Mundo Maya

Special Interest

SUMMARY

23 Days

Mexico, Guatemala, Belize

Our Mundo Maya sample itinerary explores the remnants of this fascinating culture while witnessing some of the most beautiful landscapes. The Maya civilisation was one of the most advanced of its time, renowned for its art, architecture, writing & mathematical systems, and astronomical calendar. Discover the many spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Listed ruins of ancient Maya cities in Central America and Mexico.

Start in Mexico City and soak up the local culture through the wonderful food, art & music. Then explore the jungle-clad ruins of Palenque, Yaxchilan, and Bonampak.

Discover the region’s colonial history in the picturesque towns of San Cristobal de las Casas before crossing to Guatemala. Later in Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango market, meet the descendants of the Maya people with their distinctive traditions and beliefs.

Continue to Guatemala’s charming colonial town of Antigua. Then listen to the sounds of howler monkeys as you wander the ancient Maya cities of Tikal and Caracol in Belize.

Finish your adventure in Ambergris Caye for one of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities in Central America. Mundo Maya is a fantastic three-week sample itinerary for lovers of culture, adventure, and history!

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the highlights of three of the region’s most fascinating countries.
See the imprint of the Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec, Maya, and Aztec civilisations on modern Mexico.
Visit the colonial gems of San Cristobal de las Casas and Antigua.
History buffs can’t miss Palenque, Yaxchilan, Bonampak, Tikal, and Caracol, some of Central America’s most impressive ruins.
Visit the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan in San Cristobal.
Browse the incredible stalls of the Chichicastenango market and admire the hours of work gone into the textile pieces on offer.
Enjoy an extended stay on the stunning Lake Atitlan, surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks.
Sunset tour of Yaxha Ruins, set amongst lush jungle foliage.
Full day exploring Tikal, one of the most magnificent Mayan ruins.
Experience one of Belize’s unique jungle lodges in San Ignacio and be completely immersed in nature!
Explore one of the best reefs in the world on your snorkelling tour from Ambergris Caye. Keep your eye out for turtles and dugongs!

ITINERARY

Day 1 Mexico City

Arrive in Mexico City and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Mexico City

Depart early for Teotihuacan to see the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and enjoy the ruins in the cooler part of the day. Return to Mexico City to explore the highlights, including the Zocalo, cathedral, National Palace, Tenochtitlan and the Museum of Anthropology.

Day 3 Mexico City

A free day to relax and explore. Consider a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan or the floating gardens of Xochimilco.

Day 4 Mexico City/Palenque

Fly to Villahermosa and transfer overland to Palenque. Enjoy a swim amid lush jungle surrounds and relax in the afternoon.

Day 5 Palenque

A half-day tour of the Maya ruins of Palenque, built on the fringe of the Chiapas jungle.

Day 6 Palenque

This full-day tour visits the Maya sites of Yaxchilan and Bonampak located in the Lacandon jungle.

Day 7 Palenque/San Cristobal

Drive to Agua Azul waterfalls in the morning and enjoy a refreshing swim. In the afternoon continue to San Cristobal and stay overnight.

Day 8 San Cristobal

Visit the colourful market and the native villages of Chamula and Zinacantan. These living Maya communities still preserve ancient traditions.

Day 9 San Cristobal

A full day to explore this beautiful city at your own pace.

Day 10 San Cristobal/Lake Atitlan

Transfer to La Mesilla, where you’ll meet your Guatemalan driver. Continue to the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan, surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks.

Day 11 Lake Atitlan

Tour famous Chichicastenango, one of the most colourful markets in Latin America (available Thu and Sun – ask our consultants about options for other days).

Day 12 Lake Atitlan

A day at leisure. Ask us about optional kayaking or hiking tours or simply relax in a hammock and enjoy the views.

Day 13 Lake Atitlan/Antigua

Transfer to the stunning colonial city of Antigua. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s most important sites, including the cathedral, National Palace and San Francisco Church.

Day 14 Antigua

A day at leisure to relax or explore. Consider an easy hike up Pacaya Volcano or visit a local coffee cooperative.

Day 15 Antigua/Flores

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Flores. On arrival, transfer to your hotel before enjoying a sunset tour of Yaxha Ruins, set in lush jungle.

Day 16 Flores/Tikal

A full-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre Tikal National Park, where Maya temples rise above the jungle canopy.

Day 17 Tikal/San Ignacio

A private transfer across the border into Belize and your hotel in San Ignacio.

Day 18 San Ignacio

Enjoy a private half-day tour of the largest archaeological site in Belize, Caracol. Visit the five main plazas, the astronomical observatory and the enormous pyramid of Caana, rising more than 40m above the rainforest floor. After a picnic lunch, return to your hotel, with a stop at the Rio Frio caves and pools for a refreshing dip.

Day 19 San Ignacio

Ask us about optional activities including hikes, horse-riding, underground river boat tours and cave tubing. A visit to nearby Xunantunich Ruins is highly recommended.

Day 20 San Ignacio/Ambergris Caye

Transfer to Belize City where you’ll take a water taxi to the stunning Ambergris Caye, your jumping-off point for the magnificent Belize Barrier Reef. Transfer to your hotel on arrival.

Day 21 Ambergris Caye

This morning’s snorkelling tour begins at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the first marine reserve in Central America, to explore the coloured reefs. Continue to Shark Ray Alley, where you’ll encounter friendly stingrays, inquisitive brown nurse sharks, turtles and an abundance of colourful reef fish, including snappers and jacks.