Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Experience
Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Experience
Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Experience
13 Days Starting in Mexico City and ending in Antigua
Visiting: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Merida, Chichen Itza, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, Belize City, Tikal, Flores, Antigua Guatemala
Tour Overview
Chase the sun across 3 spectacular countries. From Mexico City to Antigua you'll be spoilt with beaches, national parks, ancient ruins & plenty of included, unforgettable travel experiences that allow you to experience this enchanting region like one of the locals. From sailing in Caye Caulker to zip-lining through the jungles, and getting the party started in Mexico City - this one isn't just about soaking up rays, it's about enriching the soul.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Mexico City To Oaxaca
Location: Mexico City, Oaxaca
Accommodation Name: Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar)
Meeting your TM and fellow travellers this morning, you'll be setting off for Oaxaca (pronounced Wa-ha-ka)! Have you got it? Great - let's hit the road. Welcome to Oaxaca, with its bohemian bars, charming colonial buildings and ridiculously pretty churches. Commonly known as the gastronomical capital of Mexico, the food here is guaranteed to guac your world. The perfect drink to wash it all down? Mezcal, of course.
Day 2: Oaxaca
Location: Oaxaca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Oaxaca Real (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you're going to soak up some serious Oaxaca vibes with a guided city tour where you'll get to check out the local markets. The colourful city streets are going to be the perfect place for some Insta shots, and if you can be dragged away from the views for long enough, there's plenty of delicacies to try during your free night.
Day 3: Oaxaca To Merida
Location: Oaxaca, Merida
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Caribe (or similar)
Adios Oaxaca, Merida is calling our names! And we won't waste any time, hopping on an included flight to whiz us there without delay.  Here in mellow Merida, you’ll explore Mexico’s quiet side. Wander down cobbled streets and grand plazas on a unique walking tour, with some free time to explore the bustling markets. Later you can feast yourself on Yucatan specialities and head off for a blissful slumber.
Day 4: Merida To Cancun
Location: Merida, Chichen Itza, Cancun
Accommodation Name: Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pack up your swag of Mexican trinkets and say goodbye to the calm oasis of Merida and hello yet another incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed site: Chichen Itza. Next stop, the most famous ancient ruins in Mayan history. With our Local Guide leading the charge, we’ll learn all about the Mayan calendar, the positioning of the sun, the connections of the ruins around the country, and the worlds that came before us. Afterwards, we’ll take a dip in a cenote – which is the best way to beat the Mexican heat. In stark contrast, next up is Mexico’s super resort – Cancun. With high energy vibes this stop is a no brainer when it comes to getting your fiesta on. One suggestion for tonight's dinner at the Mercado 28, a busy market serving true Mexican delights.
Day 5: Cancun
Location: Cancun
Accommodation Name: Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cancun is a hub of fiery entertainment… known for way more than party vibes. Powdery beaches, endlessly swimmable waters and laid-back taco joints (basically all you need, no matter your mood.) Your Trip Manager knows this place like the back of their hand too, so you're guaranteed to be in the know on all the best spots to head for the evening.
Day 6: Cancun To Playa Del Carmen
Location: Cancun, Playa del Carmen
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for your next adventure this morning as we're heading to the beautiful shores of Playa del Carmen. A bit of retail therapy never hurt anyone, so how about a stroll down Paseo del Carmen shopping centre to spend some pesos? You'll fall head over heels for this sun-kissed seashore town. For the food addicts amongst you, a plethora of seaside bars and restaurants are here to blow your mind with their delicious cocktails and local recipes.
Day 7: Playa Del Carmen To Caye Caulker
Location: Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mexico, you've stolen a slice of our hearts forever but with Belize & the Caribbean Island of Caye Caulker on the horizon, we're not feeling too sad... Hello heaven. Rub your eyes, blink and blink again - yes this pinch-yourself tropical paradise truly is real, This evening is all about enjoying the last dregs of sunshine, sampling fresh seafood and getting down to some reggae rhythms... **PLEASE NOTE: this day may be replaced with another night in Playa del Carmen when the Belize Ferry is not operating as scheduled. Caye Caulker activities will be rescheduled so all inclusions and optional experiences are still offered as per itinerary. A Free Time Add On Activity of ATV riding may also be offered by the Trip Manager when the itinerary has 2 nights in Playa del Carmen.
Day 8: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll need a big breakfast today because you're free to do whatever you want, which could mean a whole lot of exploring. Belize has a spectacular Barrier Reef that's just begging to be discovered, so grab a snorkel and get out there. Back on land, it's all about sandy streets flanked by palm trees and dotted with cafes and bars lined with colourful hammocks, painted tables and the most laid-back vibes we know. You'll be begging to stay longer. And your wish is our command.
Day 9: Caye Caulker
Location: Caye Caulker
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another free day to soak up the vibes of this beautiful city, and spend some more time in the water. Snorkel, siesta, or sip something sweet as you watch the golden sunset over the shimmering waters. Bliss.
Day 10: Caye Caulker To Tikal
Location: Caye Caulker, Belize City, Tikal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tikal Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Water taxis will whizz us back to the mainland across the glorious underwater playground you've become so well acquainted with over the last few days, landing us back in the arms of Belize City. It’s a super swift passing by of the beloved Belize City before we take to the road to journey across the border into yet another stunning country: Guatemala. This leg of the trip will see you travel overland through Guatemala’s Peten forests. This afternoon before we drop anchor at our hotel, you could zoom around the treetops like a monkey but securely attached on a zipline of course! Later on you will doze off to the tranquil sounds of the nature all around you, but in a comfy bed with all the amenities you need.
Day 11: Tikal To Antigua
Location: Tikal, Flores, Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Las Farolas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise early today to watch the sun stretch over the the top of the Mayan ruin Templo IV. Not a bad way to start the day, hey? We'll then take a guided tour of the crumbling ruins before a trip to the island of Flores, where we'll have lunch and time for shopping before flying this afternoon to Guatemala's capital city and then on to beautiful Antigua. This place isn't just about the dreamy scenery - there's plenty of history to soak up too. You'll notice colorful rooftop gardens dotted amongst the crumbling colonial buildings and you'll hear the clip clop of the horse drawn carriages that are still a favoured form of transport today. You'll be glad to know there are two peaceful nights planned here in the old colonial town set right beneath two massive volcanoes.
Day 12: Antigua Guatemala
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Las Farolas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start with a tour with our guide to learn about the local architecture, tiny squares, and fountains. Don your explorers cap this afternoon and head off for some ME time. Being able to choose your own adventure could take you up Pacaya Volcano on a guided hike. If you’d rather produce those endorphins by making (and eating) your own chocolate, then that is also a rather delicious option where you'll learn about the process from start to end and take home the results of your efforts. Guatemalan delights tonight? Yes please. We'll get local over chiles rellenos (or peppers stuffed to the brim with vegetables, meat and sauces). You're sure to hear a collective mmmm.
Day 13: End Antigua
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning global roamers, we came, we saw, we sizzled. We'll fuel up on one last breakfast together, then it's time to wipe away the tears and do those final friend requests because today you're homeward bound with firm plans in full steam for a Contiki 2.0 reunion in Asia. See you next time!
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in various accommodations including Ocean View Arenas Cancun, Hotel Oaxaca Real, Hotel Caribe, Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen, Tropical Paradise Hotel, Hotel Tikal Inn, and Hotel Las Farolas.
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Guided City Tours
Enjoy guided city tours in Oaxaca, Merida, and Antigua Guatemala.
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Meals
Daily breakfast is included, along with some additional meals as specified in the itinerary.
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Internal Flights
Included flight from Oaxaca to Merida.
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Local Guides
Local guides will provide insights and historical context at various sites including Chichen Itza and Tikal.
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Transportation
All transportation between destinations and to/from included activities.
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Water Taxi
Water taxis to and from Caye Caulker.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as ziplining in Tikal and ATV riding in Playa del Carmen are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala are not included.
Mode of Transport
All transportation between destinations and to/from included activities, including an internal flight from Oaxaca to Merida and water taxis to and from Caye Caulker.
Dining Summary
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
Active
- Chichen Itza: It’s time to live your best life, as you cool off in the emerald waters of this sinkhole. Don’t forget your camera!
Culture
- Oaxaca: Explore one of the earliest cities of MesoAmerica. Then hit up the market for some local keepsakes.
- Oaxaca: Swoop into the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan region. Get set for a barrage of beaches, jungles, ancient Mayan sites and epic nightlife.
- Merida: A photogenic fiesta of colour and culture. This is the perfect place to get a real taste of life in Yucatan.
- Tikal: Ah, Guatemala! A rainbow-coloured fiesta of Insta ops and the official 'birthplace of chocolate’. Heaven on earth.
- Antigua Guatemala: Antigua is a ‘tale of two cities’. Here we’ll tour the ancient part (originally built by Spanish colonists) with a native guide.
Foodie
- Oaxaca: Test your courage with a ‘straight up’ of this potent national drink.
- Cancun: Get the party started with a Margarita and dinner with the gang. Gaze at the golden skies and bask in those mellow vibes.
Included Experience
- Oaxaca: Stroll the cobbled streets of one of Mexico’s most authentic cities. Sample the epic street food and revel in the laid-back pace.
- Oaxaca: Test your courage with a ‘straight up’ of this potent national drink.
- Oaxaca: Explore one of the earliest cities of MesoAmerica. Then hit up the market for some local keepsakes.
- Oaxaca: Swoop into the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan region. Get set for a barrage of beaches, jungles, ancient Mayan sites and epic nightlife.
- Merida: A photogenic fiesta of colour and culture. This is the perfect place to get a real taste of life in Yucatan.
- Chichen Itza: Take a guided tour of this ancient Mayan city. Soak up the history and hear the myths and legends.
- Chichen Itza: It’s time to live your best life, as you cool off in the emerald waters of this sinkhole. Don’t forget your camera!
- Cancun: Get the party started with a Margarita and dinner with the gang. Gaze at the golden skies and bask in those mellow vibes.
- Caye Caulker: Drift across the Caribbean Sea and watch the sun go down over Caye Caulker. This is how we roll.
- Tikal: Spend the night in the rainforest. Your chance to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Mayans. And meet monkeys and toucans.
- Tikal: Explore this epic Mayan ‘lost city’ in the heart of the jungle. And hear historic tales from a local expert. #bucketlist moment.
- Tikal: Ah, Guatemala! A rainbow-coloured fiesta of Insta ops and the official 'birthplace of chocolate’. Heaven on earth.
- Antigua Guatemala: Antigua is a ‘tale of two cities’. Here we’ll tour the ancient part (originally built by Spanish colonists) with a native guide.
- Antigua Guatemala: Fill up on tostadas, enchiladas and all the other spiced dishes of your foodie dreams.
Landmarks
- Chichen Itza: Take a guided tour of this ancient Mayan city. Soak up the history and hear the myths and legends.
Nature
- Caye Caulker: Drift across the Caribbean Sea and watch the sun go down over Caye Caulker. This is how we roll.
- Tikal: Spend the night in the rainforest. Your chance to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Mayans. And meet monkeys and toucans.
- Tikal: Explore this epic Mayan ‘lost city’ in the heart of the jungle. And hear historic tales from a local expert. #bucketlist moment.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in various accommodations including Ocean View Arenas Cancun, Hotel Oaxaca Real, Hotel Caribe, Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen, Tropical Paradise Hotel, Hotel Tikal Inn, and Hotel Las Farolas.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Daily breakfast is included, along with some additional meals as specified in the itinerary.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, all transportation between destinations and to/from included activities is provided. This includes an internal flight from Oaxaca to Merida and water taxis to and from Caye Caulker.
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Will there be guided tours during the trip?
Yes, you will enjoy guided city tours in Oaxaca, Merida, and Antigua Guatemala. Local guides will also provide insights and historical context at various sites including Chichen Itza and Tikal.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as ziplining in Tikal and ATV riding in Playa del Carmen are available but not included in the tour package.
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What kind of activities can I expect in Cancun?
In Cancun, you can enjoy powdery sand beaches, endlessly swimmable waters, and laid-back taco joints. Your Trip Manager will also provide recommendations for the best spots to visit.
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What will we do in Caye Caulker?
In Caye Caulker, you can explore the Belize Barrier Reef, enjoy sandy streets flanked by palm trees, and relax in cafes and bars lined with colorful hammocks. You will also have free days to snorkel, siesta, or watch the sunset over the shimmering waters.
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What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
You will visit several historical sites including Chichen Itza, Tikal, and the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala. Guided tours will provide insights into the history and significance of these locations.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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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?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 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 contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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