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Mayan Discovery

5.0Based on
15 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Explore Mayan temples.

Spot monkeys in the jungle.

Chill out on a Belizean island.

Stare out into the Caribbean blue from a Mayan Riviera beach

Itinerary

Palenque’s mystical ruins, the white sands of Playa Del Carmen, and the untamed jungles of Guatemala—"Mayan Discovery" is a 15-day tour package crafted for experienced travelers eager for more than just sightseeing. Beginning and ending in Playa Del Carmen, this journey takes you to Chichén Itzá, San Ignacio, and other remarkable stops throughout Mexico. Expect a moderately active itinerary: days spent exploring ancient ruins, venturing deep into lush jungle, and wandering colonial streets buzzing with life. The trip’s true highlight is the freedom it offers—choose your own adventure, whether snorkeling Caribbean waters, discovering Mayan temples, or sampling local delicacies at bustling markets. Accommodation, transport, and select meals are included, making logistics a breeze. The unique selling point? This trip invites you to truly immerse yourself in both the wild beauty and living culture of the Mayan heartland—a rare opportunity to craft your own memorable story amid rich history and breathtaking landscapes.

day 1 - Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.

Accomodation:Hotel Casa de las Flores (or similar)
Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Playa del Carmen/Mérida

Travel to Mérida, stopping en route for a guided tour of Chichén Itzá. Enjoy an orientation walk of 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.

Accomodation:Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 190 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.25 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 130 km
Included Activities:Chichen Itzá Guided Tour Duration : 2.0 hr, Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 3 - Mérida

Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes (underground pools) in the Yucatán.
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.

Accomodation:Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia (or similar)
Optional Activities:Day Trip to Progreso Beach Includes: transport, guide, lunch, ruins, and stop at the beach. Make sure to drink plenty of water and bring sunscreen, as there isn’t much shade on the Yucatan peninsula., Celestún Bird Watching Drive approx 2 hrs to Celestún and take a boat ride in search of pink flamingos and other birds in the Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano (or Celestun Biosphere Reserve). This wetland is the winter home to flocks of thousands of flamingos, as well as herons, ducks, and pelicans; more than 200 species migrate or live here year-round. Celestun is also a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles. , Cenote Visit , Uxmal Ruins Visit Founded in 700 AD, magical Uxmal was once home to as many as 25,000 Mayans. Located 62km (38 mi) south of Merida, in Yucatán’s Puuc ("hill" or "chain of low mountains") region, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. Wander the site, see the Pyramid of the Magician, and visit nearby Kabah, one of three neighbouring sites.

day 4 - Mérida/Palenque

Sit back and relax on a travel to Palenque in the lush jungle of Chiapas.

Accomodation:Hotel Maya Tulipanes (or similar)
Transport:First-class Bus Duration : 9.0 hr - 10.0 hr Distance : 620 km

day 5 - Palenque

Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque.
Take a guided tour of the ruins of Palenque. Later, choose from one of the many optional activities in the area.

Accomodation:Hotel Maya Tulipanes (or similar)
Included Activity:Palenque Ruins Guided Tour Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr
Optional Activities:Jungle Trail Hike Only two percent of the ruins in the Mayan capital of Palenque are out in the open. Follow a local guide into the jungle along a trail, visit ruins that are now overgrown with moss and vines. Learn about the wildlife and different medicinal trees and plants that grow in and around the Usumancinta River of this mountainous forest area of Chiapas. , Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

day 6 - Palenque

Enjoy a free Day to explore Palenque and surroundings. Opt to visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls or go for a jungle hike to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings.

Accomodation:Hotel Maya Tulipanes (or similar)
Optional Activities:Jungle Trail Hike Only two percent of the ruins in the Mayan capital of Palenque are out in the open. Follow a local guide into the jungle along a trail, visit ruins that are now overgrown with moss and vines. Learn about the wildlife and different medicinal trees and plants that grow in and around the Usumancinta River of this mountainous forest area of Chiapas. , Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

day 7 - Palenque/Flores

Journey through the jungle by private vehicle, crossing into Guatemala and continuing on to Flores. Explore Lake Petén Itzá and the island of Flores.

Accomodation:Hotel Casa Turquesa (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr Distance : 200 km
Included Activity:Border Crossing (Mexico - Guatemala) Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.5 hr

day 8 - Flores

Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of Tikal archaeological site. Relax on Lake Petén Itzá and go for a swim.

Accomodation:Hotel Casa Turquesa (or similar)
Included Activity:Tikal Ruins Guided Tour Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 7 km
Optional Activities:Swimming

day 9 - Flores/San Ignacio

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.
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.

Meal:Lunch
Accomodation:Venus Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 95 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr Distance : 13 km
Included Activities:Border Crossing (Guatemala - Belize) Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.5 hr, San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch
Optional Activities:Xunantunich Visit Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces. , Horseback Riding

day 10 - San Ignacio

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.
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.

