This is a physically undemanding trip, however some of the long travel days, combined with the very hot, humid, tropical weather, the busy bustling borders and general mayhem and confusion that is so typical of Latin America, can make it tough at times. Though it is this uncensored view of Latin America that makes the trip so special and all the more exciting. The hotels used in this trip are generally simple but comfortable and wherever possible, locally run. The trip focuses on ruins, culture, and the diversity of the three countries we travel through, although it also includes plenty of beach time to swim, snorkel and pursue individual interests.
Tour Highlights:
- Marvel at the immense Chichen Itza pyramid
- Learn about the mysterious Palenque Ruins shrouded in jungle
- Swim in the intensely blue waters of Agua Azul and Misol Ha waterfalls
- Explore San Cristobal de las Casas and surrounding highland villages
- Visit Guatemalan volcanoes and Chichicastenago Sunday market
- Contribute to and visit a community project on the shore of Lake Atitilan
- Wander around the old capital of Guatemala - Antigua
- Spot wildlife on the steamy jungle tour of Tikal
- Relax and snorkel off Caribbean islands and their protected reefs
- Visit the seaside Tulum ruins and white sand beaches
- Snorkel in the cenotes of the Yucatan.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Cancún
You are free to arrive and check in at any time. We will go for dinner so there is a chance for you to meet your traveling companions and ask questions. The information will be awaiting you at the reception regarding dinner. If arriving late in the evening, don't worry! You will be briefed in the morning and meet the group.
Days 2-3: Chichén Itzá / Mérida
We hit the road on our first local bus ride to the pyramids of Chichén Itzá and a guided tour. Then it’s only a short journey to the colonial city of Mérida for a taste of the local food and festivities that are a tradition in the Yucatan’s capital. Every weekend some of the central streets are closed off to traffic so open air dances, parades and restaurants fill the town. A visit to Uxmal is also well worth it, or a day at the beach town of Progresso.
Days 4-7: Palenque/San Cristobal
Our next stop the mystical ruins of Palenque hidden in the dense tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and brilliant wildlife which surround this site. After a guided tour, we head up into the hills for a respite from the heat, to enjoy the cooler highlands and the town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, a beautiful city with a rich indigenous culture, which stands in a high mountain valley at 2110 meters (6921 ft). On the way we will stop to swim in the blue waters of the Agua Azul and Misol Ha waterfalls.
Days 8-12: Guatemalan Highlands
Today's travel is by a variety of bus, combi and minivan, crossing the bustling Guatemalan border to our next destination on the shores of Guatemala's most beautiful lake, Lake Atitlán. We stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town, surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages. We are very lucky to be able to support a group of artisans in the village of Santiago. As part of your trip cost goes to donating an item needed by the community, we will visit them and make the donation directly. On our way to Antigua, our final stop in the Guatemalan highlands,we also visit the Sunday market of Chichicastenango, so you can bargain with the best of them! Antigua offers a great range of optional activities: shop for jade, climb Pacaya volcano, visit the surrounding villages, or mountain bike through the countryside.
Day 13: Flores, Tikal Guatemala
An early morning flight takes us to the charming little town of Flores, with its pastel-colored buildings. It enjoys a tranquil island setting on Lake Petén Itzá. There is time to wander the streets, cool off by the pool or buy local handicrafts. The next day we visit the famous archaeological site of Tikal and the prolific wildlife of the National Park.
Days 14-15: San Ignacio, Belize
We move on to Belize, a country with a decidedly Caribbean flavor. The relaxed atmosphere of San Ignacio allows for options including and incredible caving trip into the ancient realm of the Maya, horseback riding or canoeing down the tranquil Macal River ideal for bird watching.
Days 16-17: Caye Caulker
We spend the next couple of days in the laid-back setting of Caye Caulker - a tiny island with sand streets and no traffic. Options to snorkel or dive, enjoy some serious R&R and savor the delicious, fresh seafood. This really does feel like the Caribbean!
Days 18-21: Tulum and Isla de Mujeres
We return to Mexico by bus, stopping for a day to visit the Tulum ruins and enjoy a night at a secluded spot by the beach. Our last travel day is by bus and ferry to the Caribbean Island of Isla de Mujeres. We have two days to completely relax on the stunning white sand beach, swim, snorkel, dive, take a sailboat tour to a remote wildlife reserve or do some last minute souvenir shopping. Then it’s time for one last Michelada beer and night on the town.
Day 22: Depart Isla de Mujeres. Hasta luego amigos, gracias y nos vemos pronto. Isla de Mujeres is a 30-minute ferry ride north east of Cancún, therefore it is easy to head directly to the international airport from there.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Guided tour of Chichen Itza ruins
- Guided tour of Palenque ruins
- Guided tour of Tikal ruins
Entry into Tulum ruins
Stop at Misol Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls
- City tour of Merida
- Lake Atitlan boat tour to community project in Santiago
- Half day snorkeling on Caye Caulker
- Half day canoeing San Ignacio
- Flight from Guatemala city to Flores
- Two hour snorkeling trip in the underground rivers near Tulum
- All land transport during the itinerary
- The cost of entry for all included tours
- All hotel accommodations.
Price Excludes:
- Departure taxes
- Local payment of US$450 on day one of the tour.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
Mexico
Belize
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Volcano Tours
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