Real Central America

Intrepid Travel · 16 days
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
Real Central America
16 Days
From AUD $2155
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Real Central America

Real Central America

Intrepid Travel · 16 days
4.6
20 Reviews
View Map
Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

On this 16-day Central American adventure, you’ll explore the vast lakes, steaming volcanos and thick jungles of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, making memories with new lifelong friends.

Highlights

  • Enjoy traditional Guatemalan hospitality with a homecooked lunch in a local home in San Juan La Laguna, after visiting a local midwife, walking through medicinal gardens and experiencing a weaving and dying workshop.
  • Head to Tikal National Park within the dense Maya forest to explore ancient Maya ruins at the archaeological site – you might like to opt to swing through the canopy on the optional zipline experience!
  • Soak up extended time in the paradise of Caye Caulker and unique Antigua, offering the perfect opportunity for some laidback island vibes and buzzing city life. Swim among tropical fish and then hit the salsa lessons.
  • Visit the colourful markets of Chichicastenango, nicknamed Chichi, where you can explore the local handmade wares like jade jewellery, pottery and traditional huipils – the traditional dress worn by Maya women.
  • See some of the best of Central America with loads of free time where you can rent bikes and explore on wheels, go snorkelling and kayaking or rent a paddleboard and take in the landscape from the water.

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Local bus,Public bus,Taxi,Shared Boat,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Playa del Carmen, Belize

Finishes

Antigua, Belize

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. You’ll kick things off in Playa del Carmen – it’s recommended that you book a couple of extra days here to chill on the coast and explore at your own pace before the trip starts. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, maybe go snorkelling or cycling, or simply stroll along the sandy playa (beach). Tonight, head out with your group leader for an included dinner at a local taquisa for a selection of delicious tacos – make sure you order one with freshly caught fish! To improve your lingo, your group leader will conduct an informal Spanish lesson between bites, so that you can understand your burritos from your banos.

Included Activities:

  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson

Optional Activities:

  • Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) (260 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Tulum
Today, you’ll hop on a local bus and travel along the Caribbean coast to Tulum, where it's all about that laidback life on the white sands of the Yucatan Peninsula. Head out on a leader-led orientation walk around Tulum and maybe visit one of the best-looking Maya sites – the Temple of the Frescoes. See how this pre-Columbian walled ruin city clings to a clifftop overlooking the ocean and grab some cool photos before heading for an optional swim in the archaeological zone. Tonight, maybe kick back and watch the waves roll in at a beachside bar with a margarita.

Included Activities:

  • Tulum walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) (451 MXN)
  • Tulum- Bike rental (250 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Tulum
With a free day to relax in Tulum, you can settle into the laidback Mexican vibe. Maybe rent a bike and cruise around the area on two wheels. The town is heaving with hip cafes and restaurants with many vegetarian and vegan options. There are also plenty of places to relax the mind and the body with yoga and meditation. Maybe you’d like to explore Dos Ojos (two eyes) – one of the area's most famous cenotes (freshwater rock pools) and an underwater world full of stalagmites and stalactites. Tonight, explore the vibrant nightlife of Tulum with your fellow travellers.

Optional Activities:

  • Tulum - Jungle Adventure (149 USD)
  • Tulum - Jungle Bike tour (two centotes) (125 USD)
  • Tulum - Maya Inland Expedition (164 USD)
  • Tulum - Sian Ka'an Adventure (150 USD)
  • Tulum - World Wonder Discovery (174 USD)
  • Tulum - Sian Ka'an Muyil (194 USD)
  • Tulum - Cenote Adventure (1500 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Caye Caulker
Say adios to Mexico and hello to Belize. You’ll have a long travel day today, so make sure you grab a window seat if you can or get stuck into a good book. This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a bit better! Drive by local bus to the border, then carry on to Belize City. Let the wind and the sea wash the travel sweat away with a 1-hour speedboat ride when you arrive – to the palm-fringed island of Caye Caulker.

Included Activities:

  • Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Caye Caulker
Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy. It’s said that the pace of life is so slow here that it's almost backwards! If being underwater is your thing, maybe head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the world's second-longest barrier reef. Snorkel among the colourful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. You can also take day trips to other Cayes nearby as each island has its own Caribbean charm. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which makes chatting with locals much easier here.

Optional Activities:

  • Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing (126 BZD)
  • Caye Caulker - Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included) (230 BZD)
  • Caye Caulker - Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included) USD (120 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Caye Caulker
Today is another free day to take up any other optional activities you like, or to simply pull up a towel and relax on the beach with a book, a cocktail or some friends. If you’ve already been snorkelling, maybe continue the marine exploration with a manatee tour. Get more active with sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards or go the other way and just chill out. The island's also great for food – famed for its lobster and super tasty meals cooked on the side of the road. How about some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with the local fire water.

Optional Activities:

  • Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (55 BZD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: San Ignacio
Leave island paradise behind today and return to Belize City by boat, before taking a local bus to San Ignacio via Belize’s capital, Belmopan. The local buses here are a little more basic than in Mexico, but this is a great opportunity to mix with Belizeans and get a feel for local life. Arrive in San Ignacio – a lively town surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins, making it the best base for exploring the region. Your afternoon is free, so maybe visit the Chaa Creek butterfly garden, or try one of the barbeque street stalls for a char-grilled chicken leg for dinner.

Included Activities:

  • San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: San Ignacio
There is heaps to do in San Ignacio, so your free day has endless possibilities. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Maya relics and you can wade through its waters until you reach a bunch of spooky 1400-year-old crystallised skeletons. You could take a day tour to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and swimming holes or go down the Macal River in canoes or tubes. If you prefer a slower pace, maybe take a trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Maya ceremonial centre with panoramic views. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked boat down the river. Belizeans are super friendly, so tonight, maybe walk down Burns Avenue and join the locals for a chat in one of the many restaurants or streetside stalls.

