Route of the Maya

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.

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!

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 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 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. Tonight, you’re free to relax or explore. 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.

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.

What’s better than one day in paradise? Two, of course! Your morning is free, then for lunch 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. 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 super 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 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.

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).

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. Perhaps you'd like to 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. 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.

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.

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?

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 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. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a 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.

This morning 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. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. As few Mayan gods survived Spanish colonialism, scholars now think that San Simon is a symbol of numerous lost deities. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening.

Early this morning before breakfast, you’ll hop on a chicken bus – a truly local experience, chicken buses are a source of national and personal pride. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala 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. Each bus is unique to the independent driver, many of whom have made this their sole business. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed 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. Afterward, return to your hotel for breakfast.

As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Mayan dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.

This morning after breakfast, head for hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Mayan villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll visit the current shrine of Maximon (San Simon), where the local shamans keep watch. Your group will bring a gift of local spirits to share with the shamans, and while you drink, you’ll discuss the holy shrine, the perplexing deity and local life on the lake. Return to Panajachel in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening along the shores of Lake Atitlan.

Spend a free morning in Panajachel and then return to Antigua by private transfer in the afternoon. Then join your leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Perhaps get your group together and take in the volcanic views from one of the city’s many rooftop terraces.

Enjoy a free day to explore the city, with nothing scheduled until a meeting to welcome any new travellers joining you on your adventure. Maybe grab some roasted beans from a street vendor and munch them while you stroll around. If you’ve got a historical bent, perhaps check out the 18th-century ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara. Why not get a taste of local tradition with a chocolate-making workshop in the ChocoMuseo, or strut your stuff with a salsa dance lesson?

Start your day with a tuk-tuk tour through the city, stopping by the Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint, the Santa Clara ruins, a view of the Union Tank before having a refreshing drink by Central Park. Continue to the Calle del Arco, Iglesia la Merced and the NimPot Crafts Market to see the work of local artisans, then see the largest colonial-era fountain in Central America and finish at the altar of the local saint Maximón. Along the way, your guide will teach you about the city’s history, religion, myths, legends, conflicts and native people. After all that exploring, it’s time for a true taste of Guatemala at a workshop on corn and comal (traditional flat griddle for cooking). Learn about the tortilla-making process and its cultural importance before you eat what you make, accompanied by fresh guacamole, roasted chirmol (fresh vegetable salsa), chiltepe peppers, beans and cheese.

Eat a quick breakfast before leaving your accommodation around 7 am to beat the traffic. Sit back and relax as you drive towards the Guatemalan Honduran border. As you drive, your local leader may share a bit about daily life and teach you some handy Spanish to help you interact with locals on your trip. Depending on traffic and time spent at the border crossing, you’ll arrive in Copan sometime in the early afternoon. With plans to visit Copan’s famous ruins tomorrow, perhaps spend some time this afternoon taking in the palm-tree-lined Central Plaza from a café, sipping on top-tier Honduran coffee (if you don’t like it sweet, ask for sugar on the side).

Gear up for a morning exploring Copan’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins. Meet your local guide, who’ll share the history of the excavated ruins of this ancient Maya citadel and public square. Aside from being one of the most important areas of Maya society, the site is known for the intricately carved pillars inscribed with faces and glyphs. After your tour, enjoy free time in Copan. If you’re looking to kick back, visit the nearby natural hot springs for a mud soak, dip in the refreshing pools and included dinner. But if you’re up for more exploring, perhaps spend a colourful afternoon at the Macaw Mountain Park to learn about bird rescue and rehabilitation, or another archaeological site at the Temple of Rosalila.

Today, depart Honduras and head towards El Salvador. Enjoy the drive through Central America’s lush greenery, passing national parks, mountain peaks and even a volcano or two. Along the way, stop for lunch and refreshments. The journey will take you back into Guatemala before arriving in Santa Ana, El Salvador, so expect some layover time at the border crossings. Santa Ana is El Salvador's second-largest city and has some of the most well-preserved colonial architecture in the country. Tonight, why not head out for an evening stroll through the historic center and grab a bite.

Start the day with a hit of caffeine with a morning visit to El Molino El Carmen, a coffee plantation founded in 1930 that has been using a traditional method of processing coffee for four generations. Enjoy a tour of La Casona (the estate house) and the coffee mill, but don’t worry, you’ll be able to sample the coffee yourself along with a selection of pastries. Finish your visit with a picnic lunch and a bag of Ataco Gourmet coffee to take home. Your afternoon will be spent taking in the view of the scenic Ruta de las Flores. Known as the ‘flower route,’ enjoy the sights of green hillsides as you drive between the colourful villages of Ataco, Salcoatitan, Juayua and Nahuizalco, where you’ll wander through street art, coffee crops and plant nurseries. Tonight, perhaps enjoy an al fresco dinner in Santa Ana’s Old Town.

This morning, set off from Costa del Sol to San Salvador, stopping along the way at Joya de Ceren. Nicknamed the ‘Pompeii of the Americas,’ this UNESCO World Heritage site is a significant archaeological area. It contains the ruins of a 7th-century Maya farming town that appears frozen in time after being covered in ash from a volcanic eruption. Spend time exploring the site, then head towards San Salvador, where you’ll sit down to an included lunch with your group. After lunch, with your local leader as today’s guide, hear about how El Salvador’s religion, culture, cuisine and more are combined in its capital as you walk through the city centre. Along the way, stop by the UNESCO-listed El Rosario Church. Known for its unique brutalist architecture, it definitely stands out within San Salvador’s Historic District, but hold your breath because its interior is just as surprising.

Today is a free day in the quaint Costa Del Sol area. This spot is the perfect place to end your adventure, with six nearby beaches that boast gorgeous Pacific scenery. Grab a bite to eat at a local spot (your leader will have some great recommendations) or, if you feel like exploring, you can take a boat tour of the Estero Jaltepeque. This 28-kilometre-long mangrove forest is home to many species of birds, mammals and aquatic wildlife, notably the yellow-naped amazon and great black hawk. Tonight, relax with your group and maybe find another local spot to cheers to a trip well-travelled.

There are no activities planned for your last day and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.