currency
Central America Adventure
cost
From AUD $4370
departure
Daily
duration
21 Days
locations
Mexico City, Palenque, Villahermosa, Antigua, Guatemala, Tikal, San Ignacio, Cancun
Explore some of Central America's many highlights on this 21 day tour!
Explore some of the highlights of Central America visiting Mexico, Belize and Guatemala on this 21 day adventure. Start in fast paced Mexico City before heading south to the Mayan ruins of Palenque and colonial beauty of San Cristobal de la Casas. We continue into fascinating Guatemala, a travellers favourite with its many colonial towns, pristine lakes and towering volcanos. From Guatemala City we fly to the fascinating Mayan ruins of Tikal which for many years were hidden in the jungle before continuing into Belize to explore it's jungle and islands. Finally we return into Mexico to visit it's Caribbean beaches of Tulum and Cancun.
Day 1: Mexico City: Arrival
Arrive at Mexico City airport, where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Time permitting, a first walk around will acquaint you with one of the world’s largest cities.
Day 2: Mexico City: City Tour: Breakfast
A comprehensive tour will introduce us to the multiple aspects of this diverse town, once the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, today one of the world’s great metropolises. Start with a visit to the immense central square, Zócalo, flanked by the baroque Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. Our journey continues through the splendidly colonial Centro Histórico and to the white-marble Palace of Fine Arts, where invaluable works of art of Mexico’s most prominent painters are in exhibition.
Day 3: The Pyramids: Breakfast
Morning drive to the Basilica de Guadalupe, the holiest shrine for millions of Mexicans. From here, proceed to San Juan Teotihuacan, a city that flourished several centuries prior to the arrival of the Aztecs.
We will explore the awe-inspiring pyramids of the Sun and Moon and walk down the Road of the Dead to the Citadel, to admire the unique Temple of Quetzalcóatl, with its stone-sculptured plumed-serpent heads and the masks of raingod Tlaloc.
Return to your hotel before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Villahermosa. Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel with the evening at your leisure.
Day 4: Villahermosa – Palenque: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at hotel before we depart Villahermosa to the ancient ruins of Palenque often considered the most spectacular in Mexico. The combination of dazzling architecture and the lush tropical forest surroundings give this site a serene, mystical atmosphere. From the moment you enter, you feel engulfed by a sense of history, timelessness and awe. Our guide will take you on sightseeing tour of the archaeological site and we also include lunch at a local restaurant.
The evening is spent is a nearby hotel at your leisure.
Day 5: Palenque – Agua Azul – San Cristobal de las Casas: Breakfast, Lunch
We leave Palenque to the waterfalls of ‘Agua Azul’ (blue water) where you will see a succession of spectacular waterfalls and have a chance for a swim. Lunch is included at a rustic restaurant before we continue onto your hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Strikingly positioned in the highlands of Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas is home to colonial architecture and impressive churches which make it one of the most popular places to stay in Mexico.
Day 6: San Cristobal de las Casas: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we take a sightseeing tour of the city and the nearby Indian communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan to learn a little about their fascinating traditions and see their colourful markets. Lunch is included before we return to your hotel for the afternoon and evening which are at your leisure.
Day 7: San Cristobal de las Casas – La Mesilla Border – Quetzaltenango: Breakfast
Early departure from San Cristobal de las Casas to La Mesilla on the border of Guatemala. You will be met at the border by your Guatemala driver and transferred to Quetzaltenango approximately 4 hours drive away. Quetzaltenango or Xela as it’s commonly known is located high up in the Sierra Madre mountains and is surrounded by impressive mountains and volcanoes. We spend the night here.
Day 8: Quetzaltenango – Lake Atitlan: Breakfast
Transfer to Lake Atitlan, visiting en route the indigenous market of Sololá, a market that provides an interesting contrast with the one from the day before, because it is a market for the local people themselves with very few tourists around. There will be time to walk around famous Santander street in Panajachel which sits in an idyllic location overlooking Lake Atitlan and 3 huge volcano's; San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman. Overnight in Panajachel.
Day 9: Lake Atitlan: Breakfast
An interesting geological formation, Atitlan is a lake of volcanic origin, located at 5,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by 3 imposing volcanoes and in the heart of the Living Maya culture. This morning we do a boat tour to visit Santiago Atitlan, a town located below San Pedro volcano which is famous for naïf paintings and wood carvings. The night is spent in Panajachel.
Day 10: Lake Atitlan – Chichicastenango – Antigua: Breakfast
Depart early to Chichicastenango, where there is by far the largest and most colourful handicrafts market in The Americas. Every Thursday and Sunday, Maya people from all over Guatemala meet to sell their products and visit the town’s Catholic Church, Santo Tomas (note that if your tour date doesn't coincide with market day the tour can be rearranged to do this). In the afternoon we transfer to Antigua.
