Mayan Trail
11 days
From $ 1119
Duration11 days
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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!

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 11 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Light
  • Ages: 12+
Mayan Trail - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Playa del Carmen
As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.
Arrive at any time.
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.
Take a guided tour of Chichén Itzá and orientation walk around Mérida.
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.
Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes in the Yucatán. Hit the beach or soak in the history this city has to offer.
Day 4: Mérida/Palenque
After a long day of travel, arrive to Palenque. Enjoy a 2-night stay inside the national park in a jungle lodge. The lodge is quite close to the town, the ruins and the museum and offers a restaurant and bar on the grounds.
Travel to Palenque and spend two nights in a jungle lodge.
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.
Journey from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico to Panajachel, Guatemala. Opt to explore the town on arrival.
Day 9: Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings at the lake's many villages.
Meals: D
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.
Travel to Antigua and head out for an orientation walk. Opt for a final night out in town.
Day 11: Antigua Guatemala
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.
Depart at any time. Guatemala City is a one hour transfer away. Your tour leader can help you to arrange a transfer from Antigua directly to the airport in Guatemala City, so you do not have to spend more time than necessary in Guatemala's capital.
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Mérida Your Discover Moment: San Cristóbal de Las Casas
  • Chichén Itzá guided tour
  • Mérida orientation walk
  • Palenque guided tour
  • Roberto Barrios waterfall visit
  • San Cristóbal de las Casas orientation walk
  • Antigua orientation walk
  • Free time in Mérida and San Cristóbal de las Casas
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Public bus, Private vehicle, Boat

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (7 nts), Jungle lodge (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

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