A Month in Central America: Beyond Tulum & Tikal
A Month in Central America: Beyond Tulum & Tikal
$3249
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable month-long adventure through Central America with the "A Month in Central America: Beyond Tulum & Tikal" tour. This journey takes you through the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá and Palenque, and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Bacalar's Lagoon of the Seven Colours. Experience the reggae rhythms and breathtaking sunsets of Caye Caulker, and wander through the colorful markets of Antigua. Travel by local bus, private vehicle, and boat, staying in simple hotels, hostels, and a local homestay. With a focus on adventure and cultural immersion, this small group tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and explore the rich history and natural beauty of Central America. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Mexico City
Location: Mexico City
Accommodation: Hotel Soy Local CDMX
Accommodation Name: Hotel Soy Local CDMX
Arrive at any time.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 2: Mexico City
Location: Mexico City
Accommodation: Hotel Soy Local CDMX
Accommodation Name: Hotel Soy Local CDMX
Start the adventure off with a CEO-led walking tour through La Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. Stroll past bohemian cafes, bars, and restaurants. Your CEO will grab some street food snacks for the group ranging from street tacos to chilaquiles. Savour whatever you sample as you continue to get to know the area. Finish up the tour near the giant Bosque de Chapultepec. Then, spend the afternoon trying out the optional activities in the area like a visit to the ruins of Teotihuacán.
ACTIVITY: Get the lay of the land during a walking tour of Mexico City with your CEO. Start by visiting the La Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. Wander past the bars, restaurants, and cafes. Sample some street food snacks purchased by your CEO. The tour ends at Bosque de Chapultepec.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of free time to get to know Mexico City on your own. Choose from a variety of optional activities in the area, seek out some great food spots, or search for some unique gifts to bring back to your friends and family.
Day 3: Mexico City/Oaxaca
Location: Mexico City, Oaxaca
Accommodation: Hostal Don Nino
Accommodation Name: Hostal Don Nino
Hit the road and travel south to Oaxaca from Mexico City. Once the group arrives we will head out for an orientation walk to the main square and some of the nearby markets. Soak in your first experience of the vibrant culture in Oaxaca. Enjoy a free evening to do as you please. Perhaps, find a lively restaurant and give your tastebuds something to dance about.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: All walks will be slightly different, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots. You can expect to see the Santo Domingo Cultural Centre, walk through the zocalo and the famous 20th of November market. Opt to sample some delicious Oaxacan foods along the way such as mole, tlayudas or chapulines.
Day 4: Oaxaca
Location: Oaxaca
Accommodation: Hostal Don Nino
Accommodation Name: Hostal Don Nino
Today, enjoy a free day for optional activities in Oaxaca until late afternoon. Explore local taverns, discover the vibrant indigenous culture in the area, sample food from lively markets, try mole, and mezcal and fully experience the allure of this Mexican city. Later your CEO will accompany the group to the market where you can try a tlayuda, a toasted tortilla with tons of different toppings like refried beans, shredded cabbage, salsa, meat, and cheese. Cap off the day with a visit to a local chocolate-making shop and a free evening to keep the adventure going.
Additional Information: You can pre-book the Hierve el Agua Day Trip during check-out and pay a visit to a petrified waterfall outside of Oaxaca.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY From museums and galleries to markets filled with locally produced arts and crafts, it's impossible to run out of things to do in Oaxaca. Choose to stroll down more of the streets off the main square in search of street art, check out the intricately designed black pottery, hand-woven Zapotec rugs in local shops, and take in panoramic views of the city from Cerro del Fortín.
ACTIVITY: Your CEO will accompany the group to the market where you can try a tlayuda, a toasted tortilla with tons of different toppings like refried beans, shredded cabbage, salsa, meat, and cheese before capping off the day with a visit to a local chocolate-making shop.
Day 5: Oaxaca/San Cristóbal
Location: Oaxaca, San Cristóbal
The group will have additional free time today in Oaxaca for other optional activities. Afterwards, visit the Alebrijes Artisan Community for your G for Good moment. Meet a local artisan, speak with them, ask any questions the group may have, and learn more about how these handicrafts are made. In the evening board and overnight bus to San Cristobal.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY Enjoy more free time in Oaxaca. Taste more delicious food from the markets, book an optional cooking class and learn how to make mole, or shop for keepsakes at the many local stores and craft markets with featuring work by the artists who call Oaxaca home.
