Mayan Trail - 11 Days

From £908£83 per daySave 16%

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female85%
  • Male15%

Average age

43
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Playa del Carmen
  • Antigua Guatemala

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

1

Highlights

  • Unearth Ancient Mayan Mysteries: Explore the breathtaking archaeological sites of Chichén Itzá, with its iconic stepped pyramids, and the jungle-shrouded ruins of Palenque, where centuries of history come alive.
  • Discover Colonial Elegance in Mérida: Stroll through the charming 'white city' of Mérida, absorbing its unique blend of Mexican and cultural influences, and perhaps opt to explore ancient Uxmal ruins or swim in rejuvenating cenotes.
  • Jungle Immersion and Waterfall Bliss: Journey deep into the Chiapas jungle to the ancient city of Palenque, then cool off with a refreshing dip in the pristine turquoise waters of the Roberto Barrios waterfall.
  • Vibrant Indigenous Culture in San Cristóbal: Experience the rich traditions of the Tzotzil Maya communities in the Chiapas highlands, witnessing traditional weaving and perhaps tasting freshly made tortillas in Zinacantán.
  • Panoramic Beauty of Lake Atitlán: Be mesmerized by the stunning vistas of Lake Atitlán from the picturesque town of Panajachel in Guatemala, surrounded by dramatic volcanoes and quaint villages.
  • Timeless Charm of Antigua: Conclude your adventure in the beautifully preserved colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering captivating architecture and opportunities for cultural immersion, from salsa dancing to cooking classes.
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Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.

Summary

Leave the resorts of Cancún behind and embark on a true adventure that will take you from spectacular Mayan ruins to the cobblestoned streets of colonial towns and deep into the jungle of Mexico. Explore the ancient ruins at Chichén Itzá and Palenque and meet the descendants of those who built them in the vibrant streets and colourful markets of picturesque Mayan towns. Get your camera out—you're going to need it!

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Playa del Carmen

    Arrive at any time. As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.

  • Day 2

    Playa del Carmen/Mérida

    Take a guided tour of Chichén Itzá and orientation walk around Mérida. Depart Playa del Carmen and head to the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá for a guided tour. Spend time exploring this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings.

    Continue on to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán State, and take a short orientation walk. Also known as la ciudad blanca (the white city), Mérida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences.

  • Day 3

    Mérida

    Enjoy a free day to explore Merida and surroundings. Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes in the Yucatán. Take a trip to the beach or soak in the history this city has to offer. The area surrounding Mérida has tons to offer. Choose to visit nearby cenotes (water sink holes) in the town of Cuzamá. Inside, swim in the massive crystal-clear sinkholes. Transportation to the cenotes is half the fun, taking small wooden horse-drawn carts along old rail tracks.

    Opt to visit ruins in Uxmal or ride the PUUC Route. There's something for everyone.

  • Day 4

    Mérida/Palenque

    After a long day of travel from the Yucatán to the jungles of Chiapas, arrive to Palenque and settle in for 2 nights.

  • Day 5

    Palenque

    Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque. After, go for a swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall.

  • Day 6

    Palenque/San Cristóbal de Las Casas

    Travel to San Cristóbal de Las Casas located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft), via Villahermosa. Enjoy an orientation walk of the city, known for its 16th-century architecture.

  • Day 7

    San Cristóbal de Las Casas

    Travel from San Cristóbal de las Casas into the Chiapas highlands to visit the Tzotzil Maya communities of Chamula and Zinacantán, where Catholic and pre-Hispanic traditions blend in daily life. In Zinacantán, experience vibrant textiles up close with a visit to a family cooperative, where you’ll see skilled artisans demonstrate "Telar de Cintura" backstrap loom weaving, an ancient technique still used today. Or you might have the chance to visit the family kitchen and try freshly made handmade tortillas.

  • Day 8

    San Cristóbal de Las Casas/Panajachel

    Journey from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico to Panajachel, Guatemala. Opt to explore the town on arrival. The first stop in Guatemala is on beautiful Lake Atitlán. Stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages.

  • Day 9

    Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna

  • Day 10

    Antigua

    Travel to Antigua and head out for an orientation walk. Opt for a night out in town. There is so much to do in this charming colonial city, optional activities for the area include a city tour, salsa dancing classes, a Guatemalan cooking class, or relaxing with a massage. Further afield you can rent bikes and ride through the hills, visit a macadamia nut farm or check out some nearby villages.

  • Day 11

    Antigua Guatemala

    Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (9 nts), homestay (1 nt).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 0, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 1

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • May 2026

    from £1,187
  • Jul 2026

    from £1,187
  • Aug 2026

    from £1,187
  • Sep 2026

    from £908
  • Oct 2026

    from £1,220
  • Nov 2026

    from £1,187
  • Dec 2026

    from £1,286
  • Jan 2027

    from £1,286
  • Feb 2027

    from £1,187
  • Mar 2027

    from £1,068
  • Apr 2027

    from £1,187
  • May 2027

    from £1,187
  • Jun 2027

    from £1,187
  • Jul 2027

    from £1,187
  • Aug 2027

    from £1,187
  • Sep 2027

    from £1,068
  • Oct 2027

    from £1,068
  • Nov 2027

    from £1,187
  • Dec 2027

    from £1,286
  • Save 16%
    Sunday 27 Sep 2026to Wednesday 7 Oct 2026
    6+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,079£908
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Customer reviews & ratings

(4.63 out of 5)
Based on 326 reviews
  • Fantastic and varied trip which packed a lot in. The places and activities were great and I learned a lot about Mayan culture The accommodation was good for the tour cost. Transport, drivers and local guides were fabulous. The CEO was outstanding. This was a fantastic trip which covered a lot of ground but also included free time and a range of additional activities. Everything was well organised, well communicated and co-ordinated. The trip was good value.

    Victoria Oct, 2024 Verified
  • It was a very good experience in which I learned the Mayan culture, local customs, and had a great time with team members. Our guide is professional, and G took care of us very good in the case of emergency. However, I wouldn't recommend this trip to everyone due to that 1) we spent a lot of money on necessary, but not included activities; 2) guide doesn't have deep local knowledge; 3) doubled our budget on tips The best value with G is the support we experience. In this trip, our guide was taken off the traveling bus by the Mexico government on the way to Palenque. We phoned G and got swift response and a new guide was on the way to meet us the next day. Unexpected thing could happy anytime, it is really great to feel being taking care off.

    Feng May, 2024 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?

    You will primarily stay in hotels for 9 nights, with one night experiencing a local homestay. Please be aware that properties with only two stories may not have elevators, so climbing stairs with luggage might be necessary.
  • Are meals included in the tour price?

    Generally, meals are not included to provide you with maximum flexibility in choosing where and what to eat. However, one dinner is included in this tour. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be able to suggest local restaurants.
  • How large are the tour groups and who will be leading the trip?

    The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12. The trip is led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, complemented by local guides at specific sites to offer in-depth knowledge.
  • What is the physical rating for this tour?

    This tour has a physical rating of 2. Travelers should have an average level of fitness and mobility, meaning you should be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry your own luggage.
  • Are international flights included in the tour price?

    No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should contact your airline for current check-in times and baggage allowances.
  • What is the recommended tipping etiquette during the tour?

    Tipping is customary in Latin America. For waiters, approximately 10% depending on the service. For drivers and local guides, a recommendation of $5-10 USD per day is suggested. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer is also highly appreciated, with a guideline of $5-7 USD per person per day.
  • What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

    Credit and debit cards, especially Visa, are useful for cash advances. ATMs are widely available, but it's not guaranteed your cards will work everywhere, so check with your bank. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best, with an emergency fund of at least USD $200. It's advisable to bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100 USD.
  • Are there any health considerations or vaccination requirements for this trip?

    Inoculations may be required for the countries visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers, as our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drugs.
  • What are the safety and security recommendations for this trip?

    We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for your luggage. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's advised to stay in small groups and take taxis at night. Avoid protests and demonstrations, and participate in water-based activities only with a guide.
  • Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

    We believe single travelers should not have to pay more, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex. If you opt for the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.
  • Are laundry facilities available during the tour?

    Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. If you plan to do your own laundry, we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
  • Are there any border fees or departure taxes not included in the tour price?

    Yes, there is a Mexico exit tax by land (approx. 983 MXN / ~$56 USD) and a Guatemala entrance tax (10Q / ~$1.25 USD) that must be paid in full at the time of entry and exit. These fees are not included in the trip cost and are subject to change without prior notice.
  • What are the main activities and services included in the tour?

    The tour includes a welcome meeting, guided tours of Chichén Itzá and Palenque, orientation walks in Mérida, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and Antigua, a visit to Roberto Barrios waterfall, free time in Mérida and San Cristóbal de las Casas, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
  • What optional activities are available on this tour?

    Optional activities include visits to Uxmal Ruins, cenotes (water sinkholes), the Anthropology Museum, a day trip to Progreso Beach, jungle trail hikes, visits to Lagunas de Montebello and Sumidero Canyon, indigenous villages tours, Finca Valhalla, Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour, ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop, Salsa Lessons, and massages. These activities incur additional costs.
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