Transport

Private vehicle , Local bus , Overnight public bus , Taxi , Shared boat , Ferry

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Others

Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar Tlahuac - Community Visit Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk Zinacatan Church - Visit San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee) Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit Palenque - Palenque Ruins (entrance fee) Merida - Leader-led orientation walk Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide) Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk Tikal National Park - Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide) Chichicastenango - Market Visit Chichicastenango - Shaman Visit Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk San Juan La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk Santa Apolonia - Traditional Pottery Demonstration

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. This itinerary includes basic accommodation, meaning access to elevators can be limited. Often rooms will be located on higher levels and luggage will need to be carried up and down stairs. We recommend packing light for this reason. For more information, refer to the "Packing" section of the Essential Trip Information. Hotel (25 nights), Overnight bus (1 night), Multishare Hotel (1 night), Hotel with shared facilities (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos a Mexico City! This is one of the world’s largest urban centres, a bustling metropolis with so many influences, offering a huge variety of museums, galleries and architectural delights, along with pumping nightlife and unparalleled street food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, perhaps head to the Zocalo – the massive central square – and check out the Aztec ruins and colonial architecture nearby. There are also plenty of parks, plazas and gardens to relax in and adjust to the Mexican way of life.
Day 2 Day 2: Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Mexico City

Wake up in Mexico City, ready for a leader-led walk to orientate yourself to the city. Pass by the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo, National Palace, Bellas Artes, Paseo de la reforma and more. After exploring the main sights of Mexico’s capital, you sure would have worked up an appetite. For lunch, join your local leader on a ‘taco crawl’ around town to taste Mexico City’s delicious street-food staple, tacos al pastor, among plenty other delicious treats. After eating your way around the city, the rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Tonight you could visit the famous Plaza Garibaldi or sip cocktails with your fellow travellers in one of the many trendy bars in the city, whatever takes your fancy.
Day 3 Day 3: Puebla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Puebla

Start the day with a visit to the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who keep their way of life alive. The community practices traditions from pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies. After an included lunch, your group will head to Puebla, where your leader will take you out for an orientation walk and run through some handy Spanish phrases to help you make the most of the days ahead. Put your newly learnt Spanish skills to the test with an evening visit to La Pasita bar, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste pasita – a sweet liqueur made of raisins in one of Puebla’s most famous bars. Salud!
Day 4 Day 4: Puebla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Puebla

Puebla is a rapidly growing city featuring many well-maintained churches and buildings from the colonial period. Today is free for you to discover the city at your leisure. Though there are enough churches to visit a different one every day for a year, two of the best examples are Santa Domingo Church and the Rosary Chapel, located in town. Further afield lies the Great Pyramid of Cholula, containing over eight kilometres (five miles) of tunnels, with the enormous Popocatepetl Volcano serving as a backdrop. In town, Puebla also has plenty of markets where you can pick up some local handicrafts.
Day 5 Day 5: Oaxaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Oaxaca

Today we journey by local bus to Oaxaca. Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’) is a beautiful, old colonial town full of graceful arcades and colourful markets. You’ll find Zapotec and Mixtec influences around the city as ancestors have populated this region for thousands of years. Your leader will take you on a quick orientation walk to show you the ropes then the next couple of days are free for you to explore. The city is known for its arts scene, particularly its folk and fine art, but you’ll also discover a grungier side to Oaxaca and some incredible examples of street art. Walk the narrow, cobblestone streets, or maybe sit back in one of the squares, sipping mezcal and watching the world go by.
Day 6 Day 6: Oaxaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Oaxaca

There’s an opportunity today to visit the spectacular temples of Monte Alban just outside of Oaxaca. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and this World Heritage site is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre, with terraces, dams, canals and pyramids carved out of the mountain. Alternatively, why not take a day tour out to Mitla Ruins, visit a traditional weaving arts town, and stop by a local mezcal distillery. In the evening, if you’ve any energy left, you could head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere.
Day 7 Day 7: Oaxaca / Overnight Bus
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Oaxaca / Overnight Bus

Use today to take part in any optional activities you couldn’t fit in yesterday, you could have a go at plating up some delicious local fare during a cooking class or enjoy a relaxed day in town at your leisure. This evening the group will take an overnight bus to the highland town of San Cristobal de las Casas. Reclining seats and toilet are available on the bus. The bus is air conditioned, so be sure to bring a jacket on board. Please keep in mind that though the bus is comfortable, the road from Oaxaca to San Cristobal has some very winding sections, so if you suffer from motion sickness this is the time to have your medication handy.
Day 8 Day 8: San Cristobal De Las Casas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: San Cristobal De Las Casas

The bus will arrive in San Cristobal de las Casas early this morning. Leave your luggage at the hotel and begin exploring this highland town, hidden in green Chiapas valley surrounded by pine trees. Your leader will take you on a tour around town and point out all the important places. Then you’ll visit the village of San Juan Chamula, home to the fascinating Iglesia de San Juan. This church, with its pine-covered floor and air thick with incense, is often frequented by shamans who come to carry out cleansings using firewater and ancient prayer. Please note that there is a strict ban on cameras inside the church. Outside, the village is alive with colourful markets that sell local handicrafts. We’ll also stop by the town of Zinacantan to explore another local church. Your visit to Zinacatan church will reveal a fascinating mixture of Christian and Mayan religion, which helps you understand some of the local culture in this region. The rest of the day is free for your own adventure. Stroll through the market, chat with the locals and maybe buy some of the colourful weavings they are known for, before grabbing a drink and some food with your fellow travellers.
Day 9 Day 9: San Cristobal De Las Casas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: San Cristobal De Las Casas

There’s no alarm clock needed this morning as today is yours to explore San Cristobal de las Casas at your own leisure. Perhaps, take in the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, and soak up the old-world feel mixed with strong, pre-Hispanic roots. Or try something more active and ask your leader to help organise an optional boating trip in the Sumidero Canyon, which is as old and impressive as the Grand Canyon (at your own expense).
Day 10 Day 10: Palenque
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Palenque

Travel along a windy road by private vehicle to Palenque, stopping en route at the beautiful Agua Azul cascades for a refreshing swim. Once you’ve arrived in Palenque, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Situated in a steamy jungle, Palenque is a central town close to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name, which you’ll have a chance to check out tomorrow.
Day 11 Day 11: Palenque Ruins / Merida
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Palenque Ruins / Merida

Today you visit the Palenque archaeological zone. The stunning Mayan temples of Palenque are quite rightly considered a must-see during any trip to Chiapas, or indeed Mexico. Situated on a hilltop, the ruins date back to AD600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you walk among the temples (closed-toe shoes recommended), listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins which are still un-excavated and remain hidden in the forest, and you can opt to take a guided tour of the ruins or through the surrounding jungle on your own Indiana Jones-style adventure. This afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan region.
Day 12 Day 12: Merida
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Merida

Founded in 1542 on the site of Tho (an ancient Maya city), the colonial city of Merida retains much of its old-world charm thanks primarily to its people and architecture. Take an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Maybe take an optional trip to the Merida Contemporary Art Museum for an interesting perspective on contemporary life in the city. Or perhaps just spend some time wandering the Plaza Grande: a green, shady square enclosed by a 16th-century cathedral, City Hall, the State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo. Or head to the outdoor markets where you can find local specialities like the seriously spicy El Yucateco hot sauce.
Day 13 Day 13: Merida
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Merida

Today you can choose to visit the Maya ruins of Uxmal, a 1-hour drive from Merida, on an optional tour which includes transport and a local guide. It’s thought that the city was constructed around AD700, was home to around 25,000 people and once dominated the region along with Chichen Itza. Much of the site is decorated with masks of Chac, the rain god, and important buildings include the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor’s Palace, the House of the Tortoises and the Ball Court. Alternatively, you could choose to take an optional guided tour to Las Coloradas – the incredible pink lagoon that’s home to flocks of flamingos.
Day 14 Day 14: Chichen Itza / Playa Del Carmen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Chichen Itza / Playa Del Carmen

Travel to Playa del Carmen by private vehicle, stopping en route for an included visit to the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza. Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza contains both Toltec and Mayan ruins lying alongside each other. The famous El Castillo pyramid dominates the site and there is also a large ball court where games used to be held. Nearby, excavations of the Well of Sacrifice revealed treasures of jade, copper and gold as well as many human and animal bones. The group will spend a few hours at Chichen Itza before continuing on to Playa del Carmen. After a quick orientation walk around Playa del Carmen with your local guide, pick a place to kick back with a margarita and watch the sun go down.
Day 15 Day 15: Playa Del Carmen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Playa Del Carmen

Today you’ll have a free day to take on one of the beachside activities or just kick back and relax until another group meeting at 6 pm tonight. Beforehand, maybe try your hand (and feet and lungs) at snorkelling in the freshwater rock pools (called cenotes) or reef diving on Cozumel. After the meeting, maybe head out for a cocktail and a few tacos with your new travel buddies.
Day 16 Day 16: Playa Del Carmen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Playa Del Carmen