ACTIVITY: Alebrijes were created by a Mexican artisan named Pedro Linares who was known for making piñatas and carnival masks. After falling ill and hallucinating crazy figures and creatures inside his mind, the artist decided to bring what he saw to life by creating the small figurines we know as Alebrijes. Often made of a mash-up between animals, these figurines are now made by Oaxacan artisans out of wood and then painted with vibrant pigments and lots of patterns. Learn more about how these figurines integrated themselves into Oaxacan/Mexican folklore and how the craft expanded from originally being made from cardboard to now being carved from Copal wood. Meet a local artisan and speak with them, ask any questions the group may have and to learn more about how the Alebrijes are crafted.
TRANSPORT: Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Day 6: San Cristóbal
Location: Tuxtla Gutierrez, Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas
Accommodation: Hotel San Martin
Accommodation Name: Hotel San Martin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive early to Tuxtla Gutierrez, which is a city in southern Mexico and the capital of Chiapas. The group will travel by private bus to Sumidero Canyon for an included boat ride down the river. The trip is a few hours long and will take you through the canyon with some of the walls towering 2,500 feet above you. It’s sure to make you feel small. Keep a lookout for the wildlife in the area and try to spot caves as you journey on. Afterwards, continue on to San Cristobal de las Casas where you will stop for the evening.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Drive an hour before boarding a boat for a 2-hr journey through the deep Sumidero Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, birds, monkeys and maybe even a river crocodile. Marvel at the tall waterfalls, hidden caves, and unusual rock formations along the Grijalva River. After, stop in a village to visit markets and enjoy lunch.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: San Cristóbal
Location: San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Accommodation: Hotel San Martin
Accommodation Name: Hotel San Martin
San Cristóbal de Las Casas is located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft). Enjoy a free day to experience this city known for its 16th-century architecture. Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day, or visit Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the group of beautiful lakes near the Guatemalan border. You have a full day to do as you please and there are plenty of activities to try out.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a free day to experience this city known for its 16th-century architecture. Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day, or visit Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the group of beautiful lakes near the Guatemalan border.
Day 8: San Cristóbal/Palenque
Location: San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Roberto Barrios, Palenque
Accommodation: Hotel Maya Tulipanes
Accommodation Name: Hotel Maya Tulipanes
Get ready for a full day of travel from San Cristóbal de Las Casas to Palenque. Along the way the group will stop to swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall. Arrive to Palenque in the evening.
ACTIVITY: Visit the Zapatista community of Roberto Barrios, Chiapas, have a swim and explore the cascading waterfall. If it hasn’t rained for a few days, you will be astonished how bright the light blue water can get.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 9: Palenque
Location: Palenque
Accommodation: Hotel Maya Tulipanes
Accommodation Name: Hotel Maya Tulipanes
Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Mayan ruins of Palenque followed by free time for an optional jungle trail hike, or just relax at the hotel keeping an eye out for nearby birds and wildlife.
ACTIVITY: Experience the elegant jungle site of Palenque on a guided tour. See the highlights -- the Temple of the Cross Group, Temple of Inscriptions and the Grand Palace. Howler monkeys sound in the distance as the fog rolls in and out of this mystical site, one of the most important centres for trade and culture during the end of the Classic Maya period.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon for an optional jungle hike or otherwise just kick back at the hotel and listen to the sounds of the jungle. Ask your CEO for more recommendations should you need them.
Day 10: Palenque/Bacalar
Location: Palenque, Bacalar
Accommodation: Bacalar Magico Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bacalar Magico Hotel
Spend the day travelling to Bacalar in the eastern part of Mexico from Palenque. Sit back as the scenery changes outside your window and rest up for the next part of the trip.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 11: Bacalar
Location: Bacalar
Accommodation: Bacalar Magico Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bacalar Magico Hotel
Spend a full free day enjoying optional activities in the area, or just relax and keep the good vibes going.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of free time for optionals in the area. Explore the San Felipe Bacalar Fort or visit the lagoon again for some kayaking.
Day 12: Bacalar/Valladolid
Location: Bacalar, Valladolid
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Ana
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Ana
The group is in for a treat this morning with an included boating adventure in the lagoon. In the afternoon it’s onward to Valladolid. Travel north and inland from Bacalar to a city on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Upon arrival your CEO will lead you on an orientation walk of the small Mayan town filled with quaint taverns, vibrant indigenous culture, and loads of street food vendors. Smell the delicious aromas as you walk and sample a few snacks along the way.