Day 11: Antigua: Breakfast
Antigua Guatemala is an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the incredibly preserved Spanish Colonial heritage. Founded in 1542, it was for over 200 years the Capital of Central America. Morning walking tour to visit its most important palaces, plazas, churches and convents. Free afternoon to explore this romantic town on your own.
Day 12: Antigua – Guatemala – Tikal: Breakfast
A very early transfer to Guatemala City International Airport for a 45-minutes flight to Flores followed by a transfer to Tikal National Park. Tikal is one of the most impressive cities built by the Ancient Mayans and was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1979. We will explore the park in great detail as well as giving you some free time to navigate through the many walkways. We spend the night in a lodge located next to the Tikal ruins which will give you the opportunity to explore the site after other tourists have departed and the wildlife is at it’s most active.
Day 13: Tikal – San Ignacio: Breakfast
This day we depart early in the morning from Tikal into Belize, where we will stay overnight in San Ignacio town the adventure capital of Belize. In the afternoon we will visit the Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich and also visit Cahal Pech.
Day 14: San Ignacio: Breakfast
This day is at your leisure to partake in one of the many adventure options available from the famous caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek, to river tubing, kayaking and canoeing. Your guide will be able to assist you in booking these.
Day 15: San Ignacio – Caye Caulker: Breakfast
Early breakfast and transfer to Belize City located approximately 3 hours away where we catch the ferry to Caye Caulker. After a few adventure filled days it’s time to relax a little and nowhere in the world is more relaxing than Caye Caulker, a small coral island off the coast of Belize. We spend 2 nights here and you have the option of snorkeling, fishing, or simply laying peacefully in your hammock.
Day 16 & 17: Caye Caulker: Breakfast
At leisure in Caye Caulker
Day 18: Caye Caulker - Tulum: Breakfast
Early breakfast and transfer to the dock to catch the ferry back to Belize city where upon arrival our driver will meet and transfer you to Chetumal on the Mexican border. Our Mexican driver will then pick up and transfer you to Tulum with its spectacular beaches and beautiful turquoise ocean where you will no doubt enjoy the next 2 nights.
Day 19: Tulum: Breakfast
Day at leisure to relax in this beautiful seaside location or explore the ruins located nearby.
Day 20: Tulum - Cancun: Breakfast
At a prearranged time we transfer you further up the beautiful Mexican Riviera to the world famous beachside beach resort of Cancun where you spend the night.
Day 21: Cancun: Breakfast
Your epic tour ends today with a transfer to the airport but iif you’d prefer to stay longer then we can easily extend your adventure!
END OF OUR SERVICES
Day 1: Mexico City: Arrival
Arrive at Mexico City airport, where you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Time permitting, a first walk around will acquaint you with one of the world’s largest cities.
Day 2: Mexico City: City Tour: Breakfast
A comprehensive tour will introduce us to the multiple aspects of this diverse town, once the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, today one of the world’s great metropolises. Start with a visit to the immense central square, Zócalo, flanked by the baroque Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. Our journey continues through the splendidly colonial Centro Histórico and to the white-marble Palace of Fine Arts, where invaluable works of art of Mexico’s most prominent painters are in exhibition.
Day 3: The Pyramids: Breakfast
Morning drive to the Basilica de Guadalupe, the holiest shrine for millions of Mexicans. From here, proceed to San Juan Teotihuacan, a city that flourished several centuries prior to the arrival of the Aztecs.
We will explore the awe-inspiring pyramids of the Sun and Moon and walk down the Road of the Dead to the Citadel, to admire the unique Temple of Quetzalcóatl, with its stone-sculptured plumed-serpent heads and the masks of raingod Tlaloc.
Return to your hotel before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Villahermosa. Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel with the evening at your leisure.
Day 4: Villahermosa – Palenque: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at hotel before we depart Villahermosa to the ancient ruins of Palenque often considered the most spectacular in Mexico. The combination of dazzling architecture and the lush tropical forest surroundings give this site a serene, mystical atmosphere. From the moment you enter, you feel engulfed by a sense of history, timelessness and awe. Our guide will take you on sightseeing tour of the archaeological site and we also include lunch at a local restaurant.
The evening is spent is a nearby hotel at your leisure.
Day 5: Palenque – Agua Azul – San Cristobal de las Casas: Breakfast, Lunch
We leave Palenque to the waterfalls of ‘Agua Azul’ (blue water) where you will see a succession of spectacular waterfalls and have a chance for a swim. Lunch is included at a rustic restaurant before we continue onto your hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Strikingly positioned in the highlands of Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas is home to colonial architecture and impressive churches which make it one of the most popular places to stay in Mexico.
Day 6: San Cristobal de las Casas: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we take a sightseeing tour of the city and the nearby Indian communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan to learn a little about their fascinating traditions and see their colourful markets. Lunch is included before we return to your hotel for the afternoon and evening which are at your leisure.
