Maya Encounter

17 Days | Bliss out in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize and encounter ancient Maya history

4.8 out of 5 based on 165 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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EUR €1,141
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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.

Trip overview

Map of Maya Encounter including Belize, Guatemala and Mexico
Start
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finish
Antigua, Guatemala
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Guatemala, Belize, Mexico
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QVRA
This trip generates 23 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Public transport is better for the environment, and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life, but keep in mind that local transport between specific locations on this trip can be pretty basic. Crossing the borders between various countries is usually straightforward, but you may need patience. Books, podcasts and car games will be your best friend.
  • The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be really hot and humid. It makes the beers even more refreshing but consider what time of the year you wish to travel in if you’re easily affected by the weather.
  • The homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. In San Juan La Laguna, you will stay with a local family in small groups. Conditions are simple but comfortable. A hearty homecooked dinner will be served during your stay, which can be a lot more basic than what you're used to.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 27 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Maya Encounter including Belize, Guatemala and Mexico

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Activities
  • Playa del Carmen - Cenote Azul visit
  • Bacalar - Beach club entry
  • Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Caye Caulker - Cooking Class
  • San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Rio Dulce - Guided jungle birdwatching
  • Chichicastenango - Market Visit
  • Chichicastenango - Shaman Visit
  • Panajachel - Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Juan La Laguna - Traditional Maya Homestay
  • Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Santa Apolonia - Traditional Pottery Demonstration
Add on activities
  • Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) - MXN273
  • Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN525
  • Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN900
  • Bacalar - Lagoon of 7 Colours Boat Tour - MXN630
  • Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD44
  • Caye Caulker - Manatee boat tour (Incl. transport & guide) - BZD254
  • Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
  • Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat-(gear, guide and transport included) - BZD242
  • Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
  • Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) - USD8
  • San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - BZD263
  • San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) - BZD158
  • San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - BZD200
  • San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24
  • San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD11
  • Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) - GTQ210
  • Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) - GTQ95
  • Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) - GTQ89
  • Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) - GTQ263
  • San Juan La Laguna - Water taxi to Santiago (Return) - GTQ63
  • Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ105
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ236
  • Antigua - Half Day local towns, coffee and craft beer tour - USD95
  • Antigua - Half Day Pacaya Volcano with lunch - USD115
  • Antigua - Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure - USD170
  • Antigua - City Tour with lunch - USD70

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Playa del Carmen. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 14 (San Juan La Laguna homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. Please be careful when booking flights from Antigua; make sure you fly out of Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights from Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 165 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Hladini · Traveled August 2024
Maya Tour- Leave your Western expectations at home an open your heart to the local culture. You will have an amazing time and experience so much love an light 💚
Review submitted 09 Sep 2024

Roxanne · Traveled August 2024
The Maya Encounter was an amazing trip. Our tour leader was Julian, he was knowledgeable and approachable, nothing was too much trouble. The areas and activities were like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I really enjoyed the home stay and the cultural experiences. I will definitely be returning to Central America.
Review submitted 12 Sep 2024

Kirsty · Traveled August 2024
Just the best trip! We were lucky to have fluffy as a guide and he is just a legend! Travelling through mexico, belize, and gautemala with ease, while being fully immersed in the fun and colourful culture, Central America has to offer. A wicked trip!
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024

Kelley · Traveled August 2024
Our guide made this trip exceptional. He is not only an excellent representative of intrepid but also an incredible ambassador for Guatemala and central America. Kind, knowledgeable, easy going, unflappable and genuine. He made our trip incredible. The itinerary could use a bit more active inclusions and it's very unfortunate that breakfast is not included at this price point. Especially with super early starts. Highly recommended. Great tour. Can always be better but can't fault the experience I had.
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024

Amy · Traveled August 2024
This trip was one of the highlights of my life! I learnt so much from our amazing guide. I met so many amazing people and seen some magnificent places
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024
Maya Encounter
From
EUR €1,141