Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala

G Adventures · 16 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala
16 Days
From AUD $2124 Was AUD $2499
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(10 reviews)

Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala

Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala

G Adventures · 16 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Includes

Activities

  • Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San Ignacio Your G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", Lívingston Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio Your Discover Moment: Antigua Guatemala
  • Guided tour of Tikal
  • Orientation walk in Antigua
  • Beach time in Playa del Carmen and Caye Caulker
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), local homestay (1 nt).
  • 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

  • Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

  • Swim in calm waters off the coast of white-sand beaches in Mexico
  • Watch sunsets in Caye Caulker with the sound of reggae music nearby
  • Experience a pottery demonstration at a women’s cooperative
  • Participate in a local homestay near Lake Atitlán
  • Explore gorgeous colonial Antigua and its colourful markets
Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Finishes

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

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.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the city.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Colonial
2

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.
Take advantage of a full day of free time to relax or explore as much as you wish. Perched atop the sea you will find the ruins of Tulúm. In the coral-filled waters surrounding Cozumel you can snorkel, or you can go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, before exploring the town in the evening on your own.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, the diving mecca of Cozumel, or play in the waves and enjoy the beach!Accommodation - Hotel Colonial
3

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Arrive at the Mexican border then go to immigration to get passports stamped and pay the exit fee. After a quick trip on the bus, grab your luggage and pass through Belizean immigration and customs. Get back on the bus with your stuff and get ready to start exploring Belize. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
4

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas–the Caribbean awaits!Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
5

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas–the Caribbean awaits!Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
6

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.
San Ignacio is a great base for exploring some of Belize's lesser known inland gems. There will be ample free time here to wander the area by foot, canoe, or horseback, or you can choose to book a caving trip.

Meals included: Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.Activity - Like in many places around the world, education for women in the village of San Antonio isn’t prioritized. Girls don’t typically attend school beyond primary levels. So a women’s cooperative was founded here, as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills, and share centuries-old Mayan techniques and knowledge. Visit the pottery workshop, which is newly expanded with an investment from G Adventures. Meet some of the women who’ve found community within its walls and gain insight into the tradition of throwing pots. Afterward, enjoy lunch together with these inspiring and unforgettable women, sampling traditional foods of the Cayo region.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Kawoq Hostel
7

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a full day at your leisure in San Ignacio.Accommodation - Kawoq Hostel
8

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.Activity - Grab your bags from the vehicle and head to immigration after paying the exit fee. Passports get stamped in immigration and then passed to your CEO for the short walk (200m) to the Guatemalan border where the entrance fee is paid. Lend a hand loading luggage into the vehicle while your CEO gets all the passports stamped. Welcome to Guatemala! Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Petén
9

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Hacienda Tijax
10

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.

Meals included: Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a boat down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean Sea passing through El Golfete and El Canyon before arriving to Livingston. Float past mangroves and lily pads and the Boquerón Canyon, where a sheer limestone cliff rises 122m (400 ft) out of the river, covered in vines, trees and moss. Arrive at the small fishing village of Livingston known for its unique Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population, with their unique art, music and delicious coconut seafood soup, “tapado”.Activity - El Manglar Restaurant in Guatemala is a women-led community tourism initiative founded by the Cayo Quemado Women's Committee with the aim of creating new job opportunities within the community. During your visit you will begin with a welcome given by the women of the committee and receive a brief introduction to the workshop. Then, there will be a short walk around the property, including a full explanation of the project, it's impact, and culture before you all sit down for lunch at the restaurant. Every traveler that visits Cayo Quemado has a direct impact on their community.Accommodation - Hotel Hacienda Tijax
11

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Accommodation - Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
12

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.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time in Antigua. Relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture of this colonial town’s many museums and cafes, attend a chocolate workshop, visit one of the local coffee or macadamia nut plantations, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.Accommodation - Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
13

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Kamol Bey
14

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.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Activity - Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlán, arrive by boat to the laid-back village of San Juan La Laguna and immediately feel at home. Meet your host family, stash your stuff, then set off to explore the area. Admire the paintings of local artists, watch weavers who use traditional techniques to dye wool, go for a hike and admire the view across the lake. Feel good knowing you are supporting local families eager to benefit from tourism in their community.Accommodation - Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay
15

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
16

Day 16: Antigua Guatemala

Depart at any time.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2499

AUD $2,124
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard
15% Off

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 May 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Lulu R.
Traveled, September 2025

09/21/2025

Incredible!!!

5.0
Terence M.
Traveled, September 2025

09/16/2025

As ever brilliant holiday great guide wonderful group of people loads to do and the real test...didnt want to leave, and will probably return when I've done the rest of the tours

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990