Central America Encompassed - 33 Days

Bienvenidos a Mexico City! This is one of the world's largest urban centres, a bustling metropolis with so many influences, offering a huge variety of museums, galleries and architectural delights, along with pumping nightlife and unparalleled street food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, perhaps head to the Zocalo – the massive central square – and check out the Aztec ruins and colonial architecture nearby. There are also plenty of parks, plazas and gardens to relax in and adjust to the Mexican way of life.

Wake up and get ready for a leader-led walk to orientate yourself to the city. Pass by the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo, National Palace, Bellas Artes, Paseo de la Reforma and more. For lunch, join your local leader on a ‘taco crawl’ around town to taste Mexico City’s delicious street-food staple, tacos al pastor, among plenty other delicious treats. After, the rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Tonight you could visit the famous Plaza Garibaldi or sip cocktails with your fellow travellers in one of the many trendy bars in the city, whatever takes your fancy.

Start the day with a visit to the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who are keeping their way of life alive. The community practices traditions from pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies. After an included lunch, your group will head to Puebla, where your leader will take you out for an orientation walk and run through some handy Spanish phrases to help you make the most of the days ahead. Put your newly learnt Spanish skills to the test with an evening visit to La Pasita bar, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste pasita – a sweet liqueur made of raisins in one of Puebla’s most famous bars. Salud!

Puebla is a rapidly growing city featuring many well-maintained churches and buildings from the colonial period. Today is free for you to discover the city at your leisure. Though there are enough churches to visit a different one every day for a year, two of the best examples are Santa Domingo Church and the Rosary Chapel, located in town. Further afield lies the Great Pyramid of Cholula, containing over eight kilometres (five miles) of tunnels, with the enormous Popocatepetl Volcano serving as a backdrop. In town, Puebla also has plenty of markets where you can pick up some local handicrafts.

Today we journey by local bus to Oaxaca. Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’) is a beautiful, old colonial town full of graceful arcades and colourful markets. You'll find Zapotec and Mixtec influences around the city as ancestors have populated this region for thousands of years. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through Oaxaca and to Mercado 20 de Noviembre – an iconic fresh food market. Here, you’ll be able to shop for fresh ingredients to put together your own meal. Grab some guacamole, salsa and some fresh tortillas on the way and then find a spot at one of the long tables where you can down for a classic Oaxacan lunch. Later, you’re free to walk the narrow, cobblestone streets, or maybe sit back in one of the squares, sipping mezcal and watching the world go by. The city is known for its arts scene, particularly its folk and fine art, but you'll also discover a grungier side to Oaxaca and some incredible examples of street art.

There's an opportunity today to visit the spectacular temples of Monte Alban just outside of Oaxaca. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and this World Heritage site is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre, with terraces, dams, canals and pyramids carved out of the mountain. Alternatively, why not have a go at plating up some delicious local fare during a cooking class, visit a traditional weaving arts town, and stop by a local mezcal distillery. In the evening, if you've any energy left, you could head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and enjoy the town's lively atmosphere.

Bid farewell to Oaxaca this morning, and board a private transfer to Tehuantepec. On your way out of town you’ll stop in at the Arbol del Tule, or the Tree of Tule, which holds the record for having the stoutest tree trunk in the world. Further along the road, visit the town of Teotitlan del Valle. Famous for its weaving and textile traditions, you can wander past artisans showing off their incredible handcrafted wares. You’ll also visit a mezcal distillery, getting to sample the smoky liquor to see if it’s to your taste! Later, arrive in Tehuantepec and settle in for the evening.

Head back out on the road this morning to San Cristobal de las Casas. Once you arrive in the early afternoon Leave your luggage at the hotel and begin exploring this highland town, hidden in green Chiapas valley surrounded by pine trees. Your leader will take you on a tour around town and point out all the important places. The evening is then free – you might like to ask your leader for a dinner recommendation!

This morning you'll visit the village of San Juan Chamula, home to the fascinating Iglesia de San Juan. This church, with its pine-covered floor and air thick with incense, is often frequented by shamans who come to carry out cleansings using firewater and ancient prayer. Please note that there is a strict ban on cameras inside the church. Outside, the village is alive with colourful markets that sell local handicrafts. The rest of the day is free for your own adventure. You might like to get active and ask your leader to help organise an optional boating trip in the Sumidero Canyon, which is as old and impressive as the Grand Canyon (at your own expense).

Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque. Once you arrive, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Situated in a steamy jungle, Palenque is a central town close to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name, which you'll have a chance to check out tomorrow.

This morning, you’ll head to the archaeological zone and visit the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD 600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you take a guided walk among the temples, listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and screeching parrots echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins that are still un-excavated and remain concealed in the forest. The area gives you an idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they arrived. This afternoon visit Misol-Ha, where the cascading falls and quiet surroundings create a refreshing escape into nature.

This morning, travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan region. On route you’ll stop at Campeche, a harbour town that retains a few remnants of its colonial past. Take a leader-led walk through its fortified centre then sit down for an included lunch. Afterward, continue to Merida. Founded in 1542 on the site of Tho (an ancient Maya city), Merida retains much of its old-world charm thanks primarily to its people and architecture. Take an orientation walk with your leader on arrival, then enjoy free time to get settled in for the rest of the day.

Today you can choose to visit the Maya ruins of Uxmal, a 1-hour drive from Merida, on an optional tour which includes transport and a local guide. It's thought that the city was constructed around AD700, was home to around 25,000 people and once dominated the region along with Chichen Itza. Much of the site is decorated with masks of Chac, the rain god, and important buildings include the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor's Palace, the House of the Tortoises and the Ball Court. Alternatively, you could choose to take an optional guided tour to Las Coloradas – the incredible pink lagoon that’s home to flocks of flamingos.

Travel to Playa del Carmen by private vehicle, stopping en route for an included visit to the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza. Containing both Toltec and Maya ruins lying alongside each other, the site is dominated by the famous El Castillo pyramid there’s also a large ball court where games used to be held. Nearby, excavations of the Well of Sacrifice revealed treasures of jade, copper and gold as well as many human and animal bones. You’ll get to see all of this on a guided tour of the ruins, and then you’ll have the chance to hear about modern life during a lunch stop at the nearby community of Piste. Sample some Yucatecan specialties, chat with the locals, then continue on to Playa del Carmen. After a quick orientation walk around Playa del Carmen, pick a place to kick back with a margarita and watch the sun go down.

Today you’ll have a free day to take on one of the beachside activities or just kick back and relax until your next welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Maybe try your hand (and feet and lungs) at snorkelling in the freshwater rock pools (called cenotes) or reef diving on Cozumel. After the meeting, maybe head out for a cocktail and a few tacos with your new travel buddies.

This morning, hop on a local bus to one stunning example of a cenote – Cenote Azul. There you can swim, dive or snorkel in the natural open-air pool, basking in the beauty of your surroundings. Then return to Playa Del Carmen, where you’ll have a free afternoon to explore this beachside paradise at your leisure. You might like to continue the underwater activities and keep your eyes peeled for rays, moray eels and turtles among the coral-clad reefs. If you’d rather leave the flippers behind and adventure on land, catch a local bus and travel south to Tulum, where white-sand beaches and Maya ruins are just an hour and a half away. In the evening, you could grab a few of your fellow travellers and find a good spot to watch the sunset – muy bien!

On your final morning in Playa del Carmen, maybe take an early morning stroll to the beach and dip your toes in the sand or simply let the world pass you by with a coffee at a local cafe. Then head to your next stop in Bacalar – said to be the first settlement of the Itza tribe, who would go on to create Chichen Itza. Here, you’ll have an included lunch and the chance to relax at the Lake of Seven Colours – thanks to the various stunning shades of blue it adopts throughout the day. If you’d like, you could also hop onboard a boat tour of the lake. Then continue to Chetumal – a quiet city close to the border of Belize, this place makes for the perfect stop before tomorrow’s adventure to Caye Caulker.

Bid adios to Mexico early this morning as you head south to Belize. After border formalities, arrive in Belize City then hop in a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. When you arrive, get acquainted with the island on a guided walk with your leader. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. Tonight, you’re free to relax or explore. Be aware that there may be crocodiles in the split area that separates the north and south of the island, so it’s best to take caution while swimming and exploring the beaches.

Today is free for you to explore the island that surrounds you, or just to simply relax. If you feel like snorkelling, ask your leader about organising a trip to the colourful coral reef nearby, or maybe head further afield to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the world’s second-longest coral reef. Manatee spotting is perfect for nature lovers, or you could take a stroll and find a swaying palm tree with your name on it – they make the perfect place to nap, read a book and soak up the island vibes on a beach day.

