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Peregrine Travel Centre

Real Central America

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Real Central America

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Description

On this 16-day Central American adventure, you’ll explore the vast lakes, steaming volcanos and dense jungles of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, making memories with new friends. Starting in Playa del Carmen, relax on the beach in Tulum, maybe visit the Temple of Frescoes and then dance the night away. Hit island paradise in Caye Caulker, where you have a couple of days to snorkel, swim and laze on the beach. Explore the waterfalls and Maya ruins of San Ignacio at your own pace before hitting Tikal National Park. Discover Rio Dulce by boat, then head to Lake Atitlan, where you’ll visit the famous Chichi market and make the trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Maya village life. Then, end your adventure surrounded by the volcanoes of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua.

Trip Name
Real Central America
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
16
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Immerse yourself in Maya village life by meeting a local midwife, visiting a medicinal garden and taking a hands-on weaving and dyeing workshop, then enjoy Guatemalan hospitality with a home-cooked lunch in San Juan La Laguna.
  • Head to Tikal National Park within the vast Maya Forest – the largest tropical rainforest in Mesoamerica – and explore ancient Maya ruins. You might even opt to swing through the canopy on the epic zipline experience!
  • Soak up extended free time on the island of Caye Caulker and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua, offering the perfect opportunity for both laidback island vibes and buzzing city life. Swim with tropical fish and then let loose with some salsa lessons.
  • Visit the colourful Chichi markets, where you can explore local handmade wares like jade jewellery, pottery and huipils – the traditional dress worn by Maya women.
  • See some of the best of Central America with loads of free time where you can rent bikes and explore on two wheels, go snorkelling and kayaking, or rent a paddleboard and take in the landscape from the water.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Playa del Carmen
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins in Playa del Carmen – it’s recommended that you book a couple of extra days here to chill on the coast and explore at your own pace before the trip starts. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your local leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, maybe go snorkelling or cycling, or simply stroll along the sandy playa (beach). Tonight, head out with your group leader for an included dinner at a local taquisa for a selection of delicious tacos – maybe order one with freshly caught fish! To improve your lingo, your group leader will run an informal Spanish lesson between bites, so that you can understand your burritos from your banos.
Day 2 - Tulum
Today, you’ll hop on a local bus and travel along the Caribbean coast to Tulum, where it's all about that laidback life on the white sands of the Yucatan Peninsula. Head out on a leader-led orientation walk around Tulum and maybe visit a Maya site that’s full of hidden details – the Temple of the Frescoes. See how this walled city of ruins clings to a clifftop overlooking the ocean. Grab some cool photos before heading down to the beach for an optional swim with the ruins towering over you. Tonight, maybe kick back and watch the waves roll in at a beachside bar.
Day 3 - Tulum
With a free day to relax in Tulum, you can settle into the laidback vibe this coastal city has to offer. Maybe rent a bike and cruise around the area on two wheels. The town is heaving with cool cafes and restaurants with many vegetarian and vegan options. There are also plenty of places to relax the mind and the body through yoga and meditation. Maybe you’d like to explore Dos Ojos (two eyes) – one of the area's most famous cenotes (natural sinkholes), this pair of connected caves is an underwater world full of stalagmites and stalactites. Tonight, maybe you’ll explore the vibrant nightlife of Tulum with your fellow travellers – check out a DJ set at a beach club or enjoy a live band.
Day 4 - Caye Caulker
Say adios to Mexico and hello to Belize. You’ll have a long travel day today, so grab a window seat if you can or get stuck into a good book. This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a bit better! You’ll drive by local bus to the border, then carry on to Belize City. When you arrive, let the wind and the sea wake you right up after a big day of travel with a speedboat ride to the palm-fringed island of Caye Caulker.
Day 5 - Caye Caulker
Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy. It’s said that the pace of life is so slow here that it's almost backwards! If being underwater is your thing, maybe head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the world's second-largest barrier reef. Snorkel among the colourful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. You can also take daytrips to other nearby Cayes, as each island has its own charm. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which makes chatting with locals much easier here.
