Mayan Sun Northbound: Cobblestones & Caribbean Culture image
Operated by G Adventures

Mayan Sun Northbound: Cobblestones & Caribbean Culture

From
Price on request
Duration
16 days
Countries
Guatemala, Belize, Mexico
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Trek though jungle backdrops to Mayan ruins and chill out on white-sand beaches under the Caribbean sun. Check out Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico and experience the region’s diversity. Wander colonial Antigua’s cobblestone streets and shop for treasures before experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán, its Indigenous Mayan villages, and striking volcanoes. One of our most popular trips, this adventure offers natural wonders, excitement, and culture with enough time to socialize and do your own thing.

At a glance

Duration
16 days
Route
Antigua Guatemala → Playa del Carmen
Countries
Guatemala, Belize, Mexico
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Local Living & Homestays, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Mayan Sun Northbound: Cobblestones & Caribbean Culture image

Day by day

Stunning aerial shot of Lake Atitlán and a nearby town nestled among lush mountains.
Your journey through

Guatemala, Belize & Mexico

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. Tonight, explore El Barrio, a vibrant market with many small bars and restaurants. Get to know your fellow travellers over a few drinks, and cheers to the adventures to come.
Arrive at any time. Tonight, explore El Barrio, a vibrant market with many small bars and restaurants. Get to know your fellow travellers over a few drinks, and cheers to the adventures to come.
Day 2Enjoy a free day to exploreGet 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.
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.
Day 3Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the viewsTravel 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. We will overnight at a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. Tonight, the group will be spread out among a number of homes, where dinner will also be provided. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will help you to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day life of the locals in this region.
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. We will overnight at a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. Tonight, the group will be spread out among a number of homes, where dinner will also be provided. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will help you to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day life of the locals in this region.
Day 4Return across the lake and enjoy free time…
Return across the lake and enjoy free time in Panajachel to visit the market or relax.
Day 5Take the road past areas of dense jungle…
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.
Day 6Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston…There are plenty of opportunities for R & R. Aside from boating on Lake Izabal, there are optional tours in the area to view protected manatees. You may opt to horseback ride through a rubber plantation, explore San Felipe fort, take the morning monkey kayak tour, relax in the thermal springs, or hike through the jungle-strewn trails in the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve area.
There are plenty of opportunities for R & R. Aside from boating on Lake Izabal, there are optional tours in the area to view protected manatees. You may opt to horseback ride through a rubber plantation, explore San Felipe fort, take the morning monkey kayak tour, relax in the thermal springs, or hike through the jungle-strewn trails in the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve area.
Day 7Head north to our final stop in Guatemala
Head north to our final stop in Guatemala, Flores, a picturesque town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá.
Day 8Learn about Mayan culture and history…The spiritual centre of Tikal boasts the Mayan’s highest pyramids and abundant flora and fauna in the surrounding jungle.
The spiritual centre of Tikal boasts the Mayan’s highest pyramids and abundant flora and fauna in the surrounding jungle.
Day 9Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun…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.
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.
Day 10Hop aboard a local bus
Hop aboard a local bus, then board a water taxi to the island paradise of Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour.
Day 11Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays…
Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or just chill out, Belizean style. Take part in a Big Night Out with the group this evening.
Day 12Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays…
Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or just chill out, Belizean style. Take part in a Big Night Out with the group this evening.
Day 13Leaving Belize and its Caribbean reggae-tinged vibe
Leaving Belize and its Caribbean reggae-tinged vibe, head north to the Costa Maya, Mexico, to the beachside town of Mahahual.
Day 14Enjoy a free day for beach lounging and sipping seaside margaritas
Enjoy a free day for beach lounging and sipping seaside margaritas.
Day 15Head up the coast to Playa del Carmen
Stunning aerial view of Playa del Carmen beach and ocean, showcasing vibrant greenery and sandy shores in Mexico.Playa del Carmen
Head up the coast to Playa del Carmen, the de facto centre of the Mayan Riviera, for a final night with the group.
Map showing Playa del Carmen
Day 16Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Traveller reviews

Fantastic! Felt like travelling with a group of friends and our leader was amazing. Our leader was able to help out with whatever we required.
Amazing. Would definitely recommend to friends and family. Absolutely loved it and looking forward to more adventures in the region in the future.
The trip was excellent! Many and good activity options. Loved the diversity. Everything from mountain hiking and caving to relaxing on the beach. Nice!

Discover Guatemala

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Dramatic view of a volcano with clouds over Ciudad de Guatemala's architecture.
Cityscape with a misty volcano backdrop, captured from above, showcasing urban sprawl and natural beauty.
A stunning landscape of Lake Atitlán with surrounding volcanoes under a cloudy sky.
A picturesque hillside view with rural buildings amidst lush greenery in Chiantla, Guatemala.
Golden sunset over silhouette mountains in Chiantla, Guatemala, capturing serene and breathtaking landscape.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

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