Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

Arrive at any time. As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.

Take a guided tour of Chichén Itzá and orientation walk around Mérida. Depart Playa del Carmen and head to the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá for a guided tour. Spend time exploring this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings. Continue on to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán State, and take a short orientation walk. Also known as la ciudad blanca (the white city), Mérida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences.

Enjoy a free day to explore Merida and surroundings. Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes in the Yucatán. Take a trip to the beach or soak in the history this city has to offer. The area surrounding Mérida has tons to offer. Choose to visit nearby cenotes (water sink holes) in the town of Cuzamá. Inside, swim in the massive crystal-clear sinkholes. Transportation to the cenotes is half the fun, taking small wooden horse-drawn carts along old rail tracks. Opt to visit ruins in Uxmal or ride the PUUC Route. There's something for everyone.

After a long day of travel from the Yucatán to the jungles of Chiapas, arrive to Palenque and settle in for 2 nights.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque. After, go for a swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall.

Travel to San Cristóbal de Las Casas located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft), via Villahermosa. Enjoy an orientation walk of the city, known for its 16th-century architecture.

Travel from San Cristóbal de las Casas into the Chiapas highlands to visit the Tzotzil Maya communities of Chamula and Zinacantán, where Catholic and pre-Hispanic traditions blend in daily life. In Zinacantán, experience vibrant textiles up close with a visit to a family cooperative, where you’ll see skilled artisans demonstrate "Telar de Cintura" backstrap loom weaving, an ancient technique still used today. Or you might have the chance to visit the family kitchen and try freshly made handmade tortillas.

Journey from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico to Panajachel, Guatemala. Opt to explore the town on arrival. The first stop in Guatemala is on beautiful Lake Atitlán. Stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages.

Embark on a boat ride across the lake for a full-day visit to the G Adventures-supported community of San Juan La Laguna. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Take part in a cultural tour of the village where you can bargain for colourful textiles and paintings from the local artisans. Enjoy lunch and have plenty of free time to explore before returning to Panajachel in the afternoon.

Travel to Antigua and head out for an orientation walk. Opt for a night out in town. There is so much to do in this charming colonial city, optional activities for the area include a city tour, salsa dancing classes, a Guatemalan cooking class, or relaxing with a massage. Further afield you can rent bikes and ride through the hills, visit a macadamia nut farm or check out some nearby villages.

Enjoy a free day exploring this charming colonial city. Try your hand at making some Guatemalan cuisine. Pre-book the Antigua Cooking Class on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Travel to Rio Dulce and enjoy free time to explore.

Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours. Continue on to Flores. Located on Lake Petén Itzá, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.

Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal. In the afternoon, opt to relax on the lake or hang out at a café in town.

Cross the border to Belize. Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area, or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.

Travel to Belize City and catch a high-speed water taxi to Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on a G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour. Spend a few days enjoying this island paradise. Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. There are dozens of activities around the island and surrounding coral reefs. Try your hand at fishing and barbecue your catch on the beach.

Spend time enjoying this island paradise. Opt to go on a sailing trip to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. If the boats aren't your thing, just relax, Belizean-style.

Jump for joy that you get another full day to explore Caye Caulker! Do what you didn't get to yesterday or take the day to just lay on the beach!

Say farewell to Belize, and travel by boat and private vehicle from Caye Caulker to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. With plenty of options nearby, Playa is an excellent hub for exploring.

Enjoy a free day to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, or visit one of the many cenotes. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.

Depart at any time.

Hotels (19 nts), jungle lodge (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).

Public bus, private vehicle, boat, walking.