Start your adventure in Mexico City, then head to the Tehuacán cactus reserve for stargazing under the desert sky. Explore Oaxaca’s rich heritage, from artisan workshops to stunning beaches, and witness a turtle release and Huatulco National Park. Dive into the vibrant life of San Cristóbal de las Casas, cruise through the towering cliffs of Sumidero Canyon, and discover the Mayan wonders of Agua Azul, Palenque, Calakmul, and Chichen Itzá.
Continue to the Yucatán Peninsula, where you can swim in hidden cenotes, sail across Bacalar’s brilliant lagoon, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Puerto Morelos. Belize brings you the laid-back vibes of Caye Caulker, a deep dive into Garifuna culture, and the mystical allure of the Crystal Maiden caves. Finally, cross into Guatemala to uncover the ancient ruins of Tikal, marvel at the turquoise rivers of Semuc Champey, and soak up the charm of Antigua Guatemala and Lake Atitlán.
Overlanding is your gateway to discovering hidden gems and making extraordinary connections in off-the-beaten-path destinations. It’s an adventure that calls for physical and mental readiness, flexibility, and an open mind.
As part of the adventure, expect some flexibility. Travelling through remote areas and navigating unpredictable border crossings may lead to adjustments in stops, accommodations, activities, and meals. Please note that the described driving hours are estimates and do not include time for activities, meals, or border crossings. They can also be affected by road closures or other unforeseen conditions.
Before booking, be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page, where we address possible scenarios you might encounter.
| DAY | ACCOMMODATION | BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER | DRIVING HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | HOTEL | 0.8 h | |||
| DAY 2 | HOTEL | IN | |||
| DAY 3 | CAMP | IN | CG | CG | 4.3 h |
| DAY 4 | HOTEL | CG | CG | 4.0 h | |
| DAY 5 | HOTEL | CG | 2.0 h | ||
| DAY 6 | HOTEL | IN | 4.0 h | ||
| DAY 7 | HOTEL | IN | IN | IN | 4.0 h |
| DAY 8 | CAMP | IN | CG | 1.5 h | |
| DAY 9 | CAMP | CG | CG | CG | 3.0 h |
| DAY 10 | HOTEL | CG | CG | 7.5 h | |
| DAY 11 | HOTEL | IN | 1.3 h | ||
| DAY 12 | HOTEL | ||||
| DAY 13 | HOTEL | IN | 2.0 h | ||
| DAY 14 | CAMP | IN | 5.5 h | ||
| DAY 15 | CAMP | IN | CG | 0.5 h | |
| DAY 16 | HOTEL | IN | CG | IN | 5.8 h |
| DAY 17 | HOTEL | IN | IN | IN | 3.5 h |
| DAY 18 | HOTEL | IN | CG | 3.5 h | |
| DAY 19 | HOTEL | ||||
| DAY 20 | HOTEL | CG | IN | 4.3 h | |
| DAY 21 | HOTEL | IN | IN | 3.8 h | |
| DAY 22 | HOTEL | ||||
| DAY 23 | HOTEL | 4.0 h | |||
| DAY 24 | HOSTEL | CG | 4.5 h | ||
| DAY 25 | HOSTEL | IN | |||
| DAY 26 | CAMP | IN | IN | IN | 3.0 h |
| DAY 27 | CAMP | IN | IN | 3.0 h | |
| DAY 28 | CAMP | IN | IN | IN | 2.0 h |
| DAY 29 | HOTEL | IN | 3.0 h | ||
| DAY 30 | HOTEL | IN | 2.5 h | ||
| DAY 31 | HOTEL | IN | IN | 7.5 h | |
| DAY 32 | HOTEL | IN | IN | 0.5 h | |
| DAY 33 | CAMP | IN | IN | IN | 2.0 h |
| DAY 34 | HOTEL | IN | 7.0 h | ||
| DAY 35 | HOTEL | IN | IN | ||
| DAY 36 | HOTEL | IN | 3.0 h |
This tour includes 30 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 12 dinners (30% as Cook Group)
Our wonderful hosts will provide most of your meals, 30% of the meals are prepared by the group using our van equipment—a fun way to bond as a group! For the remaining meals, you’re free to explore on your own, follow our recommendations, or join our group meals. This flexibility allows you to experience the local cuisine at your own pace and budget.