Wake up without an alarm – today is yours to explore this beachside paradise at your leisure. Known for its coral-clad reefs, Playa Del Carmen might be the perfect spot to don your snorkel mask and flippers and explore beneath the surface. Keep your eyes peeled for rays, moray eels and turtles. If you’d rather leave the flippers behind and adventure on land, catch a local bus and travel south to Tulum, where white-sand beaches and Maya ruins are just an hour and a half away. In the evening, you could grab a few of your fellow travellers and find a good spot to watch the sunset – muy bien!
Day 17 Day 17: Chetumal
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Chetumal

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Playa del Carmen. Maybe take an early morning stroll to the beach and dip your toes in the sand or simply let the world pass you by with a coffee at a local cafe. Head to your next stop in Chetumal mid-morning and arrive after lunch – a quiet city close to the border of Belize, this place makes for the perfect stop before tomorrow’s adventure to Caye Caulker. You have a free afternoon in Chetumal so you might like to round up your group and head to a local restaurant for the evening.
Day 18 Day 18: Caye Caulker
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Caye Caulker

Bid adios to Mexico early this morning as you head south to Belize. After border formalities, arrive in Belize City then hop in a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. When you arrive, get acquainted with the island on a guided walk with your leader. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. Be aware that there may be crocodiles in the split area that separates the north and south of the island, so it’s best to take caution while swimming and exploring the beaches.
Day 19 Day 19: Caye Caulker
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Caye Caulker

Good morning and welcome to heaven! Today is free for you to explore the island that surrounds you, or just to simply relax. If you feel like snorkelling, ask your leader about organising a trip to the colourful coral reef nearby, or maybe head further afield to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the world’s second-longest coral reef. Manatee spotting is perfect for nature lovers, or you could take a stroll and find a swaying palm tree with your name on it – they make the perfect place to nap, read a book and soak up the island vibes on a beach day.
Day 20 Day 20: Caye Caulker
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Caye Caulker

What’s better than one day in paradise? Two, of course! Wake up whenever you like, because you’ve got another free day. Like any good seaside paradise, Caye Caulker is home to super fresh seafood, which you can dig into with your feet planted in the sand at one of the many ‘floor free’ outdoor restaurants. The island’s famous lobsters are available between 15 June and 15 February, and you can expect to pay far less than at home (though more than your average island meal). You could even grab some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with firewater from a roadside stall to really get into the island spirit.
Day 21 Day 21: San Ignacio
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: San Ignacio

From the islands to the highlands, you’ll bid farewell to Caye Caulker today and catch a ferry to Belize City, then a bus to San Ignacio. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of San Ignacio and its twin sister Santa Elena, giving you a sense of how vibrant the local Garifuna and Maya communities are. Tonight, maybe head out in search of a classic Maya dish like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus).
Day 22 Day 22: San Ignacio
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: San Ignacio

Today is free for you to discover San Ignacio at your own pace. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Maya ruins, making it the ideal base. If you’re a bit of a history buff, maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Maya ceremonial site on a hill overlooking the countryside. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you’ll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Also nearby is the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade through cool waters to find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the calcium-rich environment of the cave for over 1400 years. Easily spooked? Maybe you’d prefer a cave with fewer (as far as we know) skeletons, like the one in Mountain Pine Ridge. In the late afternoon, the barbecue stalls of Santa Elena start to set up for the dinner rush. It’s only a 15-minute walk, so consider wandering over to enjoy a juicy chicken leg and a chat with the locals.
Day 23 Day 23: Tikal National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Tikal National Park

Rise and shine for an 8 am taxi ride to the Belize-Guatemala border. Once you’ve crossed over, board a bus to Tikal National Park. Here, there will be time to buy lunch before visiting the impressive archaeological site. Towering above the jungle, the five granite temples of Tikal are an imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the evergreen forest is a maze of smaller structures waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. Choose to explore on your own or pay a little more for a guided tour (or maybe see the site from above on an optional zip-line ride).
Day 24 Day 24: Rio Dulce
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Rio Dulce

This morning you’ll depart for Flores, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk on the island. Then, continue by private minivan to Rio Dulce before transferring to your hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also on the water – a journey that can be organised through the hotel. Alternatively, a 40-minute jungle walk will get you there. The hotel is a great place to relax and look over the water, with reasonably priced meals and drinks served in the hotel restaurant. Now that you are back in a Spanish-speaking nation, why not join an informal Spanish lesson led by your leader?
Day 25 Day 25: Rio Dulce
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Rio Dulce

