Mayan Trail

Overview

Leave the resorts of Canc?n behind and embark on an authentic adventure that will take you from spectacular Mayan ruins to the cobblestoned streets of colonial towns and deep into the jungle of Mexico. Explore the ancient ruins at Chich?n Itz? and Palenque and meet the descendants of those who built them in the vibrant streets and colourful markets of picturesque Mayan towns. Get your camera out?you’re going to need it!

Day 1?Canc?n

Arrive at any time.

As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

1h?18:00

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.

Accommodation

Suites Gaby (or similar)

Day 2?Canc?n/M?rida

Take a guided tour of Chich?n Itz? and orientation walk around M?rida.

Depart Canc?n and head to the famous Mayan ruins of Chich?n Itz? for a guided tour. Spend time exploring this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings.

Continue on to M?rida, the capital of the Yucat?n State, and take a short orientation walk. Also known as la ciudad blanca (the white city), M?rida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico?s fascinating mix of cultural influences.

Private Vehicle

Canc?n ? Chich?n-Itz?2h-2h30m190km

First-class buses in Mexico have toilets on board and very strong air-conditioning. Bring a sweater.

Chich?n Itz? Guided Tour

Chich?n-Itz??2h-3h

Spend the afternoon with a local expert and learn about the history of Chich?n Itz? and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.

Private Vehicle

Chich?n-Itz? ? M?rida1h15m-2h130km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk

30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation

Hotel Reforma (or similar)

Day 3?M?rida

Opt to visit ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes in the Yucat?n. Hit the beach or soak in the history this city has to offer.

The area surrounding M?rida has tons to offer. Choose to visit nearby cenotes (water sink holes) in the town of Cuzam?. Inside, swim in the massive crystal-clear sinkholes. Transportation to the cenotes is half the fun, taking small wooden horse-drawn carts along old rail tracks.

Opt to visit ruins in Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route or go bird-watching. There’s something for everyone.

Free Time

M?ridaFull Day

Enjoy free time in this fascinating area.

Optional Activities – Day 3

Accommodation

Hotel Reforma (or similar)

Day 4?M?rida/Palenque

Travel to Palenque and spend two nights in a jungle lodge in the nearby national park.

After a long day of travel, arrive to Palenque. Enjoy a 2-night stay inside the national park in a jungle lodge. The lodge is quite close to the town, the ruins and the museum and offers a restaurant and bar on the grounds.

First-class bus

M?rida ? Palenque9h-10h620km

First-class buses in Mexico have toilets on board and very strong air-conditioning. Bring a sweater.

Accommodation

Mayabell (or similar)

Day 5?Palenque

Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque. After, go for a swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall.

Palenque Ruins Guided Tour

Palenque2h-3h

Experience the elegant jungle site of Palenque on a guided tour. See the highlights — the Temple of the Cross Group, Temple of Inscriptions and the Grand Palace. Howler monkeys sound in the distance as the fog rolls in and out of this mystical site, one of the most important centres for trade and culture during the end of the Classic Maya period.

Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

Palenque?5h-6h

Visit the Zapatista community of Roberto Barrios, Chiapas, have a swim and explore the cascading waterfall. If it hasn?t rained for a few days, you will be astonished how bright the light blue water can get.

Optional Activities – Day 5

Accommodation

Mayabell (or similar)

Day 6?Palenque/San Crist?bal de Las Casas

Travel to San Crist?bal de Las Casas via Villahermosa. Enjoy an orientation walk on arrival.

Continue out of the jungle to San Cr?st?bal De Las Casas, located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft). Enjoy an orientation walk of the city, known for its 16th century architecture.

Orientation Walk

30m-1h

Private Vehicle

Palenque ? San Crist?bal de Las Casas7h30m350km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Baron de las Casas (or similar)

Day 7?San Crist?bal de Las Casas

Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride.

Free Time

San Crist?bal de Las CasasFull Day

Use a full free day to explore all this area has to offer.

