Mexico Discovery
Trek though jungles to Mayan ruins and relax on white-sand beaches. Get an authentic taste of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico with an adventure that combines the mystery of ancient ruins with the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. Shop for treasures along colonial Antigua's cobblestone streets and get to know the locals from communities where life sometimes moves at a reggae pace. Explore the ruins of Tikal, snorkel with stingrays, lounge in gorgeous Caye Caulker, and finish up in bustling Playa del Carmen. With accommodation and transport arranged by a Chief Experience Officer, this trip offers the perfect way to discover this region’s unique vibe.
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Day 1 - Antigua Guatemala
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.
Please note that Antigua's nearest airport is Guatemala City, Guatemala. Don't get caught flying into the Caribbean island nation of Antigua— it's nowhere near the start of this tour!
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards.
Accommodation
- Posada Los Bucaros (or similar)
Day 2 - Antigua Guatemala/Rio Dulce
Private Vehicle transport from Antigua Guatemala to Rio Dulce, approx. 6h-7h30m, settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the town.
Accommodation
- Hacienda Tijax (or similar)
Day 3 - Rio Dulce/Flores
Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy free time to check out the town before continuing on to Flores. Located on Lake Petén Itzá, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.
Scenic Boat Ride to Livingston activity Rio Dulce – Lívingston, 5h-6h30m
Take a boat down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean Sea passing through El Golfete and El Canyon before arriving to Livingston. Float past mangroves and lily pads and the Boquerón Canyon, where a sheer limestone cliff rises 122m (400 ft) out of the river, covered in vines, trees and moss. Arrive at the small fishing village of Livingston known for its unique Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population, with their unique art, music and delicious coconut seafood soup, “tapado”.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle for your journey from Livingston to Flores.
Accommodation
Day 4 - Flores
Enjoy the private vehicle ride out to Tikal and return the same way in the afternoon (1-1.5 hrs one way).
Enjoy a 3-4hr guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Tikal. Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.
In the afternoon, free time to enjoy anyway you like, opt to relax on the lake or hang out at a café in town.
Accommodation
Day 5 - Flores/San Ignacio
Cross the border to Belize. Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area, or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Private Vehicle transport - Flores – Melchor de Mencos, 2h-3h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Guatemala - Belize) activity - Melchor de Mencos – Benque Viejo del Carmen, 30m-1h30m
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle transport - Benque Viejo del Carmen – San Ignacio, 30m-45m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free time this afternoon, head out to start exploring this fun town. There's a full free day tomorrow for anything you can't get to this afternoon.
Accommodation
- Rolson Hotel (or similar)
Optional Activities
Caracol Ruins Tour
Set within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, prepare to be wowed by Caracol. It’s the largest known Maya site in Belize and was once home to an estimated 180,000 people. The site was discovered in the 1920's by a logger looking for mahogany. One of its pyramids, Canaa or “Sky Place”, built in 800 AD and standing 43m (143 ft), continues to be the tallest man-made structure in the country. Bring your walking shoes, water and a sunhat because there’s lots to see here. Tombs, temples, altars, carved stelae and other stone monuments – it’s well worth the effort and easy to be impressed.
Cave Tubing - Caves Branch
Strap on a headlamp, sit on an inner tube and get set to enter the underworld. Float on an underground river past stalactites hanging above and through shafts of filtered light. Discover first-hand why the Maya selected these sites to make offerings to their gods.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit
The cave has only been open to the public since 1998. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see up to 1400 artifacts, including pottery, tools and vessels used by the Maya for a thousand years. Hike 45 minutes to the cave entrance, wade/swim through deep pools, past calcite formations, to explore this damp, dark place of ritual and sacrifice. With a helmet and headlamp, see the skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden,” a young girl whose bones have calcified over the past 1,100 years, making them appear to sparkle.
Xunantunich Visit
Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces.
Day 6 - San Ignacio
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.
Accommodation
- Rolson Hotel (or similar)
Optional Activities
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing
Strap on a headlamp, step in the canoe and paddle along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the Barton Creek Cave. Bring your camera to take memorable photos of cathedral rock chambers, stalactites and stalagmites. Upon return, opt to swim at Big Rock Falls.
Caracol Ruins Tour
Set within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, prepare to be wowed by Caracol. It’s the largest known Maya site in Belize and was once home to an estimated 180,000 people. The site was discovered in the 1920's by a logger looking for mahogany. One of its pyramids, Canaa or “Sky Place”, built in 800 AD and standing 43m (143 ft), continues to be the tallest man-made structure in the country. Bring your walking shoes, water and a sunhat because there’s lots to see here. Tombs, temples, altars, carved stelae and other stone monuments – it’s well worth the effort and easy to be impressed.
Cave Tubing - Caves Branch
Strap on a headlamp, sit on an inner tube and get set to enter the underworld. Float on an underground river past stalactites hanging above and through shafts of filtered light. Discover first-hand why the Maya selected these sites to make offerings to their gods.
Horseback Riding
San Ignacio -Choose from one of the 45 horses at Hannah's Stables and ride over farm trails and forested paths, all the way along the river to the Mayan site of Xunantunich. Enjoy a short-guided tour of the site before taking a different trail back to the stables. Watch for native birds, including toucans and parrots, listen for howler monkeys, admire orchids and fruit trees and breathe in the fresh air of the Belize countryside.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit
The cave has only been open to the public since 1998. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see up to 1400 artifacts, including pottery, tools and vessels used by the Maya for a thousand years. Hike 45 minutes to the cave entrance, wade/swim through deep pools, past calcite formations, to explore this damp, dark place of ritual and sacrifice. With a helmet and headlamp, see the skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden,” a young girl whose bones have calcified over the past 1,100 years, making them appear to sparkle.
