Mayan Trail - 11 Days
Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female85%
- Male15%
Average age
Start / End
- Playa del Carmen
- Antigua Guatemala
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
1Highlights
- Explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá and Palenque
- Get lost wandering colonial San Cristobal de las Casas and Antigua
- Cool off with a swim at Roberto Barrios waterfall
- Bargain at colourful local markets
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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
As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.
Day 2
Playa del Carmen/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
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, ride the PUUC Route or go bird-watching. 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
Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride.
Day 8
San Cristóbal de Las Casas/Panajachel
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
Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a the tour operator-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Take part in a cultural tour of San Juan la Laguna where you can opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings from the local artisans.
Day 10
Antigua
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
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
Aug 25
from £1,028Sep 25
from £1,028Oct 25
from £1,057Nov 25
from £999Dec 25
from £1,273Jan 26
from £1,273Feb 26
from £1,175Mar 26
from £1,057Apr 26
from £1,175May 26
from £1,175Jul 26
from £1,175Aug 26
from £1,175Sep 26
from £1,057Oct 26
from £1,057Nov 26
from £1,175Dec 26
from £1,273Jan 27
from £1,057Feb 27
from £1,057Mar 27
from £1,057Apr 27
from £1,057May 27
from £1,057Jun 27
from £1,057Jul 27
from £1,057Aug 27
from £1,057Sep 27
from £1,057Oct 27
from £1,057Nov 27
from £1,057Dec 27
from £1,057
- Save 2%Sun 2 Nov 2025 > Wed 12 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£1,369£1,342Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Sun 16 Nov 2025 > Wed 26 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£1,199£1,175Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 17%Sun 23 Nov 2025 > Wed 3 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£1,199Best offer£999Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 17%Sun 30 Nov 2025 > Wed 10 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£1,199Best offer£999Book 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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