Guatemala, Belize and Mexico Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Guatemala, Belize and Mexico Tours & Trips

• How do you get around Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico?

  Getting between these countries is pretty straightforward once you know your options. In Guatemala you'll love the chicken buses - they're these super colorful converted school buses that won't break your bank and really give you a taste of local life. When you're in Mexico ADO buses are your best bet for longer trips like Tulum to Cancun which takes about an hour. Belize is all about water taxis especially around the islands - you can hop on one from Caye Caulker to Belize City anytime between 6:30 am and 5 pm it's about a 45-minute ride. When you're crossing borders you'll probably mix and match transport like from Caye Caulker to Chetumal you're looking at a 3-hour water taxi then grabbing a regular taxi to the bus station. Just keep some local cash handy and don't stress if things run a bit behind schedule.

• What kind of local cultural experiences can you join in these countries?

  You'll find some amazing authentic experiences across all three countries. Head to San Juan La Laguna by Lake Atitlan in Guatemala where local Mayan artisans will show you their incredible weaving techniques using traditional materials and dyes. Over in Caye Caulker Belize you can cook with a local family and learn to make proper Belizean rice and beans. Near Tulum Mexico you've got to try a temazcal ceremony it's this really special Mayan steam bath ritual using volcanic stones. The markets are fantastic for meeting indigenous people and picking up handmade souvenirs - check out Chichicastenango Market on Thursdays and Sundays for some amazing textiles and traditional Mayan ceremonies.

• Where are the best natural areas to visit and how do you get to them?

  There's some incredible nature just waiting to be explored beyond the cities. Tikal National Park in Guatemala is pretty special with its Mayan temples rising above the rainforest - grab a shuttle from Flores it takes about 1.5 hours. In Belize you've got to check out Hol Chan Marine Reserve from Caye Caulker the boat tours run about 3 hours and you'll get to snorkel with stingrays nurse sharks and green turtles. Mexico's Rio Lagartos National Park is amazing for spotting pink flamingos and loads of other birds you can explore it all by boat right from the town of Rio Lagartos.

• What are some off-the-beaten-path routes worth checking out?

  If you're looking to dodge the crowds there are some really cool alternative routes. The Ruta de las Flores in western El Salvador is gorgeous with coffee plantations and these really pretty villages dotted along the way. Belize's Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is perfect if you've got a 4x4 with waterfalls caves and hiking trails to explore. In Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula follow the Ruta Puuc to find some less visited Mayan sites like Kabah and Uxmal they've got this really unique architecture you won't see anywhere else. These routes really let you connect with local communities and get deeper into the culture.

• Which amazing places do most tourists miss?

  There are some real hidden gems that most people never hear about. Yaxha in Guatemala gives you these incredible lake views plus lots of wildlife without the crowds. The ATM cave in Belize is pretty special - you'll need to trek through jungle and swim underground but you'll see ancient Mayan artifacts and these amazing crystal formations some ceramics and crystallized skeletons that have been there for over 1400 years. Then there's Sumidero Canyon in Mexico where you can take boat tours through this massive gorge with huge cliffs and waterfalls. These spots take a bit more effort to reach but they're totally worth it.