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Maya Encounter

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Maya Encounter

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Description

Dive into a 13-day adventure through Central America, from the calming sea breezes of Playa del Carmen’s beaches to the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal. On this journey to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, amble down the coast to the sunny shores of Caye Caulker, cut inland to the lush jungle around San Ignacio, cruise to the vast Rio Dulce, watch a pottery demonstration using ancient Maya techniques and finish under the volcano in Antigua. On this trip, you’ll get the right balance of local-led experiences and independent exploration in incredible places ready to be discovered.

Trip Name
Maya Encounter
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
13
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • 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.
  • Spend three days exploring the car-free coral island 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.
  • Dig deeper into Maya history, opting to visit lesser-known ruins and a mystical Maya cave complex around San Ignacio – a bustling market town near the Belize-Guatemala border.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, a serene escape where the sounds of nature fill the air.
  • Float along the river to Livingston, where the local culture is heavily influenced by the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population. After a scenic boat ride, you’ll walk around the colourful town, watch the fishermen by the docks and join the locals for a dance class.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Playa del Carmen
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.
Day 2 - Playa del Carmen
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.
Day 3 - Chetumal
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.
Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - Caye Caulker
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.
Day 6 - Caye Caulker
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.
Day 7 - San Ignacio
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).
Day 8 - San Ignacio
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.
Day 9 - Tikal National Park to Flores
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.
Day 10 - Rio Dulce
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.
Day 11 - Rio Dulce
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.
Day 12 - Antigua
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.
Day 13 - Antigua
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. If you’d like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 2,464-
10-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 2,618-
17-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 2,246-
21-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 2,490-
28-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 2,930-
03-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 2,907-
07-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 3,580-
14-11-202626-11-2026AUD $ 3,200-
17-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 2,712-
21-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 2,280-
25-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 3,230-
28-11-202610-12-2026AUD $ 3,120-
01-12-202613-12-2026AUD $ 3,050-
05-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 3,140-
08-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 2,240-
09-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 2,850-
12-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 3,140-
15-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 2,258-
16-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 3,195-
19-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 3,420-
22-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 3,160-
26-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 3,620-
29-12-202610-01-2027AUD $ 3,320-
02-01-202714-01-2027AUD $ 3,590-
06-01-202718-01-2027AUD $ 3,340-
09-01-202721-01-2027AUD $ 3,380-
13-01-202725-01-2027AUD $ 3,565-
16-01-202728-01-2027AUD $ 3,340-
20-01-202701-02-2027AUD $ 3,380-
23-01-202704-02-2027AUD $ 3,340-
27-01-202708-02-2027AUD $ 3,565-
30-01-202711-02-2027AUD $ 3,340-
03-02-202715-02-2027AUD $ 3,340-
10-02-202722-02-2027AUD $ 3,320-
13-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 3,280-
17-02-202701-03-2027AUD $ 3,280-
20-02-202704-03-2027AUD $ 3,385-
23-02-202707-03-2027AUD $ 3,280-
27-02-202711-03-2027AUD $ 3,280-
06-03-202718-03-2027AUD $ 3,280-
10-03-202722-03-2027AUD $ 3,280-
13-03-202725-03-2027AUD $ 3,280-
20-03-202701-04-2027AUD $ 3,355-
24-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 3,280-
27-03-202708-04-2027AUD $ 3,280-
03-04-202715-04-2027AUD $ 3,280-
07-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 3,280-
10-04-202722-04-2027AUD $ 3,185-
17-04-202729-04-2027AUD $ 3,185-
20-04-202702-05-2027AUD $ 3,185-
24-04-202706-05-2027AUD $ 3,360-
01-05-202713-05-2027AUD $ 3,185-
08-05-202720-05-2027AUD $ 3,185-
15-05-202727-05-2027AUD $ 3,095-
22-05-202703-06-2027AUD $ 3,095-
26-05-202707-06-2027AUD $ 3,095-
05-06-202717-06-2027AUD $ 3,095-
09-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 3,095-
16-06-202728-06-2027AUD $ 3,095-
23-06-202705-07-2027AUD $ 3,095-
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $ 3,185-
30-06-202712-07-2027AUD $ 3,185-
07-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 3,185-
10-07-202722-07-2027AUD $ 3,185-
17-07-202729-07-2027AUD $ 3,185-
24-07-202705-08-2027AUD $ 3,185-
27-07-202708-08-2027AUD $ 3,185-
31-07-202712-08-2027AUD $ 3,185-
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $ 3,095-
14-08-202726-08-2027AUD $ 3,095-
21-08-202702-09-2027AUD $ 3,095-
04-09-202716-09-2027AUD $ 3,095-
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $ 3,095-
18-09-202730-09-2027AUD $ 3,095-
25-09-202707-10-2027AUD $ 3,095-
02-10-202714-10-2027AUD $ 3,095-
09-10-202721-10-2027AUD $ 3,095-
16-10-202728-10-2027AUD $ 3,095-
20-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 3,185-
27-10-202708-11-2027AUD $ 3,185-
02-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 3,185-
06-11-202718-11-2027AUD $ 3,185-
10-11-202722-11-2027AUD $ 3,185-
13-11-202725-11-2027AUD $ 3,280-
16-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 3,280-
20-11-202702-12-2027AUD $ 3,280-
24-11-202706-12-2027AUD $ 3,280-
27-11-202709-12-2027AUD $ 3,280-
30-11-202712-12-2027AUD $ 3,340-
04-12-202716-12-2027AUD $ 3,340-
08-12-202720-12-2027AUD $ 3,340-
11-12-202723-12-2027AUD $ 3,340-
14-12-202726-12-2027AUD $ 3,340-
15-12-202727-12-2027AUD $ 3,340-
18-12-202730-12-2027AUD $ 3,340-
21-12-202702-01-2028AUD $ 3,340-
25-12-202706-01-2028AUD $ 3,340-
28-12-202709-01-2028AUD $ 3,340-
01-01-202813-01-2028AUD $ 3,505-
05-01-202817-01-2028AUD $ 3,505-
08-01-202820-01-2028AUD $ 3,505-
12-01-202824-01-2028AUD $ 3,505-
15-01-202827-01-2028AUD $ 3,505-
19-01-202831-01-2028AUD $ 3,505-
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $ 3,505-
26-01-202807-02-2028AUD $ 3,445-
29-01-202810-02-2028AUD $ 3,445-
02-02-202814-02-2028AUD $ 3,445-
09-02-202821-02-2028AUD $ 3,445-
12-02-202824-02-2028AUD $ 3,445-
16-02-202828-02-2028AUD $ 3,445-
19-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 3,445-
22-02-202805-03-2028AUD $ 3,445-
26-02-202809-03-2028AUD $ 3,445-
04-03-202816-03-2028AUD $ 3,445-
08-03-202820-03-2028AUD $ 3,445-
11-03-202823-03-2028AUD $ 3,445-
18-03-202830-03-2028AUD $ 3,445-
22-03-202803-04-2028AUD $ 3,445-
25-03-202806-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
01-04-202813-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
05-04-202817-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
08-04-202820-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
15-04-202827-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
18-04-202830-04-2028AUD $ 3,345-
22-04-202804-05-2028AUD $ 3,345-
29-04-202811-05-2028AUD $ 3,345-
06-05-202818-05-2028AUD $ 3,250-
13-05-202825-05-2028AUD $ 3,250-
20-05-202801-06-2028AUD $ 3,250-
24-05-202805-06-2028AUD $ 3,250-
03-06-202815-06-2028AUD $ 3,250-
07-06-202819-06-2028AUD $ 3,250-
14-06-202826-06-2028AUD $ 3,250-
21-06-202803-07-2028AUD $ 3,250-
24-06-202806-07-2028AUD $ 3,250-
28-06-202810-07-2028AUD $ 3,345-
05-07-202817-07-2028AUD $ 3,345-
08-07-202820-07-2028AUD $ 3,345-
15-07-202827-07-2028AUD $ 3,345-
22-07-202803-08-2028AUD $ 3,345-
25-07-202806-08-2028AUD $ 3,345-
29-07-202810-08-2028AUD $ 3,345-
05-08-202817-08-2028AUD $ 3,250-
12-08-202824-08-2028AUD $ 3,250-
19-08-202831-08-2028AUD $ 3,250-
02-09-202814-09-2028AUD $ 3,250-
09-09-202821-09-2028AUD $ 3,250-
16-09-202828-09-2028AUD $ 3,250-
23-09-202805-10-2028AUD $ 3,250-
30-09-202812-10-2028AUD $ 3,250-
07-10-202819-10-2028AUD $ 3,250-
14-10-202826-10-2028AUD $ 3,345-
18-10-202830-10-2028AUD $ 3,345-
25-10-202806-11-2028AUD $ 3,345-
31-10-202812-11-2028AUD $ 3,445-
04-11-202816-11-2028AUD $ 3,445-
11-11-202823-11-2028AUD $ 3,445-
14-11-202826-11-2028AUD $ 3,445-
18-11-202830-11-2028AUD $ 3,505-
22-11-202804-12-2028AUD $ 3,505-
25-11-202807-12-2028AUD $ 3,505-
28-11-202810-12-2028AUD $ 3,505-
02-12-202814-12-2028AUD $ 3,505-
06-12-202818-12-2028AUD $ 3,505-
09-12-202821-12-2028AUD $ 3,505-
12-12-202824-12-2028AUD $ 3,505-
16-12-202828-12-2028AUD $ 3,505-
23-12-202804-01-2029AUD $ 3,505-
26-12-202807-01-2029AUD $ 3,505-

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared Boat, Ferry

Map

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