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G for Good Moments
Experience a pottery demonstration at a women's cooperative, a Caribbean gastronomic experience at 'El Manglar', and a local homestay at Posadas Mayas.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group upon arrival.
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Discover Moments
Enjoy free time to explore Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, and Antigua Guatemala.
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Guided Tour of Tikal
Take a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal.
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Orientation Walk in Antigua
Participate in an orientation walk in Antigua.
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Beach Time
Relax on the beaches of Playa del Carmen and Caye Caulker.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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Accommodation
Stay in simple hotels/hostels (14 nights, most multi-share) and a local homestay (1 night).
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Meals Included
Enjoy 2 lunches and 1 dinner during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Most meals are not included to give you the flexibility to choose where, what, and with whom to eat.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting Mayan ruins, snorkeling, diving, and other excursions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks, and other personal items are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), local homestay (1 nt).
Transport
Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Meals Included
2 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 18, avg 14.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in simple hotels/hostels for 14 nights, most of which are multi-share, and you will also experience a local homestay for 1 night.
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Are there any special cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, you will participate in a pottery demonstration at a women's cooperative, experience a local homestay near Lake Atitlán, and enjoy a Caribbean gastronomic experience at 'El Manglar' in Lívingston.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour includes various modes of transportation such as local buses, ferries, boats, private vehicles, taxis, and walking.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 2 lunches and 1 dinner. Generally, meals are not included to give you flexibility in choosing where and what to eat.
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What activities are available during free time in Caye Caulker?
During your free time in Caye Caulker, you can choose to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving, or simply relax on the beach.
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What can I do during my free day in San Ignacio?
In San Ignacio, you can visit the Sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, or enjoy other local activities such as canoeing or horseback riding.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The group size for this tour is a maximum of 18 people, with an average of 14.
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What should I expect during the homestay in San Juan La Laguna?
During the homestay in San Juan La Laguna, you will meet your host family, explore the area, admire local art and traditional weaving techniques, and enjoy a traditional dinner with your host family.
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What kind of activities are available in Antigua Guatemala?
In Antigua Guatemala, you can relax with a massage, climb a volcano, visit museums and cafes, attend a chocolate workshop, visit local coffee or macadamia nut plantations, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
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Is there any special advice for visiting villages around Lake Atitlán?
Yes, it is advised to dress conservatively when visiting the villages and to refrain from photographing religious ceremonies or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.