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 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. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your next local leader and new group members. Until then, maybe wander the Spanish buildings – many of which were restored after the 1773 earthquake – check out the ChocoMuseo or grab a coffee from one of the myriad shops in the central park. After your meeting, 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.

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, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner with your fellow travellers.

This morning, you’ll set off on a lancha (boat) ride on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages. 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 – maybe sleep in or join a cooking class that teaches you more than just local flavours. Learn about the cultural significance of sharing food with the community, then enjoy the delicious creations you’ve made. Later, return to Antigua by private transfer in the afternoon. When you arrive, join your local leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. Your adventure begins in Antigua, Guatemala’s picturesque highland city surrounded by volcanoes. If you arrive early, perhaps head out for a walk through the cobblestone streets and brightly painted homes. Your trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel today. Afterward, ask your leader about their favourite Antigua restaurant, where you might enjoy getting to know your travel companions for the next week.

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.

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just enjoy being out in nature, today will be a fun one. After breakfast, set off along the scenic Ruta de las Flores (‘flower route’) for an immersive journey into the celebrated coffee traditions of El Salvador. Stop at a coffee estate in the volcanic highlands, where you’ll learn how generations of knowledge, sustainable practices and craftsmanship transform carefully cultivated beans into premium Salvadoran coffee. Continue through mountain landscapes and colourful villages to the artistic town of Concepcion de Ataco for a curated coffee tasting – decide for yourself how the aromatic, flavourful local coffee stacks up against your everyday cuppa! Then, enjoy a traditional regional lunch before enjoying time to stroll through Ataco’s vibrant streets, artisan boutiques and local craft shops.

This morning, set off from Santa Ana to Costa del Sol, 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.