From traditional villages to an island paradise surrounded by coral reefs, this 31-day journey is an all-encompassing adventure of Central American highlights. Start your epic discovery in thriving Mexico City, where you’ll taste the city’s best tacos. Visit Nahuatl descendants and learn about how they keep their culture alive, discover the arts scene in Oaxaca, walk the pine-covered floor of Iglesia de San Juan and visit vibrant markets before discovering one of the New Wonders of the World at Chichen Itza. Kick back, surf, swim and recharge on the paradise-like shores of Playa del Carmen and Caye Caulker. When you’ve had your fill of beach days, hit the highlands of Belize and discover local Maya culture and delicious local meals. After, dive into Guatemala and discover the ancient remains of Tikal, the bustling Chichi market and stay with the locals near Lake Atitlan.
- Eat your way through arty Oaxaca at its many market vendors and authentic restaurants – mole poblano and mezcal for dinner? Delicioso!
- Chichen Itza is one the New Seven Wonders of the World. It's not hard to see why – strolling around the ancient Maya ruins feels pretty wondrous.
- Caribbean Caye Caulker is a dreamy place to spend two days with no plans. Munch barbecue lobster? Snorkel in coral reef? Nap under a palm tree? It’s up to you.
- Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Jorge La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
- Wander between stalls of rainbow-coloured handicrafts, fruits and flowers and get some haggling tips from your leader in Chichicastenango Market.
- Explore the stunning Mayan temples of Palenque dating back to AD600 and stroll through Chichen Itza – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac – home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
- Spend two days exploring the island paradise of Caye Caulker – munch on barbecued lobster, snorkel around a coral reef, nap under palm trees, go kayaking or just kick back with a couple of worry-free beach days.
- Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna – a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family and see how they harvest their local medicinal plants.
- Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- This itinerary includes basic accommodation, meaning access to elevators can be limited. Often rooms will be located on higher levels and luggage will need to be carried up and down stairs. We recommend packing light for this reason. For more information, refer to the "Packing" section of the Essential Trip Information.
