Guatemala & Mexico overland holiday
Highlights
Antigua | Rio Dulce | Lake Izabal | Flores Island | Lake Peten Itza | Tikal ruins | San Ignacio | Caye Caulker, Belize | Yucatan Peninsula | Mayan ruins at Tulum | Playa del Carmen | Optional: tubing, Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, diving with sharks in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, chocolate making workshop, cycling tours, snorkelling, sea kayaking, manatee tour and more.Description of Guatemala & Mexico overland holiday
Kick starting your adventure in Antigua is an absolute thrill before embarking on an itinerary that criss-crosses between Belize and back into Guatemala before finally coming to a conclusion in Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.As you’d expect from a Guatemala & Mexico overland holiday, there’s a marvellous mix of Mayan sites and Caribbean coastline with the added surprise of Guatemala's highlands always serving as testament to the eclectic nature of life in South America.
From volcanic slopes and sacred temples to a laid back vibe and the warmth of the salty sea breeze, this Guatemala & Mexico overland holiday is certainly one to remember, especially if you’re looking to get out and explore as well as spend time chilling on the beach.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.comCheck dates, prices & availability
Small group adventure
What is a small group adventure?It's a great way to travel! Whether you are travelling on your own, with a partner or with friends, a small group trip is a fantastic way to see the world. You'll travel on a fixed itinerary that has been designed to help you discover the best of region. From the known highlights, the hidden gems that you won't find in the guidebooks.
Itineraries run on set departure dates, accompanied every step of the way by an English speaking local group leader. You chose the itinerary and the date that suits you best and you book on.
Why travel on a small group adventure?
Small groups allow us to explore where larger tour groups can't. Our maximum group size of 16 travellers allows us to use local transport to get from A to B, to visit rural villages, spend time with the locals and even stay at a local home overnight, and it allows us to give our travellers genuine, real life experiences of the countries we are visiting; what you'll be doing and how you'll travel depends entirely on your chosen itinerary.
Is an adventure right for me?
The word adventure means something different to everyone, and our range of trips reflects that. Whether you want to explore local markets, visit out of the way temples and meet local people or go on an early morning safari drive searching for the 'big five', we'll have a trip for you. If you are looking for a physical challenge such trekking the Kokoda Track or summiting Kilimanjaro, we can help with that too.
So what can I expect on this trip?
This is a classic style of small group adventure. You'll find your trip combines a good mix of included activities and free time, with some meals included as per your itinerary. We don't want you to feel chaperoned, it's your holiday not ours. Your group leader will be on hand to assist with organising anything you might wish to do in your free time, but how you spend it is up to you. Anything listed as included in your itinerary will be included in trip price; whereas anything listed as optional will be at an additional cost should you wish to take part.
These trips are great value, including things that you would struggle to organise independently, such as a night at a homestay in a remote village, or local guides around a remote place of interest. Transport will be a combination of private vehicle and public transport, whichever is the most appropriate for the route we are travelling; this might include train, plane, camel, tuk tuk, bicycle, boat…
On a majority of these trips you'll stay in 2-3 star accommodation, locally owned and reflective of the region you are travelling through. All solo travellers will be automatically roomed on a twin share basis with another group member of the same sex, unless you opt to pay for your own room at time of booking. There are no compulsory single supplements for solo travellers willing to share. Single rooms aren't available on camping trips, and you will be expected to help out with camp tasks such as setting up and breaking down your camp.
Can I book my flights with you?
Yes! We are a fully ATOL bonded tour operator meaning that we can book flights from the UK as part of your holiday package. Just ask us for a quote including flights when you make your enquiry.
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.

As company our responsibilities don’t stop when our tours end. Our own in house foundation has been in operation for over 10 years; a not-for-profit fund that has distributed over AU$3 million to more than 70 non-government organisations since 2002, from health care, education, human rights, child welfare, sustainable development and in environmental and wildlife protection. Donations come from our travellers and are then matched by us dollar for dollar.
Our project within Guatemala is called CasoSito. This organisation provides educational opportunities in rural areas for children living in poverty as illiteracy is extremely high in Guatemala; CasaSito offers education as an aide to fight poverty, injustice and discrimination. They do this by providing financial assistance through scholarship programmes and partnerships with local education centres that provide complementary education such as music, arts and sports.
The Impacts of this Trip
We are committed to operating in a responsible manner, incorporating the principles of sustainable development in the way we provide our travellers with real life experiences. These values are more than just words on a page; they are ingrained in our culture and the daily operations of every office and every trip. In addition, we expect our staff and travellers to demonstrate the principles of responsible travel - respecting people, cultures and local environments; in the distribution of wealth; in good will and cross-cultural sharing; and in contributing to sustainable development.
We take care to use local transport throughout such as buses and water taxis. By using local transport you will get to encounter a variety of cultural experiences such as border crossings, local sellers and unforgettable conversations with the locals. We also stay in small, locally owned hotels and guesthouses which is a great way to put money back into the local economy.
We source produce locally throughout the trip, eat at local restaurants and encourage our travellers to purchase souvenirs from local artisans and villages as we pass through.
Recruitment of our ground team comes from the local community. This not only gives a fantastic insight into the country and a snap shot of day to day life, but it also puts valuable financial resources back into the local economy, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.


As company our responsibilities don’t stop when our tours end. Our own in house foundation has been in operation for over 10 years; a not-for-profit fund that has distributed over AU$3 million to more than 70 non-government organisations since 2002, from health care, education, human rights, child welfare, sustainable development and in environmental and wildlife protection. Donations come from our travellers and are then matched by us dollar for dollar.
Our project within Guatemala is called CasoSito. This organisation provides educational opportunities in rural areas for children living in poverty as illiteracy is extremely high in Guatemala; CasaSito offers education as an aide to fight poverty, injustice and discrimination. They do this by providing financial assistance through scholarship programmes and partnerships with local education centres that provide complementary education such as music, arts and sports.

The Impacts of this Trip
We are committed to operating in a responsible manner, incorporating the principles of sustainable development in the way we provide our travellers with real life experiences. These values are more than just words on a page; they are ingrained in our culture and the daily operations of every office and every trip. In addition, we expect our staff and travellers to demonstrate the principles of responsible travel - respecting people, cultures and local environments; in the distribution of wealth; in good will and cross-cultural sharing; and in contributing to sustainable development.
We take care to use local transport throughout such as buses and water taxis. By using local transport you will get to encounter a variety of cultural experiences such as border crossings, local sellers and unforgettable conversations with the locals. We also stay in small, locally owned hotels and guesthouses which is a great way to put money back into the local economy.
We source produce locally throughout the trip, eat at local restaurants and encourage our travellers to purchase souvenirs from local artisans and villages as we pass through.
Recruitment of our ground team comes from the local community. This not only gives a fantastic insight into the country and a snap shot of day to day life, but it also puts valuable financial resources back into the local economy, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.

4 Reviews of Guatemala & Mexico overland holiday
Reviewed on 03 Feb 2019 by Géraldine Poukens
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The atmosphere in the group. The friendliness. And the fact that the tour operator allowed my boyfriend to join last minute. Best birthday present ever!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Easy, convenient, discover, sharing, caring. Go for it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We were sensitized right away about a "no straw" policy, no littering. As I speak Spanish, talking and exchanging with locals was easy.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
15 out of 10. Great experiences, culture, exchange, opportunity, choice. And it is mostly due to our extra-ordinary holiday manager: Isaac (Costa Rican). Who allowed us to remain autonomous yet part of a group, free yet organized. THE BEST.
Reviewed on 05 Jan 2018 by Jennie Walmsley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Snorkelling with manatees, sharks and a turtle was pretty special but, in fact, every day on this trip was extraordinary. The trip was incredibly well organised and well led. We did an enormous amount in a short time - from volcanoes to markets, Mayan ruins to swimming in hot springs, eating at a Mexican family's home and taking a riverboat trip. Fantastic.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We did the trip from Guatemala to Mexico - and I think that is the best way to do it. Additional excursions were pricey (overall) but worth it (the ATM trip in particular was expensive). Leave lots of room for shopping - best shopping was in Guatemala (be prepared to negotiate). Worth spending extra days in Antigua if you have a chance. Useful to have neck pillow for long bus journeys! This is a fabulous trip if you can do it!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were reminded of our environmental impact (e.g. encouraged to carry water bottle) and social responsibility (not buying certain products). Our guide was Guatemalan - and brilliant. He had a real pride in his country and the region, and balanced knowledge of the social and political issues. We also paid to eat at a local Mexican family's home (learning about culinary history) and contributing to their ability to develop their business.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Superb. 10 out of 10. A wild mixture of urban, rural, historical, cultural, active and wonderfully indulgent.
Reviewed on 24 Nov 2017 by Martin Braund
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling in a group of just four and with a guide who became almost like a best friend. The scenery and people of Guatemala, the warmth of the people and climate of Belize and the excitement and colour of Mayan Mexico.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for early starts, bring good strong insect repellent and sunscreen. Have and open mind and learn.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Our guide always took us to local restaurants where the food and ambience was authentic and locally run. In Mexico our guide took us to eat with a Mayan family starting up a local enterprise to develop Myan cooking
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best small group holidays I have ever experienced
Reviewed on 12 Jun 2017 by Sunita Raj
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Stunning temples still largely unexcavated hidden in jungles, incredible and spicy food, vibrant bustling cities full of colour, swimming in underground cenotes (sinkholes).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
May is unbearably hot in the jungle and east coast areas! Opt for cooler months if you are flexible. Mexico has so much more I feel I want to explore, 2 weeks offered just the tip of the iceberg.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
local guides always used who in turn used their local contacts /businesses
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
excellent, definitely recommend without hesitation
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