Epic Central America

Hola and welcome to Mexico City! On arrival we'll meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel. You'll have time to relax before meeting up with your new group of mates, and this evening we'll head out and immerse ourselves in the capital's intoxicating atmosphere and get excited for the adventures to come!

Bursting with colour and passion, today we explore the fascinating historical centre of Mexico City. We'll gain insight into the Aztec Empire and learn about the history of the Spanish conquest. Passing icons like the Cathedral Metropolitan and Zocalo, we'll have free time to explore and even listen to a mariachi song.

Tonight we enjoy a traditional Mexican dinner and show.

After breakfast we'll wave adiós to the city and depart for the beautiful town of Puebla, flanked by four of Mexico's famous volcanoes. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the area – especially considering this is where Cinco de Mayo originates from! Following lunch, we'll continue our journey to the famous Oaxaca (pronounced wah-HAH-kah). Once checked in, we'll head out and discover the charming streets by moonlight, finding tucked away gems. Memelas, mole and empanadas are all on the menu!

Today we dive into the vibrant heart of Oaxaca, a cultural gem in Mexico! We'll lose ourselves in the lively, colourful markets, marvel at breathtaking cathedrals, and fully immerse in the authentic local atmosphere. After our day of exploring, the adventure continues with a night of savouring Oaxaca's mouth-watering culinary delights.

Enjoy a relaxed morning, explore more of the town or pick up some local souvenirs before we head into a nearby valley to visit a local family and learn how hand-made textiles are produced. But the culture kicks don't stop there, as next up we're heading to a traditional mezcal distillery. We'll learn all about this energising spirit and knock back a shot or two before continuing our journey to Tehuantepec for an overnight stop.

Jumping on a boat, today we’ll discover some of Mexico’s natural beauty. Cruising through the Canyon of Sumidero we’ll see rich jungle, and cross our fingers in the hopes of spotting some cheeky monkeys and lurking crocodiles.

Later we’re heading up into the mountains for our next stop, the delightful colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas. We will walk you around the charming town of San Cristobal with an optional pottery class for those wanting to show their artistic flare.

This morning we visit a local family in the beautiful small town of Zinacantan. We'll then head to the small town of San Juan Chamula to explore and visit a one-of-a- kind church before heading back to San Cristobal de las Casas. You have free time to explore this cobblestoned city, local markets, and try Chiapas coffee – some of the smoothest in the world. Enjoy a short walking tour and Pox tasting - a traditional drink from Chiapas region, before heading out for an incredible dinner.

Leaving beautiful San Cristobal, today we hop on an included flight across Mexico and land in the wonderful hustle and bustle of Cancun, for a short overnight stay.

This morning, we’re catching a ferry to Isla Holbox, aka paradise! Imagine sunny beaches, clear waters, and laid-back villages. We’ll soak up the island vibe, eat some local food, watch the sunset, and groove to tropical tunes at a beach bar under the stars.

Today our Mexican adventure continues back into the Yucatán. Swapping slow island vibes for something a bit more high energy, we'll check into our hotel in Playa del Carmen and have plenty of time to explore all the beaches, bars and tacos this world-famous hotspot has to offer. Souvenir shopping, anyone?

Getting into explorer mode, today we head to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - Chichén Itzá. A local guide will introduce us to the myths and majesty of these iconic ruins, including Temple of Kukulkan (‘El Castillo'), the Platform of the Skulls, and the Plaza of a Thousand Columns.

Later, we'll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the crystal waters of a stunning cenote, a natural limestone swimming hole in a secret subterranean world. *You'll likely join forces with our Viva Mexico group for a few days.

Fiesta, siesta, today we do it all! Hitting the road this morning, we're off to Tulum. We'll have the option to marvel in the archeological Tulum ruins, or chill in the bluer-than-blue waters of Tulum beach. Back in Playa there's time to get ready before dinner. Let's smash some avocado, down a tequila shot (or more), get a little loco!

Hop on the bus as we embark on our adventure south along the Yucatán We’ll head to Bacalar, renowned for its stunning, vibrant blue lagoon. Once we check in, we'll experience the lagoon in the best way possible—on a boat ride. As the boat glides across the lagoon, you'll have the chance to cool off in the crystal-clear waters and maybe even raise a beer in celebration.

Get your snorkels ready as we hop on a boat bound for the breathtaking Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to an incredible variety of marine life. We'll make stops along the barrier reef, offering plenty of opportunities to spot colourful fish and vibrant corals. Our final stop brings the chance to encounter the gentle "sea cows," better known as manatees (seasonal). For dinner, we’ll indulge in some irresistible Caribbean cuisine. Imagine the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted, topped with a mouthwatering Caribbean curry sauce. Alright, now I’m getting hungry!

Today is yours to explore at your own pace, so you'll probably want to head to a beautiful beach or the famous ‘Split', a natural divide created by a hurricane and the perfect spot to swim as reggae tunes play in the distance. Caye Caulker embodies the essence of Caribbean relaxation, so whether you're eager to lounge in a hammock, sip a rum punch, go paddleboarding or explore the rich underwater world some more, we will make sure you make the most of it.

Departing the sandy shores, we're leaving behind Belize's Caribbean vibes for something different. As the terrain shifts, we pass small towns and charming roadside stands selling local goods.

