Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Youth Adventure - 18 Days

Cancun - Playa del Carmen. Upon arrival in Cancun, Mexico, you will be met and transferred to the hotel in Playa del Carmen. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 39. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Today, we are exploring one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza. Accompanied by a local guide, we’ll uncover the captivating myths and extraordinary sights of these ancient ruins, including the iconic Temple of Kukulkan, also known as ‘El Castillo,’ the haunting Platform of the Skulls, and the expansive Plaza of a Thousand Columns.

Afterwards, get ready to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of a stunning cenote, a remarkable natural limestone swimming spot hidden underground.

Playa del Carmen - Tulum - Playa del Carmen. This morning, you’re off to the beautiful town of Tulum. You can explore the fascinating Tulum Ruins, an ancient Mayan site perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean, or relax at Tulum Beach, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and soft white sands.

Afterwards, back in Playa, it’s time for you to enjoy dinner and drinks. You’ll savour fresh dishes, including creamy avocado, and treat yourself to a tequila shot or two. It’s the perfect way to unwind and end a memorable day!

Playa del Carmen - Bacalar. This morning, after breakfast, we will set off by bus, heading south through the Yucatán Peninsula. Our destination is Bacalar, known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours, for its stunning and vibrant lagoon. Once we have arrived, we’ll embark on a relaxing boat ride, allowing you to fully soak in the beauty of the lagoon. As the boat glides across the tranquil waters, you’ll have the chance to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear lagoon and perhaps raise a toast to the experience with a cold beer.

Bacalar - Caye Caulker (Belize). Today, we continue our journey south as we cross into Belize, known for hosting the world’s second-largest barrier reef and embodying a vibrant Caribbean culture, Belize serves as our gateway to island life. We’ll catch a brief ferry ride after breakfast to Caye Caulker, where our hotel is conveniently located just a minute from the beach.

After dropping off your bags, you can head straight to the pristine white sands for some free time. Later, we’ll meet up to enjoy the sunset on the island’s opposite side, where stingrays swim right between your legs. 

This morning, we embark on a boat journey to the stunning Hol Chan Marine Reserve, renowned for its diverse marine life, where we will enjoy a snorkelling trip. Along the way, we’ll make a few stops along the barrier reef, you will be able to step into the warm water to reveal a kaleidoscope of colours, fish darting around you, coral reefs teem with life, and rays glide calmly below. as we make our way to the last stop, you might even have the opportunity to see some manatees, known as "sea cows" (seasonal).

For dinner, you’ll savour delectable Caribbean cuisine, featuring the freshest fish paired with a Caribbean curry sauce.

Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy Caye Caulker at your own pace, taking in the Carribean lifestyle with the day free for you to relax. You can spend time at the beach, try paddle boarding, snorkel in the pristine waters, or simply unwind in a hammock soaking in the sun and local reggae music. Alternatively, you can venture to the famous "Split," a natural channel formed by a hurricane, which divides the island and creates a popular spot for swimming and relaxing.

Caye Caulker - Flores (Guatemala). After breakfast, we will depart from Caye Caulker, as we travel further south we will pass through small towns and roadside stalls that will give us a glimpse into the local lifestyle.

Along the way, we will make a stop at a Mayan village for lunch, giving us a view of the ancient culture and traditions. Here, we will enjoy a cooking lesson with locals, giving us an insight into the Mayan Heritage. After our cooking lesson, we will continue our journey, crossing the border on our way to Flores. Once we have arrived in the small Island of Flores, we will check into our hotel.

This morning, we will prepare to unleash our inner Indiana Jones as we journey back thousands of years. Nestled deep within the northern jungles of Guatemala lies a vast archaeological site of Tikal, one of the largest remnants of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.

The highlights of the day include the towering Lost World (Mundo Perdido) Pyramid and the iconic Temple of the Grand Jaguar, offering us an immersive experience as we walk in the footsteps of an ancient and mysterious civilisation. Our knowledgeable local guide will accompany us, vividly bringing the history of this captivating world to life.

Flores - Coban. After breakfast, we will discover how big Guatemala is as we drive south making our way to Coban. Along the way, we will make a stop at the Candelariia Caves an 80km long cave system, which plays a significant role in Mayan culture as it is believed to be the entrance to the underworld.

After our cave exploration, we will continue our journey to Coban, a colourful city surrounded by mountains.

This morning, a convoy of 4x4s will take us on an authentic journey into the highlands. Prepare for an exhilarating ride as we traverse the winding mountain roads, surrounded by breathtaking vistas on both sides.

As we explore these rugged terrains, our adventure continues with a hike for the final stretch into the jungle. There, we'll find a stunning bright blue river meandering through the mountains, cascading into a series of beautiful pools bordered by vivid, light green algae.

We'll have a couple of hours to relax in these invigorating pools, soaking up the sun and leisurely drifting along the river on rubber rings. Our day will culminate with a visit to a traditional Mayan home where we'll enjoy an authentic lunch.

Coban - Panajachel. This morning, we proceed on our journey south through the highlands, stopping in the vibrant town of Chichicastenango. Known to house the indigenous Mayan traditions. On market days, it features one of the largest local markets in Central America.

Our next destination is Panajachel, where we will spend the night. Panajachel is located adjacent to the famous Lake Atitlán. With the gentle lapping of the lake's waters against the shore and the breathtaking views of the surrounding towering volcanoes, you'll certainly want to pause and appreciate the beauty of this extraordinary location.

Panajachel - San Juan La Laguna. For many residents around Lake Atitlán, the quickest way to travel and run errands between towns is by crossing the lake in local boats. Naturally, we’ll follow their example, as the views from the water are truly breathtaking. Our first stop is the charming town of San Marcos, famous for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere and its peaceful nature reserve by the water, ideal for a refreshing swim.

Next, we’ll head to San Juan La Laguna, where we’ll stay overnight in a local homestay with Mayan families. During a traditional dinner, we’ll have the chance to learn some Mayan phrases and practice our Spanish.

San Juan La Laguna - Antigua. Today, we're beginning early with a moonlit hike to the summit of Mayan Face Mountain, known for its unique silhouette that resembles a face when viewed from below. The true beauty awaits at the top, where the sunrise reveals the stunning vista of Lake Atitlán. Our local guides will enhance this unforgettable experience by serving us hot cocoa. Once we descend, we'll have breakfast with our local families, say our goodbyes, and set off for Antigua.  

Today you can take advantage of some well-deserved free time to explore the charming colonial town of Antigua, a favorite among tourists and locals alike. With its breathtaking Spanish architecture from the churches to local markets, delightful cafés serving freshly brewed Guatemalan coffee and huevos rancheros, cozy restaurants, and parks there's plenty to enjoy.

Antigua - Acatenango. After breakfast, we will get our hiking boots ready for an exhilarating hike. We will embark on a 7-hour hike up taking us through serene forests, and then making our way through rocky terrain, as the hike starts to get steeper our local guide will give us more insight into the region.

When the sun sets, we will reach our campsite for the night near the summit above the clouds. As the night falls, we will be mesmerized by the stars that fill the sky and the active volcano Fuego, with its lava bursting from the crate, known as the "Fire Volcano".

Please note: The overnight hike up Acatenango is a challenging 7-hour ascent with steep, rugged terrain, requiring good fitness, warm layers, proper footwear, and travel insurance covering hikes up to 4,000 metres. It’s an epic adventure, but if you prefer not to take part, we offer alternative accommodation and a traditional chocolate-making experience in Antigua. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Acatenango - Antigua. This morning, we will have an early start hiking to the summit for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. We will then start our descent, making our way down the volcano back to Antigua.

Once we have arrived back in Antigua, we'll have some time to freshen up. You will have some time further explore the streets of Antigua, checking out any sights you might have missed before.

After breakfast, our tour will come to an end. You can greet your fellow travellers and guide before making your way to the airport for your onward flight. Although there is no departure transfer included, your tour leader will be available to help you plan your onward travel and is on hand to assist you.