Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Highlights
Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Highlights
Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Highlights
10 Days Starting in Cancun, Mexico and ending in Antigua, Guatemala
Visiting: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, Tikal, Antigua Guatemala
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MBGH26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala with the "Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Highlights" tour. Begin your adventure in the lively city of Cancun, where white sand beaches and thrilling activities await. Explore the charming streets of Playa del Carmen before heading to the tropical paradise of Caye Caulker in Belize, where you can snorkel the stunning Barrier Reef. Cross into Guatemala to discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, nestled in lush rainforests. Conclude your trip in the picturesque colonial town of Antigua, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. With a mix of guided tours and free time, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation, ensuring an enriching experience across these captivating countries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Cancun
Location: Cancun
Accommodation Name: Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar)
There’s no time for mucking around…we’ve got exploring to do. Traveller, welcome to Cancun where you'll be letting the good times roll - and the good times start now. Fun is the name of the game today in this stunning white sand beach spot. Thrillseekers could take a trip to some hidden waters deep in the tropical jungle. A bit of rural island hopping, ziplining a stint at Garrafon Natural Reef Park, a visit to some ancient Mayan ruins and finally some more swimming is all on offer. Explore the offshore coral reefs and caves while the sunshine ripples through the crystal clear water. Then back to Cancun where you can grab seafood by the seashore with the crew.
Day 2: Cancun
Location: Cancun
Accommodation Name: Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cancun is a hub of fiery entertainment… known for way more than party vibes. Powdery beaches, endlessly swimmable waters and laid-back taco joints (basically all you need, no matter your mood.) Your Trip Manager knows this place like the back of their hand too, so you're guaranteed to be in the know on all the best spots to head for the evening.
Day 3: Cancun To Playa Del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for your next adventure this morning as we're heading to the beautiful shores of Playa del Carmen. A bit of retail therapy never hurt anyone, so how about a stroll down Paseo del Carmen shopping centre to spend some pesos? You'll fall head over heels for this sun-kissed seashore town. For the food addicts amongst you, a plethora of seaside bars and restaurants are here to blow your mind with their delicious cocktails and local recipes.
Day 4: Playa Del Carmen To Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mexico, you've stolen a slice of our hearts forever but with Belize & the Caribbean Island of Caye Caulker on the horizon, we're not feeling too sad... Hello heaven. Rub your eyes, blink and blink again - yes this pinch-yourself tropical paradise truly is real, This evening is all about enjoying the last dregs of sunshine, sampling fresh seafood and getting down to some reggae rhythms... **PLEASE NOTE: this day may be replaced with another night in Playa del Carmen when the Belize Ferry is not operating as scheduled. Caye Caulker activities will be rescheduled so all inclusions and optional experiences are still offered as per itinerary. A Free Time Add On Activity of ATV riding may also be offered by the Trip Manager when the itinerary has 2 nights in Playa del Carmen.
Day 5: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll need a big breakfast today because you're free to do whatever you want, which could mean a whole lot of exploring. Belize has a spectacular Barrier Reef that's just begging to be discovered, so grab a snorkel and get out there. Back on land, it's all about sandy streets flanked by palm trees and dotted with cafes and bars lined with colourful hammocks, painted tables and the most laid-back vibes we know. You'll be begging to stay longer. And your wish is our command.
Day 6: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another free day to soak up the vibes of this beautiful city, and spend some more time in the water. Snorkel, siesta, or sip something sweet as you watch the golden sunset over the shimmering waters. Bliss.
Day 7: Caye Caulker To Tikal
Location: Tikal
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tikal Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Water taxis will whizz us back to the mainland across the glorious underwater playground you've become so well acquainted with over the last few days, landing us back in the arms of Belize City. It’s a super swift passing by of the beloved Belize City before we take to the road to journey across the border into yet another stunning country: Guatemala. This leg of the trip will see you travel overland through Guatemala’s Peten forests. This afternoon before we drop anchor at our hotel, you could zoom around the treetops like a monkey but securely attached on a zipline of course! Later on you will doze off to the tranquil sounds of the nature all around you, but in a comfy bed with all the amenities you need.
Day 8: Tikal To Antigua
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation Name: Hotel Las Farolas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise early today to watch the sun stretch over the the top of the Mayan ruin Templo IV. Not a bad way to start the day, hey? We'll then take a guided tour of the crumbling ruins before a trip to the island of Flores, where we'll have lunch and time for shopping before flying this afternoon to Guatemala's capital city and then on to beautiful Antigua. This place isn't just about the dreamy scenery - there's plenty of history to soak up too. You'll notice colorful rooftop gardens dotted amongst the crumbling colonial buildings and you'll hear the clip clop of the horse drawn carriages that are still a favoured form of transport today. You'll be glad to know there are two peaceful nights planned here in the old colonial town set right beneath two massive volcanoes.
Day 9: Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation Name: Hotel Las Farolas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start with a tour with our guide to learn about the local architecture, tiny squares, and fountains. Don your explorers cap this afternoon and head off for some ME time. Being able to choose your own adventure could take you up Pacaya Volcano on a guided hike. If you’d rather produce those endorphins by making (and eating) your own chocolate, then that is also a rather delicious option where you'll learn about the process from start to end and take home the results of your efforts. Guatemalan delights tonight? Yes please. We'll get local over chiles rellenos (or peppers stuffed to the brim with vegetables, meat and sauces). You're sure to hear a collective mmmm.
Day 10: End Antigua
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning global roamers, we came, we saw, we sizzled. We'll fuel up on one last breakfast together, then it's time to wipe away the tears and do those final friend requests because today you're homeward bound with firm plans in full steam for a Contiki 2.0 reunion in Asia. See you next time!
What's Included
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
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Included Experience
Enjoy a Margarita and dinner in Cancun, drift across the Caribbean Sea in Caye Caulker, spend the night in the rainforest in Tikal, explore the Mayan 'lost city' in Tikal, and tour the ancient part of Antigua Guatemala with a native guide.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Ocean View Arenas Cancun, Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen, Tropical Paradise Hotel, Hotel Tikal Inn, and Hotel Las Farolas or similar.
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Transportation
Transportation includes water taxis and overland travel through Guatemala's Peten forests.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as ATV riding in Playa del Carmen and guided hikes up Pacaya Volcano in Antigua Guatemala are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping and additional meals are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with a mix of water taxis, overland journeys, and flights, ensuring you experience the best of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala with ease and comfort.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Ocean View Arenas Cancun, Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen, Tropical Paradise Hotel, Hotel Tikal Inn, and Hotel Las Farolas, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of relaxation and convenience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- Cancun: Get the party started with a Margarita and dinner with the gang. Gaze at the golden skies and bask in those mellow vibes.
- Caye Caulker: Drift across the Caribbean Sea and watch the sun go down over Caye Caulker. This is how we roll.
- Tikal: Spend the night in the rainforest. Your chance to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Mayans. And meet monkeys and toucans.
- Tikal: Explore this epic Mayan ‘lost city’ in the heart of the jungle. And hear historic tales from a local expert. #bucketlist moment.
- Tikal: Ah, Guatemala! A rainbow-coloured fiesta of Insta ops and the official 'birthplace of chocolate’. Heaven on earth.
- Antigua Guatemala: Antigua is a ‘tale of two cities’. Here we’ll tour the ancient part (originally built by Spanish colonists) with a native guide.
- Antigua Guatemala: Fill up on tostadas, enchiladas and all the other spiced dishes of your foodie dreams.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are available in Cancun on the first day of the tour?
On the first day in Cancun, you can explore hidden waters in the tropical jungle, go island hopping, try ziplining, visit Garrafon Natural Reef Park, explore ancient Mayan ruins, and swim in the crystal-clear waters. You can also explore offshore coral reefs and caves.
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What can I expect during the stay in Caye Caulker?
In Caye Caulker, you have free time to explore the Belize Barrier Reef, enjoy sandy streets lined with palm trees, and relax in cafes and bars with colorful hammocks. You can snorkel, enjoy the laid-back vibes, and watch the sunset over the water.
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What is the itinerary for the day in Tikal?
In Tikal, you will start the day by watching the sunrise over the Mayan ruin Templo IV, followed by a guided tour of the ruins. You will then visit the island of Flores for lunch and shopping before flying to Guatemala's capital city and then on to Antigua.
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What are the dining options included in the tour?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 4 dinners. You will have opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, such as tostadas, enchiladas, and other spiced dishes in Antigua Guatemala.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
Unique experiences include a dinner with a Margarita in Cancun, watching the sunset over Caye Caulker, spending a night in the rainforest in Tikal, exploring the Mayan 'lost city' with a local expert, and touring the ancient part of Antigua Guatemala with a native guide.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Range
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.