Itinerary
- Day 1
Mexico City
You'll arrive in Mexico City today and can settle in at your own pace. The city's huge with plenty to explore if you get in early enough. Head to Chapultepec for museums, take a boat ride through the Xochimilco canals, or see Diego Rivera's murals at the National Palace. Your welcome meeting happens at 6 pm, then you're free to grab tacos for dinner and check out the nightlife if you're interested.
Optional Activities
- Visit Chapultepec area with its museums
- Boat ride through Xochimilco floating gardens (Approx. MXN700 per boat per hour)
- Visit National Palace to see Diego Rivera murals (MXN50)
- Explore nightlife (recommendations from trip leader)
Landmarks Chapultepec Xochimilco National Palace (Palacio Nacional) 
- Day 2
Mexico City
After chilaquiles for breakfast, you'll join your leader for a walk through Mexico City's historic centre. Stop by Gastromotiva, an organization addressing food scarcity and homelessness. Then comes a taco crawl where you'll sample street food from local vendors. The afternoon is yours to spend. Art lovers can visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, while others might explore the Museum of Anthropology or Palace of Fine Arts. Make sure to try local snacks like tostadas and chicharrones around town.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk around historic centre
- Gastromotiva visit (Intrepid Foundation partner)
- Leader-led taco crawl with local street food vendors
Optional Activities
- Frida Kahlo Museum (MXN320)
- Museum of Anthropology (MXN100, Closed Mondays)
- Palace of Fine Arts (MXN95, Closed Mondays)
Landmarks Gastromotiva Frida Kahlo Museum Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) - Day 3
Mexico City to Oaxaca
A public bus takes you to Oaxaca, the colorful colonial city pronounced 'wuh-haa-ka'. When you arrive, your leader gives you an orientation walk to help you get oriented. The city has colonial buildings, colorful arcades, and busy markets where Indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec sellers display woven blankets. With two full days here, you'll have time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and try regional food like cactus fruit, spicy baked chili, lime grasshoppers, and tejate, a cold maize and cinnamon chocolate drink.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
Landmarks Oaxaca Historic Centre 
- Day 4
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is yours to explore today. Consider heading to Monte Alban, the mountaintop temples just outside the city with fantastic views across the valley. Alternatively, visit the Mitla Ruins, an important Zapotec religious centre, or relax at Hierve el Agua where you can swim in mineral pools and see calcified waterfalls on a mountaintop with sweeping countryside views.
Optional Activities
- Monte Alban archaeological site (MXN100)
- Mitla Ruins archaeological site with guide and transport (MXN1200)
- Tule Tree, Hierve el Agua visit, and mescal distillery (MXN950)
Landmarks Monte Alban Mitla Hierve el Agua - Day 5
Oaxaca
Another free day in Oaxaca before your overnight bus to San Cristobal de las Casas later tonight. You could test your cooking skills at a class, explore artisan stores in the markets, or visit the grand Templo de Santo Domingo, a historic stone church with a large forecourt. Make the most of Oaxaca's colors during the day, then board your bus this evening.
Optional Activities
- Cooking class (MXN1500)
- Artisan stores in markets
- Templo de Santo Domingo visit
Landmarks Templo de Santo Domingo - Day 6
San Cristobal de las Casas
You'll arrive in San Cristobal, the pastel-hued highland village in the Chiapas mountains where you're spending the next two days. Your leader points out main highlights on a morning orientation walk through winding cobblestone streets. After that, head to the Santo Domingo textile market for jewelry and clothing, or wander to a local café for baked goods. Try pox, a traditional corn-based liquor often flavored with other ingredients.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Santo Domingo textile market visit
Optional Activities
- Local café visit for baked goods and traditional pox
Landmarks Santo Domingo Market San Cristobal de las Casas Historic Centre - Day 7
San Cristobal de las Casas
No alarm clock needed today. Explore San Cristobal at your own pace through the cobblestone streets and architecture. For adventure seekers, head to Sumidero Canyon to boat down the Rio Grijalva, or explore surrounding villages by mountain bike.
Optional Activities
- Sumidero Canyon boat excursion (MXN900)
- Mountain bike rental and village exploration (MXN400 per hour)
Landmarks Sumidero Canyon Rio Grijalva - Day 8
San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque
This morning you'll visit Zinacantan to see the Iglesia de San Lorenzo where Maya and Catholic beliefs blend together. The village sits in the highlands and serves as a marketplace for Indigenous communities in surrounding hills. Your leader will help you learn about this mostly Maya community and their traditional way of life. Back in San Cristobal, enjoy free time and maybe rent a bike to explore further.
