Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

Same three-country Central American adventure — beaches, ruins and jungle — done independently at a fraction of the cost. You'll island-hop to Caye Caulker, explore Tikal and the Belizean interior, homestay on Lake Atitlán and salsa your way through Antigua. All transport is local bus, water taxi or shared shuttle; accommodation is hand-picked hostels and guesthouses. These costs are approximate estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£480

Traverse lakes, volcanoes and jungles across Mexico, Belize and Guatemala entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version of Intrepid's popular Real Central America route follows the same trail — from the Caribbean beaches of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, through island paradise at Caye Caulker, into the Maya ruins of San Ignacio and Tikal, down the river to Rio Dulce, and up into the highland colour of Lake Atitlan and UNESCO-listed Antigua — at a fraction of the group tour price. Local buses, shared shuttles and public ferries replace private vehicles, while well-rated hostels and guesthouses keep costs down without sacrificing the experience. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£705

A self-launched 29-day adventure through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala — from the buzzing streets of Mexico City and the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, to Caribbean island life on Caye Caulker and the volcanic shores of Lake Atitlán. This itinerary mirrors the Intrepid Travel 'Epic Mexico, Belize & Guatemala' route but replaces guided group travel with independently bookable transport, self-launched activities and budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,285