From $1,494 Was $2,135
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Dive into a 17-day adventure through Central America, from the calming sea breezes of Playa del Carmen's beaches to the bustling chaos of Chichi market. On this journey to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, enjoy a hearty, homecooked dinner in a lakeside Maya village, amble down the coast to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, cut inland to the lush jungle around Tikal National Park, cruise to the vast Rio Dulce, watch a pottery demonstration using ancient Maya techniques and finish among the clouds in Panajachel and under the volcano in Antigua. On this trip, you’ll get the right balance of local-led experiences and independent exploration in a whole load of incredible places ready to be discovered.
Highlights
- Spend three days exploring the island paradise of Caye Caulker – munch on barbecued lobster, snorkel around a coral reef, nap under palm trees, go kayaking or just kick back with a couple of worry-free beach days.
- See some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation – plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys – during a guided tour of Tikal National Park.
- Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna – a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family and see how they harvest their local medicinal plants.
- Wander between stalls of rainbow handicrafts, fruits and flowers in the popular and colourful Chichicastenango Market.
- Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, where you’ll head out on a birdwatching walk and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2480
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Shared Boat,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: QVRA
Starts: Playa del Carmen, Belize
Finishes: Antigua, Belize
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (13 nights),Lodge (2 nights),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $1,494 ($88 /day)
Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins in Playa del Carmen with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early and are lucky enough to have extra time in this beachside playground, maybe try your hand (and feet and lungs) at snorkelling in the freshwater rock pools (cenotes). Maybe stroll along the white sands or reef dive on Cozumel. After the meeting, perhaps head out for a cocktail and a few tacos with your new travel buddies.
Optional Activities:
- Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) (273 MXN)
- Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) (525 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hop on a local bus to one stunning example of a cenote – Cenote Azul. There you can 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 this beachside paradise at your leisure. 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 leave the flippers behind and adventure on land, catch a local bus and travel south to Tulum, where white-sand beaches and Maya ruins are just an hour and a half away. In the evening, you could grab a few of your fellow travellers and find a good spot to watch the sunset – muy bien!
Included Activities:
- Playa del Carmen - Cenote Azul visit
Optional Activities:
- Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (900 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
On your final morning in Playa del Carmen, maybe take an early morning stroll to the beach and dip your toes in the sand or simply let the world pass you by with a coffee at a local cafe. Then head to your next stop in Bacalar – said to be the first settlement of the Itza tribe, who would go on to create Chichen Itza. Here you’ll have an included lunch and the chance to relax at 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 on 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.
Included Activities:
- Bacalar - Beach club entry
Optional Activities:
- Bacalar - Lagoon of 7 Colours Boat Tour (630 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid adios to Mexico early this morning as you head south to Belize. After border formalities, arrive in Belize City then hop in a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. When you arrive, get acquainted with the island on a guided walk with your leader. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. After, you’ll join in on a cooking class with a local family, learning how to make a famous Belizean meal with chicken, rice and beans. Then you’re free to see more of Caye Caulker in the evening. Be aware that there may be crocodiles in the split area that separates the north and south of the island, so it’s best to take caution while swimming and exploring the beaches.
Included Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
- Caye Caulker - Cooking Class
Optional Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (44 BZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to explore the island that surrounds you, 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 with your name on it – they make the perfect place to nap, read a book and soak up the island vibes on a beach day.
Optional Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Manatee boat tour (Incl. transport & guide) (254 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (44 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) (242 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat-(gear, guide and transport included) (242 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing (126 BZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
What’s better than one day in paradise? Two, of course! Wake up whenever you like, because you’ve got another free day. Like any good seaside paradise, Caye Caulker is home to super fresh 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 15 June and 15 February, and you can expect to pay far less than at home (though more than your average island meal). You could even grab some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with firewater from a roadside stall to really get into the island spirit.
Optional Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) (8 USD)
- Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (44 BZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
From the islands to the highlands, you’ll bid farewell to Caye Caulker today and catch a ferry to Belize City, then a bus to San Ignacio. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of San Ignacio and its twin sister Santa Elena, giving you a sense of how vibrant the local Garifuna and Maya communities are. Tonight, maybe head out in search of a classic Maya dish like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus).
Included Activities:
- San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. If you’re a bit of a history buff, maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Maya ceremonial site on a hill overlooking the countryside. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Also nearby is the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade through cool waters to find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the calcium-rich environment of the cave for over 1400 years. Easily spooked? Maybe you'd prefer a cave with fewer (as far as we know) skeletons, like the one in Mountain Pine Ridge. In the late afternoon, the barbecue stalls of Santa Elena start to set up for the dinner rush. It's only a 15-minute walk, so consider wandering over to enjoy a juicy chicken leg and a chat with the locals.