For lunch, we'll stop in a Mayan village, a place that embodies an ancient culture that is truly a world away from our island experience. Greeted with warm smiles, together we learn how to cook a Mayan feast the traditional way, gaining insight into the Mayan heritage that still thrives here. Bellies full, we will cross the border to Guatemala and check into our hotel on the tiny island of Flores.

Get your Indiana Jones impression ready as we turn the clocks back thousands of years. Hidden deep in the northern jungles of Guatemala, the sprawling archaeological site of Tikal stands as a testament to the grandeur of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The air – thick with humidity – adds to the mystery of the giant ceremonial Lost World (Mundo Perdido) Pyramid and the Temple of the Grand Jaguar as we explore the complex with local guides.

Guatemala takes up a big chunk of Central America, so today we cover some distance as we travel south to the highlands. The good news is we will break up the journey with a tour of the epic Candelaria Caves – an 80km long cave system with significance to the Mayan Culture. It's believed to be the entrance to the underworld, but you can make up your own mind! Back under the sun, we continue to Cobán, a colourful city set amongst the mountains of central Guatemala.

This morning, a fleet of 4X4s will whisk us away on a genuine adventure into the highlands. Hold on tight as we navigate the winding mountain roads, offering breathtaking views on both sides. As we journey through these rugged landscapes, we’re on the lookout for something truly special. But the adventure doesn’t end there—we’ll need to hike the final stretch into the jungle. There, we’ll discover a stunning bright blue river flowing through the mountains, cascading down the valley and creating a series of beautiful pools edged with vibrant, light green algae.

We’ll then arrive at an authentic Mayan home for a traditional, mouthwatering lunch! Can you imagine a better way to spend your day?

Today our journey continues south through the highlands, stopping at the bright town of Chichicastenango. This town is a hub of Indigenous Maya traditions, and if we're lucky we can experience its famous local markets, one of the largest in Central America.

Later we'll arrive in Panajachel, our overnight stay right on the shores of Lake Atitlán. With the sound of lapping water and towering volcanoes on the skyline, you'll want to pinch yourself. This is quintessential Central America.

The quickest way to travel across Lake Atitlán is via boat, so doing as the locals do we're hopping on a boat to absorb the panoramic views and head to San Marco's. Known for being a little hippy – and extremely zen – the water entices us in for a swim. Our next stop is San Juan, home for the night, but not just at any hotel.

Tonight, we're staying at an authentic homestay with a Mayan family, where we split into smaller groups to really get to know how the locals live. Despite the language barrier, our hosts will greet us with warm smiles and open hearts, welcoming us into their simple homes and eager to share their customs. Over dinner we can trade phrases, learning some Mayan along with the more widely spoken Spanish. At the very least, laughter is universal!

It's an early start, but trust us, this one is worth getting up for. Starting in pre-dawn darkness, we're hiking under the moonlight to reach the summit of Mayan Face Mountain, known for its unique profile resembling a Mayan Face. Just as we reach the top, the sun creeps over the horizon, revealing the beauty of Lake Atitlán from above. Our local guides will provide hot cocoa as we bask in the view, feeling a sense of accomplishment from the hike. Back down, we'll share breakfast with the local families before we say goodbye and head towards Antigua.

In the morning, you'll have a volcano briefing in preparation for tomorrow, as well as a walking tour around the charming colonial town of Antigua, a favourite among both tourists and locals.

In the afternoon, you will get free time to explore the Spanish architecture, delightful cafés, and cosy restaurants. Have your cameras on ready - Antigua is a photo opportunity at every corner!

Today, gear up for the adventure of a lifetime. Those volcanoes we've been viewing from afar? Today we're climbing one, and while it won't be easy, the exhilarating experience will be incredibly rewarding for those willing to push their limits. Over several hours we ascend through lush forests into rocky terrain, and when the hike gets steep our local guide will keep us entertained by sharing insights about the region.

As the sun sets low and the air gets thin, we reach basecamp near the summit above the clouds, setting up for an epic evening. Night falls, the sky fills with stars, and the active Volcan Fuego – AKA Fire Volcano – mesmerises us as lava bursts from the crater. You won't be able to keep your eyes off it.

Please Note: The Acatenango overnight volcano hike is quite challenging, taking up to 7 hours to ascend, and requires a reasonably good level of fitness. The trek involves steep sections and rugged terrain, which can be demanding at high elevations. You will need some warm layers, decent trainers or hiking boots and travel insurance that covers hikes up to 4000m. The volcano hike is EPIC, however you can choose not to do it, if so we will provide you alternative accommodation and a just-as-epic traditional chocolate making experience in Antigua. For more info on the hike and alternatives please ask your travel advisor.

An early start and steep final climb to the summit rewards us with breathtaking views of Volcan Fuego, the Antigua Valley and Guatemalan highlands stretching to Mexico. Feeling (literally) on top of the world, we'll take in the 360 views and then start our descent to Antigua. Whatever goes up, must come down, after all. Back in town, there's time to freshen up and explore the streets of Antigua, plus any sights you may have missed before. Finally, it's time to dress up as we will have one final dinner and drinks in Guatemala. But don't worry, there's plenty more to come…

Time to say adios as our whopping 28 day adventure comes to an end. Swap those Instagram handles and start planning the reunion, it's not goodbye, just see you later! You can either check out and journey home, stay on longer in Antigua or continue your travels in Central America. If you need any assistance planning onward travel, we're here to help every step of the way.