Backpacking route Mexico, Guatemala & Belize

For your next stop, you only need to sit on the bus for an hour: we’re heading to Tulum. This friendly village has become a real backpacker hotspot in recent years, with loads of great restaurants, colourful hostels and streets full of shops selling trinkets. Rent a beach cruiser and cycle to the beach. Don’t forget to spend a morning or afternoon at the Tulum ruins. These sit dramatically right above the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The area around Tulum is famous for its flooded caves, called cenotes. With a hire car or a trip organised from your hostel, you can visit several. If you have your diving certificate, you can even do a thrilling cave dive in some cenotes. Snorkelling is also an option: either way, it’s a unique chance to spot ancient stalagmites and stalactites underwater.

Also worth a visit: the Sian Ka’an reserve. A turquoise lagoon surrounded by remarkable flora and fauna. Google it: a photo says more than a thousand words.

After about 4 hours on the ferry, you arrive at Caye Caulker. A small island surrounded by beautiful coral. The only way to get around is by bike or golf cart: Go slow - you can circle the island in an hour. Step straight from your bed into a hammock overlooking the turquoise sea and enjoy the welcome breeze blowing through the palm leaves. Thirsty? Grab a Coco Loco (coconut with rum) from one of the rastamen on the beach and chill even more.

A definite highlight is joining a boat trip for snorkelling. Alongside stunning coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, you’re guaranteed to spot reef sharks and rays in certain spots. Not for the faint-hearted!

After this adrenaline boost, it’s time for a cocktail at the backpackers’ hangout, “The Split”, while you take in another epic Caribbean sunset.

There’s plenty to discover on the mainland of Belize, too. Many backpackers make a stop in San Ignacio before heading on to Guatemala. From this village, you can go tubing in caves, explore the jungle or visit ancient Maya sites.

The sleepy village of Lanquín sits by an icy river in the mountains of Central Guatemala. Backpackers flock here on their trip through Guatemala for the special emerald-green pools, rapids and waterfalls of Semuc Champey. This natural wonder is just a short jeep ride from the village. On a trip to Semuc, your guide will also take you to the Kanba Caves, which you explore wading through cold cave water up to your waist, lit only by a candle (or a headlamp if you brought one). With a bit of luck, you’ll spot the bats that live in these limestone caves.

Back outside, you’ll make a steep climb for a great view over Semuc Champey, and back down you can take a well-earned cold dip. Rent a tractor inner tube and buy a cold drink from one of the young sellers at the edge, then float along in the turquoise water.

Take the winding road back up and continue on to Antigua. This colourful town is just a stone’s throw from Guatemala City and is a laid-back backpacker paradise with plenty of cosy restaurants and bars. Planning to spend longer exploring Central or South America? Antigua is the perfect spot to brush up on your Spanish. It’s a great place to unpack your bag and stay a while. Even if you’re short on time, you’ll find it easy to spend a few days here-especially if you want to climb the iconic Acatenango volcano. It’s a tough trek, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular nighttime views of neighbouring Fuego, which erupts regularly. Keep your camera ready!