Central America Encompassed
Central America Encompassed
Central America Encompassed
31 Days Starting in Mexico City and ending in Antigua
Visiting: Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Oaxaca , Tehuantepec, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Merida, Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen, Chetumal , Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tikal National Park, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QVRYC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
From traditional villages to an island paradise surrounded by coral reefs, this a 31-day all-encompassing adventure of Central American highlights. Start your epic discovery in thriving Mexico City, where you’ll taste the city’s best tacos. Visit Nahuatl descendants and learn about how they keep their culture alive, discover the arts scene in Oaxaca, walk the pine-covered floor of Iglesia de San Juan and visit vibrant markets before discovering one of the New Wonders of the World at Chichen Itza. Kick back, surf, swim and recharge on the paradise-like shores of Playa del Carmen and Caye Caulker. When you’ve had your fill of beach days, hit the highlands of Belize and discover local Maya culture and delicious local meals. After, dive into Guatemala and discover the ancient remains of Tikal, the bustling Chichi market and stay with the locals near Lake Atitlan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Mexico City
Location: Mexico City
Accommodation: Hotel
Bienvenidos a Mexico City! This is one of the world's largest urban centres, a bustling metropolis with so many influences, offering a huge variety of museums, galleries and architectural delights, along with pumping nightlife and unparalleled street food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, perhaps head to the Zocalo – the massive central square – and check out the Aztec ruins and colonial architecture nearby. There are also plenty of parks, plazas and gardens to relax in and adjust to the Mexican way of life.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Mexico City
Location: Mexico City
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Wake up and get ready for a leader-led walk to orientate yourself to the city. Pass by the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo, National Palace, Bellas Artes, Paseo de la Reforma and more. Parts of this walk will look different depending on whether Day 2 falls on a weekday or the weekend. If it's a weekday, your leader will take you to the Gastromotiva project, an Intrepid Foundation partner, whose culinary training programs open job opportunities for local youth. There, you’ll be shown how to make guacamole and salsa, which you can then enjoy! On weekends, you’ll instead stop by a stall in a local market run by a former Gastromotiva student. They’ll share information about the organisation and their own journey, and there’ll also be a snack of guacamole and chips. For lunch, join your local leader on a ‘taco crawl’ around town to taste Mexico City’s delicious street-food staple, tacos al pastor, among plenty other delicious treats. After, the rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Tonight you could visit the famous Plaza Garibaldi or sip cocktails with your fellow travellers in one of the many trendy bars in the city, whatever takes your fancy.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Puebla
Location: Puebla
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Start the day with a visit to the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who are keeping their way of life alive. The community practices traditions from pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies. After an included lunch, your group will head to Puebla, where your leader will take you out for an orientation walk and run through some handy Spanish phrases to help you make the most of the days ahead. Put your newly learnt Spanish skills to the test with an evening visit to La Pasita bar, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste pasita – a sweet liqueur made of raisins in one of Puebla’s most famous bars. Salud!
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Puebla
Location: Puebla
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Puebla is a rapidly growing city featuring many well-maintained churches and buildings from the colonial period. Today is free for you to discover the city at your leisure. Though there are enough churches to visit a different one every day for a year, two of the best examples are Santa Domingo Church and the Rosary Chapel, located in town. Further afield lies the Great Pyramid of Cholula, containing over eight kilometres (five miles) of tunnels, with the enormous Popocatepetl Volcano serving as a backdrop. In town, Puebla also has plenty of markets where you can pick up some local handicrafts.
Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Oaxaca
Location: Oaxaca
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today we journey by local bus to Oaxaca. Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’) is a beautiful, old colonial town full of graceful arcades and colourful markets. You'll find Zapotec and Mixtec influences around the city as ancestors have populated this region for thousands of years. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through Oaxaca and to Mercado 20 de Noviembre – an iconic fresh food market. Here, you’ll be able to shop for fresh ingredients to put together your own meal. Grab some guacamole, salsa and some fresh tortillas on the way and then find a spot at one of the long tables where you can down for a classic Oaxacan lunch. Later, you’re free to walk the narrow, cobblestone streets, or maybe sit back in one of the squares, sipping mezcal and watching the world go by. The city is known for its arts scene, particularly its folk and fine art, but you'll also discover a grungier side to Oaxaca and some incredible examples of street art.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Oaxaca
Location: Oaxaca
Accommodation: Hotel
There's an opportunity today to visit the spectacular temples of Monte Alban just outside of Oaxaca. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and this World Heritage site is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre, with terraces, dams, canals and pyramids carved out of the mountain. Alternatively, why not have a go at plating up some delicious local fare during a cooking class, visit a traditional weaving arts town, and stop by a local mezcal distillery. In the evening, if you've any energy left, you could head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and enjoy the town's lively atmosphere.
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Tehuantepec
Location: Tehuantepec
Accommodation: Hotel
Bid farewell to Oaxaca this morning, and board a private transfer to Tehuantepec. On your way out of town you’ll stop in at the Arbol del Tule, or the Tree of Tule, which holds the record for having the stoutest tree trunk in the world. Further along the road, visit the town of Teotitlan del Valle. Famous for its weaving and textile traditions, you can wander past artisans showing off their incredible handcrafted wares. You’ll also visit a mezcal distillery, getting to sample the smoky liquor to see if it’s to your taste! Later, arrive in Tehuantepec and settle in for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: San Cristobal De Las Casas
Location: San Cristobal de las Casas
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Head back out on the road this morning to San Cristobal de las Casas. Once you arrive in the early afternoon Leave your luggage at the hotel and begin exploring this highland town, hidden in green Chiapas valley surrounded by pine trees. Your leader will take you on a tour around town and point out all the important places. The evening is then free – you might like to ask your leader for a dinner recommendation!
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 9: San Cristobal De Las Casas
Location: San Cristobal de las Casas
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning you'll visit the village of San Juan Chamula, home to the fascinating Iglesia de San Juan. This church, with its pine-covered floor and air thick with incense, is often frequented by shamans who come to carry out cleansings using firewater and ancient prayer. Please note that there is a strict ban on cameras inside the church. Outside, the village is alive with colourful markets that sell local handicrafts. The rest of the day is free for your own adventure. You might like to get active and ask your leader to help organise an optional boating trip in the Sumidero Canyon, which is as old and impressive as the Grand Canyon (at your own expense).
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Palenque
Location: Palenque
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel along a windy road by private vehicle to Palenque, stopping en route at the beautiful Agua Azul cascades for a refreshing swim. Once you've arrived in Palenque, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Situated in a steamy jungle, Palenque is a central town close to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name, which you'll have a chance to check out tomorrow.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Palenque
Location: Palenque
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you visit the Palenque archaeological zone. The stunning Mayan temples of Palenque are quite rightly considered a must-see during any trip to Chiapas, or indeed Mexico. Situated on a hilltop, the ruins date back to AD600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you walk among the temples with a local guide (closed-toe shoes recommended), listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins which are still un-excavated and remain hidden in the forest. Return to Palenque this afternoon and enjoy a free rest of your day to relax.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Merida
Location: Merida
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
This morning, travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan region. On route you’ll stop at Campeche, a harbour town that retains a few remnants of its colonial past. Take a leader-led walk through its fortified centre then sit down for an included lunch. Afterward, continue to Merida. Founded in 1542 on the site of Tho (an ancient Maya city), Merida retains much of its old-world charm thanks primarily to its people and architecture. Take an orientation walk with your leader on arrival, then enjoy free time to get settled in for the rest of the day.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Merida
Location: Merida
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you can choose to visit the Maya ruins of Uxmal, a 1-hour drive from Merida, on an optional tour which includes transport and a local guide. It's thought that the city was constructed around AD700, was home to around 25,000 people and once dominated the region along with Chichen Itza. Much of the site is decorated with masks of Chac, the rain god, and important buildings include the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor's Palace, the House of the Tortoises and the Ball Court. Alternatively, you could choose to take an optional guided tour to Las Coloradas – the incredible pink lagoon that’s home to flocks of flamingos.
