Embark on an epic journey across Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala! 🚐✨ Start in Mexico City with historic cantinas and pyramids, then camp at the Tehuacán cactus reserve 🌵. In Oaxaca, explore Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, and traditional pulque fields, then continue to turtle conservation and boat trips in Huatulco 🐢🌊.
In Chiapas, cruise Sumidero Canyon, witness unique rituals in Chamula, and explore the jungle ruins of Palenque 🌿. Discover the Yucatán’s cenotes, the massive ruins of Calakmul, and the “seven colours” of Bacalar before reaching the Caribbean 🏝️. Learn Mayan traditions like hammock weaving and stingless beekeeping along the way 🐝.
In Belize, snorkel Caye Caulker’s reefs, dive into Garifuna culture, and explore the mystical ATM cave 🇧🇿🔦. Finally, cross into Guatemala for the sunrise at Tikal, the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, and the vibrant rituals of Chichicastenango 🇬🇹✨. Finish at Lake Atitlán with a scenic hike and community visit, before wrapping up in Antigua with an optional volcano trek! 🌋☕🌵
Extend your adventure with extra nights in Antigua Guatemala, where you can embark on guided treks to the majestic Pacaya or Acatenango Volcano for an unforgettable finale. Please carefully read this article before making your decision on whether or not to do the Acatenango Trek.
Notes on Coordination & Availability:
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.
What’s Included: A mix of hosted meals and authentic regional dining is included throughout the journey (see the specific breakdown at the top of this page). 🌮✨
Van Cooking & Bonding: On certain days, we cook together using our professional van equipment. It is an iconic part of the overland experience and a great way to bond as a group! 🚛🥑
Local Flexibility: For the remaining meals, you are free to explore local restaurants at your own pace, try our handpicked recommendations, or join group dining options. 🍟🍹
Dietary Needs: We happily accommodate most dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). Please note that options can be limited during remote roadside lunch stops. 🥕🌾
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!
You can select these extras during the second step of the booking process (after entering your traveller details):
🔥 Expedition Extensions
Acatenango Volcano Trek (2 Nights): $249 USD
Pacaya Volcano Hike (1 Night): $99 USD
🏨 Accommodation Upgrades
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation: $99 USD per night (Double/Twin room).
Single-Share Supplement: $1,699 USD. Includes a private room for the duration of the trip and a private tent while camping.
Caye Caulker Private Room: $300 USD. Secure a private room in Caye Caulker during high season. Note: To ensure availability, your room may be in a nearby hotel rather than the group hostel, but we prioritise the best options available.
⛺ Camping Comfort
Private Tent Upgrade: $19 USD. While we provide spacious 4-person tents for every 2 travellers, select this if you prefer your own private tent.
💡 Custom Requests Please indicate in your booking notes if you would like to request the following (subject to availability):
Partial Upgrades: Private rooms for specific nights during scheduled dorm stays or camping.
This expedition features a mix of active adventures and some long travel days. To fully enjoy the experience, a good fitness level and an adventurous spirit are key.
What to Expect:
Physical Activity: While no prior experience is required, you should be comfortable hiking and climbing steps. Some activities—like hiking in Oaxaca, navigating the ATM Cave in Belize, or the optional Acatenango Trek—are fatigating and involve challenging terrain or high altitudes.
Flexibility: Don’t worry if you’re not feeling up for a specific activity; most activities are optional, and we can often suggest great alternatives.
Logistics & Comfort: You will need to carry your own bags (e.g., from the van to hotels or onto boats) and navigate stairs or high steps at archaeological sites.
The Elements: Expect tropical heat and humidity, balanced with nights at comfortable hotels and plenty of scenic spots to unwind. 🧊🌴
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.
Travel light but smart — 🌿 We recommend packing light for maximum comfort and flexibility — remember, less luggage means more space for unique souvenirs! If you forget anything, don’t worry; all the essentials can easily be purchased locally. 🚐✨ Here’s everything you’ll need for a comfortable journey!
Luggage Limit: Your main bag should not exceed 18 kg (40 lbs) and 75 × 30 × 30 cm (30 × 12 × 12 in). If you love souvenirs, leave extra space or plan to ship items home. 🎁
In case your trip includes any camping nights, we provide everything strictly necessary:
Bring your own Head torch or flashlight 🔦 with spare batteries.
Available at hotels or local services every few days. 🧼 Sometimes up to a week. Equipment for hand washing when camping can be provided.
We carry a basic first aid kit 🩹, but it is better to bring your own prescription meds.
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. Our 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 a private bathroom for every two people, with queen or triple rooms available on request at some stops. For camping, we provide all the necessary gear, including air mattresses with pillows, sleeping bags, and liners. You’ll share a spacious tent designed for four with just one other person of the same sex, and you can optionally upgrade to a single tent or sometimes to cabins.
An incredible trip.
Thanks to Lupita for a truly amazing journey through Belize and Guatemala. Thanks to Jamie we were able to sample their unique history, culture landscapes and people. Lupita organised amazing activities, snorkeling with sharks, hiking Mayan trails and unforgettable accommodation ranging from posh Beach Huts, Jungle Lodges, Colonial Hotels and stays on archaeological sites.
We have just returned from a group holiday with friends exploring Belize and Guatemala Jaimie led the tour and travelled with us . I cannot thank him enough . An amazing tour leader and thoroughly lovely human . He planned us a wonderful trip working with Helen from Firecrest Travel . Jaimie was attentive to everyone’s needs and passionate about the places we visited He went out of his way to ensure that everything went smoothly and that we experienced the local culture using excellent local guides and supporting local charities .
We could not have asked for more and will definitely travel with him again . In fact we would travel the world with him!
Beyond expectations
We had the best holiday travelling through Belize and Guatemala with Lupita. Largely due to Jaime’s extensive knowledge of the area and professional guidance; sensitively combining the needs of local communities and our needs. All in keeping with their responsible tourism ethos
Both country’s were amazing and we liked the combination of cultural and wildlife/nature experiences offered throughout the trip. Swimming with sharks in Caye Caulker, the Rio Dolce river trip and Tikal were amongst our highlights. We felt we really got an understanding of both countries.
Not the kind of tour provided by big company, instead full of personal touches. leaders are great and one of the most caring people I met thought out the years of travelling.
Fantastic experience for a second time.
Lupita is a small company where nothing is too much trouble. After a fantastic trip travelling Mexico in Feb 2024 we have just returned from a 15 days trip of Belize and Guatemala which was adapted to all nights in local hotels (no camping) for a more mature group! The countries were beautiful and we were so well looked after during our tour. We saw places off the beaten track as well as the well known highlights of the countries. I would unreservedly recommend them for Mexico and Belize/Guatemala.
