Maya Adventure

Hola! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins in Playa del Carmen with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early and have a little extra time, maybe go snorkelling in the freshwater rock pools (cenotes) or reef diving off Cozumel. Or stretch your legs with a stroll along the white sands. After the meeting, perhaps head out for a cocktail and a few tacos with your new travel companions.

This morning, hop on a local bus to the stunning Cenote Azul. Swim, dive or snorkel in the natural open-air pool, basking in the beauty of your surroundings. Then return to Playa Del Carmen, where you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. You might like to continue the underwater activities and keep your eyes peeled for rays, moray eels and turtles among the coral-clad reefs. If you’d rather adventure on land, you might opt to join a half-day tour to the Tulum archaeological site’s white-sand beaches and Maya ruins. In the evening, you could grab a few of your fellow travellers and find a good spot to watch the sunset.

Today, you’ll travel to your next stop, Bacalar – said to be the first settlement of the Itza tribe, who would go on to create Chichen Itza. When you arrive, join your group for an included lunch and the chance to relax at Lake Bacalar – also known as the Lake of Seven Colours, thanks to the various stunning shades of blue it adopts throughout the day. If you’d like, you could also hop onboard a boat tour of the lake. Then continue to Chetumal – a quiet city close to the border of Belize, this place makes for the perfect stop before tomorrow’s adventure to Caye Caulker.

Bid adios to Mexico early this morning and head south to Belize – the only English-speaking country in Central America. After border formalities, arrive in Belize City, then hop in a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. When you get there, head out for a walk with your leader to get acquainted with the island. Tonight, you’re free to relax or explore – maybe head out to a dinner of fresh-caught seafood or Belizean chicken stew – a favourite local comfort food.

Today is free for you to explore the island, or just to simply relax. If you feel like snorkelling, ask your leader about organising a trip to the colourful coral reef nearby, or maybe head further afield to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the world’s second-longest coral reef. Manatee spotting is perfect for nature lovers, or you could take a stroll and find a swaying palm tree on the beach – the perfect shady spot to nap, read a book and soak up the island’s ‘go-slow’ attitude.

You’ll have another easy, free morning, to take one last swim or savour your morning coffee with your toes in the sand. For lunch, you’ll join a cooking class with a local family, learning how to make a famous Belizean meal with chicken, rice and beans. In the afternoon, perhaps head to the beach for a swim or hire a bicycle to explore. Tonight is your last opportunity to get your hands on some fresh Belizean seafood, which you can dig into with your feet planted in the sand at one of the many ‘floor-free’ outdoor restaurants. The island's famous lobsters are available between the 15th of June and 15th of February, and you can expect to pay far less than at home (though more than your average island meal). Or, grab some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with firewater for an island farewell meal.

Bid farewell to Caye Caulker today and catch a ferry from the islands to the highlands. Disembark at Belize City, then hop on a bus to San Ignacio. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk of San Ignacio. Tonight, maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers in search of a classic Maya dish like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus).

Today is free for you to discover San Ignacio at your own pace. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Maya ruins, making it the ideal base for exploration. Maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Maya ceremonial site on a hill overlooking the countryside – you'll need to take a handcranked ferry to cross the river. Or, perhaps take on the challenge of visiting the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade and hike through cool waters to find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the calcium-rich environment of the cave for over 1400 years. Maybe you'd prefer a refreshing swim at Big Rock Falls at Mountain Pine Ridge. In the late afternoon, Santa Elena's barbecue stalls start to set up for the dinner rush, so consider wandering over to enjoy a juicy chicken leg and a chat with the locals.

Rise and shine for your journey across the Belize-Guatemala border to Tikal National Park. Here, there will be time to buy lunch before visiting the impressive archaeological site with a local guide. Towering above the jungle, the five granite temples of Tikal are an imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the evergreen forest is a maze of smaller structures waiting to be explored. If you like, climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds.

This morning, depart for Flores, where you'll have breakfast in a local restaurant before joining your leader on an orientation walk of the island. Then, continue by private minivan to Rio Dulce before transferring to your hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also on the water – a journey that can be organised through the hotel. Alternatively, a 40-minute jungle walk will get you there. The hotel is a great place to relax and look over the water, with reasonably priced meals and drinks served in the hotel restaurant.

Take a boat ride down the river to Livingston – a laidback Afro-Caribbean town that offers a unique taste of Garifuna culture in a far-flung corner of Guatemala. Just 30 km (18 m) from Rio Dulce, Livingston is only accessible by boat and the ride is spectacular, taking you through waters filled with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon full of river birds. When you arrive, take a short orientation walk around the colourful town and see some fishermen working by the docks. Then, join the locals for a morning dance class. After learning some moves, you’ll have some free time for lunch and to explore at your own pace. Later this afternoon, hop back in the boat and head back to Rio Dulce.

Leave the 'Sweet River' behind today and travel by private minibus to the city of Antigua. The road between Rio Dulce and Guatemala City is one of the busiest in the country. Traffic is slow and there are frequent road works – pack your patience, load up your favourite music and have a good book on hand to make the journey more enjoyable. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.

Today is a free day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from this city are all you need to have a great, self-paced day. Maybe wander the Spanish buildings – many of these were restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your next local leader and new group members. After, maybe head out for dinner and get to know each other.

After breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Mayan culture and Catholic religion coming together. Learn about this culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a god who isn’t clearly good or bad. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering, which you can buy at the on-site liquor store, you’ll stop for a group lunch. After, continue to Quetzaltenango. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela.

Early this morning before breakfast, you’ll hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option is a local experience distinct to Guatemala and has little to do with actual chickens – they are old American school busses passed down to new owners who decked them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market, Almolonga, known for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. Whether you believe the vegetables are a gift from above or due to the high amounts of fertiliser used by locals, this colourful market is a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and maybe pick up a giant carrot. After, return to your hotel for breakfast.