Included Activities
- Zinacantan Maya Church visit (entrance fee included)
- Leader-led cultural exploration
Optional Activities
- Bicycle rental for town exploration (MXN400 per hour)
Landmarks Iglesia de San Lorenzo Zinacantan - Day 9
Palenque
You'll arrive in Palenque, a central jungle town near Maya ruins. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the steamy jungle surroundings. You'll check out the archaeological site tomorrow.
Landmarks Palenque 
- Day 10
Palenque
Head to the Palenque archaeological zone this morning to explore ruins dating back to AD 600, some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. They sit on a hilltop surrounded by thick jungle trees. Walk among the temples and listen for howler monkeys and parrots. Many ruins remain un-excavated in the forest. You can opt for a guided jungle tour to a hidden waterfall for an extra fee. Later, visit Misol-Ha to see cascading falls and swim.
Included Activities
- Palenque archaeological site visit (entrance fee and transport included)
- Misol-Ha waterfall visit
Optional Activities
- Guided jungle tour to hidden waterfall (extra fee)
Landmarks Palenque Archaeological Zone Misol-Ha 
- Day 11
Palenque to Merida
A local bus takes you north to Merida, founded in 1542. About 60% of residents have Maya background. Join your leader on an orientation walk through the Old Town, checking out museums and streets filled with art. Relax in Plaza Grande, surrounded by the 16th-century cathedral, City Hall, and State Government Palace. Taste a marquesita, a crepe-like pastry filled with cajeta, condensed milk, jam, or chocolate. The afternoon is free to walk the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo or grab elotes from a bicycle cart.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk through Old Town
- Marquesitas snack
Optional Activities
- Museums visit
- Paseo de Montejo walk
Landmarks Plaza Grande Cathedral of Merida (Catedral de San Idelfonso) Paseo de Montejo - Day 12
Merida
You're free to explore Merida, the gateway to the Maya ruins of Uxmal. Book a guided tour of Uxmal ruins with shared transport if interested. The site was founded around AD 500 and decorated with masks of the rain god Chac. Alternatively, visit a nearby bird sanctuary, hunt for cenotes for a dip in crystal-clear water, or dive into Merida's dancing culture. Every Sunday, streets transform with salsa and merengue bands.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Uxmal ruins with shared transport
- Bird sanctuary visit
- Cenote visit and swimming
- Sunday salsa dancing in streets
- Speakeasy bar visits
Landmarks Uxmal - Day 13
Merida to Playa del Carmen
Start at the Yokdzonot cenote for a swim in blue waters surrounded by hanging vines and lush greenery. Then head to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, showcasing the fusion of Maya and Toltec traditions. See the Caracol, the Great Ball Court, and El Castillo. Enjoy a pibil feast, a traditional Maya meal cooked underground in banana leaves, with a local family in Piste. Later, head to Playa del Carmen with clear waters and gorgeous beaches. Your leader gives you an orientation walk. Tonight, feast on seafood and watch the waves with a margarita.
- Meals
- Lunch (Pibil feast with local family in Piste (traditional Maya meal cooked underground in banana leaves))
Included Activities
- Yokdzonot cenote visit and swim
- Chichen Itza archaeological site visit
- Piste home-cooked lunch (pibil feast)
- Leader-led Playa del Carmen orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Snorkeling in mangroves or underground caverns
Landmarks Yokdzonot Cenote Chichen Itza El Castillo (Kukulkan Temple) Caracol Great Ball Court Playa del Carmen 
- Day 14
Playa del Carmen
Free day to explore at your own pace. Snorkel in cenotes, walk along the beach, or take the ferry to Cozumel island. There's a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet new travelers. After, head out for dinner or stroll Calle Quinta Avenida as the sun sets.
Optional Activities
- Cenote snorkeling
- Beach walking
- Ferry to Cozumel for reef diving
Landmarks Cozumel Calle Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) 
- Day 15
Playa del Carmen to Tulum
A local bus takes you along the Caribbean coast to Tulum, where laid-back beach vibes rule. Join your leader on an orientation walk and maybe visit the Temple of the Frescoes, one of the best-looking Maya sites. See this pre-Columbian walled ruin city perched on a clifftop overlooking the ocean. You can optionally swim in the archaeological zone. Tonight, kick back at a beachside bar watching the waves with a margarita.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Temple of the Frescoes visit
Optional Activities
- Swimming in archaeological zone
- Beachside bar visit
Landmarks Temple of the Frescoes Tulum Archaeological Zone 
- Day 16
Tulum
Free day to soak in Tulum's laid-back vibe. Rent a bike and cruise around town. There are hip cafes and restaurants featuring vegetarian and vegan options. You can also explore Dos Ojos, one of the area's most famous cenotes with an underwater world full of stalagmites and stalactites. Tonight, experience Tulum's vibrant nightlife with fellow travelers.
Optional Activities
- Bike rental (MXN250)
- Cafe and restaurant visits
- Yoga and meditation classes
- Dos Ojos cenote visit
Landmarks Dos Ojos Cenote 
- Day 17
Tulum to Caye Caulker, Belize
Say goodbye to Mexico and hello to Belize today. You'll have a long travel day, so grab a window seat or settle into a good book. Take a local bus to the border, then continue to Belize City. From there, enjoy a refreshing 1-hour speedboat ride to the palm-fringed island of Caye Caulker where the rhythm slows down significantly.
Landmarks Belize City Caye Caulker - Day 18
Caye Caulker
Time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy. Life moves so slowly here it's almost backwards. Head to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the world's second-longest barrier reef, and snorkel among colorful corals seeing tropical fish, sharks, and manta rays. Take day trips to nearby Cayes, each with its own Caribbean charm. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, so chatting with locals is easy.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkeling (BZD230 or USD120 full-day guided trip)
- Day trips to nearby Cayes
- Sunset sailing (BZD126)
- Stand-up paddleboard hire (BZD55 per hour)
Landmarks Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Day 19
Caye Caulker
Another free day to enjoy optional activities or simply relax on the beach with a book, cocktail, or friends. If you've already snorkeled, try a manatee tour. Get more active with sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, or just chill. The island is known for its lobster and tasty roadside meals. Try grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with local rum.
Optional Activities
- Manatee tour
- Sea kayaking
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Beach relaxation
- Day 20
Caye Caulker to San Ignacio, Belize
Leave island paradise and return to Belize City by boat, then take a local bus to San Ignacio via Belmopan, Belize's capital. Local buses are a bit more basic than in Mexico but offer a great chance to mix with Belizeans. Arrive in San Ignacio, a lively town surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls, and Mayan ruins. The afternoon is free. Maybe visit the Chaa Creek butterfly garden or try char-grilled chicken at a street stall.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Chaa Creek butterfly garden visit
- Barbecue street stalls
Landmarks Belmopan Chaa Creek Butterfly Garden - Day 21
San Ignacio
Endless possibilities await in San Ignacio. Explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, a living Maya museum where you wade through waters to reach 1400-year-old crystallized skeletons. Visit Mountain Pine Ridge for waterfalls and swimming holes, or canoe down the Macal River. For a slower pace, visit Xunantunich, an impressive Maya ceremonial centre. Getting there involves taking a hand-cranked boat down the river. Belizeans are super friendly, so walk down Burns Avenue and chat with locals.
Optional Activities
- Actun Tunichil Muknal cave tour (USD135 including entry, guide, transport & lunch)
- Mountain Pine Ridge waterfalls and swimming holes day tour
- Macal River canoeing or tubing (USD100 including entrance, guide & transport)
- Xunantunich Maya site visit (BZD20 entry)
- Cahal Pech Ruins visit (BZD20)
- Iguana Conservation Project (BZD24)
- Butterfly Farm visit (BZD175)
- Burns Avenue restaurants and street stalls
Landmarks Actun Tunichil Muknal Mountain Pine Ridge Macal River Xunantunich Cahal Pech 
- Day 22
San Ignacio to Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Leave San Ignacio, cross the border, and get dropped at Tikal National Park, often called the Maya forest. Check in at your hotel, then explore the Maya ruins of Tikal. Pass through lush jungle vegetation and if you've got the energy, climb Temple IV for epic canopy views. There's also the option for guided tours or ziplining through the canopies.
Included Activities
- Tikal National Park archaeological site tour (entrance fee and transport included)
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of ruins (GTQ100 per person, minimum 5 participants)
- Zipline tour through canopy
Landmarks Tikal National Park Temple IV - Day 23
Tikal to Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Head from the jungle to the lakeside town of Flores in the morning. Grab lunch and quickly explore the town, then head back in a private vehicle to Rio Dulce. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel by boat. Take time to absorb the atmosphere of this laid-back Caribbean town, which feels quite different from inland communities. Many guests love Casa Natural, an open-air accommodation with screened-in rooms and a jungle-overlooking lounge.
Landmarks Flores Rio Dulce - Day 24
Rio Dulce
Plenty of activities to choose from in Rio Dulce today. Take a scenic boat trip down the river to Livingston, a laid-back Caribbean coast town offering unique Garifuna culture. Go boating on the lake, relax in thermal hot springs, or explore the nearby San Felipe Fort in Livingston. You could also hike through the dense forest of the Chocon-Machacas Natural Reserve and spot protected manatees.
Optional Activities
- Boat trip to Livingston (GTQ263, price dependent on boat available & passengers)
- Lake boating
- Thermal hot springs (GTQ210 entrance fee and transport)
- San Felipe Fort in Livingston (GTQ85 entrance fee)
- Chocon-Machacas Natural Reserve hike (manatee spotting)
- Quirigua Ruins visit (GTQ90 entrance fee)
Landmarks Livingston San Felipe Fort Chocon-Machacas Natural Reserve Quirigua Ruins - Day 25
Rio Dulce to Antigua, Guatemala
Travel to Antigua this morning and spend the night before heading to Lake Atitlan. When you arrive, stroll around the city and enjoy tasty tamales or pepian, a spicy meat stew. Find the best value food in the square next to La Merced Church.
Optional Activities
- City strolling
- Tamales and pepian tasting
Landmarks La Merced Church - Day 26
Antigua to Panajachel (Lake Atitlan), Guatemala
A private vehicle takes you to the famous market in Chichicastenango, nicknamed Chichi market. On Thursdays and Sundays, locals from surrounding villages sell their wares and streets line with stalls. After the market, head to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan and check into your hotel. Tonight, join your group for dinner at a local pupuseria.
- Meals
- Dinner (Group dinner at local pupuseria)
Included Activities
- Chichicastenango market visit
- Pupuseria group dinner
Landmarks Chichicastenango Lake Atitlan 
- Day 27
Panajachel
You'll travel to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Mayan village life. Visit a local midwife to learn about this traditional and sacred art. Then explore the village's medicinal garden before a hands-on workshop learning Mayan textile weaving and dyeing. Settle in for a home-style lunch with your hosts and chat about village life. In the afternoon, return to Panajachel with a free evening to soak up the views of Lake Atitlan.
- Meals
- Lunch (Home-style lunch with local hosts)
Included Activities
- San Juan La Laguna midwife home visit
- Medicinal garden visit
- Mayan textile weaving and dyeing workshop
- Home-style lunch with hosts
Landmarks San Juan La Laguna 
- Day 28
Lake Atitlan to Antigua
After breakfast, head back to Antigua. Three nearby volcanoes dominate the horizon creating a unique landscape. Join your leader on a walk to orient yourself around this World Heritage-listed city full of cobblestones, leafy squares, and ornate churches. Explore museums and Indigenous markets, or cycle the countryside for views of mountain peaks. If interested in salsa dancing, Antigua has many dance schools offering hourly lessons. Tonight, bring your freshly learned moves and dance the night away.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Museum exploration
- Indigenous market visits
- Countryside cycling
- Salsa dancing lessons
- Evening salsa dancing
Landmarks Pacaya Volcano Agua Volcano Jumaytepeque Volcano - Day 29
Antigua
While no activities are planned today, Antigua offers plenty to explore with vibrant colonial-style buildings, curved archways, and views of the volcanoes Pacaya, Agua, and Jumaytepeque. For chocolate lovers, the ChocoMuseo is a must-stop for history and a chocolate-making workshop costing about 30 USD. Coffee enthusiasts can visit plantations, do tastings, and buy beans to take home. If you'd like to spend more time in Antigua, speak with your booking agent.
Optional Activities
- ChocoMuseo chocolate-making workshop (USD30)
- Coffee plantation tour with tastings and purchases
- Volcano hiking (Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch USD115; Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike & Camp USD170)
- City tour with lunch (USD70)
- Half day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour (USD95)
Landmarks ChocoMuseo