What’s better than one day in paradise? Two, of course! Your morning is free, then for lunch you’ll join in on a cooking class with a local family, learning how to make a famous Belizean meal with chicken, rice and beans. In the afternoon, perhaps head to the beach for a swim or hire a bicycle to explore. Tonight is your last opportunity to get your hands on some super fresh Belizean seafood, which you can dig into with your feet planted in the sand at one of the many ‘floor-free’ outdoor restaurants. The island's famous lobsters are available between 15 June and 15 February, and you can expect to pay far less than at home (though more than your average island meal). You could even grab some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with firewater from a roadside stall to really get into the island spirit.

From the islands to the highlands, you’ll bid farewell to Caye Caulker today and catch a ferry to Belize City, then a bus to San Ignacio. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of San Ignacio and its twin sister Santa Elena, giving you a sense of how vibrant the local Garifuna and Maya communities are. Tonight, maybe head out in search of a classic Maya dish like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus).

Today is free for you to discover San Ignacio at your own pace. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Maya ruins, making it the ideal base. If you’re a bit of a history buff, maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Maya ceremonial site on a hill overlooking the countryside. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Perhaps you'd like to take on the challenge of visiting the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade and hike through cool waters to find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the calcium-rich environment of the cave for over 1400 years. Easily spooked? Maybe you'd prefer a cave with fewer (as far as we know) skeletons, like the one in Mountain Pine Ridge. In the late afternoon, the barbecue stalls of Santa Elena start to set up for the dinner rush. It's only a 15-minute walk, so consider wandering over to enjoy a juicy chicken leg and a chat with the locals.

Rise and shine for your journey across the Belize-Guatemala border.to Tikal National Park. Here, there will be time to buy lunch before visiting the impressive archaeological site with a local guide. Towering above the jungle, the five granite temples of Tikal are an imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the evergreen forest is a maze of smaller structures waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds.

This morning depart for Flores, where you'll have breakfast in a local restaurant before joining your leader on an orientation walk on the island. Then, continue by private minivan to Rio Dulce before transferring to your hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also on the water – a journey that can be organised through the hotel. Alternatively, a 40-minute jungle walk will get you there. The hotel is a great place to relax and look over the water, with reasonably priced meals and drinks served in the hotel restaurant. Now that you are back in a Spanish-speaking nation, why not join an informal Spanish lesson led by your leader?

Take a boat ride down the river to Livingston – a laidback Afro-Caribbean town that offers a unique taste of Garifuna culture in a far-flung corner of Guatemala. Just 30 km (18 m) from Rio Dulce, Livingston is only accessible by boat and the ride is spectacular, taking you through waters filled with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon full of river birds. When you arrive, take a short orientation walk around the colourful town and see some fishermen working by the docks. Then, join the locals for a morning dance class. After learning some moves, you’ll have some free time for lunch and to explore at your own pace. Later this afternoon, hop back in the boat and head back to Rio Dulce.

Leave the 'Sweet River' behind and travel by private minibus to the city of Antigua. The road between Rio Dulce and Guatemala City is one of the busiest in the country. Traffic is slow, there are frequent road works and many, many slow trucks – be armed with patience, music and a good book and the journey will be easier to handle. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a group dinner.

Enjoy a free day to explore the city, with nothing scheduled until a meeting to welcome any new travellers joining you on your adventure. Maybe grab some roasted beans from a street vendor and munch them while you stroll around. If you’ve got a historical bent, perhaps check out the 18th-century ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara.

This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Mayan culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. As few Mayan gods survived Spanish colonialism, scholars now think that San Simon is a symbol of numerous lost deities. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, before heading to Las Fuentes Georginas – volcanically heated hot springs in Xela. Surrounded by ferns, these luxurious hot springs are also the entrance to the forest reserve, with trails to the Zunil volcano. When you start to prune, you’ll carry on Quetzaltenango, where you spend the night.

Early this morning before breakfast, you’ll hop on a chicken bus – a truly local experience, chicken buses are a source of national and personal pride. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – they are old American school busses passed down to new owners who decked them out in bright colours and decorations. Each bus is unique to the independent driver, many of whom have made this their sole business. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. Whether you believe the vegetables are a gift from above or due to the high amounts of fertiliser used by locals, this colourful market is a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and maybe pick up a giant carrot. Afterward, return to your hotel for breakfast.

As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Mayan dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.

This morning after breakfast, head for hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Mayan villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll visit the current shrine of Maximon (San Simon), where the local shamans keep watch. Your group will bring a gift of local spirits to share with the shamans, and while you drink, you’ll discuss the holy shrine, the perplexing deity and local life on the lake. Return to Panajachel in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening along the shores of Lake Atitlan.

Spend a free morning in Panajachel and then return to Antigua by private transfer in the afternoon. Then join your leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.

Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.