Mayan Jade: The Ultimate Maya route 19 days, 18 nights

A true combination of highlights this Classical Maya route tour is the most complete itinerary, for nature, culture, history and archaeological sites.

This journey takes you along breathtaking scenery, the Riviera Maya with its white sand beaches and turquoise sea, it´s multi-coloured lagoon of Bacalar, the thick jungle of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, and the spectacular highlands of Guatemala, dotted with volcanoes surrounding a breathtaking lake.

We selected the most important Maya sites such as Tulum, Tikal and Copan, and lesser-visited gems such as Calakmul and Quirigua. In Belize you have options to go really deep into the Mayan world, entering the magical caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal. In Guatemala, we will visit one of the Mayan Shrines of Maximóm a Mayan Deity still worshipped nowadays.

Travelling four different countries on this adventure, we encounter a wealth of cultures, in the most colourful traditional clothing, with the richest gastronomy and the most beautiful of smiles. Where ever we travel the local population have continued their traditions, which we are there to witness first hand.

Be woken up to the sounds of howler monkeys in the morning, explore the sweet jungle river with frigat birds, pelicans and herons escorting us, spotting caimans, turtles and perhaps the ever so shy manatee. It is always a surprise but the best of Central American wildlife is abundant throughout this journey.

Summarized itinerary

day 1-3: Cancun – Tulum – Bacalar

Fly into Cancun transfer to your hotel in Tulum, visit of a cenote/sinkhole, a guided and included visit of the fantastically located archaeological site of Tulum before heading to Bacalar Lagoon, and of course free time to relax after your international flight

day 4-5: Bacalar – Calakmul

We visit the 7 coloured lagoon of Bacalar, and head to the archaeological site of Calakmul, visited merely by wildlife. 

day 6-7: San Ignacio (Belize)

We cross borders with Belize and drive to  San Ignacio where some of the most spectacular included excursions are available, visit the cave of ActunTunichil Muknal, the archaeological site of Xunantunich, Caracol, or kayak the Macal River, your choice.

day 8-9: Flores (Guatemala) – Tikal

We head to our third country Guatemala!  The beautiful lake of Peten awaits us. The island of Flores boosts some of the most spectacular sunsets. In the early morning we set off to be one of the first visitors to the famous site of Tikal. When the jungle is still cool, we can enjoy both the wildlife and the gigantic pyramids towering over the jungle.

day 10-11: Rio Dulce – Copan

We drive to Rio Dulce where we will take the most beautiful jungle boat safari to the village of Livingston, an interesting melting pot of indigenous cultures. Along our ride to Copan in Honduras we will visit the largest meso american stelae in the site of Quirigua.   

day 12-13: Copan Ruinas (Honduras) – Antigua Guatemala

Copan Ruinas both the village and the site are unique: we visit the heavily decorated plazas and Mayan Temples and you have the chance to learn about the Scarlet Macaw project in the excellent Macaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary. We drive to the Colonial city of Antigua, back in Guatemala!

day 14-16: Antigua (Guatemala)

We chose to have 3 nights in the pretty colonial town, with enough time for you to get to know the history on an included city tour, and time for you to shop, relax or do optional excursions such as climbing the Pacaya Volcano or visit the villages outside the city.

day 17-19: Antigua – Chichicastenango – Panajachel

The beautiful crater lake of Atitlan is dotted with the most interesting Mayan villages. We will explore these by boat and learn about the Maya traditions kept alive since ancient time.  On our way to the lake we have time to experience the artisan and local market of Chichicastenango. We head back to Guatemala City for you international flights.

Would you like to know more? Contact us using the brief form below!

Highlights

This classic Maya multi-country tour features our most complete itinerary, highlighting everything from nature and culture to history and archaeological sites. This journey guides you through breathtaking scenery, including the Riviera Maya with its white sand beaches and turquoise sea, the multi-coloured lagoon of Bacalar, the thick jungle of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, and the spectacular highlands of Guatemala, dotted with volcanoes surrounding a breathtaking lake.

We’ve selected the most important Mayan destinations, including Tulum, Tikal and Copan, and lesser-visited gems such as Calakmul and Quirigua. In Belize, you have the option to dive deep into the Mayan world, entering the magical caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal. In Guatemala, we visit one of the Mayan Shrines of Maximóm, a Mayan deity still worshipped today.

Travelling through four different countries on this adventure, we encounter a wealth of different cultures adorned in the most colourful traditional clothing, all offering some of the richest gastronomy and most beautiful smiles in all of Central America. All along our route, the local population have continued their traditions, all of which we witness firsthand!

As the howler monkeys dance through the trees above, we explore sweet jungle rivers, spotting frigatebirds, pelicans and herons, as well as caimans, turtles and perhaps the ever so shy manatee! The best of Central American wildlife is on full display throughout our entire journey!

Summarized Itinerary

Days 1–3: Mexico – Cancun, Tulum, Bacalar

Fly into Cancun and transfer to your hotel in Tulum. Visit the incredible archaeological site of Tulum before heading to Bacalar Lagoon.

Days 4–7: Belize – Bacalar, Calakmul, San Ignacio

We visit the seven-coloured lagoon of Bacalar and the archaeological site of Calakmul before crossing into Belize, where spectacular sites and activities await, like the cave of ActunTunichil Muknal, kayaking the Macal River and more. Your choice!

Days 8–11: Guatemala, Honduras – Tikal, Rio Dulce, Copan

Stops throughout wonderful Guatemala include the island of Flores with its spectacular sunsets, and the beautiful wildlife and giant pyramids of Tikal. We then head to Rio Dulce and its melting pot of indigenous cultures before visiting the largest Mesoamerican stelae at Quirigua in Copan.

Days 12–16: Honduras, Guatemala – Antigua Guatemala

Destinations include the village and site of Copan Ruinas and the Macaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary. We then spend three nights in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, back in Guatemala, full of city tours with rich history and exciting excursions outside city limits!

Day 17–19: Guatemala – Antigua, Chichicastenango, Panajachel

Visit fascinating Mayan villages along the beautiful crater lake of Atitlan, and the local market of Chichicastenango before heading back to Guatemala City for you international flights!

Would you like to know more? Contact us using the brief form below!

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