Mexico to Antigua - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrival day

A full free day in Mexico's capital city. Today we have the option of visiting the ancient city of Teotihuacan. The site is impressive for its scale, both in the size of the Pyramid of the Sun (the third largest pyramid in the world) and the majesty of the Calle de los Muertos (Street of the Dead) - originally 4km long and flanked by temples, palaces and platforms.

Free morning for a last wander in Mexico City. In the afternoon we drive to Puebla. Established by the Spanish in 1531 on the main route between the port of Veracruz and Mexico City, Puebla was the principal city of colonial Mexico. Its historic downtown is a delight to explore and is filled with elegant 17th and 18th century European architecture and art. Approx. 2 hrs driving.

Free morning to enjoy the city. In the afternoon we take a bus to the city of Oaxaca, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Approx. 5 hrs driving.

This morning visit the ruins of Monte Alban, the capital city of the Zapotec nation, and one of the first and most populated Meso-American cities during its peak. After exploring the ancient city we return to Oaxaca by bike, riding back through small villages.

A free day to explore this beautiful city that owes its fame to the beauty and harmony of its architecture, the richness of its cultural traditions, the wide variety of its typical dishes, and its soft temperate climate throughout the year. In the evening we take an overnight bus to San Cristobal.

Free day in San Cristobal, home to a large proportion of Mexico's indigenous population and with a character all of its own.

A free day in San Cristobal. You can visit the nearby Sumidero Canyon, a series of cliffs that reach an impressive 1,500m in height. Alternatively, you could take a horse ride into some of the nearby villages.

We take a bus to Palenque, the town close to the impressive site of the same name. Approx. 6 hrs bus journey.

We head into the jungle early in the morning in a quest for these little visited Mayan ruins. A boat ride take us to Yaxchilan (Place of the Green Stones), one of the few Mayan cities where women have ruled as well. In the afternoon we visit Bonampak, a site that is known for its well preserved frescoes. The Lacandon Indians are the original inhabitants of this part of the jungle, and we spend the night at an original Lacandon settlement in a simple multi-share cabin. Approx. 4-5 hrs to Yaxchilan and 2 hrs on to Bonampak. (BLD)

After breakfast we take a walk through the Lacandon jungle with an indigenous Indian guide. Along the way we stop at small waterfalls to take a swim. Later this afternoon we drive back to Palenque. Approx. 3 hrs driving. (BL)

A free day to visit the amazing Mayan ruins at Palenque, set amidst stunning rainforest. We also have the option of visiting Agua Azul, an area of beautiful jungle scenery and superb waterfalls. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Merida. Approx. 9 hrs bus journey.

We arrive in Merida, capital of the Yucatan state and packed full of markets and old colonial buildings. Nearby are the ruins of Uxmal and the Celestun National Park, home to huge flocks of flamingos. A free day to enjoy the city.

In the afternoon we drive to Chichen Itza. We have plenty of time to visit the magnificent Mayan site and spend time exploring its temples and pyramids. Approx. 1 1/2 hrs driving.

After having time for a last visit to the ruins before the crowds arrives, we then head to the lively coast town of Playa del Carmen. Approx. 4 hrs driving.

Two full days to enjoy the stunning beaches and the many options in the area.

Free day to relax on the beach or visit the ruins of Tulum. This Mayan temple complex overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in a dramatic setting. In the evening we board the overnight bus to the Belizean border. Approx. 8 hrs journey.

We stop in colourful Belize City before taking a boat ride to Caye Caulker, an idyllic island fringed with palm trees, where we spend two nights. Approx. 2 1/2 hrs journey

Free day to relax on Caye Caulker. From here you can arrange a variety of excursions, including snorkelling and boat trips out to see the endangered manatee.

Today we travel back to the mainland and head inland to San Ignacio, a small town situated within the Belize jungle, where we stay in simple wooden cabins. Approx. 3 hrs journey.

A free day in San Ignacio. The town is a great base for exploring the surrounding area and there are plenty of options to choose from, including horse-riding, jungle trekking, caving, canoeing and visiting some of the excellent Mayan sites in the area, such as Caracol.

We take the bus to Flores, a pleasant island town on Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala, where we spend the night. Approx. 3 hrs driving.

We embark on our trek into the thick jungle of the Peten region, spending our nights camping near little-visited Mayan ruins. On day 26 we arrive at Tikal and we spend the night in the National Park, watching the sunset over the jungle from the top of one of the pyramids. (Day 24 - LD, Day 25 - BLD, Day 26 - BL)

Time to explore Tikal, perhaps the most impressive of all Mayan sites and set amidst imposing jungle that echoes to the calls of monkeys and exotic birds. We return to Flores in the afternoon. Approx. 1 hr driving.

We leave the jungle behind and drive to the Rio Dulce to sail to Livingston, home to Guatemala’s Garifuna population. Approx. 3 hrs driving and 2 hrs boat ride.

Drive to Antigua, one of the most beautiful of Central America’s cities. Surrounded by volcanoes and full of colonial architecture, Antigua is a delight to explore. 1/2 hr boat ride. Approx. 6 hr bus journey.

Free day in Antigua. If you are feeling energetic, try a hike up one of the nearby volcanoes for fantastic views over the city. (B)

Tour ends. (B)