Optional Activities:
- San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) (263 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) (158 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) (200 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) (24 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry (11 BZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds.
Included Activities:
- Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning depart for Flores, where you'll have breakfast in a local restaurant before joining your leader on an orientation walk on 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. Now that you are back in a Spanish-speaking nation, why not join an informal Spanish lesson led by your leader?
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day with a birdwatching walk along your accommodation’s trails, lead by a local guide. Then, and with plenty of free time today, consider taking advantage of some optional activities. Maybe take a scenic boat trip down the river to the coastal enclave of Livingston for a taste of Creole-Caribbean culture. This laidback town on the Caribbean coast feels very different from the rest of Guatemala thanks to its Garifuna population. Or maybe go boating on the lake, take a tour to spot local manatees or explore nearby San Felipe Fort.
Included Activities:
- Rio Dulce - Guided jungle birdwatching
Optional Activities:
- Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) (210 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) (95 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) (89 GTQ)
- Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) (263 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the 'Sweet River' behind 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, there are frequent road works and many, many slow trucks – be armed with patience, music and a good book and the journey will be easier to handle. Though there's not much time in Antigua today, you owe it to yourself to reward your patience with a tamale (meat and dough steamed in a corn leaf). You could also give pepian a try (rich dark sauce served with vegetables and meat, usually chicken).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, travel on the winding roads to Chichicastenango – home to perhaps the most colourful market in the country! Nicknamed Chichi market, locals come from surrounding villages on Thursdays and Sundays to sell their wares and the streets are lined with stalls offering multi-coloured textiles and fresh produce. Visit a local Mayan Shaman and do a little shopping at the market, then continue to Panajachel. Located on Lake Atitlan with distant volcanoes looming in the background, Panajachel has a thriving market, great eateries and many water-based activities. Your leader will take you on a brief orientation walk of the town and then the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore. Why not go for a swim, wander the streets or kayak on the lake?
Included Activities:
- Chichicastenango - Market Visit
- Chichicastenango - Shaman Visit
- Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after breakfast, take a boat to San Juan La Laguna – a small Maya village overlooking Lake Atitlan and the first community to ban single-use plastic. Here, you’ll witness a textile weaving demonstration, seeing how they use local materials and traditional dyeing techniques. Try out some of your newly learnt Spanish to chat with the locals and take a tour of their medicinal garden, watching how they use ancient techniques to transform plants into medicine - knowledge passed from mothers to daughters for hundreds of years. Tonight, you’ll be staying with multiple families within the community in small groups. Enjoy a homecooked dinner with your host family and spend the night here – a perfect opportunity to get to know them a little better and immerse yourself in local life.
Included Activities:
- San Juan La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
Optional Activities:
- San Juan La Laguna - Water taxi to Santiago (Return) (63 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Homestay (shared accommodation) (Number of Nights: 1)
Hit the road again this morning and make the journey back to Antigua – in 1773, the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored, and the architecture from its glory days can still be seen. On the way, stop at Santa Apolonia – one of the last communities in Guatemala to make pottery with traditional Maya techniques. The ancient Maya people could produce perfectly rounded pottery without a potter’s wheel! Here, the local women use their hands, as they move in a circular motion to produce amazing pieces. Watch a demonstration and then try it for yourself. Continue to Antigua, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk. Tonight, maybe take part in a dancing lesson – many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so you'll be able to perfect your moves.
Included Activities:
- Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
- Santa Apolonia - Traditional Pottery Demonstration
Optional Activities:
- Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) (105 GTQ)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day exploring photogenic Antigua today. Maybe check out the ChocoMuseo, two blocks away from central park. Learn all about chocolate, which was first documented by the Guatemalan Maya, as well as its historical importance. Or maybe grab a coffee from one of the myriad shops in central park, sit back, relax and enjoy Antigua's chilled-out vibes. If you're feeling adventurous, ask your leader about booking an optional tour to one of the nearby volcanoes.
Optional Activities:
- Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (236 GTQ)
- Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour (95 USD)
- Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch (115 USD)
- Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure (170 USD)
- Antigua - City Tour with lunch (70 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end this morning and there are no activities planned. As there's a great deal to do in Antigua, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this traveller favourite. If you’d like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Joel - Traveled, December 2023
I had an amazing holiday! My overall experience was fantastic, and I can’t praise it enough. The people I shared it with were wonderful, I’ve made some incredible friends and our leader, Maco, went over and above to make everything the best it could possibly be. Thanks for a fantastic holiday and for one that I’ll never forget. I couldn’t recommend Intrepid more!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Ivy - Traveled, December 2023
The tour and group was ok. The hotels need to be better and not be damp or smell of mould ( a few of us complained to our tour guide, Maco) Just need to make sure your tour leader delivers what he says and puts the next days trip notes on WhatsApp the night before as not everyone was listening to him and I did tell him to put it on the what's app which he did agree and thanked me for the tip ( didn't happen) My luggage bag was damaged when they brought it to caye caulker island I told and showed my guide, he said he will file a report as I complaint but didn't give me any feedback. I have travelled with intrepid many times and this is the 1st problem I have come across with my tour guide not delivering what he says he was going to do when my house key was left on the bus,and not getting back to my room mate when we both texted him and he said he saw it ( not happy bunnies)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2024
Jake - Traveled, April 2024
Trip of a lifetime! Exploring this region, its nature, food and people was an unforgettable experience and one I highly recommend. When you go, cross your fingers that Fito is your guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2024
Alyssa - Traveled, April 2024
The Maya Encounter trip exceeded my expectations! It was my first group travel/intrepid experience and I loved it! Every day was packed with cool activities and it was the perfect balance of days with water activities and days with jungle/city activities! I learned so much about Mayan culture and got to connect with so many wonderful locals! Would recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2024
Antony - Traveled, March 2024
What a great adventure. We squeezed so many experiences into 17 days, saw sights, made friends and lifelong memories. Thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Amberlie - Traveled, March 2024
Trip overall was as stated, some big travel days and sometimes rushed days at locations but still fun. Tour leader (Rony) wasn't enthusiastic about his job/answering questions. Plan what activities you want to do in advance as it's not possible to do all of them as there's usually only one day in each location. PACK REEF APPROVED sunscreen if snorkelling in Belize. Snorkelling is amazing, being badly burnt is not!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Serena - Traveled, December 2023
Destinations are stunning. Guatemala was a real showstopper! Disappointing Tour Lear let the experience down.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2024
Christine Erin - Traveled, December 2023
My Maya Encounter trip was more than I could have ever imagined. I had no idea what to expect when I booked, but It provided a great balance of rich history, culture, landscape, food, and Mayan traditions. If you decide to go and you are lucky enough to have Vin as tour leader, you will have a blast! The time we spent in Guatemala was amazing, Belize was so chill and laid back, with sun, seafood, snorkeling and the Caribbean sea. It was a great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Kerrie - Traveled, March 2024
Mariana, was an excellent tour leader. She has a great passion for the tourism industry and did a remarkable job with our group. A great communicator. Well done Mariana
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Allie - Traveled, February 2024
A trip you won’t forget in a hurry! The perfect blend of culture & physical activity, mixed in with sea and sun. We had an awesome guide Vin, who shared his knowledge of the 3 countries we visited with infectious passion. Too many highlights to mention, but I’d highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Eliane - Traveled, February 2024
Totally loved this trip in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. We saw so many amazing places and met good people. Our guide, Vin, gave us great insight of the places we went and i always felt safe. With a bit of humor, patience and flexibility you will enjoy this trip 100%!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2024
Gareth - Traveled, February 2024
A truly wonderful trip covering a wide range of experiences - from snorkelling on a coral reef to exploring "lost" Mayan cities in the jungle to hiking up volcanoes, there's a huge amount to do. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Fabienne - Traveled, February 2024
The trip from Carmen del Playa Mexico to Antigua Guatemala was a great experience and got better almost every day. Guatemala is a beautiful country. With our relaxed Guatemalan tour guide (Chris), it was a great opportunity to get to know the culture of this country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2024
Anthony - Traveled, February 2024
What a wonderful trip. Lovely locations and a tour leader who made everything so calm and smooth. Definitely would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Stephanie - Traveled, February 2024
With a thoughtful itinerary included activities that would be hard for an independent traveller, and a group leader who was a passionate ambassador for his home country and how our visit could support local communities, this trip was a wonderful introduction to the beautiful countries of Belize and Guatemala.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Alan - Traveled, January 2024
A trip for anyone keen on organised lazing about in the waters of the Caribbean. Combine such a trip with a visit to the Parque National de Tikal to see Mayan pyramids and a visit to another of the treasures of Guatemala the city of Antigua.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Bethany - Traveled, January 2024
Trip of a lifetime! Central America is so diverse and a joy to explore. From wildlife to climbing temples at Tikal, caving, snorkelling in Belize, volcanoes and authentic encounters with Maya communities we did so much and I loved every minute. Expect to be tired by the end! If you get Aquilino as your leader you are very lucky and will come away with a deep understanding and love of Guatemala.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Weiyang - Traveled, January 2024
This trip changed my knowledge of Mexico and Mayan
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2024
Jemma - Traveled, January 2024
This takes you to some great locations with a reasonable level of comfort. Activities are expensive but the food is good and safe in most places. Border crossing were easy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2024
David - Traveled, December 2024
Rony was a helpful and knowledgeable guide and worked very hard throughout the trip. I really liked all the free time we had to enjoy our locations independently.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
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