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Maya Encounter
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: QBSA
Overview
Destination:
Belize,
Guatemala,
Mexico,
Duration:13 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Travel Period
October 2026 - December 2028
Dive into a 13-day adventure through Central America, from the calming sea breezes of Playa del Carmen's beaches to the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal. On this journey to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, amble down the coast to the sunny shores of Caye Caulker, cut inland to the lush jungle around San Ignacio, cruise to the vast Rio Dulce, watch a pottery demonstration using ancient Maya techniques and finish under the volcano in Antigua. On this trip, you’ll get the right balance of local-led experiences and independent exploration in incredible places ready to be discovered.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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 applies to all nights on your trip 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.
4. Entry and exit fees apply and are payable locally. These amounts are in addition to your trip payment. Please refer to the Passports, Visas & Entry Requirements section of your Essential Trip Information for fee information and payment requirements.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip 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.
4. Entry and exit fees apply and are payable locally. These amounts are in addition to your trip payment. Please refer to the Passports, Visas & Entry Requirements section of your Essential Trip Information for fee information and payment requirements.
Highlights:
- 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 applies to all nights on your trip 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. 4. Entry and exit fees apply and are payable locally. These amounts are in addition to your trip payment. Please refer to the Passports, Visas & Entry Requirements section of your Essential Trip Information for fee information and payment requirements.
Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches.
- Transport: Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared Boat, Ferry.
- Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (2 nights).
- 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).
- Livingston - River boat trip to Garifuna town.
- Livingston - Garifuna dance class.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Playa del Carmen
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.
Day 2: Playa del Carmen
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.
Day 3: Chetumal
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.
Day 4: 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.
Day 5: Caye Caulker
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.
Day 6: Caye Caulker
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.
Day 7: San Ignacio
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).
Day 8: San Ignacio
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.
Day 9: Tikal National Park to Flores
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.
Day 10: Rio Dulce
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.
Day 11: Rio Dulce
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.
Day 12: Antigua
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.
Day 13: Antigua
Your adventure comes to an end this morning and there are no activities planned. As there's a great deal to do in Antigua, we recommend staying a few extra days. If you’d like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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per person twin share
12 nights
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