Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala

G Adventures · 16 days
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 $1611 Was AUD $2149
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala

Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala

G Adventures · 16 days
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.

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

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

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

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Finishes

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Classic

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
16

Day 16: Antigua Guatemala

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • 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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $2149

AUD $1,611
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% 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 25 Sep 2025

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