Real Central America
Experience Overview
On this 16-day Central American adventure, you’ll explore the vast lakes, steaming volcanos and dense jungles of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, making memories with new friends. Starting in Playa del Carmen, relax on the beach in Tulum, maybe visit the Temple of Frescoes and then dance the night away. Hit island paradise in Caye Caulker, where you have a couple of days to snorkel, swim and laze on the beach. Explore the waterfalls and Maya ruins of San Ignacio at your own pace before hitting Tikal National Park. Discover Rio Dulce by boat, then head to Lake Atitlan, where you’ll visit the famous Chichi market and make the trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Maya village life. Then, end your adventure surrounded by the volcanoes of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Maya village life by meeting a local midwife, visiting a medicinal garden and taking a hands-on weaving and dyeing workshop, then enjoy Guatemalan hospitality with a home-cooked lunch in San Juan La Laguna.
- Head to Tikal National Park within the vast Maya Forest – the largest tropical rainforest in Mesoamerica – and explore ancient Maya ruins. You might even opt to swing through the canopy on the epic zipline experience!
- Soak up extended free time on the island of Caye Caulker and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua, offering the perfect opportunity for both laidback island vibes and buzzing city life. Swim with tropical fish and then let loose with some salsa lessons.
- Visit the colourful Chichi markets, where you can explore local handmade wares like jade jewellery, pottery and huipils – the traditional dress worn by Maya women.
- See some of the best of Central America with loads of free time where you can rent bikes and explore on two wheels, go snorkelling and kayaking, or rent a paddleboard and take in the landscape from the water.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2441
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, Local bus, Public bus, Taxi, Shared Boat, Ferry
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 39 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QBYA
Starts: Playa del Carmen, Belize
Finishes: Antigua, Belize
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights), Multishare lodge (2 nights), Multishare hotel (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1715 ($107 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins in Playa del Carmen – it’s recommended that you book a couple of extra days here to chill on the coast and explore at your own pace before the trip starts. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your local leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, maybe go snorkelling or cycling, or simply stroll along the sandy playa (beach). Tonight, head out with your group leader for an included dinner at a local taquisa for a selection of delicious tacos – maybe order one with freshly caught fish! To improve your lingo, your group leader will run an informal Spanish lesson between bites, so that you can understand your burritos from your banos.
Included Activities:
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Optional Activities:
- Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) (260 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll hop on a local bus and travel along the Caribbean coast to Tulum, where it's all about that laidback life on the white sands of the Yucatan Peninsula. Head out on a leader-led orientation walk around Tulum and maybe visit a Maya site that’s full of hidden details – the Temple of the Frescoes. See how this walled city of ruins clings to a clifftop overlooking the ocean. Grab some cool photos before heading down to the beach for an optional swim with the ruins towering over you. Tonight, maybe kick back and watch the waves roll in at a beachside bar.
Included Activities:
- Tulum walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) (451 MXN)
- Tulum- Bike rental (250 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With a free day to relax in Tulum, you can settle into the laidback vibe this coastal city has to offer. Maybe rent a bike and cruise around the area on two wheels. The town is heaving with cool cafes and restaurants with many vegetarian and vegan options. There are also plenty of places to relax the mind and the body through yoga and meditation. Maybe you’d like to explore Dos Ojos (two eyes) – one of the area's most famous cenotes (natural sinkholes), this pair of connected caves is an underwater world full of stalagmites and stalactites. Tonight, maybe you’ll explore the vibrant nightlife of Tulum with your fellow travellers – check out a DJ set at a beach club or enjoy a live band.
Optional Activities:
- Tulum - Jungle Adventure (149 USD)
- Tulum - Jungle Bike tour (two centotes) (125 USD)
- Tulum - Maya Inland Expedition (164 USD)
- Tulum - Sian Ka'an Adventure (150 USD)
- Tulum - World Wonder Discovery (174 USD)
- Tulum - Sian Ka'an Muyil (194 USD)
- Tulum - Cenote Adventure (1500 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say adios to Mexico and hello to Belize. You’ll have a long travel day today, so grab a window seat if you can or get stuck into a good book. This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a bit better! You’ll drive by local bus to the border, then carry on to Belize City. When you arrive, let the wind and the sea wake you right up after a big day of travel with a speedboat ride to the palm-fringed island of Caye Caulker.
Included Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy. It’s said that the pace of life is so slow here that it's almost backwards! If being underwater is your thing, maybe head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the world's second-largest barrier reef. Snorkel among the colourful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. You can also take daytrips to other nearby Cayes, as each island has its own charm. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which makes chatting with locals much easier here.
Optional Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing (126 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included) (230 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included) USD (120 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another free day to take up any other optional activities you like, or to simply pull up a towel and relax on the beach with a book, a cocktail or some friends. If you’ve already been snorkelling, maybe continue your marine exploration with a manatee tour. Get a bit more active with kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding or take the chill route and just relax on the beach. This island's also great for food and is famed for its lobster and tasty street food. How about some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with the local fire-water.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave island paradise behind today and return to Belize City by boat, before taking a local bus to San Ignacio via Belize’s capital, Belmopan. The local buses here are a little more basic than in Mexico, but this is a great opportunity to mix with Belizeans and get a feel for local life. Arrive in San Ignacio – a lively town that makes a solid base for exploring the surrounding fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins. After a leader-led orientation walk, your afternoon is free, so maybe visit the Chaa Creek butterfly garden to see the Belizean Blue butterfly or stop by a barbecue street food stall for a char-grilled chicken leg for dinner.
