Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala
Experience Overview
Leave the resorts of the Mayan Riviera behind and explore the authentic Yucatán. From sunny beaches and lush jungles to the highlands of Chiapas, journey through Belize, Guatemala, and southern Mexico on this incredible 22-day adventure. Explore the amazing ruins of Chichén Itzá, Palenque, and Tikal and walk the cobblestoned streets of colonial San Cristóbal de las Casas and Antigua. Snorkel with stingrays or just get into the reggae pace of life on a sunny Caribbean island. Experience a journey that introduces you to local culture and offers insight into the history of the Mayan heartland.
Highlights
- Explore incredible Mayan sites and colourful local markets
- Opt to snorkel on Belize's world-famous barrier reef
- Wander colonial towns and Caribbean shores
Trip Details
Product Code: 1749
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Public bus, private vehicle, boat, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: CAM
Starts: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finishes: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Duration: 22 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna Your G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", Lívingston Your G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del Carmen Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Mérida Your Discover Moment: San Cristóbal de Las Casas Your Discover Moment: Antigua Guatemala Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen
- Chichén Itzá guided tour
- Mérida orientation walk
- Palenque guided tour
- Roberto Barrios waterfall visit
- San Cristóbal de las Casas orientation walk
- Lake Atitlán boat tour
- Antigua orientation walk
- Scenic boat ride to Livingston
- Tikal guided tour
- G Adventures-supported bike tour of Caye Caulker
- Beach time in Playa del Carmen
- Free time in Mérida, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Antigua, San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, and Playa del Carmen
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (19 nts), jungle lodge (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).
- 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Transport
- Public bus, private vehicle, boat, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3450 ($157 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Arrive at any time.
As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Nautilus
Day 2: Playa del Carmen/Mérida
Take a guided tour of Chichén Itzá and orientation walk around Mérida.
Depart Playa del Carmen and head to the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá for a guided tour. Spend time exploring this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings.
Continue on to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán State, and take a short orientation walk. Also known as la ciudad blanca (the white city), Mérida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico's fascinating mix of cultural influences.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichén Itzá and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia
Day 3: Mérida
Enjoy a free day to explore Merida and surroundings. Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes in the Yucatán. Take a trip to the beach or soak in the history this city has to offer.
The area surrounding Mérida has tons to offer. Choose to visit nearby cenotes (water sink holes) in the town of Cuzamá. Inside, swim in the massive crystal-clear sinkholes. Transportation to the cenotes is half the fun, taking small wooden horse-drawn carts along old rail tracks.
Opt to visit ruins in Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route or go bird-watching. There's something for everyone.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time in this fascinating area.Accommodation - Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia
Day 4: Mérida/Palenque
After a long day of travel from the Yucatán to the jungles of Chiapas, arrive to Palenque and settle in for 2 nights.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - First-class buses in Mexico have very strong air-conditioning. Bring a sweater.Accommodation - Hotel Maya Tulipanes
Day 5: Palenque
Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque. After, go for a swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Experience the elegant jungle site of Palenque on a guided tour. See the highlights -- the Temple of the Cross Group, Temple of Inscriptions and the Grand Palace. Howler monkeys sound in the distance as the fog rolls in and out of this mystical site, one of the most important centres for trade and culture during the end of the Classic Maya period.Activity - Visit the Zapatista community of Roberto Barrios and swim in stunning turquoise cascade waterfalls. Then, join an agroecological experience at the Pej'Pem Center you will support local entrepreneurship and the sustainable transformation of communities in Chiapas.Accommodation - Hotel Maya Tulipanes
Day 6: Palenque/San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Travel to San Cristóbal de Las Casas located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft), via Villahermosa. Enjoy an orientation walk of the city, known for its 16th-century architecture.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Baron de las Casas
Day 7: San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Use a full free day to explore all this area has to offer.Accommodation - Baron de las Casas
Day 8: San Cristóbal de Las Casas/Panajachel
Journey from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico to Panajachel, Guatemala. Opt to explore the town on arrival.
