Mayan Trail

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.

Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.

Hotels (9 nts), homestay (1 nt).

Public bus, private vehicle, boat.