Explore Central America with Nikki

Welcome to Mexico! ¡Bienvenidos! Your journey commences in the vibrant coastal town of Playa del Carmen. Feel free to arrive a couple of days early to unwind on the picturesque beaches and explore the area at your leisure before the official start of the trip, but our adventure officially kicks off with a welcoming meeting at 6pm at the hotel.

If you arrive ahead of time, consider indulging in activities like snorkeling, cycling, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the sandy playa (beach).

Tonight, join your host for a delectable dinner experience at a local “taquisa,” where you’ll feast on a variety of mouthwatering tacos, including those filled with freshly caught fish. As you enjoy the flavors of Mexico, your group leader will also provide an informal Spanish lesson, ensuring you can navigate your way through local cuisine and conversations with ease.

Meals included:

• Welcome Dinner

Included activities:

• Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson

Accommodation:

• Winday Playa del Carmen or similar

Special information:

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. More information on arrival recommendations will be provided when the trip is confirmed.

Today, you’ll board a local bus and journey along the scenic Caribbean coast to Tulum, where the essence of laid-back living awaits on the pristine white sands of the Yucatan Peninsula.

We’ll head off on a guided orientation walk led by your host and a local guide, exploring the charming town of Tulum and perhaps visiting one of the most picturesque Maya sites, the Temple of the Frescoes.

Later, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region with a visit to a Cenote, a mesmerizing natural sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by towering limestone rock walls. This is a great place to capture amazing photos, and host Nikki will be on hand to provide you with guidance on how to shoot the most stunning frames.

As the day draws to a close, consider unwinding at a beachside bar, savoring a refreshing margarita while admiring the rhythmic roll of the waves.

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Tulum – Leader-led orientation walk.
• Tulum – Cenote Visit.

Accommodation

• Mestizo Gallery Boutique Hotel or similar

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Bid farewell to Mexico and say hello to Belize! Today marks a long travel day, so be sure to snag a window seat if possible or dive into a captivating book to pass the time. It’s also an ideal opportunity to bond with your fellow travelers. Journey by local bus to the border before continuing on to Belize City.

Upon arrival, let the refreshing sea breeze and waves melt away any travel fatigue during a scenic 1-hour speedboat ride to the idyllic island of Caye Caulker. If your idea of paradise includes pristine white sands, azure waters, and swaying palm trees, you’re in for a treat in this tropical haven.

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Caye Caulker – Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation

• Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel or similar

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Your time in Caye Caulker is all about embracing the laid-back vibe. They say the pace of life here moves so leisurely that it feels almost reversed!

If you’re a fan of underwater adventures, consider visiting the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, renowned for its Shark Ray Alley and the world’s second-longest barrier reef. Dive into the vibrant underwater world as you snorkel among colorful corals, encountering tropical fish, sharks, and graceful manta rays.

Additionally, explore the charm of neighboring Cayes by embarking on day trips, each island offering its own unique Caribbean allure. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize makes engaging with locals a breeze, adding to the relaxed atmosphere of your island getaway.

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Caye Caulker – Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included)

Accommodation

• Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel or similar

Bid farewell to the island paradise of Caye Caulker and journey back to Belize City by boat, followed by a scenic ride on a local bus to San Ignacio, passing through Belize’s capital, Belmopan, along the way. While the local buses may be a bit simpler compared to those in Mexico, they offer a wonderful opportunity to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in the authentic Belizean way of life.

Upon arrival in San Ignacio, a vibrant town embraced by rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and ancient Mayan ruins, you’ll find the perfect hub for exploring the surrounding region. With your afternoon free, consider visiting the Chaa Creek butterfly garden to marvel at the vibrant winged creatures or indulge in the flavors of the region at one of the barbecue street stalls, where you can savor a mouthwatering char-grilled chicken leg for dinner.

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Accommodation

Midas Hotel or similar

Included activities

• San Ignacio – Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport)

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. You may be required to pay an additional charge of USD 20 per night if you choose to use the air conditioner in your room. Electricity in Belize is incredibly expensive, so most hotels charge an extra rate to use the air conditioning.

Today, bid farewell to San Ignacio as you cross the border and arrive at the majestic Tikal National Park, often hailed as the Maya Forest. After checking in at your hotel, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Maya ruins of Tikal. Traverse through the dense jungle foliage, and if you’re up for the challenge, ascend Temple IV for breathtaking views of the expansive canopy below.

As you navigate through the wonders of Tikal, take time to appreciate the intricate details of the ancient structures and the rich biodiversity that thrives within the park. With each step, immerse yourself in the history and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, gaining a deeper understanding of the Maya civilization’s legacy. Whether you choose to explore independently or partake in guided activities, Tikal offers a unique chance to connect with the past while embracing the natural beauty of the Guatemalan jungle.

We’ll also enjoy a sunset tour of this spectacular location, providing a perfect opportunity to capture incredible photos and videos, with guidance from Nikki for those that would like it.

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Tikal National Park – Archaeological Site Tour (Entrance fee & Transport)
• Tikal National Park – Sunset Tour

Accommodation

Las Gardenias Hotel (Multishare) or similar

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning, we’ll swap the lush jungle surroundings for the picturesque lakeside town of Flores. Upon arrival, take some time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore the charming town before continuing your adventure. Later, board your private vehicle for the scenic drive to Rio Dulce. Upon reaching your destination, transfer to your hotel by boat, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the river.

While in Rio Dulce, consider taking advantage of the convenient boat transportation provided by the hotel to explore the town or opt for a short jungle walk. Embrace the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere as you wander through the streets, soaking in the unique ambiance that sets this coastal town apart from its inland counterparts.

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Accommodation

Hacienda Tijax Hotel or similar

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Today we’ll travel to Antigua, in preparation for an experience you will never forget – hiking and camping overnight on the Acatenango Volcano!

Antigua itself offers plenty to see – upon arrival, take the opportunity to explore the charming city streets and indulge in some local culinary delights, such as tasty tamales served in corn leaves or pepian, a flavorful meat stew featuring chicken, beef, and pork in a rich, dark sauce. For the best value and authentic flavors, head to the square adjacent to the La Merced Church.

Later in the day at 5pm, we have a briefing meeting with our expert guide for the Acatenango hiking adventure, which sets off tomorrow!

Meals included:

• Breakfast

Included Activities

• Lead Orientation walk
• Pre-meeting to Climb Acatenango at 5pm

Accommodation

• Posada Los Bucaros Hotel or similar

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Get ready… today we set off for a life changing experience, an overnight hiking adventure on the Acatenango Volcano! This expedition isn’t just your average trek—it’s the ultimate thrill-seeker’s dream and currently the hottest ticket in Antigua.

Towering at a staggering elevation of 3976 meters, Volcan “Acatenango” stands proudly as the third highest volcano in Central America, a majestic beast waiting to be conquered. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping vistas and heart-pounding excitement as this epic hike leads you to the summit of Guatemala’s most stunning volcano, offering unparalleled views of the fiery and active Fuego Volcano that will leave you breathless with awe and wonder.

As one of the world’s most active volcanoes, it’s highly likely that Fuego will provide you with a light show after dark before you settle into your camp for the night.

Meals included:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Included activities

• Acatenango hiking, overnight (includes transport, expert guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Accommodation

• Acatenango overnight camping

What to bring:

Hiking clothes (a synthetic base layer, fleece, rain jacket and quick drying leggings or shorts), a good
pair of trainers or hiking boots, hat, and sunscreen, snacks and water.

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 1hr to Acatenango. Ascent/descent is 5-9 hrs depending on hikers physical condition.

VERY IMPORTANT

This hike is defined as difficult, and a good/high level of fitness is required to complete it. If you have questions about the required level of fitness, please reach out to host Nikki directly, as she has completed this hike before.

Our day starts early, as we rise with the sun to catch the breathtaking sunrise from the summit of the volcano. After witnessing this awe-inspiring spectacle, indulge in a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the journey ahead. As the morning unfolds, begin the exhilarating descent down the volcano, soaking in the stunning views along the way.

We should be back in Antigua by lunchtime, where you can return to the comfort of your hotel and unwind after this exhilarating experience. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and recover, reflecting on the memories of this incredible adventure.

Meals included

• Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation

• Posada Los Bucaros Hotel or similar

Following breakfast, the day is yours to venture out and explore the vibrant city and its enchanting surroundings at your own pace.

If relaxation is your preference, why not savor a delicious coffee at the bustling main plaza while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and indulging in a spot of people-watching? Be sure to treat your taste buds to the local flavors by sampling a tamale, a traditional dish served in a corn leaf, or diving into a hearty serving of pepian—a savory concoction featuring chicken, beef, pork, or a tantalizing combination of all three, smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce. For the best value and authentic culinary experiences, head over to the bustling markets near the bus station, where a treasure trove of delicious delights awaits your discovery.

We’ll gather in the evening for a farewell dinner to celebrate our adventure together.

Meals included

• Breakfast and farewell dinner

Accommodation

• Posada Los Bucaros Hotel or similar

Today after a group breakfast, it’s time for this amazing expedition to come to a close.

Fear not though – you’ll still have some time to tick off a few more things in Antigua with its wealth of attractions, from the captivating colonial-style buildings adorned with graceful archways to the towering silhouettes of nearby volcanoes, including “Pacaya,” Agua, and “Jumaytepeque.”

A group airport transfer is included to La Aurora International Airport Guatemala City, and this can be arranged to make sure it works in with everybody’s travel plans.