Included Activities:
- San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There’s heaps to do in San Ignacio, so your free day today has endless possibilities. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Maya relics – you can wade through its waters until you reach the remains of 1100-year-old calcified skeletons. You might take a day tour to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to visit waterfalls and swimming holes or float down the Macal River in canoes or tubes. If you prefer a slower pace, maybe take a trip to Xunantunich – an impressive ancient Maya city. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry down the river. Back in San Ignacio tonight, maybe walk down Burns Avenue and join the locals for a chat in one of the many restaurants or street food stalls.
Optional Activities:
- San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) (175 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry (20 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) (24 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry (20 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) (135 USD)
- San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) (100 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll leave San Ignacio, cross the border and get dropped off at Tikal National Park – often referred to as the Maya Forest. Check in at your hotel before exploring the ruins of Tikal, which was one of the most powerful cities in ancient Maya civilisation. Pass through the lush jungle vegetation, and if you've got the energy, climb the tallest structure in Tikal, Temple IV, to take in the epic canopy views and grab some awesome photos. While you’re here, consider taking an optional guided tour to check out more of the area or – if you’re a thrill seeker – hop on a zipline and fly through the canopies like a toucan.
Included Activities:
- Tikal National Park - Archaeological Site Tour (Entrance fee & Transport)
Optional Activities:
- Tikal National Park - Guide for Ruins (per person, min 5 participants) (100 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head from the jungle to the lakeside town of Flores this morning. Here, there's time to grab some lunch and briefly explore the town. Then it's back to the private vehicle and you’re off to Rio Dulce! When you arrive, you’ll transfer to the hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also by boat, which can be organised through the hotel – or you can take a short walk through the jungle. Take some time to absorb the atmosphere of this laidback Caribbean town, which has a different vibe to the inland communities. A highlight for many guests is the Casa Natural – an open-air accommodation with screened-in rooms, shared bathrooms and a lounge looking out to the surrounding jungle.
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
There are loads of activities to choose from in Rio Dulce today. Take a scenic boat trip down the river to Livingston – an easy-going town on the Caribbean coast that offers the unique experience of local Garifuna culture. Go boating on the lake, relax in the thermal hot springs or explore the nearby San Felipe de Lara fort in Livingston. You could also hike through the forest of the surrounding Chocon-Machacas natural reserve and spot the protected manatees of the area. Your local leader can always help with recommendations and bookings for activities over the course of your adventure.
Optional Activities:
- Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) (263 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) (210 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) (85 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) (90 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll travel to Antigua. When you arrive, maybe stroll around the city and tuck into some tasty tamales (a local dish served in a corn husk or banana leaf) or pepian (a spiced meat stew of chicken, beef or pork). You'll find the best value food in the square next to the La Merced Church.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by private vehicle to the famous market in Chichicastenango (nicknamed Chichi market). This is the most colourful market in the country. On Thursdays and Sundays, locals come from the surrounding villages to sell their wares and the streets come alive with stalls where you can stock up on cool trinkets. After visiting Chichi, head to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, where you'll check in to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll join your group for dinner at a local pupuseria – an eatery specialising in round corn cakes called pupusas, which are stuffed with a range of fillings like cheese, beans or meat.
Included Activities:
- Chichicastenango - Market Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, make a trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Mayan village life. Visit a local midwife to learn about this traditional and sacred Maya art. Then visit the village's medicinal garden before a hands-on workshop where you'll learn about Mayan textile weaving and dyeing techniques. Hungry yet? Settle in for a home-cooked lunch with your hosts and chat about life in the village. This is the perfect way to really immerse yourself in local culture and get off the beaten track. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Panajachel and soak up the views of deep blue Lake Atitlan with a free evening.
Included Activities:
- San Juan La Laguna - Weaving & Dyeing experience
- San Juan La Laguna - Midwife home visit
- San Juan La Laguna - Medicinal Garden
Optional Activities:
- Panajachel - Bicycle rental (per day) (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, hit the road back to Antigua – four nearby volcanoes dominate the horizon, creating a unique landscape. Join your leader on a walk to orientate yourself around this World Heritage-listed city that’s paved with cobblestones and full of leafy town squares and ornate churches. There are hushed museums and lively indigenous markets to explore here, or you could cycle the countryside and chase views of mountain peaks and deep valleys. If you're into salsa dancing – or if you'd just like to learn some moves – Antigua is the place to be! Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so maybe sign up and get moving. Tonight, why not bring out your new moves and dance the night away.
