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Guatemala City, Guatemala
Start your journey in the Guatemalan capital and explore the historic Centro Histórico and the excellent Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología. Try local dishes like pepián and kak'ik before heading deeper into the highlands.
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Antigua, Guatemala
A UNESCO World Heritage colonial city framed by three volcanoes — hike Volcán Acatenango for jaw-dropping views of the active Fuego. Wander cobblestone streets lined with colourful ruins, baroque churches, and excellent coffee shops.
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Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Home to one of the most vibrant indigenous markets in Central America, held every Thursday and Sunday. The Santo Tomás church blends Maya and Catholic rituals in a fascinating living tradition — don't miss the incense ceremonies on the steps.
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Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Often called the world's most beautiful lake, Atitlán is surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Maya villages like San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán. Explore by lancha (water taxi), visit weaving cooperatives, and kayak at sunrise.
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Flores, Guatemala
A charming island town in the Petén jungle serving as the gateway to Tikal. The surrounding wetlands are rich in wildlife including howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis.
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Tikal, Guatemala
One of the greatest Maya cities ever built, Tikal's towering temples rise above the jungle canopy in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrive early or book a sunrise tour to hear the forest come alive with howler monkeys and exotic birds.
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San Ignacio, Belize
A laid-back adventure hub near the Guatemalan border with easy access to Caracol Maya ruins and the stunning Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, filled with ancient skeletons and ceramics. The nearby Macal River valley is perfect for jungle hiking and birdwatching.
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Belize City, Belize
A transit hub with a gritty Caribbean character — visit the Museum of Belize and stroll along the waterfront swing bridge. Use it as a jumping-off point for water taxis to the cayes or onward to Mexico.
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Chetumal, Mexico
A relaxed Mexican border city on Chetubal Bay with a good Maya museum documenting regional history. It's the entry point into the Yucatán and close to the wild Bacalar lagoon — a preview of turquoise waters to come.
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Bacalar, Mexico
Known as the 'Lake of Seven Colors,' Bacalar's lagoon shimmers in breathtaking shades of turquoise and blue thanks to its shallow limestone bed. Kayak through mangroves, visit the colonial Fort San Felipe, and swim in the natural cenote channels.
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Tulum, Mexico
Famous for its clifftop Maya ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum also offers access to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-listed wetland teeming with wildlife. Explore the nearby cenotes of the Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos for extraordinary snorkelling.
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Valladolid, Mexico
A beautifully preserved colonial city in the heart of the Yucatán with a pastel-coloured central plaza and the remarkable open cenote Zací right in town. It's an ideal base for visiting nearby Chichén Itzá without the tourist crowds.
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Chichén Itzá, Mexico
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this vast Maya archaeological site is dominated by the iconic pyramid El Castillo. Arrive at opening time (8am) to beat the heat and the crowds and explore the Great Ball Court and Sacred Cenote.
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Mérida, Mexico
The vibrant capital of Yucatán state blends Maya heritage with Spanish colonial grandeur along the grand Paseo de Montejo boulevard. Feast on Yucatecan cuisine — cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and marquesitas — and visit the world-class Gran Museo del Mundo Maya.