A Month in Central America: Beyond Tulum & Tikal

About Mexico City, Mexico

View Itinerary

Dig deep into Mexico, Belize and Guatemala on this action-packed 29-day adventure. Eat the tastiest of local cuisine, explore ancient jungle-clad ruins, kick back on the beaches of the Mayan Riviera and in Belize, before soaking up the scenery of Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes and vibrant indigenous communities. Top it all off by exploring the markets and cobblestone streets of Antigua, and you’ve got yourself one truly incredible month in Central America.

Travel Style

18-to-Thirtysomethings

Service Level

Basic

Physical Grading

2 - Light

Merchandising

New Trips

Merchandising

Planeterra Project

Trip Type

Small Group

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Alebrijes Artisan Community Visit, Oaxaca
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 First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Oaxaca Market Visit With CEO, Oaxaca
Your Discover Moment: San Cristobal de Las Casas - Free Time, San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen
Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
Your Discover Moment: Antigua Guatemala
Your Big Night Out Moment: Antigua Guatemala. Mexico City street food crawl. Alebrijes Artisan Community visit. Boat trip to Sumidero Canyon. Stop at Roberto Barrios Waterfall for a swim. Tour the Mayan ruins in Palenque. A catamaran adventure into a gorgeous lagoon in Bacalar. Chichen Itzá ruins guided tour. Guided tour of Tikal. Orientation walk in Antigua. Beach time in Playa del Carmen and Caye Caulker. Free time in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Palenque, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, and Antigua. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Explore the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá and Palenque, Go for a dip in the Lagoon of the Seven Colours at Bacalar, Bask in Caye Caulker's sunsets and reggae music, Wander gorgeous Antigua and its colourful markets

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 18, avg 14

Meals Included

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

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

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Simple hotels/hostels (26 nts, most multi-share), overnight bus (1 nt), local homestay (1 nt).

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

About Accommodation

Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.

Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.

Joining Instructions

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Once you arrive at your Joining Hotel, look out for a Welcome Note which will be left at reception with all of the necessary information regarding your Welcome Meeting, along with the meeting time (usually between 5pm and 7pm). This is when you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, receive information about any general and specific aspects of the trip and learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you arrive late, s/he/they will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Packing List

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Lake Atitlan Overnight:
• Overnight bag

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

It is uncommon to pay for optional activities, souvenirs and meals on credit card in the areas this trip visits, so be prepared with a combination of USD cash and local currency to pay for these on-trip costs.

That said, credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank prior to travelling. ATMs generally only dispense local currency, not USD. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

You will be able to exchange USD to local currency along the way , but please be advised that slightly torn notes and notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 50USD (or equivalent). Learn about local exchange rates at www.xe.com.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Optional Activities

Teotihuacán
- Teotihuacán Pyramids Visit (40USD per person)

Monte Albán
- Monte Albán Tour (900MXN per person)

Oaxaca
- Cooking Class (65USD per person)

San Pablo Villa de Mitla
- Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit (700MXN per person)

San Cristóbal de Las Casas
- Lagunas de Montebello Visit (30USD per person)
- Indigenous Villages Tour (30USD per person)

Palenque
- Jungle Trail Hike (25USD per person)

Bacalar
- Kayaking (10-12USD per person)
- Fortress Exploration (10MXN per person)

Tulum
- Tulum Ruins Visit

Playa del Carmen
- Cenote Visit (40-60USD per person)
- Tequila Tasting (850-1100MXN per person)
- Coco Bongo Disco and Show (90USD per person)

Akumal
- Akumal Beach Visit (20USD per person)

Caye Caulker
- ***Bike with Purpose Rental*** (1-30USD per person)
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour (90USD per person)
- Sunset Sailing Boat Tour (60USD per person)
- Fishing (250-450USD per person)

Xunantunich
- Xunantunich Visit (50USD per person)

Caves Branch
- Cave Tubing (90USD per person)

Caracol
- Caracol Ruins Tour (115USD per person)

Barton Creek
- Barton Creek Cave Canoeing (110USD per person)

San Ignacio
- Horseback Riding (75USD per person)

Actun Tunichil Muknal
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit (110USD per person)

Antigua Guatemala
- Salsa Lesson (10USD per person)
- Cycling (30-50USD per person)
- ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop (24USD per person)
- Finca Valhalla Visit (5-10USD per person)
- Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour (25USD per person)
- Acatenango Volcano Climb (50-89USD per person)
- Massage (30-60USD per person)
- Finca Filidelfia Coffee Tour (25USD per person)

Escuintla
- Pacaya Volcano Hike (59-79USD per person)

Panajachel
- Massage

Lago de Atitlán
- Kayaking
- Swimming

San Juan La Laguna
- Shopping

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Max Pax

18

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

  1. Mexico City

    Arrive at any time.

  2. Mexico City

    Start the adventure off with a CEO-led walking tour through La Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. Stroll past bohemian cafes, bars, and restaurants. Your CEO will grab some street food snacks for the group ranging from street tacos to chilaquiles. Savour whatever you sample as you continue to get to know the area. Finish up the tour near the giant Bosque de Chapultepec. Then, spend the afternoon trying out the optional activities in the area like a visit to the ruins of Teotihuacán.

