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Mayan Sun Northbound: Cobblestones & Caribbean Culture

16 days, Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen

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Trek though jungle backdrops to Mayan ruins and chill out on white-sand beaches under the Caribbean sun. Check out Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico and experience the region’s diversity. Wander colonial Antigua’s cobblestone streets and shop for treasures before experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán, its Indigenous Mayan villages, and striking volcanoes. One of our most popular trips, this adventure offers natural wonders, excitement, and culture with enough time to socialize and do your own thing.

16 days

Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: CGAC

Need a flight? We can help.

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

Trek though jungle backdrops to Mayan ruins and chill out on white-sand beaches under the Caribbean sun. Check out Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico and experience the region’s diversity. Wander colonial Antigua’s cobblestone streets and shop for treasures before experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán, its Indigenous Mayan villages, and striking volcanoes. One of our most popular trips, this adventure offers natural wonders, excitement, and culture with enough time to socialize and do your own thing.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 14.

Age requirement: 18-39

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

Alternative Trips

16 days

Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: CGAC

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: 16

Map of the route for Mayan Sun Northbound: Cobblestones & Caribbean Culture

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Antigua Guatemala

Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore El Barrio, a vibrant market with many small bars and restaurants. Get to know your fellow travellers over a few drinks, and cheers to the adventures to come.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to relax with a massage or soak up the culture in one of many cafés.

Day 3Antigua Guatemala/San Juan La Laguna

Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views. Take a boat across the lake to a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family in a Mayan Tz'utujil village. Tour the village with a local guide to learn more about daily life and see some artisan workshops.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Posadas Mayas Homestay

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 4San Juan La Laguna/Panajachel

Return across the lake and enjoy free time in Panajachel to visit the market or relax.

Day 5Panajachel/Rio Dulce

Take the road past areas of dense jungle and arrive at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal, and a port stop for boaters around the globe on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast.

Day 6Rio Dulce

Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, or go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall.

Day 7Rio Dulce/Flores

Head north to our final stop in Guatemala, Flores, a picturesque town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá.

Day 8Flores/San Ignacio

Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of Tikal before crossing into Belize.

Day 9San Ignacio

Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Maiden), or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 10San Ignacio/Caye Caulker

Hop aboard a local bus, then board a water taxi to the island paradise of Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Belize Bike with Purpose Tour

Days 11–12Caye Caulker

Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or just chill out, Belizean style. Take part in a Big Night Out with the group this evening.

Day 13Caye Caulker/Mahahual

Leaving Belize and its Caribbean reggae-tinged vibe, head north to the Costa Maya, Mexico, to the beachside town of Mahahual.

Day 14Mahahual

Enjoy a free day for beach lounging and sipping seaside margaritas.

Day 15Mahahual/Playa del Carmen

Head up the coast to Playa del Carmen, the de facto centre of the Mayan Riviera, for a final night with the group.

Day 16Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

Reverse Itinerary

This trip also runs in reverse from Playa del Carmen to Antigua Guatemala. See Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna
  • Your G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio
  • Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Caye Caulker
  • Orientation walk in Antigua
  • Guided tour of Tikal
  • Beach time in Mahahual
  • Free time in Rio Dulce, San Ignacio, and Caye Caulker
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), local homestay (1 nt).

Meals

1 dinner
Allow USD420-550 for meals not included.

Transportation

Public bus, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Departures

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.

Mayan Sun Northbound: Cobblestones & Caribbean Culture

| 16 days - Antigua Guatemala to Playa del Carmen - Sold Out