Original
Explorer
Maya Encounter
13 days • No reviews yet
13 days
Start
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finish
Antigua, Guatemala
Trip Code
QBSA
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared Boat, Ferry
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (2 nights)
From £1,425(13 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Spend three days exploring the island paradise of Caye Caulker – munch on barbecued lobster, snorkel around a coral reef, nap under palm trees, go kayaking or just kick back with a couple of worry-free beach days.
Dig deeper into Maya history, opting to visit lesser-known ruins and a mystical Maya cave complex around San Ignacio – a vibrant market town near the Belize-Guatemala border.
See some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation – plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys – during a guided tour of Tikal National Park.
Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, a serene escape where the sounds of nature fill the air.
Float along the river to Livingston, where the local culture is heavily influenced by the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population. After a scenic boat ride, you’ll walk around the colourful town, watch the fishermen by the docks and join the locals for a dance class.
Is this trip right for you?
Public transport is better for the environment, and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life, but keep in mind that local transport between specific locations on this trip can be pretty basic. Crossing the borders between various countries is usually straightforward, but you may need patience. Books, podcasts and car games will be your best friend.
The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be really hot and humid. It makes the beers even more refreshing but consider what time of the year you wish to travel in if you’re easily affected by the weather.
Itinerary
Bliss out in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize and encounter ancient Maya history
Dive into a 13-day adventure through Central America, from the calming sea breezes of Playa del Carmen's beaches to the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal. On this journey to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, amble down the coast to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, cut inland to the lush jungle around San Ignacio, cruise to the vast Rio Dulce, watch a pottery demonstration using ancient Maya techniques and finish under the volcano in Antigua. On this trip, you’ll get the right balance of local-led experiences and independent exploration in a whole load of incredible places ready to be discovered.
Inclusions
Meals
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared Boat, Ferry
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (2 nights)
Included activities
Playa del Carmen - Cenote Azul visit
Bacalar - Beach club entry
Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
Caye Caulker - Cooking Class
San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Livingston - River boat trip to Garifuna town
Livingston - Garirfuna dance class
Optional activities
Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) - MXN260
Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN600
Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN1400
Bacalar - Lagoon of 7 Colours Boat Tour - MXN700
Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD55
Caye Caulker - Manatee boat tour (Incl. transport & guide) - BZD254
Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) - USD120
Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat - (gear, guide and transport included) - USD120
Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) - USD12
San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) - BZD175
San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24
San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD20
San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - USD135
San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - USD100
Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) - GTQ210
Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) - GTQ90
Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) - GTQ85
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Important notes
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Playa del Carmen. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Please be careful when booking flights from Antigua; make sure you fly out of Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights from Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
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