Mayan Discovery

Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Meet Your CEO and Group

1h

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.

Accommodations:  Hotel Casa de las Flores

Playa del Carmen/Merida

Travel to Merida, stopping en route for a guided tour of Chichen Itza. Enjoy an orientation walk of Merida.

Stop for a guided tour of the popular Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Explore this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings. Continue on to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan State. Follow your CEO on an orientation walk to get the lay of the land.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Playa del Carmen - Chichen-Itza 3h 190km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Chichen Itzá Guided Tour

Chichen-Itza - Chichen Itza 2h

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.

Private Vehicle

Chichen-Itza - Merida 1.25h - 2h 130km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation With CEO

0.5h - 1h

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.

Accommodations:  Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia

Merida

Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes (underground pools) in the Yucatan.

Opt to visit ruins of Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route, hit the beach in Progreso, visit cenotes in the nearby town of Cuzama, or walk around town and soak in all of the history this city has to offer.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Merida Full Day

Head out and explore.

Accommodations:  Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia
3
Optional Activities for Day 3
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Day Trip to Progreso Beach
4USD Per Person
Progreso
Roughly an hour drive from Merida, Progreso is a perfect spot for relaxing on the beach or strolling along the boardwalk. Stop along the way at the Dzibichaltun archaeological site.
Cenote Visit
60USD Per Person
Merida
Swim in crystal-blue mineral underground swimming holes that are formed as sinkholes when porous limestone bedrock collapses. Come prepared with your swimsuit so you can dive in and enjoy. The clarity of the water and depth of cenotes makes swimming a unique experience.
Uxmal Ruins Visit
70USD Per Person
Uxmal Ruins
Founded in 700 AD, magical Uxmal was once home to as many as 25,000 Mayans. Located 62km (38 mi) south of Merida, in Yucatan's Puuc ("hill" or "chain of low mountains") region, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. Wander the site, see the Pyramid of the Magician, and visit nearby Kabah, one of three neighbouring sites.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Merida/Palenque

Sit back and relax on a travel to Palenque in the lush jungle of Chiapas.

Exclusive Inclusions:

First-class Bus

Merida - Palenque 9h - 10h 620km

Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.

Accommodations:  Hotel Maya Tulipanes

Palenque

Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque.

Take a guided tour of the ruins of Palenque. Later, choose from one of the many optional activities in the area.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Palenque Ruins Guided Tour

Palenque 2h - 3h

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.

Free Time

Palenque Afternoon

Don't waste a minute, get out and explore.

Accommodations:  Hotel Maya Tulipanes
2
Optional Activities for Day 5
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Jungle Trail Hike
25USD Per Person
Palenque
Only two percent of the ruins in the Mayan capital of Palenque are out in the open. Follow a local guide into the jungle along a trail, visit ruins that are now overgrown with moss and vines. Learn about the wildlife and different medicinal trees and plants that grow in and around the Usumancinta River of this mountainous forest area of Chiapas.
Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
54USD Per Person
Palenque
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.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Palenque

Enjoy a free day to explore Palenque and surroundings. Opt to visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls or go for a jungle hike to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Palenque Full Day

Do as much or as little as you like in and around the jungle of Palenque.

Accommodations:  Hotel Maya Tulipanes
2
Optional Activities for Day 6
Show
Jungle Trail Hike
25USD Per Person
Palenque
Only two percent of the ruins in the Mayan capital of Palenque are out in the open. Follow a local guide into the jungle along a trail, visit ruins that are now overgrown with moss and vines. Learn about the wildlife and different medicinal trees and plants that grow in and around the Usumancinta River of this mountainous forest area of Chiapas.
Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
54USD Per Person
Palenque
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.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Palenque/Flores

Journey through the jungle by private vehicle, crossing into Guatemala and continuing on to Flores. Explore Lake Peten Itza and the island of Flores.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Palenque - El Ceibo 3h - 4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Mexico - Guatemala)

El Ceibo 0.5h - 1.5h

Pay the Mexican exit fee, then go to the immigration and customs booth in Guatemala. Pay the entrance fee there and continue on to a new country.

Private Vehicle

El Ceibo - Flores 4h - 5h 200km

Part of the adventure is the journey! Some of drive is on unpaved roads - it may get a bit bumpy, but taking the road less travelled will show you a different side of Guatemala.

Accommodations:  Hotel Casa Turquesa

Flores

Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of Tikal archaeological site. Relax on Lake Peten Itza and go for a swim.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Tikal Ruins Guided Tour

Tikal 3h - 4h 7km

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

Flores Afternoon

Enjoy the area around the lake.

Accommodations:  Hotel Casa Turquesa
1
Optional Activities for Day 8
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Swimming
San Jose
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Flores/San Ignacio

Cross the border into Belize and travel to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.

Continue on to Belize, a country with a decidedly Caribbean flavour. The relaxed atmosphere of San Ignacio allows for options including horseback riding, canoeing, caving, or exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge area.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Flores - Melchor de Mencos 2h - 3h 95km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle; the drive today will be on a mixture of paved and unpaved roads.

