Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala) | Caye Caulker (Belize) | Flores (Guatemala) | Merida (Mexico) | Palenque (Mexico) | Panajachel (Guatemala) | Playa del Carmen (Mexico) | Rio Dulce (Guatemala) | San Cristobal de las Casas (Mexico) | San Ignacio (Belize) | San Juan La Laguna (Guatemala)
The following are Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Arrive at any time.
As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.
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.
Take a guided tour of Chichen Itza and orientation walk around Merida.
Depart Playa del Carmen and head to the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza for a guided tour. Spend time exploring this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings. Continue on to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan State, and take a short orientation walk. Also known as la ciudad blanca (the white city), Merida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico's fascinating mix of cultural influences.
Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichen Itza 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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a free day to explore Merida and surroundings. Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes in the Yucatan. Take a trip to the beach or soak in the history this city has to offer.
The area surrounding Merida has tons to offer. Choose to visit nearby cenotes (water sink holes) in the town of Cuzama. 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 or ride the PUUC Route. There's something for everyone.
Enjoy free time in this fascinating area.
After a long day of travel from the Yucatan to the jungles of Chiapas, arrive to Palenque and settle in for 2 nights.
First-class buses in Mexico have very strong air-conditioning. Bring a sweater.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque. After, go for a swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall.
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.
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.
Travel to San Cristobal 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.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Travel from San Cristobal de las Casas into the Chiapas highlands to visit the Tzotzil Maya communities of Chamula and Zinacantan, where Catholic and pre-Hispanic traditions blend in daily life. In Zinacantan, experience vibrant textiles up close with a visit to a family cooperative, where you'll see skilled artisans demonstrate "Telar de Cintura" backstrap loom weaving, an ancient technique still used today. Or you might have the chance to visit the family kitchen and try freshly made handmade tortillas.
Visit the communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinancantan with a local guide and learn about this unique way of life. Visit the main plaza and places of worship to better understand the life of the local Tzotzil people. Buy carpets, textiles and hand-made "Zapatista" dolls made to honour former rebel leader, Subcomandante Marcos. Please be respectful when taking photographs here, it's not always welcomed by the residents.
Enjoy some free time to explore all this area has to offer.
Journey from San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico to Panajachel, Guatemala. Opt to explore the town on arrival.
The first stop in Guatemala is on beautiful Lake Atitlan. Stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Climb aboard and get your float on.
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.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Opt to check out more of the city with a little free time.
Climb aboard and get your float on.
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.
Free time to explore all the area's options.
Travel to Rio Dulce and enjoy free time to explore.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle during this long travel day.
Enjoy free time to explore the town.
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 Peten Itza, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.
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 Boqueron 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".
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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 cafe in town.
Enjoy the ride out to Tikal and return the same way in the afternoon (1-1.5 hrs one way).
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.
Explore the area anyway you like.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Head out to start exploring this fun town. There's a full free day tomorrow for anything you can't get to this afternoon.
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.
Enjoy a full day to head out and explore.
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.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
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.
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.
Spend two full days exploring this area any way you like.
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!
Spend two full days exploring this area any way you like.
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.
Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Enjoy a free day to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum, or visit one of the many cenotes. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Do as much or as little as you want.
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.
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala tour:
1ª. Avenida Norte No. 4-A Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Pasero Street
Caye Caulker, Belize
Flores, Guatemala
97000, Yucatan
Merida, Mexico
Cañada 6, Palenque
C.P. 29960, Chiapas
Palenque, Mexico
Panajachel, Guatemala
20 Avenida Nte y 6a Calle Nte Bis
Centro, Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen, Mexico-77710
Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Dr. Belisario Dominguez No. 2
San Cristobal De Casas, Mexico
San Ignacio, Belize
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala tour:
Max 16, avg 12
Your G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", LivingstonYour G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye CaulkerYour G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del CarmenYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: MeridaYour Discover Moment: Antigua GuatemalaYour Discover Moment: San IgnacioYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen. Chichen Itza guided tour. Merida orientation walk. Palenque guided tour. Roberto Barrios waterfall visit. San Cristobal de las Casas orientation walk. Lake Atitlan 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 Merida, San Cristobal de las Casas, Antigua, San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, and Playa del Carmen. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Explore incredible Mayan sites and colourful local markets, Opt to snorkel on Belize's world-famous barrier reef, Wander colonial towns and Caribbean shores
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Uxmal Ruins- Uxmal Ruins Visit (70-110USD per person)Merida- Cenote Visit (60-70USD per person)- Anthropology Museum Visit (55MXN per person)Progreso- Day Trip to Progreso Beach (4USD per person)Palenque- Jungle Trail Hike (25USD per person)San Cristobal de Las Casas- Lagunas de Montebello Visit (30USD per person)- Sumidero Canyon (40USD per person)Antigua Guatemala- Finca Valhalla Visit (5-10USD per person)- Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour (25USD per person)- ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop (24USD per person)- Salsa Lesson (10USD per person)- Massage (30-60USD per person)- Antigua Cooking Class (55USD per person)Flores- SwimmingCaves Branch- Cave Tubing (95USD per person)Caracol- Caracol Ruins Tour (125USD per person)Xunantunich- Xunantunich Visit (65USD per person)Actun Tunichil Muknal- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit (140USD per person)Barton Creek- Barton Creek Cave Canoeing (120USD per person)San Ignacio- Horseback Riding (80USD per person)Caye Caulker- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour- Sunset Sailing Boat Tour (60USD per person)- Fishing (250-450USD per person)Playa del Carmen- Cenote Visit (40-60USD per person)- Tequila Tasting (850-1100MXN per person)- Coco Bongo Disco and Show (90USD per person)Tulum- Tulum Ruins Visit- Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Canal Float (135USD per person)
While in Mexico, the majority of the transportation will be via first class buses. While efficent and comfortable, these buses tend to be over air-conditioned. To ensure a comfortable journey, we recommend that our travellers bring an extra layer to cover up including socks onto these buses.
Hotels (19 nts), jungle lodge (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).
1 lunch, 2 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Public bus, private vehicle, boat, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Standard: Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.