An image we will remember during this trip is the large pyramids sitting on the edge of the cliff over the sea in Tulum, or the thousand-year-old pictures and glyphs of ancient Mayan gods in the variety of temples throughout Mexico. This journey provides an insightful look into what defines this paradise.
The natural beauty of the Yucatan peninsula is enhanced by the display of Moorish and Rococo-style architecture dotting the terrain. The Mayan antiquity spreads all the way to Guatemala, where the many stone structures date back to 500 BC. A past closer to ours also shines through the Spanish colonial architecture in the alluring city of Antigua.
We see how the long-surviving indigenous cultures survive in modern times when we come across traditional dress and customs in the remote areas of the country. When we approach the shores of Lake Atitlan, we will be confronted right away by the rustic lifestyle of the villagers as we see women knee-deep in water, washing clothing against the stones, and men tending to their flocks.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City. Today we arrive in Guatemala City. Overnight in Guatemala City. Dinner if required.
Day 2: Guatemala City - Chichicastanengo. This morning we travel to Chichicastanengo where we visit the famous market. This is one of Guatemala's largest local markets with an impressive array of beautiful hand-woven textiles and crafts for sale. It is also possible to see the 400 year-old Cathedral of Santo Tomas where Catholic and pagan beliefs mingle as one. Overnight in Chichicastanengo. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Chichicastanengo-San Catarina Palopo & San Antonio Palopo-Panajachel. Departing Chichi, we drive to Lake Atitlan and visit San Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo, two traditional Kaqchikel villages on the south shores of the lake. Before the road was completed in 1980, access was only by boat or by footpaths. Overnight in Panajachel. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Panajachel - Lake Atitlan. Our journey today takes us across the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlan, nestled beneath the three volcanoes of San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman. When we visit Santiago de Atitlan you will notice the unusual headdresses that the locals wear which are called Tocoyal and consist of 12 meters/40 feet of material. Overnight in Panajachel. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Panajachel - Iximche - Antigua. This morning we travel to Antigua. We travel by bus through the spectacular volcanic landscape of Guatemala's western highlands to visit Iximche en route, an excellent Maya site which became a model of civic planning. Most of the buildings were erected around four large courtyards. Overnight Antigua. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Antigua - Free Day. Today you are free to explore Antigua. Sit and relax in the Plaza de Armas, the central square, and enjoy the view of the Palace of the Captains General, the old City Hall and the remains of the Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace, excellent examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Overnight Antigua. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Antigua - Guatemala City - Flores - Tikal Site Tour. Today we transfer to Guatemala City for our flight to Flores. On arrival we embark on a guided tour to experience the mystiques of Tikal, possibly the most magnificent of all Mayan sites. Here we discover ancient temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500 BC. Overnight near Tikal. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Flores, Guatemala - Cancun, Mexico. Today we fly from Flores, Guatemala to Cancun, Mexico. Overnight Cancun. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Cancun - Chichen Itza. Today we travel to Chichen Itza. This is a wonderful archaeological site incorporating the ruins of two different cultures, the ancient Maya and the later arriving Toltecs. The substantial fusion of highland central Mexican and Puuc architecture make Chichen Itza unique. Overnight in Chichen Itza. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Chichen Itza - Merida. Today we drive to Merida, probably the most beautiful town in the Yucatan peninsula. We find that the most enjoyable way to sightsee is from a calesa, or horse drawn carriage. We include a half-day's sightseeing in this most elegant of fashions. During the nineteenth century, European traders flocked to the bustling city to exchange their luxuries for the area's much sought after sisal hemp - green and gold. The state capital's many buildings and the Moorish and rococo-style mansions of the Paseo Montejo reflect the strong Old World influences. Overnight in Merida. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Merida - Uxmal. Uxmal, our destination for today, is a stunning place. Uxmal was one of the sites to which the Maya returned again and again in the course of their civilization. The name means 'thrice built'. The Palace of the Governor at Uxmal is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Maya structures in Central America. Overnight in Uxmal. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12: Uxmal - Coba. Today we depart Uxmal for Coba. The morning's drive takes us through Valladolid where we stop for our lunch break. The peaceful Zocalo in the heart of Valladolid is shaded by large trees and surrounded by a variety of restaurants. We continue on to Coba, one of the grandest Mayan city-states, and have a tour of this impressive site immediately upon arrival. Overnight in Coba. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13: Coba - Tulum - Cancun. In order to beat the crowds, we depart early today for Tulum, one of the most beautiful Maya sites, perched high on the cliffs above the Caribbean. Tulum means "wall" in Maya. The most impressive site at this area is the large pyramid on the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea. Overnight in Cancun. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 14: Departure from Cancun. Breakfast. Buen Viaje!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants)
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, hotel porters (if available)
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuity, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable)
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on not included meal costs, shopping, and locally paid departure taxes.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
Mexico
Archeology/History
Ecotourism
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