Accomodation:Venus Hotel (or similar)
Optional Activities:Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Visit The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve covers almost 500 square km (310 square miles) and only controlled logging is allowed. Interesting stops include Hidden Valley Falls, a spectacular waterfall dropping more than 300m (984 ft) over the granite edge of the jungle. Further along, you will cross the Rio On and a climb over an assortment of worn boulders and rocks that will bring you to a delightful site with waterfalls and several warm water pools. The area is also renowned for its system of caves, the biggest and most famous being the Rio Frio Cave. With its enormous arched entryway into the kilometre-long cave, this river cave is the largest in Belize. A day trip to the ridge can easily be arranged in San Ignacio. , Barton Creek Cave Canoeing Strap on a headlamp, step in the canoe and paddle along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the Barton Creek Cave. Bring your camera to take memorable photos of cathedral rock chambers, stalactites and stalagmites. Upon return, opt to swim at Big Rock Falls., Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit In years past, tourists have dropped their cameras and damaged various artifacts in this living museum. As such, NO ONE is permitted to bring a camera into the cave or the park., Horseback Riding , Caracol Ruins Tour Drive approximately 2 hours via the Noh Beh Ox Mu Road through the Mountain Pine Ridge and into the Chiquibul Forest Reserve to arrive at Caracol. Activity includes: park entrance fee, guide, and lunch. , Cave Tubing Hike through the lush subtropical forest to the entrances of remarkable limestone caves within the mountains. Jump into crystal blue waters, tube down stream, enjoy a cool swim in refreshing therapeutic cave waters in a natural pool formed between two cave entrances, float through some rapids, view sparkling cave formations and learn of cave geology and Maya history during the tour. , Xunantunich Visit Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces.

day 11 - San Ignacio/Caye Caulker

Travel to Caye Caulker and enjoy this tropical paradise. Rent a bike and organize activities for the next day.
Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. Snorkel boats leave daily for full- or half-day outings to the reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and for manatee spotting tours.

Try your hand fishing and be rewarded with a fresh catch, then barbecue it on the beach.

Accomodation:Enjoy Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 123 km, Taxi Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Bike with Purpose Rental If you decide to rent a bike, be sure to bring some ID or enough money to leave a deposit for the bike which will be returned to you upon the return of the bike.

day 12 - Caye Caulker

Spend the Day exploring Caye Caulker and the marine life in the area.
Opt to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks, and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, rent a bike, or just chill out, Belizean style.

Accomodation:Enjoy Hotel (or similar)
Optional Activities:Fishing Price depends on whether you select a half-day or full-day excursion and whether you choose to stay within the reef or go deep-sea fishing. , Bike with Purpose Rental If you decide to rent a bike, be sure to bring some ID or enough money to leave a deposit for the bike which will be returned to you upon the return of the bike., Sunset Sailing Boat Tour , Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour

day 13 - Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen

Full travel Day to reach Playa del Carmen, the last stop of the adventure.
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. 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.

Accomodation:Hotel Casa de las Flores (or similar)
Transport:Water Taxi Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 39 km, Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 313 km
Included Activity:Border Crossing (Belize - Mexico)

day 14 - Playa del Carmen

Enjoy a free Day in Playa del Carmen. Explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm on your own or book an optional tour. Opt to visit a cenote or reserve a canal float in Sian Ka'an, one of Mexico’s most important protected areas. Later, enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:Hotel Casa de las Flores (or similar)
Included Activity:El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program
Optional Activities:Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Canal Float Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico’s most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment. Visit the reserve and take a boat ride across the lagoon before hopping into the crystal clear water of one of the canals. Next, enjoy nature's lazy river as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests, letting the current slowly bring you down stream. It's just you, the sound of chirping birds, and the fish swimming around your feet - pure paradise!, Cenote Visit Pack your swimsuit, hail a shared van (colectivo) and ask for directions to one of Yucatan’s many cenotes. These natural swimming holes were formed thousands of years ago, when the peninsula's porous limestone collapsed to reveal fresh water pools fed by underground systems of canals and rivers. Dive into the turquoise waters surrounded by cave walls or tropical foliage, watch fish dart in and out of the shafts of sunlight and realize why the Maya called cenotes “sacred wells”., Tulum Ruins Visit Catch a shared van (colectivo) to Tulum at the corner of Avenida 20 Norte and Calle 2 Norte. These run every 10-20 minutes (or whenever they're full!) throughout the day. To return, walk out to the road from Tulum and flag one down when they pass by. If you opt to take a colectivo, you will need to pay the entrance fee to the ruins when you arrive and decide if you'd like to also pay for a guide. You can also book a tour with private transportation and a guide from one of the many agencies in Playa del Carmen. Facilities are located outside of the site as are various restaurants and souvenir stands. Bring sunscreen, bathing suit, and camera., Tequila Tasting Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Join a certified sommelier to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight – a tasting session. Sip, don't shoot!, Coco Bongo Disco and Show Price depends on which day of the week you decide to go and party!

day 15 - Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

Mayan Discovery

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hotels (14 nts).
Meals
1 lunch, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD530-690 for meals not included.
Transport
Public bus, private vehicle, water taxi, taxi, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San IgnacioYour G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del CarmenYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: MéridaYour Discover Moment: San IgnacioYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour Discover Moment: Playa del CarmenChichén Itzá guided tourMérida orientation walkPalenque guided tourTikal guided tour

What's Excluded

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation
Payment
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information

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