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Operated by G Adventures

Mayan Trail

From

CAD 1,259

Duration

11 days

Countries

Guatemala, Mexico

Activity

easy

The adventure

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!

At a glance

Duration

11 days

Route

Playa del Carmen → Antigua Guatemala

Countries

Guatemala, Mexico

Activity level

easy

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Wildlife & Safari

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

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

Your journey through

Guatemala & Mexico

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalAs travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.

As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.

Day 2Take a guided tour of Chichén Itzá and orientation walk around MéridaPlaya del CarmenDepart 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.

Playa del Carmen

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.

Day 3Enjoy a free day to explore Merida and surroundingsThe 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 or ride the PUUC Route. There's something for everyone.

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 or ride the PUUC Route. There's something for everyone.

Day 4After a long day of travel…

After a long day of travel from the Yucatán to the jungles of Chiapas, arrive to Palenque and settle in for 2 nights.

Day 5Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins…

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 6Travel to San Cristóbal de Las Casas located…

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 7Travel from San Cristóbal de las Casas…

Travel from San Cristóbal de las Casas into the Chiapas highlands to visit the Tzotzil Maya communities of Chamula and Zinacantán, where Catholic and pre-Hispanic traditions blend in daily life. In Zinacantán, experience vibrant textiles up close with a visit to a family cooperative, where you’ll see skilled artisans demonstrate "Telar de Cintura" backstrap loom weaving, an ancient technique still used today. Or you might have the chance to visit the family kitchen and try freshly made handmade tortillas.

Day 8Journey from San Cristóbal de las CasasThe first stop in Guatemala is on beautiful Lake Atitlán. Stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages.

The first stop in Guatemala is on beautiful Lake Atitlán. Stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages.

Day 9Day 9Itinerary details are available from G Adventures.

Elegant ancient brick arches of a historic ruin in Antígua, Guatemala, under a clear blue sky.

Day 9

Itinerary details are available from G Adventures.

Day 10Travel to Antigua and head out…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.

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.

Day 11Departure dayDepartureWe highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.

We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.

Traveller reviews

“The itinerary was great. We got to see so many different cities and do so many activities in a short space of time. I really felt that we had an excellent introduction to Mexico and Guatemala.”

“I think that the Mayan trail tour was very good. We saw ruins, colonial towns and different landscapes. The tour guides at the tourist sites were excellent. The group got along well and the G Adventures tour guide was helpful in all aspects of the trip.”