Tour overview

This 13-day small-group adventure links the Caribbean coast of Mexico with the islands and jungles of Belize and the volcanoes of Guatemala, following the trail of the ancient Maya. Groups have up to 16 travellers aged 15 and over, with a leader throughout. You travel by private vehicle, minivan and boat, and stay twelve nights in hotels and a waterfront jungle lodge, on a twin-share basis. A few meals are included, leaving plenty of freedom to try fish tacos, Belizean rice and beans and Guatemalan street food.

The trip begins in Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Caribbean coast. Next morning you take a local bus to Cenote Azul, a crystal-clear natural sinkhole, for a swim, before heading south to Chetumal on the Belize border. Crossing into Belize, you take a boat to Caye Caulker, a laid-back island where the motto is 'go slow', with two free days to snorkel the barrier reef, swim with rays and nurse sharks, or simply relax.

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From the islands to the highlands, a ferry and road journey bring you to San Ignacio, surrounded by jungle and rivers, with a free day for caving, Maya ruins or tubing. Crossing into Guatemala, you explore Tikal National Park, where great Maya temples rise above the rainforest canopy, before staying in Flores, an island town on Lake Petén Itzá.

A journey south brings you to a waterfront jungle lodge on the Río Dulce, the 'Sweet River'. A boat ride down the river through a dramatic gorge takes you to Livingston, a laid-back Afro-Caribbean Garífuna town. The adventure ends in Antigua, a UNESCO-listed colonial city of cobbled streets surrounded by volcanoes.

The physical rating is low. This trip suits sociable, budget-conscious travellers who want to combine Caribbean islands, jungle and Maya ruins across three countries. Your leader handles every border crossing, and free days on Caye Caulker and in San Ignacio let you choose your own adventures, from snorkelling to cave tubing. 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

  • Swimming in Cenote Azul (Day 2)
  • Three nights on Caye Caulker (Days 4–6)
  • San Ignacio in the Belize jungle (Days 7–8)
  • Tikal's Maya temples (Day 9)
  • A jungle lodge on the Río Dulce (Days 10–11)
  • Colonial Antigua (Day 12)

Your route

12 stops from Playa del Carmen to Antigua

13-day route: Playa del Carmen – Chetumal – Caye Caulker – San Ignacio – Tikal – Río Dulce – Antigua
  1. Playa del Carmen Days 1–2
  2. Tulum Day 2
  3. Bacalar Day 3
  4. Chetumal Day 3
  5. Belize City Day 4
  6. Caye Caulker Days 4–6
  7. San Ignacio Days 7–8
  8. Tikal National Park Day 9
  9. Flores Day 9
  10. Rio Dulce Days 10–11
  11. Livingston Day 11
  12. Antigua Days 12–13

Why choose this tour

Caribbean islands, jungle and Maya ruins in three countries. Great value, with plenty of free time and a sociable group.

Best suited to

  • Budget-conscious travellers
  • Solo travellers looking for a sociable group
  • Beach lovers who also enjoy culture
  • Snorkellers and swimmers
Antigua Guatemala from above

Day-by-day itinerary

13 days from Playa del Carmen, Mexico to Antigua, Guatemala

  1. Day 1 · Playa del Carmen Arrive in Playa del Carmen

    A welcome meeting at 6pm.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Cenote Azul Cenote Azul

    Swim in a crystal-clear cenote.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  3. Day 3 · Chetumal Chetumal

    Travel south to the Belize border.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Lunch
  4. Day 4 · Caye Caulker Caye Caulker

    Cross into Belize and take a boat to the island.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Caye Caulker Caye Caulker

    A free day to snorkel or relax.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  6. Day 6 · Caye Caulker Caye Caulker

    A free morning and a group lunch.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Lunch
  7. Day 7 · San Ignacio San Ignacio

    Ferry and drive to the jungle town.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  8. Day 8 · San Ignacio Free day in San Ignacio

    Explore caves, ruins or rivers.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  9. Day 9 · Tikal National Park, Flores Tikal to Flores

    Cross into Guatemala to explore Tikal.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  10. Day 10 · Río Dulce Río Dulce

    Travel to a lodge on the river.

    Hotel
    Waterfront jungle lodge
    Meals
    Breakfast
  11. Day 11 · Livingston Livingston

    A boat ride to the Garífuna town of Livingston.

    Hotel
    Waterfront jungle lodge
    Meals
    Breakfast
  12. Day 12 · Antigua Antigua

    Travel to colonial Antigua.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  13. Day 13 · Antigua Trip ends in Antigua

    The trip ends after breakfast.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Thatched huts on the Río Dulce

Where you stay

  • Playa del Carmen (2 nights) Hotel
  • Chetumal (1 night) Hotel
  • Caye Caulker (3 nights) Hotel
  • San Ignacio (2 nights) Hotel
  • Flores (1 night) Hotel
  • Río Dulce (2 nights) Waterfront jungle lodge
  • Antigua (1 night) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 10 nights in hotels and 2 in a jungle lodge
  • Meals 6 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • Selected meals
  • Private vehicle, minivan and boat travel
  • Cenote Azul swim
  • Tikal National Park
  • Río Dulce boat trip to Livingston
  • Leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights to Cancún and from Guatemala City
  • Meals not included 6 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 12 dinners
  • Border fees
  • Optional activities on Caye Caulker and in San Ignacio
  • Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
Boats on the waterfront in Livingston

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want a private room — rooms are twin-share
  • You want many meals included — only a few are
  • You want an in-depth Mexico trip — most nights are in Belize and Guatemala
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 4 and 9–13 · Lunch: Days 3 and 6 · Dinner: none included
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Belize · UK FCDO travel advice for Guatemala · UK FCDO travel advice for Mexico
A cenote from above

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £1,216 per person, twin share, tour only. 167 upcoming departures.

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, Belize and Guatemala.

What can I do on Caye Caulker?

Snorkel the barrier reef, swim with rays and nurse sharks, kayak or simply relax, at extra cost.

Do I need visas?

UK visitors do not need a visa for these countries for a holiday stay. Border fees may apply.

What is the jungle lodge like?

A waterfront lodge on the Río Dulce, simple but comfortable.

Which airport do I fly home from?

Guatemala City, about an hour from Antigua.

How many people travel together?

Up to 16 travellers aged 15 and over, with a 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

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