The first stop in Guatemala is on beautiful Lake Atitlán. Stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Accommodation - Hotel Chinimaya
Day 9: Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Take part in a cultural tour of San Juan la Laguna where you can opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings from the local artisans.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Activity - Visit the town of San Juan la Laguna and immerse yourself in the Tz’utujil culture for an afternoon. Focus on three different associations originating in San Juan la Laguna; textiles, medicinal plants, and paintings. See groups of women making textiles using natural dyes. Your guide will explain the dyeing techniques and observe the waist loom in action. Next, see how plants are used for their medicinal properties within these communities. Enjoy the sights of traditional paintings by local artists/painters who portray their traditional way of life, ceremonies, customs and traditions through large scale murals found throughout the town of San Juan la Laguna. Souvenirs/products from all points of this tour will be available for purchase if you'd like to bring something home and also support this village community.Activity - Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlán, arrive by boat to the laid-back village of San Juan La Laguna and immediately feel at home. Meet your host family, stash your stuff, then set off to explore the area. Admire the paintings of local artists, watch weavers who use traditional techniques to dye wool, go for a hike and admire the view across the lake. Feel good knowing you are supporting local families eager to benefit from tourism in their community.Accommodation - Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay
Day 10: Antigua
Travel to Antigua and head out for an orientation walk. Opt for a night out in town.
There is so much to do in this charming colonial city, optional activities for the area include a city tour, salsa dancing classes, a Guatemalan cooking class, or relaxing with a massage. Further afield you can rent bikes and ride through the hills, visit a macadamia nut farm or check out some nearby villages.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Opt to check out more of the city with a little free time.Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Accommodation - Hotel Bucaros Express
Day 11: Antigua
Enjoy a free day exploring this charming colonial city.
Try your hand at making some Guatemalan cuisine. Pre-book the Antigua Cooking Class on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Free time to explore all the area's options.Accommodation - Hotel Bucaros Express
Day 12: Antigua to Rio Dulce
Travel to Rio Dulce and enjoy free time to explore.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle during this long travel day.Free_time - Enjoy free time to explore the town.Accommodation - Hacienda Tijax
Day 13: Rio Dulce/Flores
Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours. Continue on to Flores. Located on Lake Petén Itzá, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.
Meals included: Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a boat down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean Sea passing through El Golfete and El Canyon before arriving to Livingston. Float past mangroves and lily pads and the Boquerón Canyon, where a sheer limestone cliff rises 122m (400 ft) out of the river, covered in vines, trees and moss. Arrive at the small fishing village of Livingston known for its unique Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population, with their unique art, music and delicious coconut seafood soup, “tapado”.Activity - El Manglar Restaurant in Guatemala is a women-led community tourism initiative founded by the Cayo Quemado Women's Committee with the aim of creating new job opportunities within the community. During your visit you will begin with a welcome given by the women of the committee and receive a brief introduction to the workshop. Then, there will be a short walk around the property, including a full explanation of the project, it's impact, and culture before you all sit down for lunch at the restaurant. Every traveler that visits Cayo Quemado has a direct impact on their community.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Petén
Day 14: Flores
Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal. In the afternoon, opt to relax on the lake or hang out at a café in town.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Enjoy the ride out to Tikal and return the same way in the afternoon (1-1.5 hrs one way).Activity - Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.Free_time - Explore the area anyway you like.Accommodation - Hotel Petén
Day 15: Flores/San Ignacio
Cross the border to Belize. Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area, or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Head out to start exploring this fun town. There's a full free day tomorrow for anything you can't get to this afternoon.Accommodation - Midas Resort
Day 16: San Ignacio
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a full day to head out and explore.Accommodation - Midas Resort
Day 17: San Ignacio/Caye Caulker
Travel to Belize City and catch a high-speed water taxi to Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on a G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour. Spend a few days enjoying this island paradise.
Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. There are dozens of activities around the island and surrounding coral reefs. Try your hand at fishing and barbecue your catch on the beach.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.Activity - Take a leisurely bike tour around Caye Caulker with a guide from the G Adventures for Good supported Bike with Purpose project. See the island through the eyes of a local on this two-hour tour, and live the island's motto of 'Go Slow'. Feel the island breeze in you hair while knowing you're supporting a program that helps youth from Caye Caulker build skills for tourism jobs upon graduation from high school.Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
Day 18: Caye Caulker
Spend time enjoying this island paradise. Opt to go on a sailing trip to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. If the boats aren't your thing, just relax, Belizean-style.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend two full days exploring this area any way you like.Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
Day 19: Caye Caulker
Jump for joy that you get another full day to explore Caye Caulker! Do what you didn't get to yesterday or take the day to just lay on the beach!
