How can I get in touch with my group leader?
Your group leader will email you around 1 day before the tour starts.
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Your group leader will email you around 1 day before the tour starts.
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No. 11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. If you’re arriving early, we can still arrange your airport transfer. If you also need extra nights of accommodation, let us know early so we can confirm availability and pricing.
Most things are covered, including activities, transport, accommodation, and some meals. You’ll just need money for extra meals, drinks, shopping, and any onward travel after the tour
Awesome! Once you’ve booked, just let us know who you’re travelling with and we’ll make sure you’re roomed together. Easy as that!
Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.
You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.
Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
Backpack or suitcase? Totally up to you. But here’s the golden rule: pack light! We recommend keeping it under 20kg.
A few quick tips:
Keep it simple. You’ll thank yourself later!
For group tours, your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour.
For volunteer or private bookings, please wait 2-3 working days.
We will refund you the total amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, group tours are confirmed six months before departure.
Yes. One night, you’ll stay in a local Mayan homestay in small groups. While your hosts may not speak English, they’ll warmly welcome you, share their customs, and teach you some Mayan and Spanish phrases—a truly memorable experience.
You’ll stay in comfortable, traditional-style 3-star hotels, mostly in twin-share rooms.
This trip involves long travel days and some early starts, with travel on winding or bumpy roads. We use private transport and include rest stops along the way.
The Acatenango volcano hike is tough and high-altitude, requiring a good fitness level and proper gear. It’s included in the tour, but if you opt out, we’ll arrange alternative accommodation. If you start but don’t finish, extra costs may apply.
The hike is challenging, with a 7-hour ascent, steep trails, and high altitude. A good fitness level is needed, and mild altitude symptoms are common.
Bring warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, hiking shoes, and insurance covering hikes up to 4000m.
The hike is included, but if you skip it, we’ll arrange a chocolate-making experience and accommodation at no extra cost. If you start but don’t finish, extra accommodation costs may apply.
The hike is tough and high-altitude, taking up to 7 hours uphill. A good level of fitness is needed, and some may feel mild altitude sickness.
Bring warm clothes, waterproof gear, and hiking shoes. The hike is included, but if you opt out, we’ll arrange a chocolate-making experience instead at no extra cost. If you start but don’t finish, alternative accommodation will be at your own expense.
Yes, the areas we visit are safe and popular with tourists. We avoid high-risk regions and take common sense precautions, so you can enjoy the trip with confidence as part of a guided group tour.
Yes, most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi. Speeds may not be as fast as you’re used to, but you’ll be able to message, check emails, and stay connected.
Tipping is not required on our tours, but tipping is common in Central America. Small tips are expected in bars, restaurants, and for services like taxis. If you feel you’ve received great service from your driver or local guide, tipping is appreciated.
Your group leader can recommend tip amounts if you’d like to contribute.
We recommend using a Wise travel card, which works with most ATMs and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. Convert your funds to the local currency to avoid foreign exchange fees.
ATMs are available throughout the region, but always check the machine before using it to avoid scams. Some places accept card, but others are cash-only.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. You’ll get plenty of sunshine—perfect for jungles, beaches, and exploring.
The wet season runs from May to November and is quieter. Even then, rain usually falls in short bursts, and the landscapes are lush and green.
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for this tour. Your group leader will check your insurance before the trip begins.
If you’re planning to join the Acatenango volcano hike, make sure your insurance covers hiking up to 4000 metres, as this is often an add-on.
You can organise insurance here.
Visa requirements vary by nationality. You must check entry rules for all three countries before travelling. You’ll also need:
At least 6 months passport validity
At least 2 blank pages
Proof of onward travel from Guatemala
There is also a $20 USD land border exit fee when leaving Belize.
For the most up-to-date information, please consult the official government or consulate websites. If you need help, feel free to contact us.
The tour ends in Antigua, Guatemala. You’re free to leave at any time on Day 18, though most travellers stay for breakfast to say goodbye. If you need to get to the airport, your group leader can help organise a taxi, which costs around £20 or $40 USD.
Yes. If you arrive early and stay at our Playa del Carmen accommodation, we’ll still arrange your airport transfer. Extra nights can be pre-paid either with your agent or directly with us.
Please note: you may need to wait for another guest at the airport before your shared transfer departs. Your group leader will confirm this.
We recommend arriving on the official start date, as that’s when most travellers get in. There are no activities planned for the first day, but the group usually meets for dinner around 7pm.