Mayan Discovery
15 days
From $ 1559
Duration15 days

Mayan ruins peeking out from verdant jungle, street vendors hawking their wares on colonial streets, pristine white-sand beaches sparkling under the Caribbean sun — now this is the real Yucatán. On this unique 15-day journey, you’ll tour the ruins at Chichén Itzá and Palenque, and head deep into the jungle of Guatemala to experience the ruins of Tikal. You're free to choose your own adventure! So escape the resort packages and witness all the incredible wilderness, wildlife, and Mayan culture — past and present — that you can imagine.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 15 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 12+
Mayan Discovery - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Playa del Carmen
There are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Playa del Carmen/Mérida
Stop for a guided tour of the popular Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. Explore this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings.

Continue on to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán State. Follow your CEO on an orientation walk to get the lay of the land.
Travel to Mérida, stopping en route for a guided tour of Chichén Itzá. Enjoy an orientation walk of Mérida.
Day 3: Mérida
Opt to visit ruins of Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route, go bird-watching in Celestún, hit the beach in Progreso, visit cenotes in the nearby town of Cuzamá, or walk around town and soak in all of the history this city has to offer.
Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes (underground pools) in the Yucatán.
Day 4: Mérida/Palenque
Sit back and relax on a travel to Palenque in the lush jungle of Chiapas.
Day 5: Palenque
Take a guided tour of the ruins of Palenque. Later, choose from one of the many optional activities in the area.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque.
Day 6: Palenque
Enjoy a free day to explore Palenque and surroundings. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Yaxchilán and Bonampak.
Day 7: Palenque/San José
Journey through the jungle by private vehicle, crossing into Guatemala and continuing on to San José. Explore Lake Petén Itzá and the island of Flores.
Day 8: San José
Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of Tikal archaeological site. Relax on Lake Petén Itzá with a boat cruise or a swim.
Day 9: San José/San Ignacio
Continue on to Belize, a country with a decidedly Caribbean flavour. The relaxed atmosphere of San Ignacio allows for options including horseback riding, canoeing, caving, or exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge area.
Cross the border into Belize and travel to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.

End place: San Ignacio

Meals: L
Day 10: San Ignacio

Start place: San Ignacio

Optional acitivities abound around San Ignacio. Choose to see the Mountain Pine Ridge area or take a day trip to the astounding Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. Explore the cave’s water systems using a helmet and headlamp. An experienced local guide will provide insight into the fascinating practices of the ancient Maya.

Alternatively, opt for a trip to the impressive Maya ceremonial centre of Xunantunich. Getting there includes crossing a narrow river by a hand-cranked ferry.
Enjoy free time to visit the sacred Mayan cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich or Caracol.

End place: San Ignacio

Day 11: San Ignacio/Caye Caulker

Start place: San Ignacio

Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. Snorkel and dive boats leave daily for full- or half-day outings to the reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Blue Hole and for manatee spotting tours.

Try your hand fishing and be rewarded with a fresh catch, then barbecue it on the beach.
Travel to Caye Caulker and enjoy this tropical paradise. Rent a bike and organize activities for the next day.

End place: Caye Caulker

Day 12: Caye Caulker

Start place: Caye Caulker

Opt to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks, and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving in Blue Hole National Park, take a flight over the Blue Hole and coral reef, rent a bike, or just chill out, Belizean style.
Spend the day exploring Caye Caulker and the marine life in the area.

End place: Caye Caulker

Day 13: Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen

Start place: Caye Caulker

Head to Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-minute drive south of Cancún. Enjoy some nightlife, buy last minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean.

Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel, renowned for its world-class diving. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30-75 mins depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the towns and the reefs of the island. For a final dose of ruins, Tulúm is just a 45-minute drive south of Playa.
Full travel day to reach Playa del Carmen, the last stop of the adventure.
Day 14: Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, visit one of the many cenotes or the diving mecca of Cozumel. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Meals: D
Day 15: Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time. Playa del Carmen is located just south of Cancún airport (45 mins) so you can head directly there without returning to Cancún.

Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San Ignacio 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: Mérida Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen
  • Chichén Itzá guided tour
  • Mérida orientation walk
  • Palenque guided tour
  • Tikal guided tour
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Public bus, Private vehicle, Water taxi, Taxi, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Simple hotels (14 nts)

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