Maya Adventure

Duration

19 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Dive into a 19-day journey through Central America, from the sea breeze of Playa del Carmen to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua.

Highlights

Wander through the colorful markets of Chichicastenango and Almolonga in Guatemala – what better way to get to know local life!
Spend three days exploring the island paradise of Caye Caulker – take part in a local cooking class, munch on barbecued lobster, snorkel around a coral reef, go kayaking or just kick back with a couple of free beach days.
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.
Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Maya descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then explore Livingston – a one-of-a-kind riverside town where the local culture is heavily influenced by the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population.

Trip Details

Duration

19 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Shared Boat,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Playa del Carmen, Belize

Finishes

Antigua, Belize

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Playa del Carmen

Hola! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins in Playa del Carmen with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early and are lucky enough to have extra time in this beachside playground, maybe try your hand (and feet and lungs) at snorkelling in the freshwater rock pools (cenotes). Maybe stroll along the white sands or reef dive on Cozumel. After the meeting, perhaps head out for a cocktail and a few tacos with your new travel buddies.

Optional Activities:

Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) (260 MXN)
Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) (600 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Playa del Carmen

This morning, hop on a local bus to one stunning example of a cenote – Cenote Azul. There you can swim, dive or snorkel in the natural open-air pool, basking in the beauty of your surroundings. Then return to Playa Del Carmen, where you’ll have a free afternoon to explore this beachside paradise at your leisure. You might like to continue the underwater activities and keep your eyes peeled for rays, moray eels and turtles among the coral-clad reefs. If you’d rather leave the flippers behind and adventure on land, catch a local bus and travel south to Tulum, where white-sand beaches and Maya ruins are just an hour and a half away. In the evening, you could grab a few of your fellow travellers and find a good spot to watch the sunset – muy bien!

Included Activities:

Playa del Carmen - Cenote Azul visit

Optional Activities:

Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (1400 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Chetumal

On your final morning in Playa del Carmen, maybe take an early morning stroll to the beach and dip your toes in the sand or simply let the world pass you by with a coffee at a local cafe. Then head to your next stop in Bacalar – said to be the first settlement of the Itza tribe, who would go on to create Chichen Itza. Here, you’ll have an included lunch and the chance to relax at the Lake of Seven Colours – thanks to the various stunning shades of blue it adopts throughout the day. If you’d like, you could also hop onboard a boat tour of the lake. Then continue to Chetumal – a quiet city close to the border of Belize, this place makes for the perfect stop before tomorrow’s adventure to Caye Caulker.

Included Activities:

Bacalar - Beach club entry

Optional Activities:

Bacalar - Lagoon of 7 Colours Boat Tour (700 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Caye Caulker

Bid adios to Mexico early this morning as you head south to Belize. After border formalities, arrive in Belize City then hop in a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. When you arrive, get acquainted with the island on a guided walk with your leader. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. Tonight, you’re free to relax or explore. Be aware that there may be crocodiles in the split area that separates the north and south of the island, so it’s best to take caution while swimming and exploring the beaches.

Included Activities:

Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (55 BZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Caye Caulker

Today is free for you to explore the island that surrounds you, or just to simply relax. If you feel like snorkelling, ask your leader about organising a trip to the colourful coral reef nearby, or maybe head further afield to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the world’s second-longest coral reef. Manatee spotting is perfect for nature lovers, or you could take a stroll and find a swaying palm tree with your name on it – they make the perfect place to nap, read a book and soak up the island vibes on a beach day.

Optional Activities:

Caye Caulker - Manatee boat tour (Incl. transport & guide) (254 BZD)
Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (55 BZD)
Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing (126 BZD)
Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) (120 USD)
Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat - (gear, guide and transport included) (120 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Caye Caulker

What’s better than one day in paradise? Two, of course! Your morning is free, then for lunch you’ll join in on a cooking class with a local family, learning how to make a famous Belizean meal with chicken, rice and beans. In the afternoon, perhaps head to the beach for a swim or hire a bicycle to explore. Tonight is your last opportunity to get your hands on some super fresh Belizean seafood, which you can dig into with your feet planted in the sand at one of the many ‘floor-free’ outdoor restaurants. The island's famous lobsters are available between 15 June and 15 February, and you can expect to pay far less than at home (though more than your average island meal). You could even grab some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with firewater from a roadside stall to really get into the island spirit.

Included Activities:

Caye Caulker - Cooking Class

Optional Activities:

Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) (12 USD)
Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (55 BZD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: San Ignacio

From the islands to the highlands, you’ll bid farewell to Caye Caulker today and catch a ferry to Belize City, then a bus to San Ignacio. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of San Ignacio and its twin sister Santa Elena, giving you a sense of how vibrant the local Garifuna and Maya communities are. Tonight, maybe head out in search of a classic Maya dish like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus).

Included Activities:

San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: San Ignacio

Today is free for you to discover San Ignacio at your own pace. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Maya ruins, making it the ideal base. If you’re a bit of a history buff, maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Maya ceremonial site on a hill overlooking the countryside. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Perhaps you'd like to take on the challenge of visiting the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade and hike through cool waters to find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the calcium-rich environment of the cave for over 1400 years. Easily spooked? Maybe you'd prefer a cave with fewer (as far as we know) skeletons, like the one in Mountain Pine Ridge. In the late afternoon, the barbecue stalls of Santa Elena start to set up for the dinner rush. It's only a 15-minute walk, so consider wandering over to enjoy a juicy chicken leg and a chat with the locals.

Optional Activities:

San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) (175 BZD)
San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) (24 BZD)
San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry (20 BZD)
San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) (135 USD)
San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) (100 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Tikal National Park

Rise and shine for your journey across the Belize-Guatemala border.to Tikal National Park. Here, there will be time to buy lunch before visiting the impressive archaeological site with a local guide. Towering above the jungle, the five granite temples of Tikal are an imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the evergreen forest is a maze of smaller structures waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds.

Included Activities:

Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Rio Dulce

This morning depart for Flores, where you'll have breakfast in a local restaurant before joining your leader on an orientation walk on the island. Then, continue by private minivan to Rio Dulce before transferring to your hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also on the water – a journey that can be organised through the hotel. Alternatively, a 40-minute jungle walk will get you there. The hotel is a great place to relax and look over the water, with reasonably priced meals and drinks served in the hotel restaurant. Now that you are back in a Spanish-speaking nation, why not join an informal Spanish lesson led by your leader?

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Rio Dulce

Take a boat ride down the river to Livingston – a laidback Afro-Caribbean town that offers a unique taste of Garifuna culture in a far-flung corner of Guatemala. Just 30 km (18 m) from Rio Dulce, Livingston is only accessible by boat and the ride is spectacular, taking you through waters filled with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon full of river birds. When you arrive, take a short orientation walk around the colourful town and see some fishermen working by the docks. Then, join the locals for a morning dance class. After learning some moves, you’ll have some free time for lunch and to explore at your own pace. Later this afternoon, hop back in the boat and head back to Rio Dulce.

Included Activities:

Livingston - River boat trip to Garifuna town

Optional Activities:

Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) (210 GTQ)
Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) (90 GTQ)
Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) (85 GTQ)

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Antigua

Leave the 'Sweet River' behind and travel by private minibus to the city of Antigua. The road between Rio Dulce and Guatemala City is one of the busiest in the country. Traffic is slow, there are frequent road works and many, many slow trucks – be armed with patience, music and a good book and the journey will be easier to handle. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Antigua

Today is a free day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from this city are all you need to have a great, self-paced day. Maybe wander the Spanish buildings – many of these were restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your next local leader and new group members. After, maybe head out for dinner and get to know each other.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: San Andres Itzapa / Quetzaltenango

This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Mayan culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. As few Mayan gods survived Spanish colonialism, scholars now think that San Simon is a symbol of numerous lost deities. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, before heading to Las Fuentes Georginas – volcanically heated hot springs in Xela. Surrounded by ferns, these luxurious hot springs are also the entrance to the forest reserve, with trails to the Zunil volcano. When you start to prune, you’ll carry on Quetzaltenango, where you spend the night.

Included Activities:

San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Quetzaltenango

Early this morning before breakfast, you’ll hop on a chicken bus – a truly local experience, chicken buses are a source of national and personal pride. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – they are old American school busses passed down to new owners who decked them out in bright colours and decorations. Each bus is unique to the independent driver, many of whom have made this their sole business. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. Whether you believe the vegetables are a gift from above or due to the high amounts of fertiliser used by locals, this colourful market is a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and maybe pick up a giant carrot. Afterward, return to your hotel for breakfast.

Included Activities:

Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience

Optional Activities:

Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free
Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class (55 USD)
Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Chichicastenango Market / Panajachel

As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Mayan dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.

Included Activities:

Chichicastenango market visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Santiago Atitlan

This morning after breakfast, head for hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Mayan villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll visit the current shrine of Maximon (San Simon), where the local shamans keep watch. Your group will bring a gift of local spirits to share with the shamans, and while you drink, you’ll discuss the holy shrine, the perplexing deity and local life on the lake. Return to Panajachel in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening along the shores of Lake Atitlan.

Included Activities:

Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Antigua

This morning, hop in a private transfer back to Antigua, arriving in the afternoon. Then join your leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.

Included Activities:

Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Antigua

Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,675

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 19 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Dive into a 19-day journey through Central America, from the sea breeze of Playa del Carmen to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Jan 2027

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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