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Journey into the very heart of the Americas
Wander off the beaten track and discover a different side of Central America. Peregrine welcomes Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and San Ignacio, Belize, to its already stunning array of destinations on this journey – Mexico’s Playa del Carmen, Guatemala’s gorgeous Antigua and volcano-ringed Lake Atitlan, and El Salvador’s Route of the Flowers and colourful Suchitoto. Swim in crystal clear seas and swimming holes, explore tiny villages bursting with Latin American verve, and venture into dense jungle where Maya temples have stood for centuries.
- Start
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Finish
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Destinations
- Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PSBG
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Blaze the trail in Belize and enjoy a superb array of nature-based activities. Cruise across a lagoon on a guided birdwatching excursion, and hike through the forest to a hidden Maya burial ground
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The brightly painted houses of Flores are a reflection of the radiant colours that stretch across the town at sunset. Enjoy lakeside drinks while the sun sinks below the horizon
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Journey into the jungles of Guatemala and uncover the magnificent remains of the lost Maya civilisation in Tikal
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Overlooked by the majestic Volcan de Agua, Antigua is a cobblestoned maze of colourful buildings, leafy town squares and ornate churches. An ‘crop-to-cup’ tour of a local coffee farming co-op completes the experience
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Step back in time in Suchitoto, learning the history of El Salvador from those who have lived through it. Learn cigar rolling from 98-year-old Nina Victoria, and hike through Cinquera Rain Forest Park to meet a former FMLN guerrilla fighter
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Sit down to lunch in the delightful garden setting of El Jardin de Celeste. This restaurant on the famous ‘Flowers Route’ of El Salvador is arguably the country’s best
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Immerse yourself in the unique cultures surrounding Lake Atitlan, attending artist workshops and visiting a local church and market
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Your 2-night Feature stay at Hotel Atitlan in Panajachel has lake-facing balconies with a rustic Spanish colonial style as well as a manicured botanical garden and volcano views
Is this trip right for you?
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There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. Be prepared for some driving. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations along the way to break things up.
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The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
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The Crooked Tree Lodge in Belize (Day 2) is slightly below Peregrine standard, but was chosen for its sensational location and its vast array of excellent outdoor activities on offer.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Paradise or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip 15 days ago in Mexico City on Mexico, Guatemala & Beyond (PSMZC) or Complete Central Americar (PSPCC). Please contact our sales team if you wish to book or know more information on these longer combination trips.Accommodation
- Birds eye view lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Pooks Hill Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Crooked Tree - Lagoon birding boat tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Pooks Hill Lodge or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave - inc. transport, guide and lunch) - USD95
- San Ignacio - Canoe rental - USD20
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The optional excursion to the ATM Cave requires a decent level of fitness, and involves river crossings. Closed-toe shoes that can withstand water are essential.Accommodation
- Pooks Hill Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Flores - Yaxha tour & sunset drinks
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Villa Maya or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Flores - Tour of Tikal archaeological site
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel El Tejado or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel El Tejado or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Suchitoto - Town tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel El Tejado or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Suchitoto - War historic walk at Cinquera Forest
Optional Activities
- Suchitoto - Boat trip to Bird Island in Lake Suchitlan (it requires a minimum of 6 travellers to operate) - USD20
- Suchitoto - Morning kayak bird watching (requires a minimum of 3 travellers to run) - USD35
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
How you spend the rest of your time in Antigua is up to you. Due to its historical relics, pleasant ambience and friendly locals, the town is a popular one among travellers. There are a number of interesting markets to peruse, plus no shortage of restaurants and cafes to check out – be sure to sample the country's other important bean: chocolate! If you’re feeling adventurous, perhaps finish off this journey to the tune of some salsa at one of the local dance spots.
Accommodation
- Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Antigua - Coffee tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Unfortunately, more than half the population of this beautiful Guatemala you have come to know so well lives under the poverty line, which may explain why Guatemala has also the lowest literacy rate in Central America. With this in mind, the Intrepid Foundation is proud supporter of CasaSito, an outstanding not for profit organization dedicated to assist youth to reach their academic, personal and professional potential.If you have 2’ to spare (2’41’’ to be exact!) take a look at this short video about CasaSito – it’s inspiring: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3KBiGdEcV4w
If you want to help CasaSito and Guatemalan’s youth, you can donate through the Intrepid Foundation, which means that your donation will be match dollar for dollar by Peregrine too. No donation is too small. $5, $10, $50 it all goes a long way to help this fantastic organization. Simply visit our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/casasito/
Accommodation
- Hotel Atitlan or similar, Feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Atitlan - Santiago Village tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Atitlan or similar, Feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Atitlan - Naif painting workshop
- Lake Atitlan - San Juan Village tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinnerTransport
Private vehicle, Boat, PlaneAccommodation
Hotel Feature stay (2 nights), Comfortable Hotel (12 nights)Included Activities
- Crooked Tree - Lagoon birding boat tour
- Flores - Yaxha tour & sunset drinks
- Flores - Tour of Tikal archaeological site
- Suchitoto - Town tour
- Suchitoto - War historic walk at Cinquera Forest
- Antigua - Coffee tour
- Lake Atitlan - Santiago Village tour
- Lake Atitlan - Naif painting workshop
- Lake Atitlan - San Juan Village tour
Dates & availability
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Essence of Central America trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
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Important notes
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available for purchase on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. For the included internal flight ticket, please provide your full name exactly as per passport, at the time of booking or at least 45 days prior to travel.
4. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
5. Please be careful when booking flights to/from Antigua; make sure you fly into/out of Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do NOT book flights to/from Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
6. Hurricane season in this region is June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Peregrine monitors any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.