Belize · Mexico · Guatemala · Central America
Trip code: MXContrasts of Mexico
From
A$6,320
Was A$7,440 Save A$1,120
Prices and availability are confirmed by our regional travel experts.
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Contrasts of Mexico
Trip highlights
Why we love this trip
Marvel at Mayan ruinsFrom Palenque to Tikal, get closer to Latin Americas mysterious heritage at these iconic sites.
Soak up colonial charmVisit idyllic cities like Oaxaca and San Cristobal, soaking up local life in the Zocalos and dipping into artisanal markets.
See the Sumidero CanyonTake to the water on a boat trip through this towering gorge, spotting wildlife along the way.
Day by day
Itinerary
Select an option to view its itinerary. Contact us to confirm which itinerary applies to your departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Route overview
Trip map
![mx-25-v2[1]](https://pims.explore.co.uk/storage/assets/10557/derived/aed96498df414dfab6f0aa2d11300a0d.webp)
Activity information
Trip pace
Trip pace
Trip pace: Full On
Included in your trip
What's included
Meals
- 14 breakfasts
Staff
- Boat Crew, Local Guide(s), Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Transport
- Bus
- Boat
Accommodation
- 12 nights Comfortable Hotel
- 2 nights Premium Hotel
We choose our hotels based on location, comfort and authenticity, to give you a feel for the local area. This means that we avoid larger, chain hotels in favour of smaller accommodations that guarantee you a warm welcome.
It's worth noting that as we head into the mountains to San Cristobal, temperatures drop and it can be very cold at night. Our hotel can provide extra blankets on request or an electric heater at an additional cost. If you feel the cold easily, pack a layer to wear under your pyjamas.
Throughout this tour, we'll stay in some charming colonial properties. These are traditional buildings, typically centred around an internal courtyard. Most rooms in these historic buildings don't have external windows and windows may open into interior parts of the hotel.
Suitability
Is this the trip for you?
- There's no place like Mexico when it comes to archaeology and our itinerary is packed with fascinating ruins. It's sure to please history fans but those without an interest might prefer our foodie or cycling tours.
- This fast-paced holiday has been graded as full-on. Expect daily journeys and a busy schedule (with a couple of afternoons set aside to relax along the way).
- Mexico is a sprawling country and we'll cover plenty of miles to see the highlights. Our itinerary includes some long days on the road, rewarded with stunning scenery and exceptional sites. Please make sure to read the itinerary in full for driving times.
- You'll spend a lot of time on your feet, exploring bustling cities and ancient ruins. There'll be some uneven terrain and uphill pathways - particularly at the archaeological sites. We recommend a good level of fitness and comfortable shoes.
- During the summer months, it can be extremely hot in Mexico. If you're travelling between May and August, be prepared for tropical temperatures - pack light layers, use sun protection and stay hydrated.
- That being said, the temperature drops in higher altitude stops like Mexico City and San Cristobal. You might feel the benefit of a jacket or jumper in the evenings.
- Mexico City is a true metropolis and it's impossible to fit the highlights into just one day. Our itinerary allows for limited time in the city, so if there's more you'd like to explore, such as Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, or the waterways of Xochimilco, we recommend adding additional nights to the start of your holiday - contact us to book your accommodation.
- Is Dia de los Muertos on your bucket list? We run a dedicated Day of the Dead departure to catch Mexico at its most vibrant.
- Please note, whilst Dia de los Muertos is one of the best times to see Mexico, it can be extremely busy, particularly in the capital.
Plan your departure
Dates & prices
Choose a date below, then contact our team to confirm the latest price, availability and booking details.