Included Activities:
- Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch (115 USD)
- Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike & Camp (202 USD)
- Antigua - City Tour with lunch (70 USD)
- Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour (95 USD)
- Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (30 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today, leaving you free to explore all that Antigua has to offer at your own pace. Maybe you’ll seek out the puffing volcanoes of Pacaya, Agua, Fuego or Acatenango – each of the four are accessible via daytrips from Antigua, with Pacaya being the easiest to access and the other three being more suited if you’re extending your stay in Antigua. The number one stop for any chocoholic should be the ChocoMuseo, where you can get a chocolate history lesson and, more excitingly, participate in a chocolate-making workshop. For those more interested in the other famous Central American bean, you can go on a coffee tour, visit the plantations, do some tastings and buy some beans to take home. Consider extending your stay in Antigua to take full advantage of the range of activities on offer. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Alasdair - Traveled, November 2023
A great tour, with quality accommodation. Although it is made by your tour guide which was 50:50 in our case!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Thomas - Traveled, September 2023
Euri was an incredible guide, spoke English perfectly. Helped me with my Spanish and had such good banter. Made my first trip with intrepid so seemless and enjoyable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Yael - Traveled, September 2023
This trip had a mixture of everything you could dream of. Culture, adventure, incredible scenery - whilst all unique in each place. Road tripping Central America was wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Alicia - Traveled, August 2023
This was my first tour and it was amazing! As a solo female traveller, the trip provided the security and safety that I was looking for whilst travelling through Belize and Guatemala. It also provided like mind-ed people to enjoy all the beautiful sights and experiences with along the way. Our group had so much fun, and we adored Caye Caulker, The ATM caves, and Guatemala. My highlight was the overnight Acatenago hike, make sure you leave an extra day on the end to attend the hike.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
John - Traveled, August 2023
Cannot recommend this trip enough, each day brought completely new and amazing experiences. None of which I will ever forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2023
Tamara - Traveled, August 2023
I had the best time on this trip!! I could not recommend it enough!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Amy - Traveled, August 2023
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking about booking this. I am a solo female traveler going all the way through Central America with intrepid and it has been amazing. I have met friends for life the leaders are all really knowledgeable of local areas and you never on your own! Intrepid plan everything really well from transport to hotels, I will definitely be booking again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Erica - Traveled, July 2023
This trip was the trip of a lifetime! I made amazing friends and felt so safe and secure thanks to the group! I saw amazing places, ate amazing food and made great memories! I’d highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves adventure and learning about new cultures!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Marius - Traveled, July 2023
A great trip which gave a good insight to completely new countries. Lots of fun to meet new people and see new places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Tony - Traveled, May 2023
Can't wait to do it again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Mary - Traveled, April 2024
A fantastic trip if you don’t have heaps of time but want to get a good introduction to Central America. I made memories for a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Teague - Traveled, March 2024
This tour exceeded all my expectations. As a first-time solo traveller I felt like our tour leader Gil constantly had our best intrests in mind, and I never found myself feeling unsafe. The locations, activities and company were second-to-none and I will look back on this trip as my best and easiest travel experience to date. I'm looking forward to my next intrepid trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Amber - Traveled, March 2024
Real Central America with Intrepid was incredible! Our tour guide Gil was amazing. He went above and beyond to make sure we all had a safe but fun time. Travelling through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala was an experience I will never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Kate - Traveled, March 2024
Our tour guide, Gil, truly made the experience exceptional. His knowledge of the region was unparalleled, and his passion for sharing it with us was infectious. From the bustling streets of Mexico to the serene beaches of Belize and the ancient ruins of Tikal in Guatemala, every moment was filled with wonder and discovery. Gil's expertise added layers of depth to each destination, as he expertly navigated us through historical sites, vibrant markets, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Lucy - Traveled, March 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations! It was an amazing experience with a great group of people and was made even better by our fantastic tour leader Gilberto. He really was the best, such a fun and calming person with a lot of knowledge to share, I will miss him!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Valli - Traveled, March 2024
The trip is brilliant. There is something for everyone on this trip - beach, culture, Mayan ruins, party, plus amazing food and drink. Our guide, Gil, was helpful, friendly, fun and knowledgeable - could not have asked for a better/more attentive and caring guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Jeremy - Traveled, December 2023
Real Central America is a great introduction to Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. The locals are kind and options of activities are in abundance.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Cecilia - Traveled, May 2023
You won’t be disappointed. It’s such a fun tour and you get such a good introduction to so many cool places. Will definitely try and make my way back to many of them to explore more!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Alana - Traveled, May 2023
Vin for PRESIDENT, so intelligent, funny and knowledgeable. Epic trip to some breath taking places and felt so safe the entire trip thanks to Vin! Especially loved the visit to San Juan and climbing Pacaya in Guatemala.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Alexandra - Traveled, March 2023
Mafer!! What to say about this simply incredible person. I made the epic trip Mexico to Antigua. 16 days up to my expectations and even more. Mafer was an outstanding guide. She was able to transmit to us her passion for her country (guatemala) she knows a lot of people so we were lucky to have access to the best locals, we learned a lot of things. She booked the best restaurants, the transport was perfect. The hotels were amazing for a basic trip and activities were pleasant. Her recommendations were excellent even after the trip. I recommend the experience to everyone if you want to discover a part of Central America while meeting extraordinary people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2023
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
