We begin in Cancún. Until 1970 this city was just a small fishing village, but now due to its beautiful beaches, it attracts over 2 million visitors a year. You can relax on one of the sumptuous beaches and swim in the turquoise waters. If you arrive a few days early there are several different optional excursions on offer, one of which is a ferry out to the attractive island of Isla de Mujeres - where you can go snorkelling or tour the island in a golf-cart.

We drive south to the small but picturesque Maya/Toltec site of Tulum, dating from the 12th century, one of the few Maya sights found on the coast. It sits directly on top of the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. You will have time to wander the ruins and swim at the beach while your tour leader prepares your lunch. We now continue south to the little village of Bacalar located on shores of the Laguna de Siete Colores. Ideal for swimming, the lake’s name comes as a result of the mix of salt and fresh water which creates 7 different hues of colour when the sun sets on the horizon.

We depart Mexico and continue our journey south to one of Central America’s smallest countries, Belize, formally known as British Honduras. The official language is still English but almost everyone also speaks Spanish. Shortly after arriving in Belize City we take a speedboat out to Caye (island) Caulker. This is a great place to relax, with favourite sayings like "No problem" and "Go slow". There are no cars on the island, only bikes and golf buggies. Here you can throw away your shoes to wander the sandy streets, bars and restaurants. We spend two full days here and there are optional snorkelling and scuba diving trips that can be arranged. One tour goes to Hol-Chan Marine Reserve where you will snorkel amongst a variety of colourful marine life. Another excursion takes you to see the local manatees (also known as sea cows), also stopping to snorkel. Lunch is usually at a secluded island with one lone palm tree, where you can have your guide cook you a delicious BBQ lunch. Most tours also include a stop at shark and ray alley. Qualified divers can explore the so-called bottomless "Blue Hole" made famous by the explorer Jacques Cousteau. (Please note: this optional excursion does not go every day). A popular pastime on Caye Caulker is to just sit quietly on one of the island’s docks watching the tide going out.

We head south through the Maya Biosphere Reserve. This sparsely populated area is part of the largest protected tropical forest area in Central America. At certain times of the year sumptuous mangoes can be bought from roadside vendors. Other products farmed in the area are spices, timber and chiclé (tree sap used in the production of chewing gum), many of them going for export. Upon arrival to the town of Rio Dulce we catch a boat over to our cabins which sit right on the water, surrounded by luscious rainforest. The following day we take a boat tour to Lívingston, experiencing some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable along this 23-kilometre stretch of waterway. Lívingston is situated at the mouth of the Rio Dulce and is inhabited by the Garifuna people. This lively town has a Caribbean atmosphere different to the rest of Guatemala and is a great place to eat lobster or coconut prawns and listen to the local African-style ‘punta’ music. We return up the Rio Dulce to spend one more night in the lodge and then rejoin our vehicle and continue south.

We now head back to Guatemala, passing the outskirts of Guatemala City and arriving in the former capital, Antigua, one of the most attractive towns in Central America. Here you will see the local indigenous population in their colourful costumes, selling their textiles in the cobbled streets and plazas. It is also the cultural centre of Guatemala, an ideal place to experience the traditional music, architecture and art of the country. Rich in ornate churches, convents, parks, plazas, cafés, restaurants, bars and colourful street markets and surrounded by three awe-inspiring volcanoes. Our tour concludes after breakfast on day 14.