About me:Hola! I'm Jaime, the main tour leader and founder of Lupita Overland Adventures. More than a decade ago, I left my career in Spain to explore Mexico, where I discovered a deep passion for adventure and a unique connection with indigenous cultures. Transitioning to the travel industry, I spent years leading tours all around the globe for Dragoman, gaining invaluable skills and friendships. As a dedicated tour leader, I ensure your safety, enjoyment, and satisfaction throughout the journey. I bring positivity, adaptability, and logistical expertise to make your travel experience seamless and enjoyable. Join me on Lupita's adventures through Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, where we'll explore extraordinary cultures and natural wonders together!
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Portuguese, French
Leave a review
Share your thoughts on the itinerary, guide, and overall organization of the adventure.
Tip Jaime
Did you have a good experience on your trip with your guide? If you'd like, you can give them a tip as a way to express your gratitude.
Genuine Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition
This overlanding experience through Mexico was amazing!! Jamie the guide is so full of energy and passion for this beautiful country. A well thought out route with a diverse verity of stays. So many h…This overlanding experience through Mexico was amazing!! Jamie the guide is so full of energy and passion for this beautiful country. A well thought out route with a diverse verity of stays. So many highlights, you will feel like you have been there for longer than 3 weeks, it's packed full of wonder. I could not recommend a better way to travel Mexico!
Genuine Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition
As a first-time overlander, I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The value for money is excellent, with at least one included activity daily, ensuring you make the most of your time in Mexico. It strikes a…As a first-time overlander, I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The value for money is excellent, with at least one included activity daily, ensuring you make the most of your time in Mexico. It strikes a perfect balance, offering a blend of culture, breathtaking landscapes and interactions with locals.
Highlights included: the Day of the Dead parades with face painting and visits to genuine places like La Ventanilla , complementing the iconic typical sites.
J
Genuine Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition
A great tour of Southern Mexico and celebrating the day of the dead festival is something that everyone should do. The itinerary was a good pace and made enjoyable with Jaime leading us.
B
This tour was the most incredible experience!
Jaimie, the tour leader, is the dream tour guide. Super organized, a really well paced tour. Many activities, but also some down time. He even gives…This tour was the most incredible experience!
Jaimie, the tour leader, is the dream tour guide. Super organized, a really well paced tour. Many activities, but also some down time. He even gives very detailed suggestions for great things to do in free time. Jaime provides a written schedule of the itinerary in advance, as well as a daily meeting informational and patiently answers all questions, both in advance, and on the fly. He is super focused on everyone’s comfort and safety, continually checking in to make sure all is well.
Jaime skillfully maneuvers the van over large speed bumps, through twisty mountain roads and around congested city streets, all with a smile on his face.
Every person Jaime encounters becomes his amigo- he puts the national police guards at ease, they wave him through checkpoints, and hosts of our planned activities greet him with hugs. He has an incredible ability to connect with everyone, which I especially appreciated since I don’t really speak Spanish. You couldn’t be in better hands.
We were fortunate to also have another amazing tour guide, named Cassie. She is also super knowledgeable about the areas we visited and she actually writes a great blog as Mexico Cassie. She was also fluent in Spanish and full of great recommendations and lots of common sense advice.
Because of our guides area knowledge and great planning, we got to places before the crowds, had fabulous informative licensed guides for ruins tours, enjoyed great local cuisine, and stayed in off the beaten path gem accommodations.
I wish I could give it 10 stars !
K
I just finished a 12 day trip with Lupita from Chiapas to Quintana Roo, Mexico. Jaime's experience and professionalism as a trip organizer are obvious in his planning of each activity, attention to th…I just finished a 12 day trip with Lupita from Chiapas to Quintana Roo, Mexico. Jaime's experience and professionalism as a trip organizer are obvious in his planning of each activity, attention to the needs of his guests and his relationships with local guides. We visited a wonderful range of natural, archaeological and cultural sites and learned so much about the areas we traveled through. We had deep conversations and lots of laughs. It was an amazing trip.
T
not the kind of tour provided by big company, instead full of personal touches. leaders are great and one of the most caring people I met thought out the years of travelling.
Recently home from the 21 night South Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition and it was an outstanding overland adventure! Our group of 10 traveled comfortably in a custom van named Lupita. Every day was a n…Recently home from the 21 night South Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition and it was an outstanding overland adventure! Our group of 10 traveled comfortably in a custom van named Lupita. Every day was a new experience with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides Jamie and Gustavo. From the start in the small Caribbean town of Puerto Morelos to the bustle of Mexico City, our team was always with us to ensure that each day was filled with unique experiences and activities. In addition, many of our activities along the way supported local projects and initiatives . Our accommodations in the larger cities of St. Cristobal de las Casas, Oaxaca and Mexico city were very central, only steps from the main plazas, restaurants and local events.
