Central America Intro 18 Day

Landing in Cancun, we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Playa del Carmen. Meet up with your travel crew for dinner and get excited for the adventures to come.

Today, we’re off to check out one of the New 7 Wonders of the World - Chichén Itzá. With a local guide leading the way, we’ll uncover the cool myths and awesome sights of these ancient ruins, like the iconic Temple of Kukulkan (or ‘El Castillo’), the spooky Platform of the Skulls, and the huge Plaza of a Thousand Columns. Then, get ready to dive into the crystal-clear waters of a stunning cenote, a super cool natural swimming spot hidden in an underground world. *You'll likely join forces with our Viva Mexico group for a few days

Heading out this morning, we're on our way to Tulum. We’ll have the choice between checking out the archaeological Tulum Ruins, or hitting the crystal-clear waters of Tulum beach. Back in Playa, it's time for dinner and drinks. Let's dig into some avocado, knock back a tequila shot (or two), and enjoy!

Hop on the bus as we embark on our adventure south along the Yucatán Peninsula to truly begin this epic trip. Our first destination, Bacalar, is renowned for its stunning, vibrant blue lagoon. Once we check in, we'll experience the lagoon in the best way possible—on a boat ride. As the boat glides across the lagoon, you'll have the chance to cool off in the crystal-clear waters and maybe even raise a beer in celebration.

Today, we continue our journey south as we cross the border into the next country on our trip—Belize! Home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef and rich in vibrant Caribbean culture, Belize is our gateway to island life. We'll take a short ferry ride to Caye Caulker, where our hotel is just a minute from the beach. Drop off your bags and head straight to the white sandy shores. Later, we'll gather for a sunset on the opposite side of the island, where local stingrays swim right between your legs.

Get your snorkels ready as we hop on a boat bound for the breathtaking Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to an incredible variety of marine life. We'll make stops along the barrier reef, offering plenty of opportunities to spot colorful fish and vibrant corals. Our final stop brings the chance to encounter the gentle "sea cows," better known as manatees (seasonal). For dinner, we’ll indulge in some irresistible Caribbean cuisine. Imagine the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted, topped with a mouthwatering Caribbean curry sauce. Alright, now I’m getting hungry!

Today is all about well-deserved free time. Maybe you’ll head straight to the beach to soak up the sun and unwind, or maybe you’ll visit the island’s famous Split, where the drinks flow and the music plays all day long! It’s pure island vibes here—dipping in and out of the crystal-clear blue water to cool off, with a cocktail in hand. If lounging in the sun isn’t your thing, there are plenty of activities to choose from, like paddleboarding or snorkelling.

Country number 3 awaits us as we say farewell to island paradise. As we journey across Belize, we’ll stop for lunch in a local Mayan village, offering a glimpse into the diverse cultures of this fascinating, small country. Together, we'll prepare a traditional Mayan lunch while learning about their history and way of life. With full bellies, we’ll cross the border into Guatemala and check into our hotel on the charming island of Flores.

Get ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones as we travel thousands of years back in time. Hidden deep within the northern jungles of Guatemala, this massive archaeological site is one of the largest remnants of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. With highlights like the towering Lost World (Mundo Perdido) Pyramid and the iconic Temple of the Grand Jaguar, you'll truly feel like you're walking in the footsteps of an ancient, mysterious civilization. Our expert local guide will lead us through the complex, bringing the history of this fascinating world to life.

Guatemala is a large country, so we have quite a bit of ground to cover today as we head south toward the Guatemalan Highlands. But don't worry—we’ll break up the trip with a visit to the Candelaria Caves. This cave system stretches approximately 80 km and holds great significance in Mayan culture, as it is believed to be the gateway to the underworld. After exploring the depths and telling the devil, "Not today, sir!" we’ll emerge back into the world and continue our journey toward Cobán, located at the edge of the highlands.

This morning, a fleet of 4X4s will whisk us away on a genuine adventure into the highlands. Hold on tight as we navigate the winding mountain roads, offering breathtaking views on both sides. As we journey through these rugged landscapes, we’re on the lookout for something truly special. But the adventure doesn’t end there—we’ll need to hike the final stretch into the jungle. There, we’ll discover a stunning bright blue river flowing through the mountains, cascading down the valley and creating a series of beautiful pools edged with vibrant, light green algae. We’ll have a couple hours to float in these refreshing pools, basking in the sun and leisurely drifting down the river in rubber rings. We’ll then arrive at an authentic Mayan home for a traditional, mouthwatering lunch! Can you imagine a better way to spend your afternoon?

This morning, we continue our journey south through the highlands with a stop in the lively town of Chichicastenango. On market days, this place hosts one of the largest local markets in Central America. Next, we’ll head to Panajachel, our overnight destination, situated right next to the renowned Lake Atitlán. With the gentle lapping of the lake water on the shore and the stunning view of towering volcanoes encircling the lake, you’ll definitely want to take a moment to soak in the beauty of this remarkable spot.

For many locals around Lake Atitlán, the quickest way to commute and run errands between towns is by crossing the lake in local boats. So, naturally, we’ll follow their lead - the views from the water are even more breathtaking! Our first stop is the charming town of San Marcos, known for its laid-back, bohemian vibe and its tranquil nature reserve right by the water—perfect for a refreshing swim. Next, we’ll head to San Juan, where we’ll spend the night in a local homestay with local Mayan families. During a traditional dinner, we’ll have the opportunity to learn some Mayan phrases and, of course, practice a bit more of our Spanish.

We’re starting early today - embarking on a short hike under the moonlight to the summit of Mayan Face Mountain, named for its distinctive silhouette that resembles a face from below. The real splendour reveals itself at the top, as the sun rises and unveils the breathtaking beauty of Lake Atitlán. To complete this memorable experience, our local guides will treat us to some hot cocoa. After descending, we’ll enjoy breakfast with our local families, bid them farewell, and head to Antigua.

You’ll have some well-deserved free time to explore the charming colonial town of Antigua, a favourite among both tourists and locals. With its stunning Spanish architecture, delightful cafés, and cozy restaurants, there’s plenty to enjoy. Have your cameras on ready - Antigua is a photo opportunity at every corner!

Lace up those hiking boots—it's time to tackle one of the towering volcanoes we've only seen from a distance until now. This hike is challenging, but it’s bound to become one of your all-time favourites. After several hours, we’ll approach the summit of Acatenango Volcano, where the air will grow thinner and we’ll find ourselves up among the clouds, with views that are truly spectacular. As the sun sets, we’ll reach our basecamp for the night and the view of Guatemala's most active volcano Volcan Fuego, "Fire Volcano”, will come into view. This volcano frequently ejects bursts of lava, and as the sun sets, the fiery orange glow of its eruptions will be an unforgettable spectacle.

*The Acatenango overnight volcano hike is quite challenging, taking up to 7 hours to ascend, and requires a reasonably good level of fitness. The trek involves steep sections and rugged terrain, which can be demanding at high elevations. You will need some warm layers, decent trainers or hiking boots and travel insurance that covers hikes up to 4000m. The volcano hike is EPIC, however you can choose not to do it, if so we will provide you alternative accommodation and a just-as-epic traditional chocolate making experience in Antigua. For more info on the hike and alternatives see our FAQ’s or contact us.

As with any adventure, what goes up must come down. After descending from the volcano, we’ll have the chance to freshen up and spend a bit more time exploring the streets of Antigua, revisiting any sights you might have missed. Finally, it’s time to dress up for a memorable final dinner and drinks in Guatemala. But don’t worry—there’s still plenty more excitement ahead!

Your unforgettable 18 day adventure comes to an end today. Those flying home or on to your next destination will make their way to the airport or keep living the dream and extend your stay in Guatemala with our help and the new friends you’ve made.