The Maya Route (3 weeks)
Why you'll love this trip
This trip takes you through the astonishing, enigmatic Mayan civilization that flourished in the region of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Guatemala and Belize. It was here where these people mastered the Mayan calendar. Let us take you on an adventure to beautiful colonial towns, dense jungles and pristine beaches while we unravel the mysteries of the Mayan world

Example trip itinerary
Day 1 Cancun
Welcome to Mexico! You arrive in Cancun at any time; there are no planned activities for the day. You check into our hotel, explore the city and relax on the beach. In the evening, we have a group meeting to discuss the plan for the next 3 weeks, answer any questions and go out for a nice Mexican meal.
Day 2 Chichen Itza, Merida
Today we visit the fantastic pyramids of Chichen Itza with a local expert, and continue our journey to the colonial city of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan.
Day 3 Merida
You enjoy a free day in this beautiful colonial town, explore the city, visit the Uxmal ruins, the Celestun flamingo reserve or the Cuzama cenotes.
Day 4 Palenque
We travel southwest to the lowlands of Chiapas where lush tropical vegetation surrounds the ruins of Palenque.
Day 5 San Cristobal de las Casas
After visiting the Mayan site of Palenque with a local expert, we travel to San Cristobal de las Casas in the cooler highlands. On the way, we stop to have lunch and take a swim at the beautiful waterfalls of Agua Azul.
Day 6 San Cristobal de las Casas
You have a free day in the colorful city of San Cristobal de las Casas and can take a tour of the surrounding villages to get an insight into the contemporary Mayan culture.
Day 7 Panajachel
Today we cross the border into Guatemala and reach the small settlement of Panajachel, on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Atitlan, surrounded by impressive volcanoes.
Day 8 Panajachel
The day is free for you to enjoy Panajachel and its surroundings. You can rent a bike or take a boat tour on the lake to visit the authentic small villages on the shores.
Day 9 Antigua
We take a trip to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango. This cultural experience is not to be missed! We spend the night in the colonial town of Antigua, a UNESCO’s Heritage Site.
Day 10 Antigua
You have some free time in Antigua. There is a lot to see and enjoy in and around this charming town. You can rent bikes, take a salsa dance class, get a massage, go on a coffee plantation tour or simply relax and observe life going by at the main square.
Day 11 Antigua
We climb the nearby Pacaya volcano to the point where we can observe the red glowing lava.
Day 12 Flores
We travel to the charming town of Flores, an island in Lake Peten. There is time for you to shop for local handicrafts, stroll the streets, or take a boat on the lake and take a swim.
Day 13 Flores/ Tikal ruins
We take the day to visit the famous and magical Mayan ruins of Tikal and surrounding National Park.
Day 14 San Ignacio
Today we enter Belize, where you can immediately feel the switch to the Caribbean culture. The town of San Ignacio offers lots of possibilities for optional activities. You can go inner tubing on the river, caving, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area, Caracol ruins or Xunantunich.
Day 15 San Ignacio
Today, you enjoy a free day for optional activities.
Day 16 Caye Caulker
We travel to Belize City and take a boat to Caye Caulker. It is time to lay back and relax to the reggae beats of this tiny Caribbean island with sand streets. Enjoy the best Caribbean dishes and fresh seafood!
Day 17, 18 Caye Caulker
Today, you have some free time in the island. You can snorkel, dive the famous Belizean Blue Hole, watch Manatees, play basketball or beach volleyball with the locals, or sail around the island while you watch the sun go down.
Day 19, 20 Playa del Carmen
We return to Mexico and spend the last two nights at the beach in Playa del Carmen. You have time to shop, lie on the beach or swim in the crystal-clear Caribbean water. You can also visit the nearby island Cozumel or the Mayan ruins of Tulum.
Day 21 Departure day
Playa Del Carmen is located just south of Cancun, so you can go straight from here to the airport. It is around 45 minutes by car.
Entrance and guided tour of the Chichen Itza ruins (Mexico)
Entrance and guided tour of the Palenque ruins (Mexico)
Entrance to the waterfalls of Agua Azul (Mexico)
Entrance and guided tour of Tikal Ruins (Guatemala)
Daytrip to the market of Chichicastengo (Guatemala)
Boat trip on Lake Atitlan (Guatemala)
Volcano hike (Guatemala)
Visit to the Caribean Island of Caye Caulker (Belize)
Day trip to the Hol Chan Mariene reserve (Belize)
Sunset sailing trip (Belize)
Transport:
All kinds: Local buses, boats, chicken buses and private vans
An airport pick-up upon your arrival is included in your trip
Accommodation:
20 nights in locally owned hotels
Tour Leader:
Combined services of a Vamos Expeditions tour leader and local experts during excursions and activities.
Please cotac us.
We will craft and tailor the perfect dream journey for you.
Every trip helps support local conservation and social projects.
We will take care of all the details and logistics for you
[testimonial_view id=»1″]