The Maya Route (3 weeks)

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.

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.

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.

We travel southwest to the lowlands of Chiapas where lush tropical vegetation surrounds the ruins of Palenque.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We climb the nearby Pacaya volcano to the point where we can observe the red glowing lava.

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.

We take the day to visit the famous and magical Mayan ruins of Tikal and surrounding National Park.

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.

Today, you enjoy a free day for optional activities.

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!

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.

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.

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.