Optional Activities:
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Day 14: Chichen Itza / Playa Del Carmen
Location: Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
Travel to Playa del Carmen by private vehicle, stopping en route for an included visit to the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza. Containing both Toltec and Maya ruins lying alongside each other, the site is dominated by the famous El Castillo pyramid there’s also a large ball court where games used to be held. Nearby, excavations of the Well of Sacrifice revealed treasures of jade, copper and gold as well as many human and animal bones. You’ll get to see all of this on a guided tour of the ruins, and then you’ll have the chance to hear about modern life during a lunch stop at the nearby community of Piste. Sample some Yucatecan specialties, chat with the locals, then continue on to Playa del Carmen. After a quick orientation walk around Playa del Carmen, why not pick a place to kick back with a margarita and watch the sun go down.
Included Activities:
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Day 15: Playa Del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you’ll have a free day to take on one of the beachside activities or just kick back and relax until another group meeting at 6 pm tonight. Beforehand, maybe try your hand (and feet and lungs) at snorkelling in the freshwater rock pools (called cenotes) or reef diving on Cozumel. After the meeting, maybe head out for a cocktail and a few tacos with your new travel buddies.
Optional Activities:
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Day 16: Playa Del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning, hop on a local bus to one stunning example of a cenote – Cenote Azul. There you can swim, dive or snorkel in the natural open-air pool, basking in the beauty of your surroundings. Then return to Playa Del Carmen, where you’ll have a free afternoon to explore this beachside paradise at your leisure. You might like to continue the underwater activities and keep your eyes peeled for rays, moray eels and turtles among the coral-clad reefs. If you’d rather leave the flippers behind and adventure on land, catch a local bus and travel south to Tulum, where white-sand beaches and Maya ruins are just an hour and a half away. In the evening, you could grab a few of your fellow travellers and find a good spot to watch the sunset – muy bien!
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 17: Chetumal
Location: Chetumal
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
On your final morning in Playa del Carmen, maybe take an early morning stroll to the beach and dip your toes in the sand or simply let the world pass you by with a coffee at a local cafe. Then head to your next stop in Bacalar – said to be the first settlement of the Itza tribe, who would go on to create Chichen Itza. Here you’ll have an included lunch and the chance to relax at the Lake of Seven Colours – thanks to the various stunning shades of blue it adopts throughout the day. If you’d like, you could also hop onboard a boat tour of the lake. Then continue on to Chetumal – a quiet city close to the border of Belize, this place makes for the perfect stop before tomorrow’s adventure to Caye Caulker.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 18: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Bid adios to Mexico early this morning as you head south to Belize. After border formalities, arrive in Belize City then hop in a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. When you arrive, get acquainted with the island on a guided walk with your leader. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. After, you’ll join in on a cooking class with a local family, learning how to make a famous Belizean meal with chicken, rice and beans. Then you’re free to see more of Caye Caulker in the evening. Be aware that there may be crocodiles in the split area that separates the north and south of the island, so it’s best to take caution while swimming and exploring the beaches.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 19: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Hotel
Today is free for you to explore the island that surrounds you, or just to simply relax. If you feel like snorkelling, ask your leader about organising a trip to the colourful coral reef nearby, or maybe head further afield to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the world’s second-longest coral reef. Manatee spotting is perfect for nature lovers, or you could take a stroll and find a swaying palm tree with your name on it – they make the perfect place to nap, read a book and soak up the island vibes on a beach day.
