Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnologí… Yübu – the Garífuna Experience

Mayan Highlights

All content by Intrepid

22 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$2,085

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Description

Experience adventure in Mexico, ancient Guatemalan attractions and the historic sites of Belize on a trip that combines the volcanic beauty of the highlands, the mystery of the ancient Mayan ruins and the perfect beaches of the Caribbean in a truly unique travel experience. From Cancun to Playa del Carmen, this three week journey offers the chance to get out and get active - or enjoy a more relaxing pace while exploring the colour, culture and adventure of Central America.

Highlights

Swim with sharks around Caye Caulker.
Explore the forested hills of San Ignacio.
Relax on the white sand coast of Belize.
Haggle at Chichicastenango's colourful highland markets .
Explore the colonial streets of Antigua.
Become a part of local life at a lakeside homestay.
Experience grassroots travel in Guatemala.
Gawk at jungle creatures from the temples at Tikal.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cancun

Laze on powdery white beaches, swim in the warm waters or simply relax at a bar with a margarita and enjoy the luxury Cancun has to offer. Enjoy a brief guided walk through this busy resort town.

Day 2 Chichen Itza/Merida

Visit Chichen Itza's ancient city and marvel at the splendour of the Chichen ruins - one of the best examples of Mayan architecture. Spend the night in the colonial splendour of Merida, the gem of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Days 3-4 Palenque

Stroll around Mexico's jungle-tangled Palenque ruins and admire temple walls sculpted with images of gods, rulers and ceremonies. After the ruins, you have the option of visiting the waterfall of Misol-Ha and the natural pools of Agua Azul.

Days 5-6 San Cristobal de las Casas

Head to the cooler climes of San Cristobal de las Casas, a city rich in local culture and tasty cuisine. Take an optional day trip to San Juan Chamula.

Day 7 Panajachel

Cross the border into Guatemala to the lakeside town of Panajachel. Take an optional cruise on beautiful Lake Atitlan.

Day 8 San Jorge La Laguna

Experience the local way of life at a homestay. Practise Spanish and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a friendly host family.

Days 9-11 Chichicastenango/Antigua

Visit the famous market in Chichicastenango and bargain for some of Guatemala's best handicrafts. Travel to Antigua, a colonial city flanked by smouldering volcanoes.

Days 12-13 Flores/Tikal

Travel by bus to Flores and unwind in a town where canoes are still a mode of transport. Take a dip in Lago Peten Itza then be awestruck by Tikal's ruins towering above the jungle. Climb to the top of a temple at Tikal to spy scarlet macaws darting through the forest canopy.

Days 14-15 San Ignacio

Get off the beaten track with a journey into stunning Belize. Surrounded by fast-flowing rivers and forested hills, this is a great base to see the San Ignacio ruins.

Days 16-18 Caye Caulker

Kick back on a white sand beach off the coast of Belize or take an optional Belize diving adventure in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve - see coral, tropical fish, sharks and manta rays.

Day 19 Tulum

Travel into Mexico and laze on the sands or watch the sun set over the sea from the Mayan ruins of Tulum. This idyllic site perched on a cliff overlooking the beach affords staggering views over the Mexican coastline.

Days 20-22 Playa del Carmen

This beach town offers a final chance to go souvenir shopping, have some fun in the sun or enjoy the easygoing Mexican nightlife.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (20 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

Transport

Bus, Minibus, Boat

Budget

Allow USD $440 for meals not included.

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

from USD$2,085

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