Xunantunich Visit – Xunantunich
Hike to the top of this impressive 9th-century Maya centre, set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighbouring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stellae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces.
Day 7 - San Ignacio/Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy-going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. There are dozens of activities around the island and surrounding coral reefs. Try your hand at fishing and barbecue your catch on the beach.
Local Bus transport - San Ignacio – Belize City, 3h-4h - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Water Taxi transport - Belize City – Caye Caulker, 45m-1h - Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
Belize Bike with Purpose Tour activity - Caye Caulker, 2h - Take a leisurely bike tour around Caye Caulker with a guide from the G Adventures for Good supported Bike with Purpose project. See the island through the eyes of a local on this two-hour tour, and live the island's motto of 'Go Slow'. Feel the island breeze in your hair while knowing you're supporting a program that helps youth from Caye Caulker build skills for tourism jobs upon graduation from high school.
Accommodation
- Caye Caulker Plaza (or similar)
Day 8 - Caye Caulker
Spend time enjoying this island paradise. Opt to go on a sailing trip to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. If the boats aren't your thing, just relax, Belizean-style.
Spend two full days exploring this area any way you like.
Accommodation
- Caye Caulker Plaza (or similar)
Optional Activities
Fishing - Caye Caulker
Cast a line and see what you can reel in. Fish for snapper, barracuda, horse-eye jack and more. Bring your catch to any local restaurant and have them gut and grill it just for you. Buy the rest of dinner and some drinks and enjoy! It doesn’t get any fresher than this.
Guided Kayak Trip - Caye Caulker
Follow a guide on a sea kayak tour around the southern portion of Caye Caulker. Paddle around the mangroves and try to spot some of the unique wildlife in the area.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour - Caye Caulker
Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves.
Sunset Sailing Boat Tour - Caye Caulker
Set sail just before sunset. Relax with reggae music and rum punch, snack on shrimp ceviche and snap a few photos as you sail around the island as the sun sets to the west of Caye Caulker.
Day 9 - Caye Caulker
Jump for joy that you get another full day to explore Caye Caulker! Do what you didn't get to yesterday or take the day to just lay on the beach!
Accommodation
- Caye Caulker Plaza (or similar)
Optional Activities
Fishing - Caye Caulker
Cast a line and see what you can reel in. Fish for snapper, barracuda, horse-eye jack and more. Bring your catch to any local restaurant and have them gut and grill it just for you. Buy the rest of dinner and some drinks and enjoy! It doesn’t get any fresher than this.
Guided Kayak Trip - Caye Caulker
Follow a guide on a sea kayak tour around the southern portion of Caye Caulker. Paddle around the mangroves and try to spot some of the unique wildlife in the area.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour - Caye Caulker
Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves.
Sunset Sailing Boat Tour - Caye Caulker
Set sail just before sunset. Relax with reggae music and rum punch, snack on shrimp ceviche and snap a few photos as you sail around the island as the sun sets to the west of Caye Caulker.
Day 10 - Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen
With plenty of options nearby, Playa is an excellent hub for exploring.
Speedboat transport - Caye Caulker – Chetumal
Cut swiftly through the water en-route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
Border Crossing (Belize - Mexico) activity - Chetumal
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle transport - Chetumal – Playa del Carmen, 4h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Nautilus (or similar)
Day 11 - Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, or visit one of the many cenotes. Enjoy dinner at a supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Today do as much or as little as you want.
El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program activity - Playa del Carmen
El Hongo (which means 'The Mushroom') is a volunteer-run restaurant started as a means to create income to support a youth art program in the 'real' Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Across the highway from the commercial beach strip is where most locals live – cross onto the unpaved roads and enjoy a delicious home-style meal at the restaurant, while learning more about this much-needed program for the community.
Accommodation
- Hotel Nautilus (or similar)
Meals included
Optional Activities
Cenote Visit - Playa del Carmen
Pack your swimsuit, hail a shared van (colectivo) and ask for directions to one of Yucatan’s many cenotes. These natural swimming holes were formed thousands of years ago, when the peninsula's porous limestone collapsed to reveal fresh water pools fed by underground systems of canals and rivers. Dive into the turquoise waters surrounded by cave walls or tropical foliage, watch fish dart in and out of the shafts of sunlight and realize why the Maya called cenotes “sacred wells”.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Canal Float – Tulum
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico’s most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment.
Visit the reserve and take a boat ride across the lagoon before hopping into the crystal-clear water of one of the canals. Next, enjoy nature's lazy river as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests, letting the current slowly bring you down-stream. It's just you, the sound of chirping birds, and the fish swimming around your feet - pure paradise!
Tulum Ruins Visit – Tulum
The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulúm in the late 13th century. Located some 130 km (80 mi) south of Cancun, this picturesque site features a number of limestone structures protected on three sides by a 7m (23 ft) thick wall. Visit “El Castillo” (the castle), overlooking the Caribbean coast, and the Temple of Frescoes, then head down to the beach. Dive into the warm aquamarine waters and imagine spotting ancient vessels laden with turquoise and jade.
Tequila Tasting - Playa del Carmen
Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Join a certified sommelier to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight – a tasting session. Sip, don't shoot!
Coco Bongo Disco and Show - Playa del Carmen
Coco Bongo lives up to its name. Visitors describe it as “insane”, “exciting” and “amazing”. This Vegas-style disco and show features a range of high energy acts including Elvis, Lady Gaga, Moulin Rouge and more. The price includes all your drinks and the show is cheaper on weekdays. Go wild!
Day 12 - Playa del Carmen
This morning is the final day of your amazing Mayan Discovery, you are able to depart at any time for a flight back to the UK.
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