28 Oct 2026
Twin share
£3,770pp
Single from £4,545
Escorted tour
Contrasts of Mexico: Mexico City to Tikal & Belize – 15 Days
Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Palenque, then Tikal in Guatemala and San Ignacio in Belize, in a group of up to 18.
15 days
From £2,460
Tour overview
This 15-day small-group journey travels overland from the heart of Mexico through the Maya world into Guatemala and Belize. Groups have between 4 and 18 travellers aged 16 and over, with a tour leader throughout. You travel by private vehicle and boat, and stay fourteen nights in comfortable hotels, from the Casa Blanca in Mexico City to an island hotel in Flores and the Cahal Pech Village Resort in San Ignacio. Breakfast is included daily, leaving plenty of freedom to try tacos, mole and Guatemalan street food.
In Mexico City you explore on foot and by public transport, visiting the Museum of Anthropology, then head out to the mysterious pyramids of Teotihuacán and the Basilica of Guadalupe. Driving south through cactus country, you reach Oaxaca, a colonial city built in the 16th century, with a visit to the Zapotec hilltop city of Monte Albán and free time to explore.
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On the long journey towards Chiapas you stop at Teotitlán del Valle, a weaving village, and the ruins of Mitla. A boat trip through the dramatic Sumidero Canyon leads to San Cristóbal de las Casas, high in the mountains, where you visit the Indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, with their distinctive customs and church rituals. Descending to the jungle, you take a guided visit to Palenque, one of the most beautiful Maya cities.
Crossing into Guatemala, you stay on the island town of Flores on Lake Petén Itzá, with a day trip to the lakeside ruins of Yaxhá and a full visit to Tikal, the great Maya metropolis set in rainforest, its temples rising above the canopy. Finally you cross into Belize for a night in San Ignacio before the trip ends at Belize City's airport.
The physical rating is low, with some very long drives. This trip suits curious travellers who want to follow the Maya world across three countries. Your leader handles every border crossing, and the variety of landscapes keeps every day different. Mexico's food is a highlight in itself, from street tacos and tamales to regional moles, and the country's warm hospitality makes it easy to feel at home. The dry season, from November to April, is the most comfortable time to travel.
Trip highlights
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The Museum of Anthropology and Teotihuacán (Days 2–3)
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Oaxaca and Monte Albán (Days 4–5)
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The Sumidero Canyon by boat (Day 7)
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San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán (Day 8)
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Palenque (Day 10)
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Yaxhá and Tikal (Days 12–13)
Your route
17 stops from Mexico City to Belize City
- Mexico City Days 1–3
- Teotihuacan Pyramids Day 3
- Oaxaca Days 4–5
- Monte Albán Day 5
- Teotitlán del Valle Day 6
- Mitla Day 6
- Tehuantepec Day 6
- Sumidero Canyon Day 7
- San Cristóbal de las Casas Days 7–8
- San Juan Chamula Day 8
- Palenque Days 9–10
- Flores Days 11–13
- Yaxha Day 12
- Tikal Day 13
- Xunantunich Day 14
- San Ignacio Day 14
- Belize City Day 15
Why choose this tour
Three countries of the Maya world in one overland journey. Both Palenque and Tikal, with a leader handling the borders.
Best suited to
- Archaeology and history lovers
- Curious travellers
- Solo travellers looking for a group
- Travellers on a budget
Day-by-day itinerary
15 days from Mexico City, Mexico to Belize City Airport, Belize
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Day 1 · Mexico City Arrive in Mexico City
Join the tour in Mexico City.
- Hotel
- Hotel Casa Blanca or similar
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Day 2 · Museum of Anthropology Mexico City
Explore the city and the Museum of Anthropology.
- Hotel
- Hotel Casa Blanca or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · Teotihuacán, Basilica of Guadalupe Teotihuacán
Visit the pyramids and the basilica.
- Hotel
- Hotel Casa Blanca or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Oaxaca To Oaxaca
Drive south through cactus country.
