Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala

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.

Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
Day 2: Playa del Carmen
Spend a full free day in the area! Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or snorkel off the coast of nearby Cozumel. For a more laid-back day, choose to enjoy the beach.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: 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.
Day 5: Caye Caulker
Another full day of free time will allow you to participate in any optional activities in the area that you didn’t have time for yesterday.
Day 6: 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.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: 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 Petén region and stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal on the way to Flores. This place is the capital of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake in Guatemala—Lake Petén Itzá.
Day 9: 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.
Day 10: Rio Dulce
Sit back and marvel at the scenery on a boat ride from Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingston. Make a stop at the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project there. Walk around the grounds and then gather for a delicious lunch steeped in local flavours.
Day 11: Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala
Spend most of the day travelling from Rio Dulce to Antigua, Guatemala. Rest up on the ride because upon arrival the group will set off on an orientation walk. The rest of the evening is free. Get a head start planning tomorrow’s activities or enjoy this colonial city’s nightlife.
Day 12: Antigua Guatemala
The group will have a full day at leisure in Antigua. From biking riding to climbing a volcano there’s plenty to see and do. Stay in town and café hop as a way to soak up the area’s culture.
Day 13: Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel
Visit beautiful Lake Atitlán 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.
Day 14: 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.
Day 15: 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.
Day 16: Antigua Guatemala
Depart at any time.