The two tour leader Wilfred and Tarik were superb. They moulded into the group with their friendly manner but remained very professional and knowledgeable throughout. Did they train in the Happy Store?
Experience some of the best highlights of Guatemala with this 7-day, multi-location trip around the country!
Start from Antigua and end in Guatemala City.
Experience the Spanish colonial city of Antigua before trekking up Pacaya Volcano and enjoy the stunning views. Then, travel to Lanquin Village and explore the Kanba Caves before swimming at the natural crystal pools of Semuc Champey nature reserve. Heading on to Flores Island, visit the ancient Mayan Temples of the Tikal archaeological site, and savor some leisure time on the island. Finally, head back to Guatemala city.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to get a taste of Guatemala in just one week. Please see more details in the itinerary and what's included sections.
My wife and I are over 75 years old, but fit. We hiked and climbed Mayan pyramids, swam and trekked through an underground cave, snorkeled and dove reefs and shopped and dined in local markets. We took some extra trips, but passed on those, such as scaling an active volcano, that were not our cup of tea. By car, van, bus, boat, bike and foot, the adventure was always interesting. The tour guide handled all arrangements and ironed out the occasional glitch. However, he would arrange for local guides who had regional knowledge and views. We met many typical residents of three countries and interacted with them on a close and personal level.
I totally enjoyed the Mayan experience with our tour leader Thomas Morales...we were his family and he organised a brilliant holiday for us. He solved a major problem we had with our phone...I highly recommend him as a tour leader.
My only concern was the treatment of farm animals going for slaughter....I did not see any vetinary supervision or any health and safety practices.
Dive into Central America on this 48-day adventure, bookended by two chaotic capitals and filled with fun, adventure and culture. Journey through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica on an adventure through the tantalising highlights of the region. Get acquainted with Central American cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories as you explore the wealth of ancient ruins, spot the range of unusual wildlife and relax on idyllic Caribbean shores. This is one of our longest adventures through Central America – a trip that zig-zags from the top of the Yucatan peninsula to the highlands of Costa Rica.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Chetumal, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Puebla, Copan, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, San Cristobal De Las Casas
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
They say it’s the tour leader who makes or breaks a trip, and for me, this couldn’t be truer. Luis Flores brought this whirlwind adventure to life with his warmth, kindness, passion for his country, and enduring patience—all matched by his brilliant, boyish sense of humour, which was a bonus. Behind the company logo is a man of immense grace and generosity—a true superstar in countless subtle ways. He’s not just someone who leads you through a place but someone who helps you connect with its soul and its people.
This trip was a vibrant tapestry of breathtaking sights, iconic landmarks, and mouthwateringly delicious cuisine (with portions that were often humongous—wear stretchy trousers!). Add to that the genuine, heartwarming hospitality of the people we met, and it was an experience like no other.
The long, scenic drives became opportunities to daydream out the window, snooze in readiness for the next adventure (or “meditate,” as Luis fondly called these sleepy and quiet moments), or share conversations that added even more richness to the journey—or, occasionally, for me to ask, “Are we nearly there?”
Was it perfect? No. Could some things have been better? Yes, of course. But I came hoping for an authentic, enriching experience—and that’s precisely what I got.
If you’re considering this trip, come with an open mind and heart and be ready to let the magic unfold. Drink in the numerous sensorial moments of wonder. There are so many “wow, wow, wow” moments—turning a corner and seeing something genuinely magnificent alongside enchanting flora and fauna (sadly, no jaguars made an appearance). For me, this was a genuinely enriching and transformative journey.
In all honesty, I was hesitant to book after a really disappointing experience with an Explore guide earlier this year. It felt like a huge risk to trust you again, especially since this was a 2-week trip and tour leaders are beyond your control. But I’m so glad I did and am deeply grateful for the experience.
Explore colourful worlds – both on land and underwater – on a vibrant adventure from the sunny beaches of Mexico through jungle and Caribbean coastline to the volcanic mountains of Costa Rica. This 34-day adventure hits Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, snaking through all the best spots and introducing you to local haunts as well as traveller hotspots. Discover a diverse marine playground in Caye Caulker, walk through the steamy cloud forests in Monteverde and visit the famous Tikal pyramids, arguably the most stunning of Guatemala’s ruins. Learn ancient Maya secrets and pass through jaw-dropping scenery on this Central American adventure.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Copan, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Granada, Monteverde, Chetumal, La Fortuna, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores
Embark on an in-depth, 59-day Central American adventure from Mexico’s capital to the home of the Panama Canal. Pass through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama on a small-group journey through remote villages, historic cities, ancient Maya and Aztec ruins, verdant cloud forests and pure Caribbean beaches. Get acquainted with the local cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories of Central America as you explore the wealth of tradition, spot the range of unusual wildlife, dive into unique underwater worlds and spend time travelling with like-minded people. Did you hear that? Central America is calling – you better Belize it.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, Panama City, Palenq
Mexico City, Panama City, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Chetumal, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Puebla, Panajachel, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Leon, Granada, Monteverde, La Fortuna, San Jose, Sarapiqui, Oaxaca, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Chitre, San Cristobal De Las Casas
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover the real Guatemala, immersing yourself in Maya culture and exploring tropical landscapes. Guided by an expert tour leader, you’ll explore the colonial streets of Antigua, summit the active Pacaya volcano, cruise Lake Atitlán and enjoy an unforgettable sunrise trip to the Maya ruins of Tikal. But it’s the countless interactions – meeting hand-weaving artisans, bartering for textiles in Chichicastenango market and witnessing rural life in Almolonga and Zunil – that will truly reveal authentic Guatemala.
Take a 24-day adventure into the heart and mind of Central America – hitting all the must-see spots, as well as hidden gems, in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. See the crater lake and cloud forest of Mombacho Volcano, tour Maya ruins at Copan archaeological site and Tikal National Park, cruise on Lake Atitlan and learn all about the fascinating deity San Simon. There are colourful markets to visit (via chicken bus, of course), historic cities to wander and nature reserves to revel in. Explore optional activities in Antigua, learn some Spanish so you can chat to the diverse locals and then kick back in Caye Caulker, where you end the journey on white sands surrounded by snorkelling opportunities and lazy, beach lifestyles.