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Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins

5.0Based on
16 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
18 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Highlights

Relax on white-sand beaches.

bask in Caye Caulker sunsets and reggae music.

experience a local homestay.

explore gorgeous colonial Antigua and its colourful markets.

Itinerary

Sun-drenched Playa Del Carmen meets the cool highlands of Antigua on the "Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins" tour, designed with young adventurers in mind. Over 16 vibrant days, you'll traverse Mexico and Guatemala—stopping in Flores, Rio Dulce, and beyond—on a journey that’s equal parts relaxed and exhilarating. With an easy activity level, this trip lets you wander cobblestone streets, cruise across Lake Atitlán, and immerse yourself in lively Indigenous villages, all while balancing exploration with relaxation. Perfect for those seeking postcard-worthy moments, the tour includes accommodation, transport, meals, and a small group camaraderie. The standout feature? A diverse itinerary that captures Central America’s most captivating highlights, from bustling markets to serene lakeshores, ensuring every day offers a new adventure for young adults eager to see (and snap!) it all.

day 1 - Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time. Head out tonight with your fellow travellers to 12th Street, where there’s tons of bars and clubs to choose from. Say cheers to new adventures with new friends!
Check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Accomodation:Hotel 12 bees (or similar)
Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends

day 2 - Playa del Carmen

Enjoy free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or take a ferry to nearby Cozumel. Or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach.
Start your holiday off with some hardcore relaxation. Enjoy a full day of free time to fill as you wish. Get your ruin on with a visit to Tulum perched atop the sea, explore the fish- and coral-filled seas around Cozumel on a scuba dive, go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, and save some energy for a night out on the town.

Accomodation:Hotel 12 bees (or similar)
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”., 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!, Akumal Beach Visit Akumal is the place to visit if you’re looking to escape from the crowds. Take a shared van (colectivo) and head for this small town and beach between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Known as the “land of turtles”, float in the clear waters of this protected bay and spot green turtles feeding on the sea grass.

day 3 - Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker

Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
Mention Belize and you may conjure up visions of unbelievably clear blue waters, diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef and remarkable marine life. Belize also boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easygoing people. Belize is all this and much more!

Accomodation:Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 315 km, Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 158 km, Taxi Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr
Included Activity:Border Crossing (Mexico - Belize) Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.5 hr

day 4 - 5 - Caye Caulker

Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.

Accomodation:Tropical Paradise Hotel (or similar)
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., 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. , Sunset Sailing Boat Tour , Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour

day 6 - Caye Caulker/San Ignacio

Travel by boat and bus from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With free time here, choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.

Meal:Lunch
Accomodation:Kawoq Hostel (or similar)
Transport:Water Taxi Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 39 km, Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 123 km
Included Activity: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.

day 7 - San Ignacio

Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Accomodation:Kawoq Hostel (or similar)
Optional Activities: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., 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., 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 8 - San Ignacio/Flores

Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of the ruins of Tikal.
Cross the border into Guatemala and you immediately notice the difference in culture, with its heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Here we have entered Guatemala’s northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán.

En route to Flores, stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Arrive in Flores, the capital of the department of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake of Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá.

Accomodation:Peten Express Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Taxi Duration : 0.25 hr - 0.5 hr Distance : 5 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 100 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 64 km
Included Activities:Border Crossing (Belize - Guatemala) Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.5 hr, Tikal Ruins Guided Tour Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 7 km

day 9 - Flores/Rio Dulce

Travel across the country towards the coast to Rio Dulce, on the shores of Lake Izabal.
A travel day from Flores to Rio Dulce which is located in the department of Izabal, home of the largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Izabal was one of the most important water ways of the Spanish crown during colonial times.

We 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.

Accomodation:Hotel Hacienda Tijax (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr Distance : 210 km

day 10 - Rio Dulce

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.

Meal:Lunch
Accomodation:Hotel Hacienda Tijax (or similar)
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 11 - Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy an orientation walk of Antigua's cobblestone streets, then opt to take a salsa lesson and practice new moves out at night.
Today is a travel day from Rio Dulce to Antigua, followed by an orientation walk once you arrive. Plan your activities for the next day and enjoy some of the nightlife this beautiful colonial city has to offer.

Accomodation:Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 6.0 hr - 7.5 hr Distance : 315 km
Included Activity:Orientation Walk – Antigua
Optional Activities:Salsa Lesson Kick up your heels and learn this typical Latin dance. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome. Get lost in the rhythm of the music and let your body take you to a new place -- one-two-three, one-two-three, hip roll, arm up, partner under, shimmy, shake, salsa! Vamos a bailar! (Let's dance!)

day 12 - Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy a free Day in Antigua. Opt to relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture in one of the city's many cafés, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Accomodation:Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel (or similar)
Optional Activities:Cycling Moderate to difficult level of difficulty. , ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop , Finca Valhalla Visit , Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour You will need to pick up your ticket at the ticket counter located off Central Park inside of Café Condesa. Have your CEO make a reservation. This tour charges more during religious holiday and special dates. Tour departs at 9:30am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 2pm Mondays and Thursdays., Acatenango Volcano Climb This tour does not run every day. Your CEO can call in advance and assist with your reservation. Min 4 people to run. Pick up is at 05:00. It’s a good idea to pick up snacks and some water the night before. It's approx. 5 hours to the crater and 4 hours return., Massage , Finca Filidelfia Coffee Tour Finca Filidelfia offers 3 tours daily. The pickup point for this tour is outside Convento de las Capuchinas in Antigua., Pacaya Volcano Hike

day 13 - Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel

Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views.
Travel through the hills and fertile fields of the Guatemalan highlands to the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.

The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Accomodation:Kamol Bey (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 80 km
Optional Activities:Massage Revive sore muscles with a relaxing massage., Kayaking , Swimming

day 14 - 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 markets.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay (or similar)
Transport:Boat Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr Distance : 25 km
Included Activity:Posadas Mayas Homestay
Optional Activities:Shopping Scour the local shops and stalls for unique wares to remind you of your travels to the region.

day 15 - San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala

Return to Antigua, and enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area.

Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills or taking a salsa lesson.

Accomodation:Antigua Lemon Tree Hostel (or similar)
Transport:Boat Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr Distance : 25 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr
Included Activity:Big Night Out
Optional Activities:Massage , ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop , Salsa Lesson Kick up your heels and learn this typical Latin dance. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome. Get lost in the rhythm of the music and let your body take you to a new place -- one-two-three, one-two-three, hip roll, arm up, partner under, shimmy, shake, salsa! Vamos a bailar! (Let's dance!)

day 16 - Antigua Guatemala

Depart at any time.

Included Activity:Departure Day
Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins

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What's Included

Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), local homestay (1 nt).
Meals
2 lunches, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD400-520 for meals not included.
Transport
Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, 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: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", LívingstonYour G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La LagunaYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: Playa del CarmenYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour Discover Moment: Antigua GuatemalaYour Big Night Out Moment: Antigua GuatemalaGuided tour of TikalOrientation walk in AntiguaBeach time in Playa del Carmen and Caye Caulker

What's Excluded

Monthly Price Comparison

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