The itinerary of our trip was extremely diverse, including archaeological ruins of the Mayan, Zapotec and Aztec cultures and the natural wonders of cenotes on the Yucatan, turtle liberation at la Ventanilla on the Pacific and Tehuacan-Cuicatlan, the world's largest cactus preserve. The highlight was the immersive Dia de los muertos celebrations in Oaxaca. Three days of parades, music and dancing celebrating life and that of the ancestors. What an experience!
I would not hesitate to recommend this amazing and unforgettable journey through southern Mexico with Jaime and Lupita.
R
I booked the “South Mexico Wonders, Day of the Dead Edition” with Lupita Overland Adventures. The was a 21-day adventure through several Mexican states: Quintina Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxac…I booked the “South Mexico Wonders, Day of the Dead Edition” with Lupita Overland Adventures. The was a 21-day adventure through several Mexican states: Quintina Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, and ending in Mexico City. The entire trip was by road with a small group of 10 in a van named “Lupita.” The trip organizer, Jamie and support crew, Gustavo arranged an amazing itinerary with unique and rewarding activities. Snorkeling in the beautiful Caribbean, swimming in secluded cenotes, boating and swimming in the crystal clear Bacalar lagoon, watching with awe as bats exit a sinkhole, observing the fantastic scenery and wildlife while boating in the El Sumidero Canyon, the joy of a turtle liberation on the Ventanilla beaches, a relaxing mangrove boat tour, hiking at Hierve el Agua, and the wonders of camping in Tehuacán-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve (the world’s largest cactus reserve). Along the way we took a deep dive into the Mexican culture with archeological stops: Chichén Itzá, Calakmul, Palenque, Monte Albán, and Teotihuacán and local community projects: Xyaat Mayan cooperative (an environmental conservation organization), Mujeres Sembrando La Vida (Women Sowing Life), and Manos Que Ven artist workshop. Last but not least, Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in Oaxaca! Amazing local dress, grand parade, and local neighborhood gatherings. There is nothing else like it!
It was an amazing adventure. Jamie and Gustavo were exceptional at leading the group and ensuring everyone got the most out of their journey. I highly recommend Lupita Overland Adventures and the team of Jamie Gonzalez and Gustavo Pech.
G
Lupita’s: South Mexico Wonders, Day of the Dead Edition (2025)
Our overland journey with Lupita was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, it was an adventure every single day, fille…Lupita’s: South Mexico Wonders, Day of the Dead Edition (2025)
Our overland journey with Lupita was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, it was an adventure every single day, filled with colour, culture, and connection.
Our tour leaders, Jaime and Gustavo, were exemplary in every way; knowledgeable, attentive, and endlessly enthusiastic. Jaime’s excellent communication and management skills kept everything running smoothly, while both guides made sure every traveler felt included, comfortable, safe and well taken care of.
Each day brought wonderful sites and awesome activities, from ancient ruins to vibrant markets and charming colonial towns. The fantastic hotel locations were memorable, offering a comfortable mix of local flavour and relaxation after full days of exploration.
One of the best parts was traveling with like-minded adventures who shared the same curiosity and spirit of discovery. Together we enjoyed authentic experiences that revealed the true heart of southern Mexico.
The local guides added tremendous depth to our understanding of each destination, and the meals from street food to elegant dinners, were truly memorable.
Of course, the highlight was the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, a spectacular, fascinating, emotional, and unforgettable experience that captured the essence of Mexico’s vibrant traditions.
For those adventurous travelers who need to check off their bucket list some amazing destinations this IS the trip for you. Chichen Itzá, Calakmul, Palenque, San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Juan Chamula, El Sumidero Canyon, Oaxaca: Day of the Dead, Monte Albán, Teotihuacán, Frida Kahlo’s house and the Xochimilco channels to name but a few.
Every moment felt thoughtfully curated and full of meaning, with a strong emphasis on supporting local projects and businesses. Lupita Overland delivered not just a tour, but an unforgettable adventure that will stay with us for years to come. Highly recommended for anyone who loves authentic travel, cultural immersion, and a touch of adventure.
J
Genuine Mexico, Huatulco Edition
What an amazing tour! We were treated to Mexico in all its glory, festivals, wildlife, history and culture. Jaime you were a first class tour guide constantly seeking out the best experiences for us t…What an amazing tour! We were treated to Mexico in all its glory, festivals, wildlife, history and culture. Jaime you were a first class tour guide constantly seeking out the best experiences for us to savour and enjoy.