We accommodate most dietary needs. However, please be aware that options might be limited during certain stops (like en-route lunch stops). For more details, check out our FAQ page.
Our carefully selected accommodations set us apart from the rest. We dedicate ample time to finding the best locally-owned stays with top-notch value. Comfort, central locations, and charming colonial styles are our priorities. Lupita’s mix of cosy hotels, eco-friendly community stays, and well-equipped campsites ensures you experience the best of each destination. For those remote adventures, get ready for authentic, basic camping.
Our hotel rooms typically feature two double beds and private bathrooms for every two people, with options for queen or triple rooms available on request at some stops. For camping, we provide all the necessary gear, including foam mats, air mats with pillows, sleeping bags, and liners. You’ll share a spacious tent designed for four with just one other person from the same sex.
Want to know more about where you’ll be staying? Ask for our full accommodation list, which is kept private to preserve the uniqueness of our routes!
Upgrades are usually available when camping or in hostels, but can’t always be guaranteed. Priority check-in is given to those on the standard package. You can also opt for a single tent while camping—just let us know during the booking process. For more details, check out our accommodation section on the FAQ page.
We’re all about giving you the best experience possible, with must-do activities that other tours leave out. When you compare, you’ll see our trips are the best deal around!
+ many other free and optional activities to enjoy!
This trip is rated as Moderate,
Your tour features a blend of activities and a few longer driving days. You’ll have camping nights and some treks, so a good fitness level and adventurous spirit are important. While no prior experience is required, you should be comfortable with swimming and hiking. Expect to encounter heat and humidity, but you’ll also have opportunities to relax at comfortable hotels and scenic spots.
You’ll need to carry your bags in certain situations, such as from parking to the hotel or onto boats, and be prepared to navigate stairs and high steps at archaeological sites and in the van. Some activities, such as Hiking in Oaxaca, the ATM Cave in Belize and the Acatenango Hike in Guatemala (Extension A), can be strenuous and may involve challenging terrain or high altitudes.
Mexico, Belize, and East Guatemala are fantastic year-round destinations, but the sweet spot for your trip is from November to May. This is when the weather is typically drier, cooler, and less humid, making it ideal for exploring. For the last bit of our tour, the Guatemalan highlands offer pleasant hiking weather, with lows around 10°C and highs of 27°C. For those joining us on the Acatenango volcano, be ready for chilly nights at around 4,000m above sea level.
Optionally, you can bring other items such as 1 set of casual clothes for evenings out, a pouch or money belt inside your clothing for extra safety, and a book to read during your vacation.
If you are opting for the Acatenango Trek Extension, make sure to pack appropriate gear. You can also rent what you need before the tour starts:
This overlanding experience through Mexico was amazing!!
Jamie the guide is so full of energy and passion for this beautiful country. A well-thought-out route with a diverse variety of stays. So many highlights, that you will feel like you have been there for longer than 3 weeks, it’s packed full of wonder. I could not recommend a better way to travel to Mexico!
As a first-time overlander, I thoroughly enjoyed this tour!
The value for money is excellent, with at least one included activity daily, ensuring you make the most of your time in Mexico. It strikes a perfect balance, offering a blend of culture, breathtaking landscapes and interactions with locals. Highlights included: the Day of the Dead parades with face painting and visits to genuine places like La Ventanilla, complementing the iconic typical sites.
A great tour of Southern Mexico and celebrating the day of the dead festival is something that everyone should do. The itinerary was a good pace and made enjoyable with Jaime leading us.
Fue una gran experiencia a lo largo de México, lo pasamos muy bien.
Tuve mucha suerte con el grupo y con el tour líder Jaime.
Sin duda repetiré!
This is an amazing tour! It was our first time in Mexico and it didn’t disappoint – in fact it totally exceeded our expectations. The diversity throughout was incredible – art, culture and great cuisine in Mexico City, multiple Mayan historical sites – each different and each spectacular, backed-up by some great guides, fantastic cenotes, beach and jungle experiences and lovely wildlife.
However, it was the inspiration and enthusiasm of our lovely leader, Jaime, that made the trip. He put together a superb itinerary with at least one exceptional highlight every day and his friendliness, charm and overall joie de vivre is infectious.
Add to this a great and safe driver in Cesar and the overall three-week experience is life-enhancing and not to be missed.
Overlanding is an acquired taste and this encapsulates everything that is good about it.