Optional Activities:
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Day 20: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Hotel
What’s better than one day in paradise? Two, of course! Wake up whenever you like, because you’ve got another free day. Like any good seaside paradise, Caye Caulker is home to super fresh seafood, which you can dig into with your feet planted in the sand at one of the many ‘floor free’ outdoor restaurants. The island's famous lobsters are available between 15 June and 15 February, and you can expect to pay far less than at home (though more than your average island meal). You could even grab some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with firewater from a roadside stall to really get into the island spirit.
Optional Activities:
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Day 21: San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Accommodation: Hotel
From the islands to the highlands, you’ll bid farewell to Caye Caulker today and catch a ferry to Belize City, then a bus to San Ignacio. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of San Ignacio and its twin sister Santa Elena, giving you a sense of how vibrant the local Garifuna and Maya communities are. Tonight, maybe head out in search of a classic Maya dish like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus).
Included Activities:
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Day 22: San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Accommodation: Hotel
Today is free for you to discover San Ignacio at your own pace. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Maya ruins, making it the ideal base. If you’re a bit of a history buff, maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Maya ceremonial site on a hill overlooking the countryside. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Also nearby is the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade through cool waters to find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the calcium-rich environment of the cave for over 1400 years. Easily spooked? Maybe you'd prefer a cave with fewer (as far as we know) skeletons, like the one in Mountain Pine Ridge. In the late afternoon, the barbecue stalls of Santa Elena start to set up for the dinner rush. It's only a 15-minute walk, so consider wandering over to enjoy a juicy chicken leg and a chat with the locals.
Optional Activities:
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Day 23: Tikal National Park
Location: Tikal National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Rise and shine for your journey across the Belize-Guatemala border.to Tikal National Park. Here, there will be time to buy lunch before visiting the impressive archaeological site with a local guide. Towering above the jungle, the five granite temples of Tikal are an imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the evergreen forest is a maze of smaller structures waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds.
Included Activities:
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Day 24: Rio Dulce
Location: Rio Dulce
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning depart for Flores, where you'll have breakfast in a local restaurant before joining your leader on an orientation walk on the island. Then, continue by private minivan to Rio Dulce before transferring to your hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also on the water – a journey that can be organised through the hotel. Alternatively, a 40-minute jungle walk will get you there. The hotel is a great place to relax and look over the water, with reasonably priced meals and drinks served in the hotel restaurant. Now that you are back in a Spanish-speaking nation, why not join an informal Spanish lesson led by your leader?
Day 25: Rio Dulce
Location: Rio Dulce
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast
Start your day with a nature walk along your accommodation’s trails, lead by a local guide. Then, and with plenty of free time today, consider taking advantage of some optional activities. Maybe take a scenic boat trip down the river to the coastal enclave of Livingston for a taste of Creole-Caribbean culture. This laidback town on the Caribbean coast feels very different from the rest of Guatemala thanks to its Garifuna population. Or maybe go boating on the lake, take a tour to spot local manatees or explore nearby San Felipe Fort.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 26: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave the 'Sweet River' behind and travel by private minibus to the city of Antigua. The road between Rio Dulce and Guatemala City is one of the busiest in the country. Traffic is slow, there are frequent road works and many, many slow trucks – be armed with patience, music and a good book and the journey will be easier to handle. Though there's not much time in Antigua today, you owe it to yourself to reward your patience with a tamale (meat and dough steamed in a corn leaf). You could also give pepian a try (rich dark sauce served with vegetables and meat, usually chicken).
Day 27: Panajachel
Location: Panajachel
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, travel on the winding roads to Chichicastenango – home to perhaps the most colourful market in the country! Nicknamed Chichi market, locals come from surrounding villages on Thursdays and Sundays to sell their wares and the streets are lined with stalls offering multi-coloured textiles and fresh produce. Visit a local Mayan Shaman and do a little shopping at the market, then continue to Panajachel. Located on Lake Atitlan with distant volcanoes looming in the background, Panajachel has a thriving market, great eateries and many water-based activities. Your leader will take you on a brief orientation walk of the town and then the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. Why not go for a swim, wander the streets or kayak on the lake?
