Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala) | Caye Caulker (Belize) | Flores (Guatemala) | Panajachel (Guatemala) | Playa del Carmen (Mexico) | Rio Dulce (Guatemala) | San Ignacio (Belize) | San Juan La Laguna (Guatemala)
The following are Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
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.
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.
Spend a full free day in the area! Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum 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 Tulum. 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.
Free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum, the diving mecca of Cozumel, or play in the waves and enjoy the beach!
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
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.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
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.
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in San Ignacio.
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 Peten region and stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal on the way to Flores. This place is the capital of Peten, a small island located on the second largest lake in Guatemala-Lake Peten Itza.
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
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!
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
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.
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 Boqueron 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".
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
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 cafe 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.
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.
Visit beautiful Lake Atitlan 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.
Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take a boat ride across the lake before taking part in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family.
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlan, 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.
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.
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Depart at any time.
Please note that Antigua's nearest airport is Guatemala City, Guatemala. Don't get caught flying out from the Caribbean island nation of Antigua; it's nowhere near the finish point of this tour!
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala tour:
5a. Calle Oriente No. 12 Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez 3001 Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala-3001
Pasero Street
Caye Caulker, Belize
Flores, Guatemala
Panajachel, Guatemala
Dirección Avenida 20 entre 2 y 4 Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, México
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Burns Avenue
San Ignacio, Belize-33326
San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala tour:
Max 16, avg 14.
Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San IgnacioYour G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", LivingstonYour G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La LagunaYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Playa del CarmenYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour Discover Moment: San IgnacioYour 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.
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 Atitlan, Explore gorgeous colonial Antigua and its colourful markets
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Tulum- Tulum Ruins VisitPlaya 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- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour- Fishing (250-450USD per person)- Bike with Purpose Rental (1-30USD per person)- Sunset Sailing Boat Tour (60USD per person)Xunantunich- Xunantunich Visit (65USD per person)Caves Branch- Cave Tubing (95USD per person)Caracol- Caracol Ruins Tour (125USD per person)Barton Creek- Barton Creek Cave Canoeing (120USD per person)San Ignacio- Horseback Riding (80USD per person)Actun Tunichil Muknal- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit (140USD per person)Antigua Guatemala- Salsa Lesson (10USD per person)- Finca Valhalla Visit (5-10USD per person)- Massage (30-60USD per person)- Cycling (30-50USD per person)- ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop (24USD per person)- Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour (25USD per person)- Acatenango Volcano Climb (145USD per person)- Finca Filidelfia Coffee Tour (25USD per person)Escuintla- Pacaya Volcano Hike (75USD per person)Panajachel- MassageLago de Atitlan- Kayaking- SwimmingSan Juan La Laguna- Shopping
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), local homestay (1 nt).
2 lunches, 1 dinner
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.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
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.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, 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.
Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Please note this is a basic level trip, using a mix of multi-share accommodations like hostels, and basic hotels, as well as public transportation throughout. We have an 18-30’s version of this trip, please see here for more details.
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso 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)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Lake Atitlan Overnight:o Overnight bag Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.
Basic: Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.Tipping of your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer is very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount will always be welcome.