ACTIVITY: Head out into the Bacalar lagoon by boat this morning for a fun adventure. Start by visiting the Canal de los Piratas for a swim in the clear waters. Then, visit Cenote Negro, an open-air cenote and also the deepest point in the entire lagoon. From there the boat will stop at Cenote Esmeralda to admire the different shades of blue. Finally stop at Cenote Cocalitos, home to stromatolites, which are living stones that are thought to be the oldest form of life on Earth. Here you’ll enjoy a prepared picnic featuring fresh fruit.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Marvel at Valladolid’s colonial buildings, which includes a 16th-century convent of San Bernardino of Siena, and the San Gervasio Cathedral. Walk through the streets of town smelling the delicious aromas from the street food vendors. Sample some delicious treats and get to know this vibrant Mayan town.
Day 13: Valladolid/Tulum
Location: Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Tulum
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Colonial
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa Colonial
After a short, but sweet visit in Valladolid the group will travel to the Chichen Itzá ruins for a guided tour. These ruins hold the history, beliefs, and rituals that defined ancient Mayan civilization. See the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the famous Castillo, the cenote, and the Nunnery. Afterwards, travel to Tulum for a free evening. Tulum is filled with trendy beach clubs where you can dance the night away, or stretch out on white sand beaches to admire the colors at sunset.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichén Itzá and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: EVENING Take this time to soak in the spectacular coastline of Tulum. Swim in the cobalt waters off of the white sand beaches. Hunt down some delicious street food and have a picnic in the sand. Or if you're still feeling adventurous, head out for some cave and cavern exploring in the nearby cenotes.
Day 14: Tulum/Playa del Carmen
Location: Tulum, Playa del Carmen
Accommodation: Hotel 12 bees
Accommodation Name: Hotel 12 bees
Travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen where you can enjoy time to explore on your own. Tonight, head out with your fellow travellers to 12th Street, where there’s tons of bars and clubs to choose from.
Day 15: Playa del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel
Accommodation: Hotel 12 bees
Accommodation Name: Hotel 12 bees
Enjoy free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or take a ferry to nearby Cozumel. Or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach.
Start your holiday off with some hardcore relaxation. Enjoy a full day of free time to fill as you wish. Get your ruin on with a visit to Tulum perched atop the sea, explore the fish- and coral-filled seas around Cozumel on a scuba dive, go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, and save some energy for a night out on the town.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, the diving mecca of Cozumel, or play in the waves and enjoy the beach!
Day 16: Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker
Location: Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
Mention Belize and you may conjure up visions of unbelievably clear blue waters, diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef and remarkable marine life. Belize also boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easygoing people. Belize is all this and much more!
TRANSPORT: MORNING Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON 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.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
Day 17: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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!
Day 18: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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!
Day 19: Caye Caulker/San Ignacio
Location: Caye Caulker, San Ignacio
Accommodation: Kawoq Hostel
Accommodation Name: Kawoq Hostel
Meals Included: Lunch
Travel by boat and bus from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With free time here, choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 20: San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Accommodation: Kawoq Hostel
Accommodation Name: Kawoq Hostel
Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Day 21: San Ignacio/Flores
Location: Tikal, Flores
Accommodation: Peten Express Hotel
Accommodation Name: Peten Express Hotel
Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of the ruins of Tikal.
Cross the border into Guatemala and you immediately notice the difference in culture, with its heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Here we have entered Guatemala’s northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán.
En route to Flores, stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Arrive in Flores, the capital of the department of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake of Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
ACTIVITY: MORNING 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!
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON 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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 22: Flores/Rio Dulce
Location: Flores, Rio Dulce
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Travel across the country towards the coast to Rio Dulce, on the shores of Lake Izabal.
A travel day from Flores to Rio Dulce which is located in the department of Izabal, home of the largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Izabal was one of the most important water ways of the Spanish crown during colonial times.
We take the road past areas of dense jungle and arrive at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal and a port stop for boaters around the globe, on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 23: Rio Dulce
Location: Rio Dulce, Livingston
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hacienda Tijax
Meals Included: Lunch
Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours.
