Mayan Encounter

5.0Based on

Cultural, religious and historic sites Explorer

Carbon neutral

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Antigua, Guatemala

Ends

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Highlights

Listen to howler monkeys from the top of Temple IV at Tikal.

Revel in Caye Caulker sunsets.

Sway to reggae beats wafting through the Belizean air.

Wander the colonial streets of Antigua

Itinerary

Imagine trekking through lush jungles to ancient Mayan ruins, then unwinding on powdery beaches with the Caribbean breeze—"Mayan Encounter" delivers this blend of adventure and relaxation for sophisticated travelers. Spanning 12 days from Antigua to Playa Del Carmen, you’ll explore Caye Caulker, vibrant local markets, and Tikal’s legendary temples, all at an easy pace. This cultural, religious, and historic sites tour weaves in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico, offering authentic glimpses into each region’s unique vibe. With all accommodations, transport, and select meals handled by a dedicated Chief Experience Officer, you’re free to shop colonial streets or snorkel with stingrays without a care. The USP? This trip provides an effortless way to dive deep into local cultures while balancing discovery with downtime—ideal for those who value rich experiences without the rush.

day 1 - Antigua Guatemala

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.

Accomodation:Hotel Bucaros Express (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Antigua to Rio Dulce

Travel to Rio Dulce and enjoy free time to explore.

Accomodation:Hacienda Tijax (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 6.5 hr - 7.5 hr Distance : 318 km

day 3 - Rio 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.

Meal:Lunch

Accomodation:Hotel Petén (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

Included Activities:Scenic Boat Ride to Livingston Duration : 5.0 hr - 6.5 hr Distance : 55 km, Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar" Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr

day 4 - Flores

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Petén (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 64 km

Included Activity:Tikal Ruins Guided Tour Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 7 km

Optional Activities:Swimming

day 5 - Flores/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.

Accomodation:Midas Resort (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 Activity:Border Crossing (Guatemala - Belize) Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:Cave Tubing Drive approximately 1.25 hr via the Western Highway and into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to arrive at the cave. Included in this activity are entrance to the park, guide, lunch, inner tube, helmet and flashlight. It is recommended to wear a bathing suit. A change of clothes is necessary to provide comfort on the way back from the excursion. Also, closed-toed shoes or a sport sandal are required for this activity; they will get wet., 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. , 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. , 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.

day 6 - San Ignacio

Enjoy a free Day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.

Accomodation:Midas Resort (or similar)

Optional Activities:Cave Tubing Drive approximately 1.25 hr via the Western Highway and into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to arrive at the cave. Included in this activity are entrance to the park, guide, lunch, inner tube, helmet and flashlight. It is recommended to wear a bathing suit. A change of clothes is necessary to provide comfort on the way back from the excursion. Also, closed-toed shoes or a sport sandal are required for this activity; they will get wet., 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., 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. , 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. , 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.

day 7 - San 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.
Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. There are dozens of activities around the island and surrounding coral reefs. Try your hand at fishing and barbecue your catch 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

Included Activity:Belize Bike with Purpose Tour Duration : 2.0 hr

day 8 - Caye 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.

Accomodation:Enjoy Hotel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Sunset Sailing Boat Tour , 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. , Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour

day 9 - Caye 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!

Accomodation:Enjoy Hotel (or similar)

day 10 - Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen

Say farewell to Belize, and travel by boat and private vehicle from Caye Caulker to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
With plenty of options nearby, Playa is an excellent hub for exploring.

Accomodation:Hotel Nautilus (or similar)

Transport:Water Taxi Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 39 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 150 km, Transport Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr Distance : 310 km

Included Activity:Border Crossing (Belize - Mexico)

day 11 - Playa 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.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Nautilus (or similar)

Included Activity:El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program

Optional Activities: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”., 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!, 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 12 - Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

Included Activity:Departure Day

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (10 nts), jungle lodge (1 nt).

Meals

1 lunch, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD435-565 for meals not included.

Transport

Public bus, private vehicle, boat, 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: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", LívingstonYour G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye CaulkerYour 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: San IgnacioYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour Discover Moment: Playa del CarmenScenic boat ride to LivingstonTikal guided tourFree time in San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, and Playa del Carmen

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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5.0

based on 9 reviews

Tour Availability

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