Maya Encounter

Intrepid Travel · 17 days

4.4

20 Reviews

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Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Dive into a 17-day adventure through Central America, from the calming sea breezes of Playa del Carmen's beaches to the bustling chaos of Chichi market.

Highlights

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.
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.
Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna – a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family and see how they harvest their local medicinal plants.
Wander between stalls of rainbow handicrafts, fruits and flowers in the popular and colourful Chichicastenango Market.
Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, where you’ll head out on a birdwatching walk and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.

Trip Details

Duration

17 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 on 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

Start your day with a nature walk along your accommodation’s trails, lead by a local guide. Then, and with plenty of free time today, consider taking advantage of some optional activities. Maybe take a scenic boat trip down the river to the coastal enclave of Livingston for a taste of Creole-Caribbean culture. This laidback town on the Caribbean coast feels very different from the rest of Guatemala thanks to its Garifuna population. Or maybe go boating on the lake, take a tour to spot local manatees or explore nearby San Felipe Fort.

Included Activities:

Rio Dulce - Guided jungle nature walk

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)
Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) (263 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. Though there's not much time in Antigua today, you owe it to yourself to reward your patience with a tamale (meat and dough steamed in a corn leaf). You could also give pepian a try (rich dark sauce served with vegetables and meat, usually chicken).

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Panajachel

Today, travel on the winding roads to Chichicastenango – home to perhaps the most colourful market in the country! Nicknamed Chichi market, locals come from surrounding villages on Thursdays and Sundays to sell their wares and the streets are lined with stalls offering multi-coloured textiles and fresh produce. Visit a local Mayan Shaman and do a little shopping at the market, then continue to Panajachel. Located on Lake Atitlan with distant volcanoes looming in the background, Panajachel has a thriving market, great eateries and many water-based activities. Your leader will take you on a brief orientation walk of the town and then the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. Why not go for a swim, wander the streets or kayak on the lake?

Included Activities:

Chichicastenango - Market Visit
Chichicastenango - Shaman Visit
Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: San Juan La Laguna

This morning after breakfast, take a boat to San Juan La Laguna – a small Maya village overlooking Lake Atitlan and the first community to ban single-use plastic. Here, you’ll witness a textile weaving demonstration, seeing how they use local materials and traditional dyeing techniques. Try out some of your newly learnt Spanish to chat with the locals and take a tour of their medicinal garden, watching how they use ancient techniques to transform plants into medicine - knowledge passed from mothers to daughters for hundreds of years. Tonight, you’ll be staying with multiple families within the community in small groups. Enjoy a homecooked dinner with your host family and spend the night here – a perfect opportunity to get to know them a little better and immerse yourself in local life.

Included Activities:

San Juan La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay

Optional Activities:

San Juan La Laguna - Water taxi to Santiago (Return) (60 GTQ)

Accommodation:

Homestay (shared accommodation) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Antigua

Hit the road again this morning and make the journey back to Antigua – in 1773, the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored, and the architecture from its glory days can still be seen. On the way, stop at Santa Apolonia – one of the last communities in Guatemala to make pottery with traditional Maya techniques. The ancient Maya people could produce perfectly rounded pottery without a potter’s wheel! Here, the local women use their hands, as they move in a circular motion to produce amazing pieces. Watch a demonstration and then try it for yourself. Continue to Antigua, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk. Tonight, maybe take part in a dancing lesson – many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so you'll be able to perfect your moves.

Included Activities:

Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
Santa Apolonia - Traditional Pottery Demonstration

Optional Activities:

Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) (150 GTQ)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Antigua

Enjoy a free day exploring photogenic Antigua today. Maybe check out the ChocoMuseo, two blocks away from central park. Learn all about chocolate, which was first documented by the Guatemalan Maya, as well as its historical importance. Or maybe grab a coffee from one of the myriad shops in central park, sit back, relax and enjoy Antigua's chilled-out vibes. If you're feeling adventurous, ask your leader about booking an optional tour to one of the nearby volcanoes.

Optional Activities:

Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour (95 USD)
Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch (115 USD)
Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike & Camp (170 USD)
Antigua - City Tour with lunch (70 USD)
Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (30 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Antigua

Your adventure comes to an end this morning and there are no activities planned. As there's a great deal to do in Antigua, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this traveller favourite. If you’d like to spend more time here, 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 $3,135

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 17 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Dive into a 17-day adventure through Central America, from the calming sea breezes of Playa del Carmen's beaches to the bustling chaos of Chichi market.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Sep 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Joel

Traveled, December 2023

01/24/2024

I had an amazing holiday! My overall experience was fantastic, and I can’t praise it enough. The people I shared it with were wonderful, I’ve made some incredible friends and our leader, Maco, went over and above to make everything the best it could possibly be. Thanks for a fantastic holiday and for one that I’ll never forget. I couldn’t recommend Intrepid more!

3.5

Ivy

Traveled, December 2023

01/17/2024

The tour and group was ok. The hotels need to be better and not be damp or smell of mould ( a few of us complained to our tour guide, Maco) Just need to make sure your tour leader delivers what he says and puts the next days trip notes on WhatsApp the night before as not everyone was listening to him and I did tell him to put it on the what's app which he did agree and thanked me for the tip ( didn't happen) My luggage bag was damaged when they brought it to caye caulker island I told and showed my guide, he said he will file a report as I complaint but didn't give me any feedback. I have travelled with intrepid many times and this is the 1st problem I have come across with my tour guide not delivering what he says he was going to do when my house key was left on the bus,and not getting back to my room mate when we both texted him and he said he saw it ( not happy bunnies)

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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