Border Crossing (Guatemala - Belize)

Melchor de Mencos - Benque Viejo del Carmen 0.5h - 1.5h

Pay the Guatemalan exit fee and walk on over to Belize.

Private Vehicle

Benque Viejo del Carmen - San Ignacio 0.5h - 0.75h 13km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch

San Ignacio - San Antonio

Like in many places around the world, education for women in the village of San Antonio isn't prioritized. Girls don't typically attend school beyond primary levels. So a women's cooperative was founded here, as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills, and share centuries-old Mayan techniques and knowledge. Visit the pottery workshop, which is newly expanded with an investment from G Adventures. Meet some of the women who've found community within its walls and gain insight into the tradition of throwing pots. Afterward, enjoy lunch together with these inspiring and unforgettable women, sampling traditional foods of the Cayo region.

Free Time

San Ignacio

Get familiar with the district of Cayo.

• Meals Included:
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Venus Hotel
2
Optional Activities for Day 9
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Xunantunich Visit
65USD Per Person
Xunantunich
Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there's a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize's most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces.
Horseback Riding
80USD Per Person
San Ignacio
Choose from one of the 45 horses at Hannah's Stables and ride over farm trails and forested paths, all the way along the river to the Mayan site of Xunantunich. Enjoy a short guided tour of the site before taking a different trail back to the stables. Watch for native birds, including toucans and parrots, listen for howler monkeys, admire orchids and fruit trees and breathe in the fresh air of the Belize countryside.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

San Ignacio

Enjoy free time to visit the sacred Mayan cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich or Caracol.

Optional acitivities abound around San Ignacio. Choose to see the Mountain Pine Ridge area or take a day trip to the astounding Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. Explore the cave's water systems using a helmet and headlamp. An experienced local guide will provide insight into the fascinating practices of the ancient Maya.Alternatively, opt for a trip to the impressive Maya ceremonial centre of Xunantunich. Getting there includes crossing a narrow river by a hand-cranked ferry.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

San Ignacio Full Day

Don't waste time-get exploring.

Accommodations:  Venus Hotel
7
Optional Activities for Day 10
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Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Visit
75USD Per Person
Mountain Pine Ridge
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve covers almost 500 square km (310 square miles) and only controlled logging is allowed. Interesting stops include Hidden Valley Falls, a spectacular waterfall dropping more than 300m (984 ft) over the granite edge of the jungle. Further along, you will cross the Rio On and a climb over an assortment of worn boulders and rocks that will bring you to a delightful site with waterfalls and several warm water pools. The area is also renowned for its system of caves, the biggest and most famous being the Rio Frio Cave. With its enormous arched entryway into the kilometre-long cave, this river cave is the largest in Belize. A day trip to the ridge can easily be arranged in San Ignacio.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit
140USD Per Person
Actun Tunichil Muknal
The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave has only been open to the public since 1998. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see up to 1400 artifacts, including pottery, tools and vessels used by the Maya for a thousand years. Hike 45 minutes to the cave entrance, wade/swim through deep pools, past calcite formations, to explore this damp, dark place of ritual and sacrifice. With a helmet and headlamp, see the skeleton of the "Crystal Maiden," a young girl whose bones have calcified over the past 1,100 years, making them appear to sparkle.
Cave Tubing
90USD Per Person
San Ignacio
Hike through the lush subtropical forest to the entrances of remarkable limestone caves within the mountains. Jump into crystal blue waters, tube down stream, enjoy a cool swim in refreshing therapeutic cave waters in a natural pool formed between two cave entrances, float through some rapids, view sparkling cave formations and learn of cave geology and Maya history during the tour.
Caracol Ruins Tour
125USD Per Person
Caracol
Set within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, prepare to be wowed by Caracol. It's the largest known Maya site in Belize and was once home to an estimated 180,000 people. The site was discovered in the 1920's by a logger looking for mahogany. One of its pyramids, Canaa or "Sky Place", built in 800 AD and standing 43m (143 ft), continues to be the tallest man-made structure in the country. Bring your walking shoes, water and a sunhat because there's lots to see here. Tombs, temples, altars, carved stelae and other stone monuments - it's well worth the effort and easy to be impressed.
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing
120USD Per Person
Barton Creek
Strap on a headlamp, step in the canoe and paddle along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the Barton Creek Cave. Bring your camera to take memorable photos of cathedral rock chambers, stalactites and stalagmites. Upon return, opt to swim at Big Rock Falls.
Horseback Riding
80USD Per Person
San Ignacio
Choose from one of the 45 horses at Hannah's Stables and ride over farm trails and forested paths, all the way along the river to the Mayan site of Xunantunich. Enjoy a short guided tour of the site before taking a different trail back to the stables. Watch for native birds, including toucans and parrots, listen for howler monkeys, admire orchids and fruit trees and breathe in the fresh air of the Belize countryside.
Xunantunich Visit
65USD Per Person
Xunantunich
Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there's a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize's most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

San Ignacio/Caye Caulker

Travel to Caye Caulker and enjoy this tropical paradise. Rent a bike and organize activities for the next day.

Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. Snorkel boats leave daily for full- or half-day outings to the reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and for manatee spotting tours. Try your hand fishing and be rewarded with a fresh catch, then barbecue it on the beach.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Transport

San Ignacio - Belize City 4h - 5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Boat

Belize City

Climb aboard and get your float on.

Free Time

Caye Caulker Afternoon

Start exploring paradise.

Accommodations:  Enjoy Hotel
1
Optional Activities for Day 11
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Bike with Purpose Rental
1USD Per Person
Caye Caulker
Rent a bike from the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose project on Caye Caulker and cycle around the island out to the split and back. It's a great way to get some exercise and see the sights on this laid-back island. Don't forget to bring water and wear lots of sunscreen.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Caye Caulker

Spend the day exploring Caye Caulker and the marine life in the area.

Opt to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks, and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, rent a bike, or just chill out, Belizean style.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Caye Caulker Full Day

Get active or get lazy-the choice is yours.

Accommodations:  Enjoy Hotel
4
Optional Activities for Day 12
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Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour
Caye Caulker
Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations - the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves. Tour Includes: snorkeling mask, fins/flippers, lunch, assortment of tropical fruit, water, and other snacks.
Sunset Sailing Boat Tour
60USD Per Person
Caye Caulker
Set sail just before sunset. Relax with reggae music and rum punch, snack on shrimp ceviche and snap a few photos as you sail around the island as the sun sets to the west of Caye Caulker.
Fishing
250USD Per Person
Caye Caulker
Cast a line and see what you can reel in. Fish for snapper, barracuda, horse-eye jack and more. Bring your catch to any local restaurant and have them gut and grill it just for you. Buy the rest of dinner and some drinks and enjoy! It doesn't get any fresher than this.
Bike with Purpose Rental
1USD Per Person
Caye Caulker
Rent a bike from the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose project on Caye Caulker and cycle around the island out to the split and back. It's a great way to get some exercise and see the sights on this laid-back island. Don't forget to bring water and wear lots of sunscreen.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen

Full travel day to reach Playa del Carmen, the last stop of the adventure.

Head to Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-minute drive south of Cancun. Enjoy some nightlife, buy last minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean. Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30-75 mins depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the towns and the reefs of the island. For a final dose of ruins, Tulum is just a 45-minute drive south of Playa.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Water Taxi

Caye Caulker - Belize City 0.75h - 1h 39km

Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.

Private Vehicle

Belize City - Chetumal 2.5h - 3h 150km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Belize - Mexico)

Chetumal

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Private Vehicle

Chetumal - Playa del Carmen 4h 313km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Local Bus

Belize City - Chetumal 3h

Climb aboard and enjoy travel as the locals do.

Accommodations:  Hotel Casa de las Flores

Playa del Carmen

Enjoy a free day in Playa del Carmen. Explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum on your own or book an optional tour. Opt to visit a cenote or reserve a canal float in Sian Ka'an, one of Mexico's most important protected areas. Later, enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Playa del Carmen Full Day

Do as much or as little as you want.

El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program

Playa del Carmen

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.

• Meals Included:
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Casa de las Flores
5
Optional Activities for Day 14
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Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Canal Float
135USD Per Person
Tulum
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico's most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment. Visit the reserve and take a boat ride across the lagoon before hopping into the crystal clear water of one of the canals. Next, enjoy nature's lazy river as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests, letting the current slowly bring you down stream. It's just you, the sound of chirping birds, and the fish swimming around your feet - pure paradise!
Cenote Visit
40USD Per Person
Playa del Carmen
Pack your swimsuit, hail a shared van (colectivo) and ask for directions to one of Yucatan's many cenotes. These natural swimming holes were formed thousands of years ago, when the peninsula's porous limestone collapsed to reveal fresh water pools fed by underground systems of canals and rivers. Dive into the turquoise waters surrounded by cave walls or tropical foliage, watch fish dart in and out of the shafts of sunlight and realize why the Maya called cenotes "sacred wells".
Tequila Tasting
850MXN Per Person
Playa del Carmen
Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Join a certified sommelier to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight - a tasting session. Sip, don't shoot!
Tulum Ruins Visit
Tulum
The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulum in the late 13th century. Located some 130 km (80 mi) south of Cancun, this picturesque site features a number of limestone structures protected on three sides by a 7m (23 ft) thick wall. Visit "El Castillo" (the castle), overlooking the Caribbean coast, and the Temple of Frescoes, then head down to the beach. Dive into the warm aquamarine waters and imagine spotting ancient vessels laden with turquoise and jade.
Coco Bongo Disco and Show
90USD Per Person
Playa del Carmen
Coco Bongo lives up to its name. Visitors describe it as "insane", "exciting" and "amazing". This Vegas-style disco and show features a range of high energy acts including Elvis, Lady Gaga, Moulin Rouge and more. The price includes all your drinks and the show is cheaper on weekdays. Go wild!
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

Playa del Carmen is located just south of Cancun airport (45 mins) so you can head directly there without returning to Cancun.