A
Genuine Mexico, Huatulco Edition
Wonderful leader who certainly went ‘beyond’ and excellent driver. Saw amazing and varied sights. From ancient temples to mangrove swamps and crocs. Lovely beaches, indigenous lifestyles and colonial …Wonderful leader who certainly went ‘beyond’ and excellent driver. Saw amazing and varied sights. From ancient temples to mangrove swamps and crocs. Lovely beaches, indigenous lifestyles and colonial towns. We were also lucky enough to see a carnival. Really enjoyed every day.
It was a great experience throughout Mexico very nice, we had a great time, I was very lucky with the group and with the tour leader Jaime!
I will definitely repeat.
K
Genuine Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition
I was able to join Lupita’s "Genuine Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition” from Mexico City to Oaxaca in October 2023. Jaime graciously allowed me to join the group because I was unable to fully participa…I was able to join Lupita’s "Genuine Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition” from Mexico City to Oaxaca in October 2023. Jaime graciously allowed me to join the group because I was unable to fully participate in the first week of my "Wonders of Mexico" trip in Spring 2023 due to my knee injury. Because the "Day of the Dead" trip was fully booked, Jaime made special arrangement for my husband and I to stay in the group hotel and participate in group activities.
I am a graduate of ITMI (The International Tour Management Institute in California, USA). I graduated from their in-person 4 week course as a Certified Tour Director in 1982. It is from the perspective of that training that I write this review.
Most tours can drive you to the various sites and deliver you to a hotel.
The dirty little secret about group travel is the power of the Tour Director to make or break a trip.Blindness to human nature, the inability to “read” the group, can kill a trip.
Only very special leaders can work their magic on a group of strangers and and watch them depart the trip as true friends.
I know a good Tour Director when I see one.
Jaime is one of those very special leaders.
Lupita Overland is the embodiment Jaime’s vision.
What sets Lupita apart is Jaime's keen awareness of how groups function.
This understanding gives Jaime the uncanny ability to bring out the best in everyone who participates—passengers, crew, hotel staff, local guides.
His even temper and good humor is appreciated by everyone.
The end result is a cohesive group which functions well and where everyone has fun.
My "Wonders of Mexico" trip in Spring 2023 was fabulous.
I watched Jaime quickly knit our group together into a fun-loving, cohesive whole.
I have been a passenger on more more than 15 long haul overland adventures….with Trailfinders, Guerba, Exodus, Dragoman and Intrepid.
I have travelled as a passenger with Abercrombie & Kent, Windstar Cruises, and with some of the best ground operators around the world on private tours.
Against all of these, Lupita’s “ Day of the Dead October 2023 ” stands as one of the best group experiences I have ever had.
Well done!
K
I recently returned from Lupita Overland’s "Wonders of Mexico" Trip.
Traveling in a specially outfitted custom van, we traveled from Mexico City to Tulum in 21 days. Lupita specializes in small g…I recently returned from Lupita Overland’s "Wonders of Mexico" Trip.
Traveling in a specially outfitted custom van, we traveled from Mexico City to Tulum in 21 days. Lupita specializes in small group travel and they delivered an outstanding product.
The quality of the driving was excellent. I always felt completely safe. I can’t imagine that any company could be better.
Jaime González is a fabulous leader. His enthusiam was infectious. He was like the energizer bunny and attended to every detail of our trip. I had studied Spanish as a child, but I was completely unprepared for how important it would be to have a Spanish speaking guide.We traveled well off the tourist trail and few people we encountered spoke English.
We swam in cenotes, sailed on the Lagoon in Balacar, dipped in waterfalls, and visited a number of difficult to reach Mayan ruins. There was something for everyone on the trip. Jaime was willing to accommodate all tastes.My husband and I opted out of camping entirely and took advantage of the hotel upgrades.
I cannot say enough about the Lupita and Jaime. I fell in the airport in route to Mexico City, and unexpectedly arrived in a wheelchair. Due to a knee injury, I could not participate in many of the activities.Jaime bent over backwards to make sure I was included and made special accommodations so I could continue with the tour. He was endlessly patient and kind. He never once made me feel that my injury was an inconvenience, even if it was.
I am a veteran of many overseas adventure travel trips across Africa and Asia.
In more two decades of travel, I have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to tours and tour leaders.I can count the outstanding tour leaders on one hand.
Jaime is the best of the best. He is top notch. His attention to detail was outstanding. He brought his professionalism to every aspect of the trip. From start to finish, the trip was outstanding.