| Departure | Return | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Oct 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | A$8,110 Solo roomA$1,660 | Call to book |
| 29 Oct 2026 | 12 Nov 2026 | A$7,780 Solo roomA$1,670 | Call to book |
| 21 Nov 2026 | 05 Dec 2026 | A$6,620 Solo roomA$1,300 | Call to book |
| 19 Dec 2026 | 02 Jan 2027 | A$6,320Was A$7,440 Solo roomA$1,670 | Call to book |
| 16 Jan 2027 | 30 Jan 2027 | A$7,520 Solo roomA$1,450 | Call to book |
| 06 Feb 2027 | 20 Feb 2027 | A$7,520 Solo roomA$1,410 | Call to book |
| 13 Mar 2027 | 27 Mar 2027 | A$7,520 Solo roomA$1,450 | Call to book |
| 01 May 2027 | 15 May 2027 | A$7,520 Solo roomA$1,450 | Call to book |
| 31 Jul 2027 | 14 Aug 2027 | A$7,520 Solo roomA$1,450 | Call to book |
| 28 Oct 2027 | 11 Nov 2027 | A$8,600 Solo roomA$1,770 | Call to book |
| 29 Oct 2027 | 12 Nov 2027 | A$8,600 Solo roomA$1,770 | Call to book |
| 30 Oct 2027 | 13 Nov 2027 | A$8,600 Solo roomA$1,770 | Call to book |
| 06 Nov 2027 | 20 Nov 2027 | A$7,520 Solo roomA$1,450 | Call to book |
| 20 Nov 2027 | 04 Dec 2027 | A$7,520 Solo roomA$1,450 | Call to book |
Departure
28 Oct 2026
Return 11 Nov 2026
From
A$8,110
Departure
29 Oct 2026
Return 12 Nov 2026
From
A$7,780
Departure
21 Nov 2026
Return 05 Dec 2026
From
A$6,620
Departure
19 Dec 2026
Return 02 Jan 2027
From
A$6,320
Was A$7,440
Departure
16 Jan 2027
Return 30 Jan 2027
From
A$7,520
Departure
06 Feb 2027
Return 20 Feb 2027
From
A$7,520
Departure
13 Mar 2027
Return 27 Mar 2027
From
A$7,520
Departure
01 May 2027
Return 15 May 2027
From
A$7,520
Departure
31 Jul 2027
Return 14 Aug 2027
From
A$7,520
Departure
28 Oct 2027
Return 11 Nov 2027
From
A$8,600
Departure
29 Oct 2027
Return 12 Nov 2027
From
A$8,600
Departure
30 Oct 2027
Return 13 Nov 2027
From
A$8,600
Departure
06 Nov 2027
Return 20 Nov 2027
From
A$7,520
Departure
20 Nov 2027
Return 04 Dec 2027
From
A$7,520
Practical information
Your questions answered
Information for: 2026
Oaxaca - Museum of Cultures US$6
San Cristobal - Na Bolom US$5
Flores - Boat trip on Lake Peten Itza US$ 25pp (min 5 pers);
Tikal - Zipline USD 50pp
Local crew
Accordingly, you should allow US$ 60, approx. $1,150 pesos for group tipping
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
Tour leader
Belize
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The Belize dollar and the US dollar are both legal tender in Belize and are exchanged at a fixed rate of 1 USD = 2 BZD. Euros, GBP and other major currencies cannot be exchanged in Belize. We recommend you bring USD and credit / debit cards which are widely accepted. For Guatemala, USD are also accepted in most restaurants / hotels.
Where to change: Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATMs: ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in BZD. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Card notes: Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Credit cards accepted: No
Mexico
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. Sterling can only be exchanged in Mexico City. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted. Please check online for up to date information. MX/Y trip - For those continuing to Guatemala and Belize, bring USD along with you to use. There is no longer an e
Where to change: Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATMs: ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in MXN. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Card notes: Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Credit cards accepted: No
Guatemala
Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the GTQ is approximately GTQ 9.7 to the British Pound. Please check on line for up to date information
Where to change: Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATMs: ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in Guatemalan Quetzal. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Card notes: Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Credit cards accepted: No
In general, winter is dry and summer wet and hot. Temperatures in the highlands, can drop dramatically at night during the winter months, particularly in San Cristobal. Pack a warm layer, and warm sleeping clothes for hotels in this location.
Note that Mexico is very religious, and occasionally shorts are not permitted when visiting churches.
Luggage on tour
so don't overload yourself. Please note that luggage may be stored on a roof rack in both Guatemala and the Yucatan (for those on the extension) and you must be able to lift it.
Luggage limit: 20KG
Belize
Mexico
Guatemala
A single-room option is available for every night of this itinerary. Subject to availability for your departure. A single-room supplement applies.
Mexico: Citizens from UK, New Zealand, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada require a Mexican Tourist Card to enter. This is obtained on arrival if flying into Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport or Cancun International. Some airlines may give this to you at the check-in desk. Once you receive the tourist card you must keep this on you until you exit Mexico.
If entering by another port - you will have to apply for this in advance online - website - https://www. inm. gob. mx/fmme/publico/enolicitud. html.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Guatemala: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. As entering and exiting Guatemala by land the online declaration is not required.
Belize: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Upon departing Belize there is a USD20 departure tax, payable at the border crossing USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.
Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta. cbp. dhs. gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.
You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.
If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.
Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information.
Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london. usembassy. gov/niv/apply. html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www. cic. gc. ca/english/visit/eta. asp
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office