Mexico City to Antigua

Type: In-depth Explorer Starts: Mexico City, Mexico End: Antigua, Mexico

Package Overview

This 30-day trip takes you from Mexico City to Antigua, with plenty in between. You’ll work your way through Oaxaca, Chiapas and the Yucatán before crossing into Belize and Guatemala. Think ancient ruins, waterfall swims, mezcal, cenotes, island time on Caye Caulker and a proper jungle hit at Tikal. Then it’s on to Lake Atitlán for a local homestay before finishing in Antigua, all cobbled streets, volcano views and cafe time. Think simple stays, public and private transport and plenty of flexibility to do things your way.

Routing

Trip Duration: 30 Days

Day Wise Itinerary

Day 1 - Mexico City

Welcome to Mexico City! Once you make your way to the hostel, you'll have the rest of the day to settle in, explore the neighbourhood, or take it easy. In the evening, meet your Trip Manager and fellow travellers at the Welcome Meeting.

Accomodation: Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel (or similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Mexico City,

Day 2 - Mexico City

Kick off with an orientation through Centro, getting a feel for the heart of CDMX. After that, you’ll have time to explore more your way — whether that’s checking out museums and landmarks or making your way to Roma Norte for cafes and a change of pace. Plus, there’s an option to join a gourmet taco tour for lunch, which is a pretty great way to get into Mexico City’s food scene. There’s also the option to experience the world-famous Lucha Libre later tonight.

Accomodation: Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel (or similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Mexico City,

Day 3 - Mexico City to Oaxaca

Leave the capital behind this morning and travel south by private transfer, swapping big-city buzz for a slower pace and a new side of Mexico.The rest of the day free to settle in or head out and explore. You might want to wander the historic centre, browse the local markets, or ease into the city with dinner and a mezcal.

Accomodation: Viajero Oaxaca Hostel (or similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Mexico City, Oaxaca,

Day 4 - Oaxaca

Swap the city for the countryside, and visit a traditional mezcal palenque for an experience rooted in local culture and craft. After learning how it all comes together, you’ll enjoy a tasting and a local lunch before heading back to Oaxaca.

Accomodation: Viajero Oaxaca Hostel (or similar)
Meals: Lunch
Location Visited: Oaxaca,

Day 5 - Oaxaca & Overnight Bus to San Cristobal

You’ll have a free day to enjoy Oaxaca your way, whether that means market browsing, museum stops, artisan workshops, or just taking it slow in a cafe around the historic centre. Later this evening, we'll jump on public transport for a overnight journey to San Cristóbal de las Casas. Settle into your seat, grab some snacks for the road, and get some rest as you travel through the mountains into Chiapas.

Accomodation: Overnight bus to San Cristóbal
Meals:
Location Visited: Oaxaca, Overnight Bus to San Cristóbal,

Day 6 - San Cristobal

You’ll arrive in San Cristóbal early this morning and transfer to the hostel. Then your Trip Manager will show you around and help you get your bearings. After that, the rest of the day will be free to explore, relax, or ease into the city’s mountain-town pace.

Accomodation: Che San Cristobal Hostel (or similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Overnight Bus to San Cristóbal, San Cristobal,

Day 7 - San Cristobal

Today's a free day to explore San Cristóbal however you like. Spend the day wandering artisan markets, finding a good cafe, or taking in more of the town’s relaxed pace and local culture. You also have the option to join a Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo experience if you want to get out and see more of the region.

Accomodation: Che San Cristobal Hostel (or similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: San Cristobal,

Day 8 - San Cristobal to Palenque via Agua Azul and Misol-Ha

Time to leave San Cristóbal behind and travel through the Chiapas mountains by private transfer, with some seriously good scenery along the way.First stop? Agua Azul, where you’ll have time to walk the trails, take in the turquoise cascades, and cool off with a swim.Next up is Misol-Ha, a dramatic waterfall surrounded by lush jungle, with time to explore and enjoy the setting before continuing on.By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Palenque. With a pool and proper jungle surroundings, it’s a pretty ideal place to relax for the evening.