With plenty of free time today, consider taking advantage of some optional activities. Maybe take a scenic boat trip down the river to the coastal enclave of Livingston for a taste of Creole-Caribbean culture. This laidback town on the Caribbean coast feels very different from the rest of Guatemala thanks to its Garifuna population. Or maybe go boating on the lake, take a tour to spot local manatees or explore nearby San Felipe Fort.
Day 26 Day 26: Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Antigua

Leave the ’Sweet River’ behind and travel by private minibus to the city of Antigua. The road between Rio Dulce and Guatemala City is one of the busiest in the country. Traffic is slow, there are frequent road works and many, many slow trucks – be armed with patience, music and a good book and the journey will be easier to handle. Though there’s not much time in Antigua today, you owe it to yourself to reward your patience with a tamale (meat and dough steamed in a corn leaf). You could also give pepian a try (rich dark sauce served with vegetables and meat, usually chicken).
Day 27 Day 27: Panajachel
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: Panajachel

Today, travel on the winding roads to Chichicastenango – home to perhaps the most colourful market in the country! Nicknamed Chichi market, locals come from surrounding villages on Thursdays and Sundays to sell their wares and the streets are lined with stalls offering multi-coloured textiles and fresh produce. Visit a local Mayan Shaman and do a little shopping at the market, then continue to Panajachel. Located on Lake Atitlan with distant volcanoes looming in the background, Panajachel has a thriving market, great eateries and many water-based activities. Your leader will take you on a brief orientation walk of the town and then the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. Why not go for a swim, wander the streets or kayak on the lake?
Day 28 Day 28: San Juan La Laguna
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: San Juan La Laguna

This morning after breakfast, take a boat to San Juan La Laguna – a small Maya village overlooking Lake Atitlan and the first community to ban single-use plastic. Here, you’ll witness a textile weaving demonstration, seeing how they use local materials and traditional dyeing techniques. Try out some of your newly learnt Spanish to chat with the locals and take a tour of their medicinal garden, watching how they use ancient techniques to transform plants into medicine - knowledge passed from mothers to daughters for hundreds of years. Tonight, you’ll be staying with multiple families within the community in small groups. Enjoy a homecooked dinner with your host family and spend the night here – a perfect opportunity to get to know them a little better and immerse yourself in local life.
Day 29 Day 29: Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 29: Antigua

Hit the road again this morning and make the journey back to Antigua – in 1773, the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored, and the architecture from its glory days can still be seen. On the way, stop at Santa Apolonia – one of the last communities in Guatemala to make pottery with traditional Maya techniques. The ancient Maya people could produce perfectly rounded pottery without a potter’s wheel! Here, the local women use their hands, as they move in a circular motion to produce amazing pieces. Watch a demonstration and then try it for yourself. Continue to Antigua, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk. Tonight, maybe take part in a dancing lesson – many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so you’ll be able to perfect your moves.
Day 30 Day 30: Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 30: Antigua

Enjoy a free day exploring photogenic Antigua today. Maybe check out the ChocoMuseo, two blocks away from central park. Learn all about chocolate, which was first documented by the Guatemalan Maya, as well as its historical importance. Or maybe grab a coffee from one of the myriad shops in central park, sit back, relax and enjoy Antigua’s chilled-out vibes.
Day 31 Day 31: Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 31: Antigua

Your adventure comes to an end this morning and there are no activities planned. As there’s a great deal to do in Antigua, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this traveller favourite. If you’d like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.

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31 days tour

Central America Encompassed (16 Destinations)

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Central America Encompassed (16 Destinations)

Day 1: Mexico City

Day 2: Mexico City

Day 3: Puebla

Day 4: Puebla

Day 5: Oaxaca

Day 6: Oaxaca

Day 7: Oaxaca / Overnight Bus

Day 8: San Cristobal De Las Casas

Day 9: San Cristobal De Las Casas

Day 10: Palenque

Day 11: Palenque Ruins / Merida

Day 12: Merida

Day 13: Merida

Day 14: Chichen Itza / Playa Del Carmen

Day 15: Playa Del Carmen

Day 16: Playa Del Carmen

Day 17: Chetumal

Day 18: Caye Caulker

Day 19: Caye Caulker

Day 20: Caye Caulker

Day 21: San Ignacio

Day 22: San Ignacio

Day 23: Tikal National Park

Day 24: Rio Dulce

Day 25: Rio Dulce

Day 26: Antigua

Day 27: Panajachel

Day 28: San Juan La Laguna

Day 29: Antigua

Day 30: Antigua

Day 31: Antigua

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