Mayan Discovery

All content by Intrepid

18 days (ex Cancun)

Destinations visited: Mexico, Cancún, Guatemala, Belize, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,230

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Description

Dive into the sun and fun of Mexico and travel to Belize and Guatemala on an all-encompassing adventure. This tour is a heady mix of volcanic beauty, ancient Mayan ruins, sparkling Caribbean beaches and colourful colonial towns. Travelling from Mexico's famous beachside city, Cancun, to the idyllic shores of Playa del Carmen, this trip combines cultural highs with active adventures. Learn Mayan secrets at the famous ruins in Tikal and experience an official new Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza, in Mexico.

Highlights

Behold a dazzling sunrise over the Tikal pyramids.
Savour spectacular jungle views from atop ancient ruins.
Enjoy fun in the sun at Playa del Carmen.
Admire the dramatic scenery surrounding Lake Atitlan.
Dive into the clear pools beneath Palenque's waterfalls.
Spot carved snakes at Chichen Itza ruins.
Breathe crisp air and meet locals in the Chiapas highlands.
Soak up San Cristobal's relaxed atmosphere.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cancun

Relax by the water or head to Zona Arqueologica El Rey to wander around the ruins and meet the sun loving iguanas.

Day 2 Chichen Itza/Merida

Explore the incredible ruins and visit El Castillo, best known for its amazing carved snakes.

Days 3-4 Palenque

Climb to the top of these ruins for endless views of the jungle, then rest in the nearby Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls.

Days 5-6 San Cristobal de las Casas

Enjoy the Chiapas highlands and meet the local villagers who mix Catholicism with indigenous religions to create a fascinating hybrid. Visit the unique church in San Juan Chamula where pine needles carpet the floor.

Days 7-8 Panajachel

Ringed by volcanoes and villages resting on the shores of beautiful Lago de Atitlan, Panajachel is a great base to explore the region.

Days 9-10 Chichicastenango/Antigua

Find a bargain at the colourful markets at Chichicastenango before stopping in Antigua, famous for its colonial architecture. Visit a grassroots women's cooperative to watch community development and support in action.

Days 11-12 Flores/Tikal

Fly to Flores. Next day we continue on to Tikal, where the Mayan granite temples are like a gateway to an ancient past. For a supreme view out over the jungle canopy, why not take an energetic hike to the top of the ruins.

Days 13-14 San Ignacio

Enjoy a morning walk through the Tikal National Park before crossing the border into Belize, where the rivers, waterfalls and ruins of San Ignacio await. Take a hand-cranked ferry across the river to reach the Mayan ceremonial site at Xunantunich, or take a day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to take a dip in the warm swimming holes or explore the system of caves.

Days 15-16 Caye Caulker

Wile away the hours on the idyllic coral island of Caye Caulker.

Days 17-18 Playa del Carmen

Return to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, where the stretches of white sand and turquoise seas are the perfect enticement to relax, margarita in hand, as the sun goes down.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nts)

Transport

Plane, Minibus, Bus, Boat

Budget

Allow USD $440 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,230

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