Accomodation: Cabañas Kin Balam (or similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: San Cristobal, Agua Azul, Misol-Ha, Palenque,

Day 9 - Palenque & Overnight Bus to Merida via Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

This morning, head out on a guided tour of the Palenque ruins, one of the most impressive Maya sites in Mexico, set deep in the jungle.Later, you’ll visit Roberto Barrios, where turquoise pools and waterfalls make for a solid change of pace. There’ll be time to swim, relax, or just enjoy the setting before heading back.In the evening, board your overnight bus to Mérida. Grab dinner and snacks before you go, then settle in for the journey across to the Yucatán.

Accomodation: Overnight Bus to Merida
Meals:
Location Visited: Palenque, Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, Overnight Bus to Mérida,

Day 10 - Merida

Arrive in Merida early this morning and transfer to the hostel, where you can freshen up before heading out for breakfast. Once you’ve settled in, your Trip Manager will give you an orientation of the town. Then you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Join a Yucatán home cooking experience with local hosts if you’re keen to get straight into the local food scene.

Accomodation: Che Hostel Merida (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Overnight Bus to Mérida, Merida,

Day 11 - Merida to Valladolid via Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil

Leave Merida behind this morning and head out by private transfer towards Chichen Itza - one of Mexico’s most famous landmarks.Explore this ancient site on a guided tour and get a closer look at the history, architecture, and stories behind this ancient Maya city.Afterwards, you’ll stop at Cenote Ik Kil for a quick cool off and swim in one of the region’s best-known natural sinkholes.Later on, continue to Valladolid and check in on arrival. Once you’ve settled in, the rest of the day will be free to relax or head out and explore this smaller colonial town.

Accomodation: Che Valladolid Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Merida, Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, Valladolid,

Day 12 - Valladolid to Tulum

Enjoy a day in Valladolid. Optionally, join a full-day trip to Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas if you want to see more of this side of the Yucatán.Later in the afternoon, you’ll collect your bags and take the public bus to Tulum. Once you arrive and check in, the evening will be free for dinner and a first taste of this laid-back Caribbean stop.

Accomodation: Che Tulum Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Valladolid, Tulum,

Day 13 - Tulum

You’ll have a full free day to enjoy Tulum however you like. Head for the beach, visit the cliffside ruins, check out a cenote, or just take it slow around town with cafes, shops, and plenty of time to do your own thing.

Accomodation: Che Tulum Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Tulum,

Day 14 - Tulum

Another free day to enjoy Tulum your way, whether that means more beach time, a last cenote stop, or just taking it easy around town.

Accomodation: Che Tulum Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Tulum,

Day 15 - Tulum to Bacalar

Time to lave Tulum behind this morning and catch the local bus south to Bacalar, heading from the coast to one of the Yucatán’s most laid-back lagoon towns.Once you arrive, the rest of the day is free to settle in and explore. You could relax by the lagoon, wander through town, or head to Los Rápidos if you’re up for an easy afternoon out.

Accomodation: Viajero Bacalar Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Tulum, Bacalar,

Day 16 - Bacalar

Today, you'll head out onto the Lagoon of Seven Colours for a private catamaran experience, with time to take in Bacalar from the water and see some of its best-known spots along the way. Depending on conditions, we'll stop by places like Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Isla de los Pájaros, and the Canal de los Piratas. After the sail, the rest of the afternoon is free.

Accomodation: Viajero Bacalar Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Bacalar,

Day 17 - Bacalar to Caye Caulker via Chetumal and San Pedro

Time to head towards Chetumal by private transfer, making our way towards Belize and the next part of the trip.From here, you’ll board the ferry bound for Caye Caulker as we set off across the Caribbean.On arrival in San Pedro, you'll briefly disembark to clear Belize immigration and customs before continuing on.Once you arrive in Caye Caulker, it’ll be a short walk to your accommodation. After check-in, the rest of the day will be free to settle in, explore the island, or ease straight into its laid-back pace.

Accomodation: Tropical Paradise Express Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Bacalar, Chetumal, San Pedro, Caye Caulker,

Day 18 - Caye Caulker

You’ll have a full free day to enjoy Caye Caulker however you like. Plus, there's the option to join a snorkelling and island adventure if you want to make the most of Belize’s clear waters.

Accomodation: Tropical Paradise Express Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Caye Caulker,

Day 19 - Caye Caulker

Yep, another free day to enjoy island life at your own pace. You could head out on a paddleboard, spend time by the water at The Split, or just lean into the slow pace and make the most of your final time here.

Accomodation: Tropical Paradise Express Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Caye Caulker,

Day 20 - Caye Caulker to San Ignacio via Belize City

This morning, walk to the ferry terminal and say goodbye to island life as you make your way back to the mainland.Once you arrive in Belize City, a private transfer will be waiting to take you inland towards your next stop.After checking in, the rest of the day will be free to settle in and explore. With its local markets, cafes, and laid-back feel, San Ignacio is a good place to ease into this next part of Belize.

Accomodation: Yellow Belly Backpackers Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Caye Caulker, Belize City, San Ignacio,

Day 21 - San Ignacio

A full free day to enjoy San Ignacio your way. You can keep it relaxed with time around town, the local market, or a riverside cafe, or go bigger with the option to join either the ATM Cave expedition or a cave tubing experience. With an early start coming up tomorrow, today works well as a choose-your-own-pace kind of day.

Accomodation: Yellow Belly Backpackers Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: San Ignacio,

Day 22 - San Ignacio to Flores via Tikal National Park

Time to leave San Ignacio this morning and cross the border into Guatemala by private shuttle, heading for one of the region’s biggest highlights.Once you arrive, we'll explore Tikal on a guided tour, with its towering temples, ancient plazas, and jungle setting.Later, continue on to Flores and check in on arrival. The evening is all yours to relax, head out for dinner, or enjoy the lakeside setting.

Accomodation: Los Amigos Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: San Ignacio, Tikal National Park, Flores,

Day 23 - Flores to Lanquin

You’ll leave Flores behind today and travel by private shuttle towards Lanquín, passing through rural landscapes and mountain scenery along the way.This will be one of the longer travel days on the trip, so expect most of the day to be spent on the road. Once you arrive, you’ll check in and have the rest of the afternoon free to relax by the river or settle into the jungle surroundings.

Accomodation: Hostal Portal de Champey (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Flores, Lanquín,

Day 24 - Lanquin

Enjoy Lanquín at your own pace today. Take it slow by the river, relax at the accommodation, or make the most of the jungle setting. There’ll also be the option to join a full-day trip to Semuc Champey and the K’an Ba Caves if you’re up for something more adventurous.

Accomodation: Hostal Portal de Champey (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Lanquín,

Day 25 - Lanquín to Lake Atitlán

You’ll leave Lanquín this morning and travel by private shuttle towards Lake Atitlán, with mountain roads and highland scenery the whole way.This will be another longer travel day, but the views on arrival will make it worth it. Once you’ve checked in at Panajachel, the rest of the evening will be free to relax, head out for a walk, or take in your first look at the lake and volcanoes.

Accomodation: Dreamboat Hostel (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Lanquín, Lake Atitlán,

Day 26 - Lake Atitlan to San Jorge La Laguna

You’ll have a free morning in Panajachel to make the most of the lake before moving on. Take a walk by the water, browse the local markets, or just enjoy the views and a slower start to the day.Later, head to a nearby Maya village for an overnight homestay with a local Kaqchikel family. Dinner's with a local Kaqchikel family, where you'll get genuine insight into daily life and community traditions.

Accomodation: Maya Homestay (Or Similar)
Meals: Dinner
Location Visited: Lake Atitlán, San Jorge La Laguna,

Day 27 - San Jorge La Laguna to Antigua via Lake Atitlán

Start the day with breakfast with your host family and a relaxed morning in the village.Later, you’ll head back towards Panajachel, with the option to join a cultural boat tour visiting Maya communities around the lake. In the late afternoon, continue by shuttle to Antigua, arriving in the early evening. After check-in, the rest of the night will be free to settle in and head out for dinner.

Accomodation: Central Hostal San Sebastian (Or Similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location Visited: San Jorge La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Antigua Guatemala,

Day 28 - Antigua

Explore Antigua your way today. Wander the cobbled streets, check out churches and plazas, shop for local crafts, or find a cafe with a volcano view. There’ll also be the option to join a Pacaya hike, an Antigua bike ride and plantation visit, or the Acatenango overnight hike if you’re up for something bigger.

Accomodation: Central Hostal San Sebastian (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Antigua Guatemala,

Day 29 - Antigua

Another free day in Antigua. Keep exploring the city, take it slow in a cafe, or join an optional visit to the Native Chocolate Museum for a closer look at one of Guatemala’s best-known local flavours.

Accomodation: Central Hostal San Sebastian (Or Similar)
Meals:
Location Visited: Antigua Guatemala,

Day 30 - Antigua

And just like that, 30 epic days of non-stop Central America's colours, culture and chaos has officially come to an end.

Accomodation:
Meals:
Location Visited: Antigua Guatemala,

Highlights

Dining Summary

1 Lunch (L)
1 Dinner (D)
1 Breakfast (B)

FAQs

Mexico City: You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.

Included Experience

Mexico City: Explore Mexico City’s historic centre, from the Templo Mayor and Metropolitan Cathedral to the huge Zócalo plaza. Walk past Diego Rivera murals, grand civic buildings and Bellas Artes for a fast, fascinating first look at CDMX.
Oaxaca: Walk into Oaxaca’s historic centre with your Trip Manager, passing Santo Domingo, the Museo de las Cultures and the lively Zócalo. We'll finish near the cathedral and dinner spots, with the city’s colour, music and street life doing most of the talking.
Oaxaca: Head into the countryside for a community-based mezcal experience at a rural palenque.Ride out to the maguey fields, learn how agave is grown and harvested, then taste several mezcals before sitting down to a traditional lunch.
San Cristobal: Start at Plaza de la Paz and the Zócalo, where the colourful cathedral, cafes and street art give you a quick feel for the city. Wander along Real de Guadalupe to the hilltop Templo de Guadalupe, then loop back past Santo Domingo and the artisan market for craft stalls, cobbled streets and big local flavour.
Agua Azul: Cool off at two of Chiapas’ standout waterfall stops. Agua Azul brings turquoise cascades and natural pools. And Misol-Ha delivers a dramatic 35-metre drop and a walk-behind-the-falls moment.
Palenque: Step into the jungle and explore Palenque’s ancient Maya ruins with a guide. Expect impressive temples and intricate stone carvings
Roberto Barrios Waterfalls: Swim, chill or snap your way through a series of turquoise pools surrounded by jungle. It’s an easy nature reset after a morning of ruins.
Merida: Start at Plaza Grande, home to Catedral de San Ildefonso, the colourful Mérida sign and some of the city’s key historic spots. Then walk along Paseo de Montejo to see grand mansions, the Monumento a la Patria and Mérida’s old-school elegance in full swing.
Chichen Itza: Explore Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with a local guide.You’ll see the Temple of Kukulkan, the Great Ball Court and other iconic structures while learning about Maya astronomy, architecture and mythology.
Cenote Ik Kil: Take a dip in Cenote Ik Kil, one of the Yucatán’s most famous natural sinkholes. Think deep blue water, hanging vines and limestone walls.
Valladolid: Walk through Valladolid with your Trip Manager and see highlights like San Gervasio Cathedral and the 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino of Siena. Keep an eye out for street food vendors too — your future snack self will thank you.
Bacalar: Board a private catamaran and cruise across Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colours with an expert captain and guide. Over three hours, you'll visit Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Isla de los Pájaros and Canal de los Piratas, with drinks, snacks and safety gear included.
Tikal National Park: Walk through one of the Maya world’s most impressive sites, with towering temples rising above the jungle canopy. Your guide will bring Tikal’s history, mythology and UNESCO-listed ruins to life as you explore ancient plazas and ceremonial spaces.
Lake Atitlán: Be welcomed into the home of a local Kaqchikel family in San Jorge La Laguna for a genuine look at daily life by the lake. Share dinner, learn about local customs and support a homestay programme that gives back to the community.
Antigua Guatemala: Explore Antigua’s must-see spots with your Trip Manager, from Parque Central and the Catedral de San José ruins to the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. You’ll also see the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina, with Volcán de Agua stealing the background on a clear day.