Description

Travel to paradise somewhere between the blazing Yucatan sun and the cool Guatemalan highlands on this Mayan Encounter. Prepare to be wowed as you relax on the white sands of Tulum, admire the underwater life in Caye Caulker, amble over the Mayan ruins in jungle-clad Tikal and gaze up at the volcanoes surrounding Antigua. From narrow laneways and remote jungles to fascinating ruins and powdery beaches, the Mayan Encounter has everything under the sun.

Highlights

• Travel south through legendary Central America.
• Enjoy sand.
• sun and fun in Playa del Carmen.
• Learn the history of ancient Guatemalan ruins.
• Experience traditional Guatemalan life in San Jorge La Laguna.
• Kick back on the beautiful coast of Belize.
• Be awed by the towering Tikal pyramids.
• Enjoy colonial buildings and surrounding volcanoes in Antigua.
• Haggle in the markets of Chichicastenango.

Itinerary

Day 1 Playa del Carmen

With azure waters, powdery beaches and a European feel, Playa del Carmen is a resort city close to Cancun but without the party atmosphere.

Days 2-3 Tulum

Sitting on a cliff with views of an azure ocean, Tulum not only has spectacular Maya ruins to discover but some of Mexico's finest beaches to frolic on.

Days 4-5 Caye Caulker

A small island with no cars, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Caye Caulker is an idyllic place to while away some time and soak up the very relaxed vibe.

Days 6-7 San Ignacio

A friendly place with a multicultural feel, San Ignacio is a wonderful base to explore the gorgeous countryside that surrounds the town.

Days 8-9 Flores / Tikal

Located on an island in Lake Peten Itza, Flores is a wonderful place to explore with its red roofs, historical buildings and cobblestone streets. Once a powerful Mayan city, Tikal was abandoned in the 10th century and sank into the surrounding jungle. It's now alive with jungle wildlife and awe-inspired visitors.

Days 10-11 Rio Dulce

Meaning 'sweet river' in Spanish, Rio Dulce is a town (also known as Fronteras) and a river with clean waters, a unique lifestyle and wonderful wildlife.

Day 12 Antigua

Declared a World Heritage site due to its well-preserved buildings, Antigua is a bewitching city sheltered between three volcanoes with wonderful food and atmospheric streets.

Day 13 Chichicastenango/San Jorge La Laguna

Affectionately known as 'Chichi', Chichicastenango is a vibrant and colourful town famous for its wonderful market held on Thursdays and Sundays. San Jorge La Laguna is a small, picturesque village situated in a valley near Lake Atitlan, where welcoming locals live traditional lives.

Day 14 Panajachel/Chichicastenango

Panajachel, located on beautiful Lake Atitlan with distant volcanoes looming in the background, has a thriving market, good eateries and many water-based activities to enjoy. The surrounding area is dotted with villages which can be reached on foot or by boat. Watch women weaving at Santa Catarina Palopo or explore the colourful markets of Santiago Atitlan, In each village the local Indian life has changed little over the last few hundred years. Each village has its own typical dress and make all the textiles themselves in designs passed down through generations.

Days 15-17 Antigua

Feel as if time has stood still among the narrow, cobbled streets, grand churches, Spanish colonial architecture and fascinating ruins of captivating Antigua.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Homestay, Hotel

Transport

Boat, Bus