Included Activities:
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Day 28: San Juan La Laguna
Location: San Juan La Laguna
Accommodation: Homestay (shared accommodation)
Meals Included: dinner
This morning after breakfast, take a boat to San Juan La Laguna – a small Maya village overlooking Lake Atitlan and the first community to ban single-use plastic. Here, you’ll witness a textile weaving demonstration, seeing how they use local materials and traditional dyeing techniques. Try out some of your newly learnt Spanish to chat with the locals and take a tour of their medicinal garden, watching how they use ancient techniques to transform plants into medicine - knowledge passed from mothers to daughters for hundreds of years. Tonight, you’ll be staying with multiple families within the community in small groups. Enjoy a homecooked dinner with your host family and spend the night here – a perfect opportunity to get to know them a little better and immerse yourself in local life.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 29: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Hit the road again this morning and make the journey back to Antigua – in 1773, the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored, and the architecture from its glory days can still be seen. On the way, stop at Santa Apolonia – one of the last communities in Guatemala to make pottery with traditional Maya techniques. The ancient Maya people could produce perfectly rounded pottery without a potter’s wheel! Here, the local women use their hands, as they move in a circular motion to produce amazing pieces. Watch a demonstration and then try it for yourself. Continue to Antigua, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk. Tonight, maybe take part in a dancing lesson – many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so you'll be able to perfect your moves.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 30: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy a free day exploring photogenic Antigua today. Maybe check out the ChocoMuseo, two blocks away from central park. Learn all about chocolate, which was first documented by the Guatemalan Maya, as well as its historical importance. Or maybe grab a coffee from one of the myriad shops in central park, sit back, relax and enjoy Antigua's chilled-out vibes. If you're feeling adventurous, ask your leader about booking an optional tour to one of the nearby volcanoes.
Optional Activities:
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Day 31: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Your adventure comes to an end this morning and there are no activities planned. As there's a great deal to do in Antigua, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this traveller favourite. If you’d like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (27 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night) -
Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
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Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
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Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
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Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
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Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
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Tlahuac - Community Visit
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Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
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San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
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Zinacatan Church - Visit
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San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
- Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
- Mexico City - Leader-led City Tour of Historic Center
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
- Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
- Oaxaca - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led City Tour
- San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit (entrance fee)
- Palenque - Palenque Ruins (entrance fee)
- Merida - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
- Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Tulum - Leader-led orientation walk
- Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
- Tikal National Park - Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Chichicastenango Market
- San Jorge La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
- Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
- Antigua - Leader-led walking tour
Transport
- Private vehicle , Local bus , Taxi , Shared Boat , Ferry
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- This itinerary includes basic accommodation, meaning access to elevators can be limited. Often rooms will be located on higher levels and luggage will need to be carried up and down stairs. We recommend packing light for this reason. For more information, refer to the "Packing" section of the Essential Trip Information.
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Mexico City. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 28 (San Juan La Laguna homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. Please be careful when booking flights from Antigua; make sure you fly out of Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights from Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle , Local bus , Overnight public bus , Taxi , Shared Boat , Ferry
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip involves some long days of travel by private and local transport. While this can be tiring, it's also a fantastic way to rub shoulders with the locals and get under the skin of a place. Crossing the borders between the various countries visited on this trip is usually straightforward, but you may need to be patient. Books, podcasts and car games will be your best friend.
Central America's climate is sultry and tropical, so can get really hot and humid. Wear loose clothing and make sure stay hydrated, especially while out on walking tours.
The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. Conditions are simple and multi-share but comfortable. A homecooked dinner will be served during your stay, which can be a lot more basic than what you're used to.
Try to learn as many Spanish words as you can before the trip. In many of the destinations we visit, local people are reserved and/or do not speak English. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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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?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Dec 05, 2026 - Jan 04, 2027Tuesday - Thursday
Dec 08, 2026 - Jan 07, 2027Saturday - Monday
Dec 12, 2026 - Jan 11, 2027Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions