Best of Mexico & Guatemala

Day 1 Mexico City
Arrive at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport and be transferred to your hotel. A complimentary transfer is included with your trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised. Settle in and, if you have time, take a stroll to get a feel for this vibrant and rapidly growing capital where the ancient and modern collide. You'll meet your leader and other members of your group this evening for a welcome meeting at 6 pm; the place of the meeting can be found at the hotel reception. This meeting will be followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 2 Mexico City
Enjoy a guided city tour of Mexico City. You'll visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo, National Palace and Museum of Anthropology. After that, the day is yours to spend as you please. The Leon Trotsky and Frida Kahlo (La Casa Azul) museums are two popular sights worth checking out that aren’t included in this trip. Trotsky, having come off second-best to Stalin in the race to the helm during the Soviet era, was expelled and found refuge in Mexico City where he was eventually murdered, while Frida Kahlo is perhaps the most renowned Mexican artist in history. Both of which can be reached by Uber. Otherwise, just outside of the city, the colourful Xochimilco gardens and canals are especially fun on weekends.

Day 3 Teotihuacan Ruins / Oaxaca
Leaving the hotel at 8 am, today you'll visit the Teotihuacan ruins, about 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City (1.5 hour drive). Discover the amazing ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline. This was once one of the biggest cities in the world. Stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’ and see the clues to what life was like here nearly 2000 years ago. Continue to Oaxaca (5 hours) learning some Spanish from your leader on the way. This beautiful colonial city is known for its cuisine and lively art scene, but it's also a great place to browse for traditional Mexican handicrafts, with descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec selling an array of bright woven blankets and shawls. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a short walk around the hotel to help orientate you, and to point out useful services such as bus stops or ATMs.

Day 4 Oaxaca
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca has much to offer travellers so today you’ll take a full day tour of the city and its surrounds, including lunch at a local family’s home. Be ready at 8 am for your local guide will take you to the Mitla ruins, which were once the religious centre for the Zapotec, and Hierve el Agua, a group of stunning natural rock formations where the minerals resemble cascading waterfalls. Sip on the famous, tequila-like local booze, mezcal, at a mezcal factory and visit the Tule Tree, a 1500-year-old tree that's over 11 metres in girth. Returning to the hotel about 8 pm, if you still have the energy, the evening is free for you to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy Oaxaca’s nightlife.

Day 5 Oaxaca
Today is a free day to explore Oaxaca at your own pace. Perhaps pay a visit to the archaeological site of Monte Alban. The Zapotec civilisation began construction of this city around 200 BC, and Olmecs and Mixtecs have inhabited it at different times. Have your camera ready to go, because up here you can get an amazing view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the streets and take the opportunity to feast on some regional delicacies. From the delicious banana-leaf-wrapped ‘tomales’ to the spicy baked chilli and lime grasshoppers, there's no shortage of unique and delicious fare, usually sold by the lovely old ladies of the markets. Season depending, a folkloric ballet performance is an also a great optional activity. The Santo Domingo Cultural Centre is also worth a visit.

Day 6 San Cristobal de las Casas
Depart Oaxaca for the airport at approximately 5:30 am, then take the 8 am flight to Tuxtla airport (1 hour 20 minutes), before driving to the charming city of San Cristobal de las Casas (1 hour). Once in 'SanCris', as it's known, take a walk and soak up the strong old-world atmosphere of this town, which is due in no small part to the grand Spanish colonial architecture, prominent indigenous cultures and winding cobblestone streets. Your leader will help orientate you with a walk around the hotel, then you are free to venture further into the city.

Day 7 San Cristobal de las Casas
This morning, your leader will take you on a walking tour of the city, passing impressive cathedrals, green plazas and countless museums. Next, head to the nearby Maya village of San Juan Chamula (30 minutes drive). Nestled in the highlands, this village serves as marketplaces and religious ceremonial centres for the indigenous folk who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and can often be seen wearing their own distinctive, colourful clothes. Journey another 15 minutes to visit the next town of Zincantan. As you explore with your leader, we'll learn more about these mostly Maya communities. Later, during free time back in SanCris, perhaps rent a bike to explore the town further.