Optional Activities – Day 7

Accommodation

Baron de las Casas (or similar)

Day 8?San Crist?bal de Las Casas/Panajachel

Journey from San Crist?bal de las Casas, Mexico to Panajachel, Guatemala. Opt to explore the town on arrival.

The first stop in Guatemala is on beautiful Lake Atitl?n. Stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages. There are plenty of opportunities to visit the villages on the lake by boat, departing in the mornings and returning in late afternoon.

Private Vehicle

San Crist?bal de Las Casas ? Panajachel?10h-12h?380km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Mexico – Guatemala)

Frontera Corozal ? Cooperativa Agr?cola Bethel?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.

Accommodation

Hotel Chinimaya (or similar)

Day 9?Panajachel

Take a boat tour around Lake Atitl?n to local indigenous villages including a lunch at a G Adventures-supported Mayan community project.

Lake Atitl?n Boat Ride and Community Visit

Lago de Atitl?n

Get ready for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and everyday life in a highland village. The people of this area are friendly and excited to greet travellers. . Participate in a Mayan tree planting ceremony, providing insight into Mayan culture and beliefs.

Test your communication and bargaining skills in the colourful local markets, of which there are many. There are also a number of community Mayan weaving cooperatives that you may wish to visit. The proceeds from the sales return directly to the community and are a significant contribution to the local economy.

Free Time

PanajachelAfternoon

Make the most of your free time in this area.Accommodation

Hotel Chinimaya (or similar)

Meals included: Lunch

Day 10?Panajachel/Antigua

Arrive in Antigua and head out for an orientation walk. Opt for a final night out in town.

With so much to do in this charming colonial city, we highly recommend booking post accommodation. Optional activities for the area include a city tour, salsa dancing classes or relaxing with a massage. Further afield you can rent bikes and ride through the hills, visit a macadamia nut farm or check out some nearby villages.

Private Vehicle

Panajachel ? Antigua2h30m-3h30m80km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

This ride is full of hills and windy roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead with medication.

Orientation Walk

30m-1h

Free Time

AntiguaAfternoon

Opt to check out more of the city with a little free time.

Optional Activities – Day 10

Accommodation

Posada Los Bucaros (or similar)

Day 11?Antigua

Depart at any time.

We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.

Physical Rating: 2 – Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Price Start From

$1104 Per Person

Duration
11 Days
Group Size:
Max 16

Mayan Trail

Overview

Day 1?Canc?n

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Accommodation

Suites Gaby (or similar)

Day 2?Canc?n/M?rida

Private Vehicle

Chich?n Itz? Guided Tour

Private Vehicle

Orientation Walk

Accommodation

Hotel Reforma (or similar)

Day 3?M?rida

Free Time

Optional Activities – Day 3

Accommodation

Hotel Reforma (or similar)

Day 4?M?rida/Palenque

First-class bus

Accommodation

Mayabell (or similar)

Day 5?Palenque

Palenque Ruins Guided Tour

Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

Optional Activities – Day 5

Accommodation

Mayabell (or similar)

Day 6?Palenque/San Crist?bal de Las Casas

Orientation Walk

Private Vehicle

Accommodation

Baron de las Casas (or similar)

Day 7?San Crist?bal de Las Casas

Free Time

Optional Activities – Day 7

Accommodation

Baron de las Casas (or similar)

Day 8?San Crist?bal de Las Casas/Panajachel

Private Vehicle

Border Crossing (Mexico – Guatemala)

Accommodation

Hotel Chinimaya (or similar)

Day 9?Panajachel

Lake Atitl?n Boat Ride and Community Visit

Free Time

Hotel Chinimaya (or similar)

Meals included: Lunch

Day 10?Panajachel/Antigua

Private Vehicle

Orientation Walk

Free Time

Optional Activities – Day 10

Accommodation

Posada Los Bucaros (or similar)

Day 11?Antigua

Physical Rating: 2 – Light

Trip Type: Small Group

Age requirement: 12+

Personal Details

Trip Information

Price Start From

Duration

Group Size:

Members and Affiliations