Day 7: San Cristobal de las Casas – La Mesilla Border – Quetzaltenango: Breakfast
Early departure from San Cristobal de las Casas to La Mesilla on the border of Guatemala. You will be met at the border by your Guatemala driver and transferred to Quetzaltenango approximately 4 hours drive away. Quetzaltenango or Xela as it’s commonly known is located high up in the Sierra Madre mountains and is surrounded by impressive mountains and volcanoes. We spend the night here.
Day 8: Quetzaltenango – Lake Atitlan: Breakfast
Transfer to Lake Atitlan, visiting en route the indigenous market of Sololá, a market that provides an interesting contrast with the one from the day before, because it is a market for the local people themselves with very few tourists around. There will be time to walk around famous Santander street in Panajachel which sits in an idyllic location overlooking Lake Atitlan and 3 huge volcano's; San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman. Overnight in Panajachel.
Day 9: Lake Atitlan: Breakfast
An interesting geological formation, Atitlan is a lake of volcanic origin, located at 5,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by 3 imposing volcanoes and in the heart of the Living Maya culture. This morning we do a boat tour to visit Santiago Atitlan, a town located below San Pedro volcano which is famous for naïf paintings and wood carvings. The night is spent in Panajachel.
Day 10: Lake Atitlan – Chichicastenango – Antigua: Breakfast
Depart early to Chichicastenango, where there is by far the largest and most colourful handicrafts market in The Americas. Every Thursday and Sunday, Maya people from all over Guatemala meet to sell their products and visit the town’s Catholic Church, Santo Tomas (note that if your tour date doesn't coincide with market day the tour can be rearranged to do this). In the afternoon we transfer to Antigua.
Day 11: Antigua: Breakfast
Antigua Guatemala is an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the incredibly preserved Spanish Colonial heritage. Founded in 1542, it was for over 200 years the Capital of Central America. Morning walking tour to visit its most important palaces, plazas, churches and convents. Free afternoon to explore this romantic town on your own.
Day 12: Antigua – Guatemala – Tikal: Breakfast
A very early transfer to Guatemala City International Airport for a 45-minutes flight to Flores followed by a transfer to Tikal National Park. Tikal is one of the most impressive cities built by the Ancient Mayans and was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1979. We will explore the park in great detail as well as giving you some free time to navigate through the many walkways. We spend the night in a lodge located next to the Tikal ruins which will give you the opportunity to explore the site after other tourists have departed and the wildlife is at it’s most active.
Day 13: Tikal – San Ignacio: Breakfast
This day we depart early in the morning from Tikal into Belize, where we will stay overnight in San Ignacio town the adventure capital of Belize. In the afternoon we will visit the Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich and also visit Cahal Pech.
Day 14: San Ignacio: Breakfast
This day is at your leisure to partake in one of the many adventure options available from the famous caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek, to river tubing, kayaking and canoeing. Your guide will be able to assist you in booking these.
Day 15: San Ignacio – Caye Caulker: Breakfast
Early breakfast and transfer to Belize City located approximately 3 hours away where we catch the ferry to Caye Caulker. After a few adventure filled days it’s time to relax a little and nowhere in the world is more relaxing than Caye Caulker, a small coral island off the coast of Belize. We spend 2 nights here and you have the option of snorkeling, fishing, or simply laying peacefully in your hammock.
Day 16 & 17: Caye Caulker: Breakfast
At leisure in Caye Caulker
Day 18: Caye Caulker - Tulum: Breakfast
Early breakfast and transfer to the dock to catch the ferry back to Belize city where upon arrival our driver will meet and transfer you to Chetumal on the Mexican border. Our Mexican driver will then pick up and transfer you to Tulum with its spectacular beaches and beautiful turquoise ocean where you will no doubt enjoy the next 2 nights.
Day 19: Tulum: Breakfast
Day at leisure to relax in this beautiful seaside location or explore the ruins located nearby.
Day 20: Tulum - Cancun: Breakfast
At a prearranged time we transfer you further up the beautiful Mexican Riviera to the world famous beachside beach resort of Cancun where you spend the night.
Day 21: Cancun: Breakfast
Your epic tour ends today with a transfer to the airport but iif you’d prefer to stay longer then we can easily extend your adventure!
END OF OUR SERVICES
| Accommodation | Hotel (3*) |
| Inclusions | Accommodation with breakfast Transfers Excursions with professional tour guides Transport Internal flights Local taxes Other meals where stated |
| Difficulty Rating | 1 (easy) |
| Sustainability | Carbon Offsets not available for this tour Local foods used on tour Local guides used (English speaking). |
| Single Surcharge | |
| Notes | |
| Price dependent on: | Hotel availability and flights |
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