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend two full days exploring this area any way you like.Accommodation - Enjoy Hotel
Day 20: Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen
Say farewell to Belize, and travel by boat and private vehicle from Caye Caulker to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
With plenty of options nearby, Playa is an excellent hub for exploring.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.Accommodation - Hotel Nautilus
Day 21: Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, or visit one of the many cenotes. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Do as much or as little as you want.Activity - El Hongo (which means 'The Mushroom') is a volunteer-run restaurant started as a means to create income to support a youth art program in the 'real' Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Across the highway from the commercial beach strip is where most locals live – cross onto the unpaved roads and enjoy a delicious home-style meal at the restaurant, while learning more about this much-needed program for the community.Accommodation - Hotel Nautilus
Day 22: Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Gertraud M., - Traveled, December 2023
the mixed group of fellow travelers from different countries
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/07/2024
Shayne P., - Traveled, December 2023
Enjoyed and went to the right places
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2024
Robin B., - Traveled, December 2026
The energy and enthusiasm we experienced from our group leader--Danny!!! She kept us excited about all the upcoming activities and encouraged us all with positivity even on those long travel days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Marjut S., - Traveled, November 2023
I was able visit the places I long have wanted to without too much effort on my own part
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Robert N., - Traveled, November 2023
The fact that we have been on 16 G Adventures trips tells you that we we love their style of travel. We often recommend G to friends/family but we know some people would not like the demands of travel and being in a group, even though the people are lovely.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Pia G., - Traveled, November 2023
very professional and I like the Attitude of supporting Locals
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2024
Holly H., - Traveled, November 2023
G Adventures provided a stress free experience with travel, enabling me to see and experience the things I was interested in and not have to worry about a thing as everything was in hand, e.g. transportation, accommodation etc. Having a CEO with lots of local knowledge and recommendations ensured I got the most out of the experience too
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Paul B., - Traveled, November 2023
Especially if you are on your own this is a great way to travel with like minded people. Plus the organisation was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2023
Jamila O., - Traveled, November 2023
Good choice of activities, good service, experienced and pretty nice guide, good offer in general
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Markus T., - Traveled, November 2023
All tours, including this one have been absolutely perfect. Except the tour 'Day of the Dead in Mexico City', which killed my full trust in G Adventures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Giles H., - Traveled, November 2023
G embrace the joy of travel and recognises how important it is for the individual and the local communities you interact with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Sarah L., - Traveled, November 2023
All of my experiences with G have been excellent. I like to get off the beaten track and yet someone wise do the planning and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2024
Kim G., - Traveled, November 2023
it's such a convenient way to travel. Everything is done for you but you still have lots of choice. You meet like minded people that a solo traveler like me can befriend and do things with but I also enjoy the group atmosphere . I feel safe the whole time and rest assured in the knowledge that accommodation, restaurants and the like are mostly tried and tested.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Livio B., - Traveled, November 2023
The main reason was our CEO Pamela Acu–a! It was my first group travel and Pamela did such a great job! The whole tour was perfectly organised. Thanks to all, who where involved and in special, thanks to Pamela!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Lucy O., - Traveled, November 2023
Experience! Authentic, fun, well organised, sociable, good value way to travel the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Maire O., - Traveled, August 2023
Everything was organised very well and our guide was very informative and offered lots of recommendations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Lewis O., - Traveled, August 2023
I would use the company again myself so would be comfortable recommending
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Rainer L., - Traveled, July 2023
More experiences than other travel groups
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Brigid O., - Traveled, July 2023
Great reassurance that transfers, accommodation and activities will be highly appropriate, enjoyable and adrenaline filled for the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Lucy-Anne O., - Traveled, July 2023
It is the most stress free form of travel I have experienced. It is an amazing way to meet incredible people and lifelong friends from across the globe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
