Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Adventure

Eighteen days start now. Cancún is close to the airport and the perfect place to ease into Mexican life. Want to explore like a local? Browse the boutiques and stalls at Market 28, Plaza Las Americas and Puerto Cancún. In the evening, meet your new friends at our welcome dinner, with a few cervezas by the pool or on the beach.

A private van and boat carry us to Holbox, an island of beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water and the most laid-back pace. We spend a chilled afternoon together on the car-free island, getting to know each other properly. As the day winds down, we find one of the island's most gorgeous spots to watch the sunset. Cameras ready.

Start slow with views and a smoothie bowl. Then we head out on the water to snorkel and explore. First, Bird Island, then the Eye of the Water, a natural sinkhole fed by freshwater springs in the mangroves. Finally, Passion Island, where we picnic on the sand. Back on the boat, a beer or rum punch rounds off the day.

Beaches done, now for culture. We head to Chichen Itza, a wonder of the world, for a guided tour through Mayan history. Afterwards, we cool off at Cenote Yokdzonot, floating on our backs beneath an unreal view. Then it's on to Merida, the Yucatán capital, for an evening orientation walk around the city's sights.

Adventure first. We head just outside Merida to cycle between three cenotes, swimming as we go, with lunch along the way and a peaceful float in the final cavern. Back in Merida, rest up for a few hours. In the evening, it's tequila tasting and a Mexican feast of tacos and burritos, then salsa in Merida's bars.

This morning we wave goodbye to Merida and transfer to Playa del Carmen. It's our second-to-last day in Mexico, but the adventure is only getting started. Settle in and explore an area with great nightlife, amazing swim spots and lovely beach bars. Grab a drink by the sea and enjoy the slower pace.

A free day by the sea. Some of the group check out today, while the rest of us have another day in Playa del Carmen to work on our tans and paddleboarding skills. Throughout the day we also welcome some new faces to the group. More friends, more stories, same good vibes.

Country number two. A private van and water taxi carry us to Caye Caulker, famous for its marine life, go-slow rhythm and Caribbean bars, so grab snacks and a window seat. We arrive late afternoon and head out on an orientation walk to find the local hotspots and learn about Belize's communities.

Our first full day in Belize is spent underwater. Snorkels on, and we explore the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the world's second-largest barrier reef, looking out for fish, sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks and, fingers crossed, a reef shark. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, we cruise back to the island with drinks and reggae.

Our last full day on the island starts on two wheels. This morning we join Bike with Purpose, a community project supporting students at Caye Caulker's only high school, with local kids showing us their favourite spots. The afternoon is free for sunbathing, snorkelling and soaking up as much island beauty as you can.

Next stop, San Ignacio. Bring your headphones and your best would-you-rather questions for the journey. As soon as we arrive, we're straight into cave tubing: think lazy river turned up to eleven, floating through the inside of a cave. Lunch is included, and it's a pretty perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Goodbye Belize, hello Guatemala. We break up the journey with a stop in one of the region's most beautiful national parks for a guided exploration of the Mayan ruins of Tikal, once one of the biggest Mayan cities in history. Then it's on to Flores for an early night, as we have a flight to catch soon.

Flores is seriously pretty: little cafés, lake views and independent stalls on every corner. Today is completely free, so explore the island at your own pace and finally do the things you've had your eye on since we arrived. Coffee by the water, a wander through the stalls, whatever feels right. Happy wandering.

Cabin crew, prepare for take-off. We catch an early flight to Guatemala City, then a short private van transfer takes us to Lake Atitlán. We stay overnight in Panajachel, the lively lakeside gateway framed by volcanoes. Words won't do it justice. The afternoon is yours to explore, and your Local Legend has plenty of ideas.

You know we love a homestay. We hop on a boat taxi across Lake Atitlán to San Juan, where local families welcome us in. In the afternoon, a local guide takes us around the district, known for its colour, energy and street art, and the perfect place for souvenirs. In the evening, dinner is with our hosts.

This morning we travel to Antigua, so relax in the minivan and watch the incredible landscapes roll by. We stop for lunch and some free time, then comes the main event: a salsa class. No rhythm? No problem. Then it's B.N.O time, a Big Night Out, and a few Quetzaltecas later you'll be salsa-ing all night.

Feeling a little fragile? Nothing clears the head like a chilled walking tour of Antigua. We explore the markets, the architecture and the viewpoints, learning about the city's history along the way. It's our final full day together, so we're soaking up Guatemala, taking group photos and planning the reunion. We're not crying; you are.

Eighteen days, gone in a flash, and we're not quite ready to say goodbye. If your trip carries on, your Local Legend will happily help with onward travel. If you're heading home, don't be a stranger. Three countries, countless stories and a whole new crew. See you on another bucket-list trip soon.