Central America budget holiday

Our trip begins on the beach, heading to the idyllic sandy island of Caye Caulker where we can unwind, snorkel and relax. We continue inland, staying in traditional wooden cabins in the delightful town of San Ignacio and trekking through lush, dense jungle near the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. Our destination is the picturesque town of Antigua, a fitting end to this incredible Central American journey.

Cancun
Until 1970 Cancun was just a small fishing village with one lone coconut plantation, but now, due to its beautiful beaches, it attracts over 2 million visitors a year and is Mexico’s leading holiday resort.

A narrow strip of land stretches for 25km down the coast studded with hotels and enormous resorts. The favourite pastime here is to relax on the beaches and swim in the turquoise waters. For a more tranquil setting you can take a ferry out to the Isla Mujeres – the Isle of Women – where you can go snorkelling or try various other water sports, or explore the island on foot or in a golf cart.

Caye Caulker
The typically Caribbean northern Cayes of Belize are renowned for the quality of aquatic activities on offer. Fringed with palm trees overlooking warm, white sand, the Cayes are an idyllic beach paradise. Prior to the British occupancy which only ended in 1981, the Cayes were home to fishermen and coconut pickers. Nestled between Ambergris Caye and the Turneffe Islands, the tropical reefs on Caye Caulker are visible up to a mile offshore through the clear water. The restaurants and bars of Caulker serve local specialities, and are renowned for seafood.

San Ignacio
Roughly 110km along the Western Highway from Belize City, San Ignacio and its sister town Santa Elena straddle the opposing sides of the Macal River. A blend of languages, traditions and cultures, San Ignacio is affectionately known as ‘Cayo’ – meaning island – by the locals, alluding to the frontier mentality in what is the last outpost before the Guatemalan border. Colonial buildings line Burns Avenue, the main street of the town. On the outskirts of San Ignacio the Mayan archaeological site at Cahal Pech is a good example of the indigenous heritage. Various wildlife sanctuaries in the area are home to tropical fauna from iguanas to the blue morpho butterfly.

Antigua
A colourful town full of wonderful colonial architecture, beautiful churches and cobbled streets, Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most popular destinations. It was the capital city until a devastating earthquake in 1773 destroyed many of the buildings. Although people returned slowly over the years, it was not until the 20th century that many of the old buildings were restored. The centre of town is the Parque Central, where you might see locals in traditional dress. Antigua is the cultural centre of Guatemala, and is an ideal place to experience the traditional music, architecture and art of the country. Rich in ornate churches, convents, parks, plazas, cafés, restaurants, and colourful street markets, the town has many attractions.