Mayan Encounter
G Adventures Classic
Trek though jungles to Mayan ruins and relax on white-sand beaches. Get an authentic taste of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico with an adventure that combines the mystery of ancient ruins with the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. Shop for treasures along colonial Antigua’s cobblestone streets and get to know the locals from communities where life sometimes moves at a reggae pace. Explore the ruins of Tikal, snorkel with stingrays, lounge in gorgeous Caye Caulker, and finish up in bustling Playa del Carmen. With accommodation and transport arranged by a Chief Experience Officer, this trip offers the perfect way to discover this region’s unique vibe.
Highlights
- Listen to howler monkeys from the top of Temple IV at Tikal
- Revel in Caye Caulker sunsets
- Sway to reggae beats wafting through the Belizean air
- Wander the colonial streets of Antigua
Pricing
Small group tour starting at $1,999* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
12 Days – Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Grading: 2 – Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
What’s Included
- 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: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio
- Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
- Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen.
- Scenic boat ride to Livingston.
- Tikal guided tour.
- Free time in San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, and Playa del Carmen.
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Antigua, Guatemala
Meals
Description
Arrive at any time.
Accommodation: Posada Los Bucaros (or similar)
Day 2
Antigua – Rio Dulce
Travel to Rio Dulce and enjoy free time to explore.
Accommodation: Hacienda Tijax (or similar)
Day 3
Rio Dulce – Flores
Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy free time to check out the town before continuing on to Flores. Located on Lake Petén Itzá, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.
Accommodation: Hotel Petén (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 4
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.
Day 5
Flores – San Ignacio, Belize
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.
Accommodation: Rolson Hotel (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 6
San Ignacio
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.
Day 7
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.
Accommodation: Enjoy Hotel (or similar)
Day 8
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.
Day 9
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!
Day 10
Caye Caulker – Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Say farewell to Belize, and travel to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, by speed boat and private vehicle.
Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 11
Playa del Carmen
Dinner
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.
Day 12
Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Mayan Encounter” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.