Optional Activities:

  • San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) (175 BZD)
  • San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry (20 BZD)
  • San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) (24 BZD)
  • San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry (20 BZD)
  • San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) (135 USD)
  • San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) (100 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Tikal National Park
Today you’ll leave San Ignacio, cross the border and get dropped off at Tikal National Park – often referred to as the Maya forest. Check-in at your hotel before exploring the Maya ruins of Tikal. Pass through the lush jungle vegetation, and if you've got the energy, climb Temple IV to take in the epic canopy views. While here, there's also the option to check out more of the area with a guided tour or to fly through the canopies like a toucan with a zipline.

Included Activities:

  • Tikal National Park - Archaeological Site Tour (Entrance fee & Transport)

Optional Activities:

  • Tikal National Park - Guide for Ruins (per person, min 5 participants) (100 GTQ)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Rio Dulce
Head from the jungle to the lakeside town of Flores this morning. Here, there's time to grab some lunch and quickly explore the town. Then it's back to the private vehicle to Rio Dulce. When you arrive, you’ll transfer to the hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also by boat, which can be organised through the hotel – or you can take a short walk through the jungle. Take some time to absorb the atmosphere of this laidback Caribbean town, which feels quite different from the inland communities. A highlight for many guests is the 'Casa Natural' – an open-air accommodation with screened-in rooms, shared bathrooms and a lounge looking out to the surrounding jungle.

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Rio Dulce
There is a load of kick-ass activities to choose from in Rio Dulce today. Take a scenic boat trip down the river to Livingston – a laidback town on the Caribbean coast that offers the unique experience of local Garifuna culture. Go boating on the lake, relax in the thermal hot springs or explore the nearby San Felipe fort in Livingston. You could also hike through the dense forest of the surrounding Chocon-Machacas Natural Reserve and spot the protected manatees of the area.

Optional Activities:

  • Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) (263 GTQ)
  • Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) (210 GTQ)
  • Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) (85 GTQ)
  • Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) (90 GTQ)

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Antigua
This morning you’ll travel to Antigua, where you’ll spend the night before heading to Lake Atitlan. When you arrive, maybe stroll around the city and tuck into some tasty tamales (a local dish served in a corn leaf) or pepian (a spicy meat stew of chicken, beef and pork in a dark sauce). You'll find the best value food in the square next to the La Merced Church.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Chichicastenango / Lake Atitlan
Travel by private vehicle to the famous market in Chichicastenango (nicknamed Chichi market). This is the most colourful market in the country, where on Thursdays and Sundays, locals come from the surrounding villages to sell their wares and the streets are lined with stalls where you can stock up on cool trinkets. After visiting Chichi, head to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, where you'll check in to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll join your group for dinner at a local pupuseria.

Included Activities:

  • Chichicastenango - Market Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Lake Atitlan
This morning, make a trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Mayan village life. Visit a local midwife to learn about this traditional and sacred art. Then visit the village's medicinal garden before a hands-on workshop where you'll learn about Mayan textile weaving and dyeing techniques. Hungry yet? Settle in for a homestyle lunch with your hosts and chat about life in the village. This is the perfect way to really immerse yourself in local culture and get off the beaten track. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Panajachel and soak up the views of deep blue Lake Atitlan with a free evening.

Included Activities:

  • San Juan La Laguna - Weaving & Dyeing experience
  • San Juan La Laguna - Midwife home visit
  • San Juan La Laguna - Medicinal Garden

Optional Activities:

  • Panajachel - Bicycle rental (per day) (25 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Antigua
After breakfast, hit the road back to Antigua – three nearby volcanoes dominate the horizon, creating a truly unique landscape. Join your leader on a walk to orientate yourself around the World Heritage-listed city full of cobblestones, leafy town squares and ornate churches. There are hushed museums and lively Indigenous markets to explore here, or you can cycle the countryside and chase amazing views of mountain peaks and deep valleys. If you're into salsa dancing or if you'd just like to learn some moves, Antigua is the place to be! Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so maybe sign up and move your hips. Tonight, why not bring your freshly learned dance moves, shout a round of mojitos and dance the night away.

Included Activities:

  • Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

  • Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch (115 USD)
  • Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike & Camp (170 USD)
  • Antigua - City Tour with lunch (70 USD)
  • Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour (95 USD)
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (30 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
16
Day 16: Antigua
While there are no activities planned for today, Antigua has a lot to offer, from its vibrant colonial-style buildings and curved archways to the puffing volcanoes of Pacaya, Agua and Jumaytepeque. The number one stop for any chocoholic should be the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll get a history lesson and, more excitingly, participate in a chocolate-making workshop. For those more interested in the other famous Central American bean, you can go on a coffee tour, visit the plantations, do some tastings and even buy some to take home. If you’d like to spend more time in Antigua, just speak to your booking agent.
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.
AUD $2,155
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

On this 16-day Central American adventure, you’ll explore the vast lakes, steaming volcanos and thick jungles of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, making memories with new lifelong friends.

Check Availability Brochure

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

View Map

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
3.5
Alasdair
Traveled, November 2023

02/16/2024

A great tour, with quality accommodation. Although it is made by your tour guide which was 50:50 in our case!

4.5
Thomas
Traveled, September 2023

10/18/2023

Euri was an incredible guide, spoke English perfectly. Helped me with my Spanish and had such good banter. Made my first trip with intrepid so seemless and enjoyable

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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