Day 8 San Cristobal de las Casas
The rest of your time in SanCris is free for you to explore on your own. You may want to pay a visit to the Na Bolom Museum, a small museum/research centre which was the home of anthropologist and photographer Gertrude Duby-Blom and her archaeologist husband Frans Blom. While Frans explored Mayan sites all over Chiapas, Trudy studied, photographed and fought to protect the scattered Lacandon people. Today, in addition to being a hotel and a museum, the house provides free accommodation to Lacandon people that make their way to San Cristobal for work, studies or medical reasons. Alternatively, you may want to visit the amber (jade) museum, which displays and sells beautifully carved items and insect- embedded pieces or venture to the Sumidero Canyon to get a dose of nature.

Day 9 Palenque
Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque and its surrounding jungle. It will be an early start to minimise the chance of hitting road closures common in the area. There will be a stop or two to stretch your legs, before arriving (4-5 hours) at the low and wide Agua Azul waterfall, which flows slowly over limestone rocks. There's time for lunch (optional) and a quick dip, so remember to pack your swimsuit! Otherwise, enjoy a scenic stroll around the beautiful surroundings, before continuing to Palenque (1.5-2 hours). Dinner is included tonight.

Day 10 Palenque Ruins / Merida
At 8 am this morning you'll drive 30 minutes to visit the archaeological site of Palenque. Located on a hilltop in an area of hot jungle, these are some of the most astounding Maya ruins in the region, dating back as far as AD600. Some of the ruins remain unexcavated and are hidden in the surrounding forest. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the site and keep an ear out for the strange calls of howler monkeys as you explore this lost city. At about 11 am, take a 3-hour drive to the lunch stop. Enjoy the chance to stretch your legs as there is another 4-5 hours' drive before reaching Merida about 8 pm, the capital of the Yucatan region.

Day 11 Merida
Today is a free day to explore the many sights of Merida. Perhaps visit some of the museums, including the impressive Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan, and stroll the city streets which are alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo on the other. The outdoor market is another essential visit, with an array of hammocks and Mayan replicas for sale, plus a selection of enticing local cuisine, including the dish cochinita pibil ('little pig') or the mind-blowingly spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. If you can't visit enough Maya sites, you may want to head for the ancient ruins of Uxmal. Here you'll visit the amazing Palace of the Governors, considered by many to be the best example of classic Maya architecture. You may choose to travel west out to the coast to take a boat ride and visit the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve. Here, near extensive beaches lined with coconut trees, you'll see a variety of coastal birds. Depending on the season (usually Nov-Mar), you may be able to witness the magnificent sight of thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape.

Day 12 Izamal
In the afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Izamal, a small city an hour's drive from Merida. Izamal is an important pre-Columbian Maya site and your leader will take you for a guided walking tour of the city including a visit to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua, a Spanish monastery built on the site of a destroyed Maya temple in 1561. Take the opportunity to spend a lazy afternoon people-watching and soaking it all in.

Day 13 Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen
Departing early, our first stop today is Chichen Itza, an hour's drive from Izamal. This is possibly the most famous Maya site in Mexico. You'll see the marvellous Temple of Kukulkan standing over the ruins and not far from the temple is the ‘ball court’, where many disputes are known to have been settled by way of a ball game that employed only the elbows, hips and wrists. Stone carvings depicting violence suggest it was not such a casual sport. Following a guided tour of the site, we'll continue to the resort town of Playa del Carmen (2 hours).

Day 14 Playa del Carmen
Take today to enjoy Playa del Carmen as you see fit. Kick back with a book, stroll along the white sands or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Blessed with azure waters, powdery beaches and an almost European feel, Playa del Carmen is a popular resort town famed for its coral reefs. For adventures further afield, take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef diving, or perhaps check out the Tulum ruins, an ancient Maya city protected against invaders by a high wall and situated on a cliff overlooking a white sandy beach. In the evening, settle in beachside and watch the world go by with a margarita in your hand or take advantage of the famous nightlife and let your salty hair down.

Day 15 Antigua
Travel to Guatemala. Although the flight is not included, a complimentary departure transfer to Cancun Airport and a complimentary arrival transfer in Guatemala City are included with your trip. There will be a welcome meeting at approximately 6pm this evening followed by an optional group dinner. As the seat of the Spanish colonial government, Antigua was once the most important city in Central America. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but many of the colonial buildings have been restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be admired under the watchful gaze of the ever-present Pacaya Volcano.

Day 16 Rio Dulce
Today you’ll travel in a private vehicle to Rio Dulce. The Rio Dulce (Sweet River) runs out of Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea through Guatemala’s small stretch of eastern coastline sandwiched between Honduras and Belize. It’s home to the Guatemalan manatee, which you may be lucky enough to see tomorrow. It’s a long journey, approximately 6.5-7 hours, and on the drive your leader will teach you some useful Spanish phrases other than ‘una cerveza, por favor’. The van will stop for an optional lunch on the way.

Day 17 Rio Dulce
Take a scenic boat trip downstream to Livingston, a laidback town at the mouth of the Rio Dulce that offers a unique glimpse into local Garifuna culture. Afterwards explore Siete Altares (Seven Altars), the hidden cascading waterfalls. A fair level of fitness and good walking shoes is required for the path, and water shoes for the falls themselves are recommended for this activity. Later, there are several optional activities to choose from, such as exploring the nearby San Felipe fort, checking out the heritage-listed Quirigua Ruins or submerging yourself in the natural hot springs. Free evening in Rio Dulce.

Day 18 Flores
Depart Rio Dulce at 9 am for Flores, a 3.5-4 hour drive by private vehicle. Arrive in time for an optional lunch by the water. Afterwards, choose to spend the afternoon either relaxing or taking part in one of the optional activities on offer. A boat tour on Lake Peten Itza or a visit to El Castillo Fort are both good options. Your leader will also take you on an orientation walk around town. The evening is free for you spend how you please; find a restaurant or grab some street food and picnic by the lake.

Day 19 Tikal Ruins / Flores
Rise and shine, the group is up (very) early today in order to witness a Tikal ruins sunrise. Towering above the jungle of the Tikal National Park, the five granite temples of Tikal are an awesome sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the jungle growth is a maze of smaller structures just waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and you may even spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. You’ll have an hour-long guided tour then time to explore the site on your own before returning to Flores.

Day 20 Panajachel
Another early start today with a 5.45 am departure to Flores airport for a 7 am flight to Guatemala City (1 hour). You’ll jump in a private vehicle to Panajachel, a town in the Guatemalan highlands on the shore of Lake Atitlan, and your leader will take you on an orientation walk before checking in to the hotel. There’s an optional lunch and the afternoon is free for you to explore the town’s thriving market, take a walk around the lake or perhaps you’d rather hire a kayak for a different view.

Day 21 Lake Atitlan / Panajachel
There are numerous villages scattered around Lake Atitlan and today you’ll jump in a shared boat and visit Santiago, the largest of them. Santiago remains very traditional with many villagers continuing to live a Tz’utujil lifestyle, and your leader will take you on a walking tour of the community. Lunch is included at Casa del Mundo, a spectacular hotel overlooking the lake, after which there’s free time walk around the village and markets on foot or rent a bike to explore further.

Day 22 Antigua
Antigua is calling and we’re listening. Take a private vehicle (3 hours) back to where it all started and take a city tour (2 hours) with a local guide. Antigua remains the cultural centre of Guatemala with its cobbled streets, markets and colonial buildings, not to mention the indigenous marimba music drifting from the many bars and restaurants. The afternoon is yours to enjoy – perhaps you’ll take a chocolate-making workshop, or visit a coffee and macadamia plantation, or even hike the mighty Pacaya Volcano outside town. Don’t forget to organise a farewell dinner tonight with your group!

Day 23 Antigua
Today is your final day and there are no activities planned. You’re free to depart after breakfast, but there’s plenty to do in Antigua if you’d like to stay on, and a whole lot more to see in Central America if you’re interested in jumping on another trip.