Day 1 | Playa del CarmenThis 17 Day Central America Trip begins in Playa del Carmen.
If you arrive in Playa del Carmen a few days before day 1 of your trip, you could spend time snorkeling among the mangroves or relaxing on the beach. For adventures further afield, take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef diving.
Arrive any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.
Your leader will collect your local payment at this meeting. Please bring notes/bills in large denominations.
Why not take the short trip to Cancun, a haven for sun-worshipers, retirees and American spring-breakers? Cancun is full of resorts, bars and shops and there is always something going on. Head down to the beach for a frolic in the surf before playing 'spot the MTV camera' in town.
On arrival in Mexico it is possible you will feel lethargic and lose some appetite. This is nothing to be concerned about and is just your body acclimatising to the heat and humidity. Be sure to drink plenty of bottled water and try not to do too much in any one day; you'll soon adjust.
Our hotel is in the center of bustling Playa del Carmen, only 3 blocks from the pristine Caribbean Sea.
Days 2-3 | TulumToday the group travels south by local bus to Tulum (approx. 1.5 hours).
Tulum is a beach paradise on the Caribbean coast and our home for the next 2 days. Spend time relaxing on the beach or strolling along the white sandy shore. In the evenings, kick back and watch the waves with a margarita. For a taste of Mayan architecture take an optional visit of the ruins of Tulum. These ruins sit atop a cliff surrounded by palm fringed, white sand beaches. You can even go for a swim within its ancient walls.
Located right on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, at our accommodation you can kick back and relax in the hammocks or have a fun game of beach volleyball. The rooms are rustic cabanas that blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Don't expect luxury here- but you are staying right by one of the best beaches in the world!
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Days 4-5 | Caye CaulkerToday we leave Mexico behind and travel south to Belize. We travel by local bus and may have to change buses 2 to 3 times, depending on that days' bus schedule, but be prepared for approximately 8 hours on the road before we reach Belize City.
Rarely a country border crossing is reason to write home, however the border between Mexico and Belize can be the exception. Extremely busy at times, with non-existing signals, muddy roads and street sellers everywhere you look, this crossing has it all to become a cultural experience in itself. Please listen to and follow your group leader's instructions as if you lose sight of the group, it can be very easy to get lost.
Once in Belize, we take a 40 minute boat ride to Caye Caulker. Have your sunscreen ready - these golden rays can quickly burn unprotected skin.
Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. The Belizeans are known for their relaxed and easy going way of live. You will be amazed how many different cultures coexist harmoniously here.
Caulker is an easy going island that has a distinctly Caribbean feel. Small and friendly, with a sandy main road, the main thing to do here is relax and explore Belize's underwater worlds. Relax on the beach or head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the magnificent Blue Hole and the world's second longest barrier reef. Snorkel, swim or dive among the colorful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. You could also choose to go manatee spotting. These huge peaceful creatures are often called sea cows and are quite curious to meet their visitors.
If you would like to take up wind surfing, this is a great spot for it. And if you already know how to wind surf you can rent a board and head out there!
Caye Caulker famous for its lobster, not the cheapest but yummy! But always make sure that you respect the season, the lobsters can only be caught between June 15th and February 15th.
Some of the best meals on the island are cooked on the road side, how about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local fire water! In the evenings you should look out for the world famous "Jolly Roger" - an Icon on the island, he has some of the best street food out here...enjoy your meal.
Since the island is so small you can walk everywhere and you can even leave your shoes at home since there are no paved roads here.
Our hotel is one of the largest on the island (which means its still quite small!) and it is run by a local family. There is a roof top deck and large verandahs to sit and look over the sea.
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Days 6-7 | San IgnacioToday we travel by local bus to San Ignacio (approx. 3 hours) passing on the way the new capital of Belize, Belmopan. Heading inland we travel through the forested hills of the highlands. Surrounded by fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins, San Ignacio is an ideal base to explore the region.
One of the optional activities for this afternoon or tomorrow is a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre located on with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique stucco frieze and the central plaza has three carved stelae. Getting to the site is half the fun and you'll need to take a hand cranked ferry to cross the river.
It is also possible to take an optional day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls, and warm swimming holes as well as a huge system of caves.
The cave of Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Mayan relic. Wade through water until you reach a Mayan ceremonial site. Here you will find ceramic pots and crystallized skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1,400 years.
For those who can't get enough jungle fun there are also opportunities to go tubing or canoeing through the region. And for those who would like some time to reflect on the beauty of nature there is always San Ignacio's butterfly garden.
In the late afternoon and at night many little barbeque street stalls open and serve huge portions of it. Make sure you give it a try, sit down next to the road, chat along with the locals and enjoy a juicy tasty chicken leg.
Our hotel is located in the very heart of San Ignacio.
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Days 8-9 | Flores/TikalToday we travel by local bus (approx. 4 hours) to the easy pace of life in the old-world island town of Flores. The town of Flores is a highlight in itself, so make sure you go out and explore it.
Flores was officially founded by the Spanish in 1700, but had existed in various forms well before. It has long remained isolated with locals relying on subsistence farming of corn and beans and the gathering of chicle from nearby trees to produce gum. Many of the locals still get about in the traditional way, by dug out canoe. You have time to stroll through the cobblestone streets past pastel-coloured buildings, buy local handicrafts or take a dip in Lake Peten Itza.
On our free day here you shouldn't miss the opportunity to take an optional visit of the impressive ruins of Tikal. Towering above the jungle of the Tikal National Park, the five granite temples of Tikal are an awesome sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the jungle growth there is a maze of smaller structures just waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy. You may even spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. You could take a very early tour in the morning to the ruins to witness the beautiful sunrise on the highest pyramid in the complex of Tikal.
Flores is a tiny island and our hotel is right there, so walking is no problem.
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Days 10-11 | Rio DulceLeaving Flores behind, we head towards Rio Dulce, the sweet river, by local bus (approx. 5 hours).
Sitting on the shores of Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce has long been a favourite stop for boaters from around the globe, on their way to or from Livingston and the Caribbean coast. Take time this afternoon to go out and absorb the atmosphere of this laid back Caribbean town, quite different from the inland communities.
On our free day here there are plenty of optional activities to get out and about. Follow the local trend and go boating on the lake, take a tour to spot the protected manatees or travel up the river on a lancha to the thermal hot springs. For more land based adventure you can hike through the jungle-strewn trails of the Chocon-Machacas Natural Reserve, ride a horse through a nearby rubber plantation or travel to Livingston to explore the San Felipe fort.
Our hotel in Rio Dulce has a beautiful setting, right next to the river. Rooms are dormitories where up to 7 travelers (of the same sex) may share a room. There are water taxis that can take you right into town.
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Day 12 | AntiguaWe travel to Antigua by local bus (approx. 7 hours) were we'll spend the night before continuing to Panajachel.
We don't spend much time in Antigua today, but you should still go out for a stroll and try Tamales, a local dish usually prepared traditionally on weekends and served in a corn leaf. You could also give the Pepian a try, a meal that consists of a rich dark sauce and three meats (chicken, beef and pork). The best value food you find is next to the artesian market close to the bus station.
Our hotel in Antigua is located near the central park and only across the street from the market.
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Days 13-14 | San Jorge/ChichicastenangoOn the way to San Jorge La Laguna today you will have a chance to experience the famous chicken bus (approx. 3 hours). These buses are old (make that really really old) modified school buses from the US and Canada, each one a piece of art.
Once you arrive in San Jorge La Laguna, you will be introduced to your host family and the group may be split in 2s or 3s depending on the group size. Locals in San Jorge La Laguna are both very friendly and very shy. In order to make the most of this experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can and get ready for some serious hand language signals.
On our free day you can go to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, which are only 10 minutes by bus from San Jorge La Laguna. Ringed by volcanoes and colourful villages Panajachel is a great base to explore the best of this region. Pana is a relatively modern town with paved streets, many shops and easy to explore by foot.
One of the many optional activities here is to visit the smaller, neighbouring villages by boat. The best known of these is Chichicastenango, or Chichi. The markets here overflow with colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings to fill up your backpack. There are also a number of community cooperatives that you may wish to visit and the proceeds from these will return directly to the community.
The blue/grey mountains, volcanoes and picturesque lake all provide opportunities to fully appreciate Guatemala's great outdoors. Go for a swim, wind surf, hike, kayak, go horse riding, or for the really adventurous, paragliding.
Houses in San Jorge La Laguna are very basic. Your room may only consist of a couple of beds with clean bedding and the bathroom will most likely be outside your room and to be shared with the rest of the family. The mother of the family will cook dinner and breakfast for you. Meals can be very basic but filling, consisting of corn, rice and beans. You may want to stack up some snacks in Antigua.
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Days 15-17 | AntiguaToday we travel back to Antigua by local bus (approx. 3 hours). Celebrate a great adventure with a night out in colonial Antigua or take an optional day trip to the steaming Pacaya Volcano.
As the seat of the Spanish colonial government, Antigua was once the most important city in Central America. In 1773 the city was destroyed by an earthquake but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be admired. Take a walk through Antigua's quiet cobblestone streets past heavy carved-wood entrances. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if you have a taste for more active adventures, hire a mountain bike and ride through the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys, covered in lush vegetation are simply stunning.
If you are interested in hiking, on our full day here you could take an optional tour to the famous Pacaya volcano, an active volcano about 1 hour by car outside Antigua. If you are lucky you may even see lava flowing from close up.
If you are into salsa dancing or you would like to learn some moves, Antigua is the right place for you. Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons to learn or improve your moves before you get to hit the discos at night.
We return to our hotel in Antigua for these nights.
Day 17 is departure day. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 10:00am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel reception. There may be a small service fee.
If you need any help organising transport to the airport your tour leader will be able to assist.
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Itinerary DisclaimerPlease note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research and may change with no prior notice.
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