Mexico & Central America

53 days - from $5250

Travelling through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, this 'once in a lifetime" adventure ticks off all the major highlights in Central America!

The trip begins in Mexico City, an amazing, bustling city, where we visit the memorable ruins at Teotihuacan. We then travel through the Mexican towns of Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobal de Lasa Cases, Merida and Palenque with the chance to try the local tequila, and opportunity to visit breathtaking archaeological ruins. Our last stop in Mexico is Cancun, where we reach the beautiful blue waters and sandy beaches of the Caribbean Coast.

Just when we think we have seen the best beaches the Yucatan has to offer, we visit Caye Caulker in Belize, and spend a few days lazing in the sun or snorkelling with tropical sea life.

Next we discover the charms of Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua visiting some impressive volcanoes, charming colonial towns and colourful markets.

We then wind our way through Costa Rica, a nature lover's paradise with amazing rainforests and wildlife, and end our adventure in the Panamanian capital of Panama City.

Highlights

• Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan
• The house of Leon Trotsky in Coyoacán
• San Cristobal de Las Casas' Chiapas indigenous culture
• Granada
• Ometepe Island
• Panteón Civil de Dolores cemetery
• Burritos from a street vendor
• Oaxaca's street stalls
• Mexican flag-resembling 'chiles en nogada' in Puebla
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mayan ruins of Palenque
• The Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán and Spanish city of Oaxaca
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed pre-Hispanic city of Uxmal
• Teotihuacan's Pyramids of the Sun and Moon
• Cancun and Playa del Carmen
• Mexico City
• The carvings of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Copan
• Belize's waters
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mayan city of Tikal
• The Quetzal of Guatemala - your currency and spirit guide
• Flores on Lago Petén Itzá
• The indigenous Chachikel Mayans of Lake Atitlan
• Arenal - Costa Rica's most active volcano
• Monteverde Cloud Forest
• The Blue House of Frida Kahlo
• Make 'Bread of the Dead'
• Chili lime grasshoppers at Oaxaca Market
• 1200-year-old cliff-top ruins of Tulum
• Meet the Bri Bri indigenous people
• Punta dancing

Itinerary:

Day 1: Mexico City2: Teotihuacan - Mexico City3: Mexico City4: Puebla5: Oaxaca6: Monte Alban - Oaxaca - overnight bus7-8: San Cristóbal de las Casas9-10: Palenque11-12: Mérida13: Chichen Itza - Cancun14-15: Cancun16: Tulum - Chetumal17-18: Caye Caulker19-20: Flores - Tikal - overnight bus21-22: Antigua Guatemala23-25: Panajachel - Chichicastenango - Antigua Guatemala26-27: Copan28-29: Suchitoto30: La Union - Potosi - León31: León - Granada32: Granada33-34: Ometepe Island35-36: Samara Beach and the Gulf of Nicoya37-38: San Jose39-40: Monteverde41-42: La Fortuna - Arenal43-45: Puerto Viejo - Cahuita46-47: Bocas del Toro48-50: Boquete51: Panama City52-53: Panama City

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

The services of local tour guides plus the services of local site guides at some sites. All transport, accommodation, and sightseeing as indicated.

Departure taxes, visas, insurance, meals, drinks, entrance fees, optional additional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.