  3. Mexico City/Oaxaca

    Hit the road and travel south to Oaxaca from Mexico City. Once the group arrives we will head out for an orientation walk to the main square and some of the nearby markets. Soak in your first experience of the vibrant culture in Oaxaca. Enjoy a free evening to do as you please. Perhaps, find a lively restaurant and give your tastebuds something to dance about.

  4. Oaxaca

    Today, enjoy a free day for optional activities in Oaxaca until late afternoon. Explore local taverns, discover the vibrant indigenous culture in the area, sample food from lively markets, try mole, and mezcal and fully experience the allure of this Mexican city. Later your CEO will accompany the group to the market where you can try a tlayuda, a toasted tortilla with tons of different toppings like refried beans, shredded cabbage, salsa, meat, and cheese. Cap off the day with a visit to a local chocolate-making shop and a free evening to keep the adventure going.

  5. Oaxaca/San Cristóbal

    The group will have additional free time today in Oaxaca for other optional activities. Afterwards, visit the Alebrijes Artisan Community for your G for Good moment. Meet a local artisan, speak with them, ask any questions the group may have, and learn more about how these handicrafts are made. In the evening board and overnight bus to San Cristobal.

  6. San Cristóbal

    Arrive early to Tuxtla Gutierrez, which is a city in southern Mexico and the capital of Chiapas. The group will travel by private bus to Sumidero Canyon for an included boat ride down the river. The trip is a few hours long and will take you through the canyon with some of the walls towering 2,500 feet above you. It’s sure to make you feel small. Keep a lookout for the wildlife in the area and try to spot caves as you journey on. Afterwards, continue on to San Cristobal de las Casas where you will stop for the evening.

  7. San Cristóbal

    San Cristóbal de Las Casas is located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft). Enjoy a free day to experience this city known for its 16th-century architecture. Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day, or visit Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the group of beautiful lakes near the Guatemalan border. You have a full day to do as you please and there are plenty of activities to try out.

  8. San Cristóbal/Palenque

    Get ready for a full day of travel from San Cristóbal de Las Casas to Palenque. Along the way the group will stop to swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall. Arrive to Palenque in the evening.

  9. Palenque

    Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Mayan ruins of Palenque followed by free time for an optional jungle trail hike, or just relax at the hotel keeping an eye out for nearby birds and wildlife.

  10. Palenque/Bacalar

    Spend the day travelling to Bacalar in the eastern part of Mexico from Palenque. Sit back as the scenery changes outside your window and rest up for the next part of the trip.

  11. Bacalar

    The group is in for a treat this morning with an included catamaran adventure in the lagoon. The trip is around 4 hours and will make stops at the Canal de los Piratas for a swim in the crystal clear waters before heading to 3 cenotes, finishing with a picnic lunch. In the afternoon enjoy free time for optional activities in the area or just relax and keep the good vibes going from your morning on the water.

  12. Bacalar/Valladolid

    It’s onward to Valladolid today. Travel north and inland from Bacalar to a city on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Upon arrival your CEO will lead you on an orientation walk of the small Mayan town filled with quaint taverns, vibrant indigenous culture, and loads of street food vendors. Smell the delicious aromas as you walk and sample a few snacks along the way.

  13. Valladolid/Tulum

    After a short, but sweet visit in Valladolid the group will travel to the Chichen Itzá ruins for a guided tour. These ruins hold the history, beliefs, and rituals that defined ancient Mayan civilization. See the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the famous Castillo, the cenote, and the Nunnery. Afterwards, travel to Tulum for a free evening. Tulum is filled with trendy beach clubs where you can dance the night away, or stretch out on white sand beaches to admire the colors at sunset.

  14. Tulum/Playa del Carmen

    Travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen where you can enjoy time to explore on your own. Tonight, head out with your fellow travellers to 12th Street, where there’s tons of bars and clubs to choose from.

  15. Playa del Carmen

    Enjoy free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or take a ferry to nearby Cozumel. Or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach.

  16. Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker

    Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.

  17. Caye Caulker

    Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.

  18. Caye Caulker

    Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.

  19. Caye Caulker/San Ignacio

    Travel by boat and bus from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.

  20. San Ignacio

    Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

  21. San Ignacio/Flores

    Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of the ruins of Tikal.

  22. Flores/Rio Dulce

    Travel across the country towards the coast to Rio Dulce, on the shores of Lake Izabal.

  23. Rio Dulce

    Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours.

  24. Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala

    Enjoy an orientation walk of Antigua's cobblestone streets, then opt to take a salsa lesson and practice new moves out at night.

  25. Antigua Guatemala

    Enjoy a free day in Antigua. Opt to relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture in one of the city's many cafés, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.

  26. Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel

    Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views.

  27. Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna

    Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings at the lake's markets.

  28. San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala

    Return to Antigua, and enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.

  29. Antigua Guatemala

    Depart at any time.

Contact our travel experts for more details