Mayan Trail - 11 Days



Trip Snapshot
Genders
- Female85%
- Male15%
Average age
Start / End
- Playa del Carmen
- Antigua Guatemala
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
1Highlights
- 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.
Free Brochure
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 availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis 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 £1,187Jul 2026
from £1,187Aug 2026
from £1,187Sep 2026
from £908Oct 2026
from £1,220Nov 2026
from £1,187Dec 2026
from £1,286Jan 2027
from £1,286Feb 2027
from £1,187Mar 2027
from £1,068Apr 2027
from £1,187May 2027
from £1,187Jun 2027
from £1,187Jul 2027
from £1,187Aug 2027
from £1,187Sep 2027
from £1,068Oct 2027
from £1,068Nov 2027
from £1,187Dec 2027
from £1,286
- Save 16%Sunday 27 Sep 2026to Wednesday 7 Oct 20266+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,079£908Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
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 VerifiedIt 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.
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