18-Day Central America Intro: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala — The Full Odyssey

Days 1-3: Mexico Caribbean to Belize

Arrive Cancun. Transfer to Playa del Carmen orientation. Day 2: bus to Belize, ferry to Caye Caulker. Day 3: Hol Chan snorkeling with sharks, rays, turtles. Sunset at The Split.

Days 4-5: San Ignacio — Belize Jungle

Bus to San Ignacio. ATM Cave expedition — wade and swim through underground rivers into the Maya sacrificial chamber, see the “Crystal Maiden” skeleton and 1,100-year-old pottery. Day 5: optional ziplining through jungle canopy or relaxing by the Macal River.

Days 6-7: Tikal Guatemala

Cross the border. Base at Flores. Day 7: Tikal sunrise from Temple IV, then 4-5 hours exploring the ancient city’s five main temples, plazas, and acropolis.

Days 8-10: Rio Dulce to Antigua

Boat on Rio Dulce to Livingston. Return to Antigua — free time to explore the colonial city’s rooftop bars, jade workshops, and ruined convents.

Days 11-12: Acatenango Volcano Overnight Trek

The tour’s highlight. Depart Antigua at 8am, drive to the Acatenango trailhead (2,400m). 5-6 hour hike to base camp at 3,600m through cloud forest, alpine meadows, and volcanic scree. Arrive at camp as the sun sets — then the show begins. Neighboring Fuego Volcano erupts every 15-20 minutes, sending plumes of ash and incandescent lava bombs into the night sky, visible from your campsite. Dinner and campfire under the stars. Day 12: pre-dawn summit push to Acatenango’s peak (3,976m) for sunrise over a chain of 13 volcanoes stretching to the Pacific Ocean. Descend to Antigua.

Days 13-16: Lake Atitlan — Four Days at the World’s Most Beautiful Lake

Transfer to Lake Atitlan. Four days is barely enough. Visit San Juan La Laguna’s weaving cooperatives, San Pedro’s cliffside yoga studios, Santiago Atitlan’s Maya deity Maximón shrine, and San Marcos’ holistic healing community. Cacao ceremony with a Maya shaman — drink raw cacao in a traditional ritual connecting to the plant’s spiritual roots. Homestay with a local family. Indian Nose sunrise hike for panoramic lake-and-volcano views.

Days 17-18: Chichicastenango & Farewell

Chichicastenango’s legendary market. Return to Antigua for farewell dinner. Day 18: transfer to Guatemala City Airport.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses