Best of Guatemala & Mexico

With just over an hour’s drive to the majestic ruins of the great city state of Tikál, we’ll aim to get an early start so that you can spend a full day at the site. Even by clambering up one of the massive pyramids in the main site, it’s difficult to gauge its full extent, as other distant structures protrude above the trees like islands. If the scene looks vaguely familiar, it might be because it was used in a scene towards the end of the original ‘Star Wars, episode IV’ film. 

Much of Tikal surely remains undiscovered, locked in the grip of the jungle. In order to explore the site you walk through the forest between the main groups of buildings and hope to see something of the fascinating flora and fauna. A range of wildlife is commonly seen including howler and spider monkeys, coatimundis (a member of the racoon family), agoutis (a strange, rabbit-sized rodent), oropendulas (a largish bird which makes distinctive hanging nests) and toucans. After its zenith in the 9th century, the city fell into spectacular and mysterious decline. As you wander amidst the grey stone pyramids, you can only speculate as to what could have caused its downfall. In the afternoon you return to Flores.

Today you jump on a local bus and travel three hours to Belize City. This bus ride is a real local experience as it stops and starts to pick up random passengers along the way. From Belize City you take a water taxi (45mins) to beautiful Caye Caulker. It is an island with a Caribbean feel, there really is nothing to do here but relax, try some watersports or go snorkelling to explore the underwater world. You can take an optional trip to see manatees, the lovely mermaid like sea cows. Hotel - 3 nights

A short bus ride (1.5 hours) takes you to your final destination of Playa del Carmen. You are free to enjoy the sunshine and beaches. Go snorkelling, diving, biking or take a ferry trip to the island of Cozumel. In the evenings grab yourself a margarita and watch the sunset. Hotel - 3 nights