1 independent reviews for Mexico, Guatemala and Belize tour, 21 days
Reviews for Mexico, Guatemala and Belize tour, 21 days
Andy Ayers review 23 Apr 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The inspiration for this trip was my previous adventure in 1971 when I worked on the raw jungle site of a prospective archaeological dig in Guatemala and then hitch hiked through southern Mexico. Returning to the site of that dig was the highlight of this trip, a highly organized Mayan city and ceremonial site called Yaxha in the 5th and 6th centuries AD, home to probably 40,000 people then. The totally undistinguished spot in the rain forest jungle that I had worked on clearing with machete 50+ years ago has since seen massive excavation and come under the protection of the Guatemalan government as a national park. The temples and ball court that I walked over the top of then are now accessible and I was able to walk to the foot of these massive structures that I could only imagine then.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The more Spanish you have, even for rudimentary conversation, the easier your trip will be. Also, carry local currency in small denominations. Even though 100 Guatemalan Quetzals is only US$13, you can play hell finding anyone who will break that large a note.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I came to see what a large part tourism plays in local economies of Guatemala and southern Mexico today. International tourism is responsible for much of the historic preservation work that has been done as well as its maintenance. The overland travel that you arranged for us between multiple pick up points, motor trips of both short and quite long duration went off without a hitch and, I couldn't help but notice, largely involved professional drivers and/or guides, mostly middle-aged mostly men who seemed to be earning a middle class wage from expediting the visits of tourists like us.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
You folks pulled this really bespoke itinerary off for us beautifully. My only suggestion would be to quiz your prospective guests more completely about their physical condition and potential limitations before booking. As a 70+ year old with some mobility issues I found parts of the itinerary quite challenging and reached my comfort level by skipping one day's planned activities in favour of a rest day (with ice on the knee) in the middle of the trip. Fortunately that one ad-hoc modification allowed me to pick up with the schedule the next day and all ended well.Holiday Reviews
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