Great Central American Journey: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala

Day 1-2: Arrive Mexico City

Arrive in Mexico City at any time. As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Explore the world's largest metropolitan area or take an optional day trip to the famous archaeological site of Teotihuacán. If you prefer to get outside the city, the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the canals and gardens of Xochimilco are two good places to start.
A word of caution: Mexico City may be slightly overwhelming at first. The world’s most populous centre is a crowded, smoggy, urban place where the altitude combined with atmospheric conditions may cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Also be aware that the heat may affect you upon arrival, with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm; it is simply a reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day

Day 3: Puebla

After a short drive on one of Mexico’s comfortable buses, we hit Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano and rich colonial history.
Puebla has managed to incorporate its colonial past with a growing and progressive modern city centre. There are enough churches and well-maintained, colonial buildings to satisfy the most ardent lover of architecture. The markets, of course, are also present for buying, browsing or photographing. If you want to get out of town, you can head to nearby Cholula, home to a massive pyramid that hosts a church at the top and is now covered by the town, to catch an impressive sunset. Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 130 km

Day 4-6: Oaxaca

Colourful and lively markets and the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán are just two of many reasons to visit wonderful Oaxaca. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernán Cortez, chose the Valley of Oaxaca as his personal domain in the Americas and many visitors have followed in his footsteps. Surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain ranges, Oaxaca is a lovely colonial city, which has maintained not only the physical structures, but also the serenity of an era gone by.
Monte Albán, a spectacular grouping of pre-Hispanic (Zapotec) mountain top temples, is just a short bus ride away, as is the Valley of Mitla with its colourful ruins and hand-loomed carpets. Stepping from the cultural to the culinary, Oaxaca is also a great area for trying out new tastes and textures. From the sublime to the exotic, the restaurants and markets around town will challenge you to one adventure after another. After all, this is the home of Mezcal (look for the unfortunate worm at the bottom), Oaxaca chocolate, cheese, and yes, even dried grasshoppers covered with chili and lime, if you are so inclined.
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 320 km
On the evening of day 6 we take a night bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Day 7-8: San Cristóbal de las Casas

Crossing into the highlands we make our way to the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. The Highlands are a more traditional part of Mexico. Entering the state of Chiapas, you will see and feel its uniqueness within Mexico. This is the richest area of Mexico in natural resources, yet it is also home to the poorest citizens of the country, the majority of whom are of pure or mixed indigenous descent. The mountains of Chiapas are also the birthplace of the revolutionary Commandante Marcos and the Zapatista movement.
Explore the nearby indigenous communities—some of the most traditional in Mexico—on a guided tour. Alternatively, there are so many great options in the area it would be impossible to see them all. Some of the best include a boat trip up the Sumidero Canyon, horseback riding, biking, and shopping in the local markets.
A final note: the people here are as curious about you as foreigners are about them. Please respect their traditions, dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, inside churches or individuals who do not wish to be photographed. Please put yourself in their place before you act.
Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 630 km

Day 9-10: Palenque

A travel day by bus through the mountains takes us to the outskirts of Palenque. We travel through the Chiapas highlands, passing spectacular Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls, considered sacred by the Maya. One of the most significant ruins in the whole Mundo Maya, Palenque is set within the lushness of the Chiapas jungle, and the colourful, riotous wildlife and profuse flora will impress you as much as the ancient structures will.
The surrounding jungle growth and its bird life are as fascinating as the ruins, with toucans, macaws and the unmistakable Howler Monkeys making the park their home.
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 190 km

Day 11-12: Mérida

Hit the highway with the locals crossing the States of Chiapas, Tabasco, and Campeche to Yucatan state and its capital, Mérida. Mérida was founded in 1542 on the site of the Mayan city of Tihoo. Its centre, the Plaza Mayor (or zocalo), is green and shady and is surrounded by the twin-towered 16th Century Cathedral, City Hall, State Government Palace, and the Casa de Montejo.
Be sure to stroll down the Paseo de Montejo (or take a hose drawn calesa ride), lined with shops, restaurants and stately mansions dating from the late 19th century. Go see the murals at the Municipal Palace or visit the newly renovated Anthropological Museum to learn more about Mayan history. Mérida is a fascinating and beautiful city, and easy to explore on foot.
If cities aren’t your thing, escape to the beach town of Progreso and see the Dzibilchaltun ruins on the way. Mérida is also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of the Puuc Route, the most famous of which is Uxmal, which rivals Chichén Itzá in its scale and extent of excavation. Or, visit 3 nearby cenotes or water sink holes in the town of Cuzama, not far outside Mérida. Transportation to the cenotes is an adventure as it involves taking small wooden horse-drawn carts that runs for 9 km along old rail tracks. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the cenotes!
Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours
Approximate Distance: 550 km

Day 13-14: Chichén Itzá / Playa del Carmen

Begin the day with a visit to the beautifully restored stepped pyramids of Chichén Itzá. The city of Chichén Itzá was founded in 432 and taken over by the Toltecs in the 10th century. Today it is probably the most visited and best-restored site in the Mayan world; it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated can be found here,
The once sleepy village of Playa is quickly becoming a destination among sun worshippers worldwide. Stroll along the cool, white sands of the Caribbean coast, spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves, diving in underground caverns, or simply sipping on cool margaritas and catching some rays. Playa del Carmen is also known for its vibrant nightlife.
Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 390 km

Day 15: Cancún

No activities are planned, so you can spend your time at leisure.
The famous resort of Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula is a thriving complex and town with skyscraper hotels and crowded beaches. Prices are higher in Cancún than elsewhere in Mexico because everything must be transported to the city...and because most of the people paying are comparatively wealthy tourists! We use it as a starting and finishing point, and try not to spend too much time in this massive resort area.
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 60 km

Day 16-17: Playa Del Carmen

Heading south toward Belize we return to the ocean side town of Playa del Carmen.
Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel, renowned for its world-class diving. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30 to 75 minutes depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the towns and the reefs of the island. For a first dose of ruins, Tulúm is just a 45-minute drive south of Playa. Aside from its unusual late Mayan architecture, it offers possibly the most appealing setting for any ruins, as it is located on a palm-fringed, white-sand beach, where you can even go for a swim within the ancient walls.
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 60 km

Day 18-19: Caye Caulker, Belize

Mention Belize and you may conjure up visions of unbelievably clear blue waters, diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef and remarkable marine life. Belize also boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easygoing people. Belize is all this and much more!
As a peaceful, democratic and English speaking country, Belize is an anomaly in the region; it seems in many ways not to belong in Central America at all. In many ways, Belize has more in common with its Caribbean rather than its Latin neighbours, although it has plenty of distinctively Central American features as well.
Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy-going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. The main street is a sandy pathway through the centre of town surrounded by small bakeshops, seafood stands and bars. There is not much to do on the island except relax and explore the reef. Snorkel and dive boats leave daily for full or half-day outings to the reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Blue Hole and manatee spotting tours at Swallow Caye.
The barrier reef is the world's second longest (after Australia’s) and offers some truly amazing sights including coral canyons and an astonishing range of tropical fish, Manta Rays, sharks and barracudas, as well as the more mundane, edible varieties of fish.
Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 480 k

Day 20-21: San Ignacio

From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With your free time here, you may choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.
Days trips can also be arranged to Xunantunich,an impressive Maya ceremonial centre located on a natural limestone ridge providing a grand view of the entire Cayo District and Guatemalan countryside. The tallest pyramid on the site, El Castillo, has been partially excavated and explored, and the east side of the structure displays a unique stucco frieze. The plaza of the ceremonial centre houses three carved stellae. You can get a group together and hire a taxi to take you to the site. Getting there includes crossing a narrow river by a hand-cranked ferry which shuttles you across! There is a small fee to enter the grounds and a guide can give you the lowdown on the site.
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 110 km

Day 22-23: Flores, Guatemala

Cross the border into Guatemala and you immediately notice the difference in culture, with its heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Here we have entered Guatemala’s northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán.
Despite the recent growth in the Petén, Flores remains a small island town, with narrow, cobble-stoned streets, small, brightly painted houses and friendly people. Few modern conveniences are embraced here, and though the island is now attached to the mainland by a causeway, many of the locals still get around by cayuco (dug-out canoe). All in all, Flores remains one of the most scenic and charming towns in the Petén. It is particularly attractive to visitors because of Lake Petén-Itzá, a large lake (12 km long and 3 km wide) offering all sorts of possibilities for fun including swimming, boating, fishing, bird watching, a small zoo and a nature preserve.
The sheer scale of the ruins at Tikal may at first seem daunting. If you make it only to the main plaza or spend an hour relaxing in deep contemplation, you certainly won't be disappointed.Occasionally you may spot toucans, macaws and other bright birds from this artificial perch within the greenery.
Note that the rainy season in the Petén is generally from mid-May until early January. Be prepared to get wet during this time. Make sure you have plastic bags to wrap around the items in your daypack while hiking, and bring a good (light) waterproof jacket. Also make sure that you have strong insect repellent. The dry season runs January until mid-May. During this time you need to make sure you have adequate sunscreen.
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 130 km

Day 24-25: Río Dulce

We take the road south across the dense jungle of the Petén, through Poptún and stop at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal and a port stop for boaters around the globe, on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast.
There are plenty of opportunities for R & R. As well, there are several optional tours in the area; you may choose to visit protected manatees, go on a horseback ride through a rubber plantation, explore San Felipé fort, cruise along the Lake Izabal to relax in the thermal springs or hike through the jungle-strewn trails in the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve area.
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 211 km

Day 26: Antigua

Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital city for more than 200 years until an earthquake destroyed it in 1773. In 1979 UNESCO declared Antigua a World Heritage site, and Antigua today is a peaceful colonial city that is a pleasure to explore. Walk through quiet cobblestone streets past rebuilt stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances.
Explore the museums and colonial buildings, or just soak up the atmosphere in this delightful city, one of the best-restored Spanish colonial cities in the world.
Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 290 km

Day 27-28: Chichicastenango / Panajachel / Lake Atitlán

A visit to Guatemala would not be complete without a visit to the famous market of Chichicastenango. Renowned for its colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings, “Chichi” is also an important trading place for the local residents, and provides close views of daily life of modern Maya. We stop off at the market en route to Lake Atitlan.
Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Central America. Twelve villages, blue-grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of the lake. The resulting combination is a place of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture. Compared to many Mayan villages on the lake, Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets in its centre, and is an important crossroads for locals and travellers alike.
From Pana you have the opportunity to visit the villages on the lake by boat, departing in the morning and returning in late afternoon. Prepare for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and everyday life in a highland village. The people of this area have received tourists for some time, and are friendly and ready to smile at strangers as readily as they will at a life long friend.
The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, horseback riding, and for the really adventurous, parapenting!
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 130 km

Day 29-30: Antigua

Next we travel through the hills and fertile fields back up to Antigua. The trip from Lake Atitlan is a 95km drive on winding mountain roads. The natural scenery is striking with high mountain peaks surrounding deep valleys, and every inch of land covered with lush growth.
Because of the international population, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars and activities available in Antigua. You’d have to try very hard to get bored!
There are also plenty of fun day trips available from Antigua, one of the most popular being a climb of still-smoking Pacaya Volcano.
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 80 km

Day 31: Depart Antigua

Depart Antigua at any time.