If you’re looking to experience some of Central America’s finest highlights on a budget, this 16-day odyssey will definitely do the trick. Lounge in the diverse beauty of Lake Atitlán and its Indigenous villages, wander Antigua’s cobblestone streets and its local markets, bask in Caye Caulker sunsets, and find true paradise from the white-sand beaches of Mexico to the lush Guatemalan highlands.
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), local homestay (1 nt).
2 lunches, 1 dinner
Allow USD400-520 for meals not included.
Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Playa del Carmen: Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker: Travel from Mexico across the border into Belize today, which boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easy-going people. During the drive, picture the unbelievably clear blue waters and the opportunities you will have over the next few days for diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef.
Caye Caulker: Enjoy a free day in Caye Caulker. Choose to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, keeping a lookout for stingrays and nurse sharks. You can also choose to go diving, or just chill out on the beach.
Caye Caulker/San Ignacio: Cross back to the mainland of Belize via boat and travel by bus inland to San Ignacio. Along the way the group will stop for an included pottery demonstration and a typical lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
San Ignacio: Enjoy a day at leisure to experience the surroundings of San Ignacio. Choose to visit the Sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, or set your eyes on the lesser-visited Xunantunich Mayan ruins.
San Ignacio/Flores: While this trip is fast-paced, there will be some opportunity to rest on today's drive as the group crosses another border and travels to Guatemala. Enter the country in the northeast jungle Pet?n region and stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal on the way to Flores. This place is the capital of Pet?n, a small island located on the second largest lake in Guatemala?Lake Pet?n Itz?.
Flores/Rio Dulce: Travel for most of the day from Flores to Rio Dulce, which is on the shores of Lake Izabel, the largest lake in Guatemala. This journey across the country will take a road through dense jungle arriving at this port town in the evening.
Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel: Visit beautiful Lake Atitl?n after travelling through the country?s highlands full of fertile hills and fields. The area is ideal for outdoor activities and you will have plenty of time to explore.
Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna: Take a boat ride across the lake before taking part in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family.
San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala: The group will journey back to Antigua and spend some free time exploring. Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills, or taking a salsa lesson.
Antigua Guatemala: Depart at any time.