Day 6 - Caye Caulker
Today is another free day to take up any other optional activities you like, or to simply pull up a towel and relax on the beach with a book, a cocktail or some friends. If you’ve already been snorkelling, maybe continue your marine exploration with a manatee tour. Get a bit more active with kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding or take the chill route and just relax on the beach. This island's also great for food and is famed for its lobster and tasty street food. How about some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with the local fire-water.
Day 7 - San Ignacio
Leave island paradise behind today and return to Belize City by boat, before taking a local bus to San Ignacio via Belize’s capital, Belmopan. The local buses here are a little more basic than in Mexico, but this is a great opportunity to mix with Belizeans and get a feel for local life. Arrive in San Ignacio – a lively town that makes a solid base for exploring the surrounding fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins. After a leader-led orientation walk, your afternoon is free, so maybe visit the Chaa Creek butterfly garden to see the Belizean Blue butterfly or stop by a barbecue street food stall for a char-grilled chicken leg for dinner.
Day 8 - San Ignacio
There’s heaps to do in San Ignacio, so your free day today has endless possibilities. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Maya relics – you can wade through its waters until you reach the remains of 1100-year-old calcified skeletons. You might take a day tour to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to visit waterfalls and swimming holes or float down the Macal River in canoes or tubes. If you prefer a slower pace, maybe take a trip to Xunantunich – an impressive ancient Maya city. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry down the river. Back in San Ignacio tonight, maybe walk down Burns Avenue and join the locals for a chat in one of the many restaurants or street food stalls.
Day 9 - Tikal
Today you’ll leave San Ignacio, cross the border and get dropped off at Tikal National Park – often referred to as the Maya Forest. Check in at your hotel before exploring the ruins of Tikal, which was one of the most powerful cities in ancient Maya civilisation. Pass through the lush jungle vegetation, and if you've got the energy, climb the tallest structure in Tikal, Temple IV, to take in the epic canopy views and grab some awesome photos. While you’re here, consider taking an optional guided tour to check out more of the area or – if you’re a thrill seeker – hop on a zipline and fly through the canopies like a toucan.
Day 10 - Rio Dulce
Head from the jungle to the lakeside town of Flores this morning. Here, there's time to grab some lunch and briefly explore the town. Then it's back to the private vehicle and you’re off to Rio Dulce! When you arrive, you’ll transfer to the hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also by boat, which can be organised through the hotel – or you can take a short walk through the jungle. Take some time to absorb the atmosphere of this laidback Caribbean town, which has a different vibe to the inland communities. A highlight for many guests is the Casa Natural – an open-air accommodation with screened-in rooms, shared bathrooms and a lounge looking out to the surrounding jungle.
Day 11 - Rio Dulce
There are loads of activities to choose from in Rio Dulce today. Take a scenic boat trip down the river to Livingston – an easy-going town on the Caribbean coast that offers the unique experience of local Garifuna culture. Go boating on the lake or explore the nearby San Felipe de Lara fort in Livingston. You could also hike through the forest of the surrounding Chocon-Machacas natural reserve and spot the protected manatees of the area. Your local leader can always help with recommendations and bookings for activities over the course of your adventure.
Day 12 - Antigua
This morning you’ll travel to Antigua. When you arrive, maybe stroll around the city and tuck into some tasty tamales (a local dish served in a corn husk or banana leaf) or pepian (a spiced meat stew of chicken, beef or pork). You'll find the best value food in the square next to the La Merced Church.
Day 13 - Lake Atitlan
Travel by private vehicle to the famous market in Chichicastenango (nicknamed Chichi market). This is the most colourful market in the country. On Thursdays and Sundays, locals come from the surrounding villages to sell their wares and the streets come alive with stalls where you can stock up on cool trinkets. After visiting Chichi, head to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, where you'll check in to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll join your group for dinner at a local pupuseria – an eatery specialising in round corn cakes called pupusas, which are stuffed with a range of fillings like cheese, beans or meat.
Day 14 - Lake Atitlan
This morning, make a trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Mayan village life. Visit a local midwife to learn about this traditional and sacred Maya art. Then visit the village's medicinal garden before a hands-on workshop where you'll learn about Mayan textile weaving and dyeing techniques. Hungry yet? Settle in for a home-cooked lunch with your hosts and chat about life in the village. This is the perfect way to really immerse yourself in local culture and get off the beaten track. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Panajachel and soak up the views of deep blue Lake Atitlan with a free evening.
Day 15 - Antigua
After breakfast, hit the road back to Antigua – four nearby volcanoes dominate the horizon, creating a unique landscape. Join your leader on a walk to orientate yourself around this World Heritage-listed city that’s paved with cobblestones and full of leafy town squares and ornate churches. There are hushed museums and lively indigenous markets to explore here, or you could cycle the countryside and chase views of mountain peaks and deep valleys. If you're into salsa dancing – or if you'd just like to learn some moves – Antigua is the place to be! Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so maybe sign up and get moving. Tonight, why not bring out your new moves and dance the night away.
Day 16 - Antigua
There are no activities planned for today, leaving you free to explore all that Antigua has to offer at your own pace. Maybe you’ll seek out the puffing volcanoes of Pacaya, Agua, Fuego or Acatenango – each of the four are accessible via daytrips from Antigua, with Pacaya being the easiest to access and the other three being more suited if you’re extending your stay in Antigua. The number one stop for any chocoholic should be the ChocoMuseo, where you can get a chocolate history lesson and, more excitingly, participate in a chocolate-making workshop. For those more interested in the other famous Central American bean, you can go on a coffee tour, visit the plantations, do some tastings and buy some beans to take home. Consider extending your stay in Antigua to take full advantage of the range of activities on offer. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-03-202601-04-2026AUD $ 2,420-
31-03-202615-04-2026AUD $ 2,057-
07-04-202622-04-2026AUD $ 1,998-
21-04-202606-05-2026AUD $ 2,246-
05-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 2,350-
26-05-202610-06-2026AUD $ 2,380-
09-06-202624-06-2026AUD $ 2,360-
23-06-202608-07-2026AUD $ 2,290-
30-06-202615-07-2026AUD $ 2,295-
14-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 2,290-
28-07-202612-08-2026AUD $ 2,270-
11-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 2,290-
25-08-202609-09-2026AUD $ 2,290-
22-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 2,290-
06-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 2,350-
20-10-202604-11-2026AUD $ 2,350-
03-11-202618-11-2026AUD $ 2,495-
17-11-202602-12-2026AUD $ 2,470-
24-11-202609-12-2026AUD $ 2,470-
01-12-202616-12-2026AUD $ 2,420-
15-12-202630-12-2026AUD $ 2,420-
29-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 2,470-
05-01-202720-01-2027AUD $ 2,515-
12-01-202727-01-2027AUD $ 2,515-
19-01-202703-02-2027AUD $ 2,515-
02-02-202717-02-2027AUD $ 2,560-
16-02-202703-03-2027AUD $ 2,560-
02-03-202717-03-2027AUD $ 2,515-
16-03-202731-03-2027AUD $ 2,515-
30-03-202714-04-2027AUD $ 2,515-
06-04-202721-04-2027AUD $ 2,440-
20-04-202705-05-2027AUD $ 2,440-
27-04-202712-05-2027AUD $ 2,440-
04-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 2,440-
25-05-202709-06-2027AUD $ 2,440-
08-06-202723-06-2027AUD $ 2,375-
22-06-202707-07-2027AUD $ 2,375-
29-06-202714-07-2027AUD $ 2,375-
13-07-202728-07-2027AUD $ 2,375-
27-07-202711-08-2027AUD $ 2,375-
10-08-202725-08-2027AUD $ 2,375-
24-08-202708-09-2027AUD $ 2,375-
07-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 2,375-
21-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 2,375-
05-10-202720-10-2027AUD $ 2,440-
19-10-202703-11-2027AUD $ 2,440-
02-11-202717-11-2027AUD $ 2,560-
16-11-202701-12-2027AUD $ 2,560-
23-11-202708-12-2027AUD $ 2,560-
30-11-202715-12-2027AUD $ 2,560-
14-12-202729-12-2027AUD $ 2,515-
28-12-202712-01-2028AUD $ 2,560-
04-01-202819-01-2028AUD $ 2,375-
11-01-202826-01-2028AUD $ 2,375-
18-01-202802-02-2028AUD $ 2,375-
01-02-202816-02-2028AUD $ 2,375-
15-02-202801-03-2028AUD $ 2,375-
29-02-202815-03-2028AUD $ 2,375-
14-03-202829-03-2028AUD $ 2,375-
28-03-202812-04-2028AUD $ 2,375-
04-04-202819-04-2028AUD $ 2,375-
18-04-202803-05-2028AUD $ 2,375-
25-04-202810-05-2028AUD $ 2,375-
02-05-202817-05-2028AUD $ 2,375-
23-05-202807-06-2028AUD $ 2,375-
06-06-202821-06-2028AUD $ 2,375-
20-06-202805-07-2028AUD $ 2,375-
27-06-202812-07-2028AUD $ 2,375-
11-07-202826-07-2028AUD $ 2,375-
25-07-202809-08-2028AUD $ 2,375-
08-08-202823-08-2028AUD $ 2,375-
22-08-202806-09-2028AUD $ 2,375-
05-09-202820-09-2028AUD $ 2,375-
19-09-202804-10-2028AUD $ 2,375-
03-10-202818-10-2028AUD $ 2,375-
17-10-202801-11-2028AUD $ 2,375-
31-10-202815-11-2028AUD $ 2,375-
14-11-202829-11-2028AUD $ 2,375-
21-11-202806-12-2028AUD $ 2,375-
28-11-202813-12-2028AUD $ 2,375-
12-12-202827-12-2028AUD $ 2,375-
26-12-202810-01-2029AUD $ 2,375-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Multishare lodge (2 nights), Multishare hotel (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Local bus, Public bus, Taxi, Shared Boat, Ferry

Map

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