Mayan Encounter
12 days, Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen
Trek through jungles to Mayan ruins and relax on white-sand beaches. Get an authentic taste of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico with an adventure that combines the mystery of ancient ruins with the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. Shop for treasures along colonial Antigua's cobblestone streets and get to know the locals from communities where life sometimes moves at a reggae pace. Explore the ruins of Tikal, snorkel with stingrays, lounge in gorgeous Caye Caulker, and finish up in bustling Playa del Carmen. With accommodation and transport arranged by a Chief Experience Officer, this trip offers the perfect way to discover this region’s unique vibe.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
12 days
Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen
Special Offers
Creating ripples that change lives
The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more
Ripple Score
100
Itinerary
Day 1Antigua Guatemala
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Antigua Guatemala/Rio Dulce
Travel to Rio Dulce and enjoy free time to explore.
Day 3Rio Dulce/Flores
Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy free time to check out the town before continuing on to Flores. Located on Lake Petén Itzá, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.
Day 4Flores
Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal. In the afternoon, opt to relax on the lake or hang out at a café in town.
Day 5Flores/San Ignacio
Cross the border to Belize. Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area, or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Day 6San Ignacio
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.
Day 7San Ignacio/Caye Caulker
Travel to Belize City and catch a high-speed water taxi to Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on a G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour. Spend a few days enjoying this island paradise.
Day 8Caye Caulker
Spend time enjoying this island paradise. Opt to go on a sailing trip to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. If the boats aren't your thing, just relax, Belizean-style.
Day 9Caye Caulker
Jump for joy that you get another full day to explore Caye Caulker! Do what you didn't get to yesterday or take the day to just lay on the beach!
Day 10Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen
Say farewell to Belize, and travel to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, by speed boat and private vehicle.
Day 11Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, or visit one of the many cenotes. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your G for Good Moment El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art ProgramMeals included:
DinnerDay 12Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
What's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker
- Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del Carmen
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio
- Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
- Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen
- Scenic boat ride to Livingston
- Tikal guided tour
- Free time in San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, and Playa del Carmen
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (10 nts), jungle lodge (1 nt).
Meals
1 dinner
Allow USD450-585 for meals not included.
Transportation
Public bus, private vehicle, boat, walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour - From $699.00
Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves.
My Own Room - From $2489.65
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure - with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour - for any group, big or small (even just one traveller).