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Mayan Encounter

12 days, Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen

The Tikal Ruins in Guatamala

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.

12 days

Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen

From$1349USD
was $1799
Valid on May 8 2024
Trip Code: CGME

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

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.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

12 days

Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen

From$1349USD
was $1799
Valid on May 8 2024
Trip Code: CGME

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 12

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Map of the route for Mayan Encounter

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Antigua Guatemala

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

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 a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours. Continue on to Flores. Located on Lake Petén Itzá, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar"

Meals included:

Lunch

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Belize Bike with Purpose Tour

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

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!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 10Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen

Say farewell to Belize, and travel by boat and private vehicle from Caye Caulker to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

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 Program| Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 12Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", Lívingston
  • 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: 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 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD435-565 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 $100.00

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. Tour Includes: snorkeling mask, fins/flippers, lunch, assortment of tropical fruit, water, and other snacks.

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.

Mayan Encounter

| 12 days - Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen - from $1349 USD