ACTIVITY: 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 Boquerón 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”.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 24: Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala
Location: Rio Dulce, Antigua
Accommodation: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Accommodation Name: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Enjoy an orientation walk of Antigua's cobblestone streets, then opt to take a salsa lesson and practice new moves out at night.
Today is a travel day from Rio Dulce to Antigua, followed by an orientation walk once you arrive. Plan your activities for the next day and enjoy some of the nightlife this beautiful colonial city has to offer.
TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 25: Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Accommodation Name: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Enjoy a free day in Antigua. Opt to relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture in one of the city's many cafés, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY 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.
Day 26: Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel
Location: Lake Atitlán
Accommodation: Kamol Bey
Accommodation Name: Kamol Bey
Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views.
Travel through the hills and fertile fields of the Guatemalan highlands to the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.
The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.
Additional Information: Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 27: Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
Location: Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna
Accommodation: Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay
Accommodation Name: Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay
Meals Included: Dinner
Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings at the lake's markets.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Climb aboard and get your float on.
ACTIVITY: Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlán, 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.
Day 28: San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua
Accommodation: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Accommodation Name: Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel
Return to Antigua, and enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area.
Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills or taking a salsa lesson.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Day 29: Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua
Depart at any time.
Additional Information: 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!
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (26 nts, most multi-share), overnight bus (1 nt), local homestay (1 nt). -
G for Good Moments
Experience community visits and local interactions such as the Alebrijes Artisan Community Visit in Oaxaca, San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch in San Ignacio, Caribbean Gastronomic Experience 'El Manglar' in Lívingston, and Posadas Mayas Homestay in San Juan La Laguna.
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First Night Out Moment
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group at the start of the tour.
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Foodie Moment
Enjoy a Oaxaca Market Visit with your CEO.
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Discover Moments
Enjoy free time in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, and Antigua Guatemala.
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Big Night Out Moment
Experience a memorable night out in Antigua Guatemala.
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Mexico City Street Food Crawl
Explore the vibrant street food scene in Mexico City.
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Alebrijes Artisan Community Visit
Visit the Alebrijes Artisan Community to learn about traditional crafts.
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Boat Trip to Sumidero Canyon
Enjoy a scenic boat trip through the stunning Sumidero Canyon.
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Roberto Barrios Waterfall
Stop at Roberto Barrios Waterfall for a refreshing swim.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting the ruins of Teotihuacán, exploring Lagunas de Montebello National Park, and taking a salsa lesson in Antigua are not included.
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Meals Not Included
Meals are generally not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as drinks, shopping, and tipping are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Transport
Local bus, private vehicle, overnight bus, boat, ferry, taxi, walking.
Meals Included
1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including simple hotels and hostels, mostly multi-share, an overnight bus, and a local homestay, providing a unique and immersive travel experience.
Group Size
Max 18, avg 14
Meals
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. ...more ...less
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel through Central America using local buses, private vehicles, overnight buses, boats, ferries, taxis, and walking, offering a diverse and authentic transportation experience.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Group Leader
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. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What types of transportation are used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including local buses, private vehicles, overnight buses, boats, ferries, taxis, and walking.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
Accommodations include simple hotels and hostels, mostly with multi-share rooms, an overnight bus, and a local homestay.
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Are there any special cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several 'G for Good' moments such as visits to the Alebrijes Artisan Community in Oaxaca, the San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative in San Ignacio, and a Caribbean Gastronomic Experience in Livingston.
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What activities are available in San Cristóbal de Las Casas?
In San Cristóbal de Las Casas, you can enjoy a free day to explore the city's 16th-century architecture, visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages, or explore the Lagunas de Montebello National Park.
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What can I do during the free time in Caye Caulker?
In Caye Caulker, you have the option to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving, or simply relax and enjoy the island's laid-back atmosphere.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Tikal?
The highlight of the visit to Tikal is a guided tour of the ancient Mayan city, where you can explore temples, plazas, and monuments set in the heart of the jungle.
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What is the purpose of the homestay in San Juan La Laguna?
The homestay in San Juan La Laguna is part of a Planeterra community tourism project, allowing you to immerse yourself in Mayan culture while supporting local families.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
A Month in Central America: Beyond Tulum & Tikal
29 Days Starting in Mexico City, Mexico and ending in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Visiting: Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Cristóbal, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Roberto Barrios, Palenque, Bacalar, Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal, Flores, Rio Dulce, Livingston, Antigua, Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25845
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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