- Hotel
- Oaxaca Real Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 5 · Monte Albán, Oaxaca Monte Albán
Visit the hilltop pyramids and explore Oaxaca.
- Hotel
- Oaxaca Real Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Teotitlán del Valle, Mitla, Tehuantepec To Tehuantepec
A weaving village and Mitla ruins.
- Hotel
- Hotel Calli or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Sumidero Canyon, San Cristóbal Sumidero Canyon
A boat trip, then San Cristóbal.
- Hotel
- Casa Mexicana or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 8 · San Juan Chamula, Zinacantán Indigenous villages
Visit Chamula and Zinacantán.
- Hotel
- Casa Mexicana or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 9 · Palenque To Palenque
A long drive to the jungle.
- Hotel
- Hotel Maya Tulipanes or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 10 · Palenque Palenque
A guided visit to the ruins.
- Hotel
- Hotel Maya Tulipanes or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 11 · Flores To Flores
Cross into Guatemala to Flores.
- Hotel
- Hotel Casona de la Isla or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 12 · Yaxhá, Lake Petén Itzá Yaxhá
A day trip to Yaxhá, with an optional boat trip.
- Hotel
- Hotel Casona de la Isla or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 13 · Tikal Tikal
Explore the great Maya city of Tikal.
- Hotel
- Hotel Casona de la Isla or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 14 · San Ignacio To San Ignacio
Cross into Belize.
- Hotel
- Cahal Pech Village Resort or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 15 · Belize City Airport Trip ends
Drive to Belize City Airport, where the trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Mexico City (3 nights) Hotel Casa Blanca or similar
- Oaxaca (2 nights) Oaxaca Real Hotel or similar
- Tehuantepec (1 night) Hotel Calli or similar
- San Cristóbal (2 nights) Casa Mexicana or similar
- Palenque (2 nights) Hotel Maya Tulipanes or similar
- Flores (3 nights) Hotel Casona de la Isla or similar
- San Ignacio (1 night) Cahal Pech Village Resort or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 14 nights in hotels
- Meals 14 breakfasts
- Overland transport throughout
- Mexico City tour and the Museum of Anthropology
- Teotihuacán, Monte Albán and Mitla
- Sumidero Canyon boat trip and Chamula and Zinacantán
- Palenque, Yaxhá and Tikal
- Tour leader throughout
Not included
- Flights to Mexico City and from Belize City
- Meals not included 13 lunches and 14 dinners
- Border fees
- Optional boat trip on Lake Petén Itzá
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You dislike long drives — some days are eight hours
- You want many meals included — only breakfasts are
- You want a beach holiday — this is a touring trip
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
Meals by day
Breakfast: Days 2–15 · Lunch: none included · Dinner: none included
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £2,460 per person, twin share, tour only. 14 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £3,065 (single supplement from £605).
29 Oct 2026
Twin share
£3,620pp
Single from £4,395
21 Nov 2026
Twin share
£2,460pp
Single from £3,065
19 Dec 2026
Twin share
£2,940pp
Single from £3,715
16 Jan 2027
Twin share
£3,499pp
Single from £4,174
06 Feb 2027
Twin share
£3,499pp
Single from £4,154
13 Mar 2027
Twin share
£3,499pp
Single from £4,174
01 May 2027
Twin share
£3,499pp
Single from £4,174
31 Jul 2027
Twin share
£3,499pp
Single from £4,174
28 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,999pp
Single from £4,824
29 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,999pp
Single from £4,824
30 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,999pp
Single from £4,824
06 Nov 2027
Twin share
£3,499pp
Single from £4,174
20 Nov 2027
Twin share
£3,499pp
Single from £4,174
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Which countries do we visit?
Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.
How long are the drives?
Some days involve up to eight hours on the road, broken up with stops.
What time can I fly from Belize City?
Flights should depart no earlier than 12.15pm on the last day.
Do I need visas?
UK visitors do not need a visa for Mexico, Guatemala or Belize for a holiday stay. Border fees may apply.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast every day.
How many people travel together?
Between 4 and 18 travellers aged 16 and over, with a tour leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary