Central America Encompassed

From traditional villages to an island paradise surrounded by coral reefs, this 31-day journey is an all-encompassing adventure of Central American highlights. Start your epic discovery in thriving Mexico City, where you’ll taste the city’s best tacos. Visit Nahuatl descendants and learn about how they keep their culture alive, discover the arts scene in Oaxaca, walk the pine-covered floor of Iglesia de San Juan and visit vibrant markets before discovering one of the New Wonders of the World at Chichen Itza. Kick back, surf, swim and recharge on the paradise-like shores of Playa del Carmen and Caye Caulker. When you’ve had your fill of beach days, hit the highlands of Belize and discover local Maya culture and delicious local meals. After, dive into Guatemala and discover the ancient remains of Tikal, the bustling Chichi market and stay with the locals near Lake Atitlan.

Activities

• Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
• Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
• Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
• Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
• Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
• Tlahuac - Community Visit
• Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
• San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
• Zinacatan Church - Visit
• San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
• Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
• Palenque - Palenque Ruins (entrance fee)
• Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
• Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
• Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
• Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
• San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
• Tikal National Park - Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
• Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
• Chichicastenango - Market Visit
• Chichicastenango - Shaman Visit
• Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
• San Juan La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
• Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
• Santa Apolonia - Traditional Pottery Demonstration

Highlights

• Explore the stunning Mayan temples of Palenque dating back to AD600 and stroll through Chichen Itza – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac – home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
• Spend two days exploring the island paradise of Caye Caulker – munch on barbecued lobster, snorkel around a coral reef, nap under palm trees, go kayaking or just kick back with a couple of worry-free beach days.
• Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna – a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family and see how they harvest their local medicinal plants.
• Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.