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Mayan Sun–Northbound
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Trek though jungle backdrops to Mayan ruins and chill out on white-sand beaches under the Caribbean sun. Check out Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico and experience the region’s diversity. Wander colonial Antigua’s cobblestone streets and shop for treasures before experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán, its Indigenous Mayan villages, and striking volcanoes. One of our most popular trips, this adventure offers natural wonders, excitement, and culture with enough time to socialize and do your own thing.

Latin America
Mayan Sun–Northbound

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  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Guaranteed Departure: Yes
  • For lovers of:
  • Physical rating: Average
  • Accommodation standard:   Not Rated%
  • Traveller Tour Rating: 80.0%  
  • Your Guide: English speaking
  • Supplier Tour ID: CGAC/126644
  • Starts: Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
  • Finishes: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
  • Age requirement: 18 - 39
You will Visit
  • Antigua Guatemala
  • San Juan La Laguna
  • Panajachel
  • Rio Dulce
  • Flores
  • San Ignacio
  • Caye Caulker
  • Mahahual
  • Playa del Carmen

Itinerary

01

Day 1: Antigua Guatemala

Arrive at any time.
Check into the hostel and enjoy this colonial city.

02

Day 2: Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to relax with a massage or soak up the culture in one of many cafés. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.

03

Day 3: Antigua Guatemala/San Juan La Laguna

Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views. Take a boat across the lake to a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family in a Mayan Tz'utujil village. Tour the village with a local guide to learn more about daily life and see some artisan workshops.
Travel through the hills and fertile fields of the Guatemalan highlands to the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains, and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake, resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.

We will overnight at a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. Tonight, the group will be spread out among a number of homes, where dinner will also be provided. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will help you to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day life of the locals in this region.

04

Day 4: San Juan La Laguna/Panajachel

Return across the lake and enjoy free time in Panajachel to visit the market or relax.

05

Day 5: Panajachel/Rio Dulce

Travel across Guatemala to Rio Dulce.
Take the road past areas of dense jungle and arrive at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal, and a port stop for boaters around the globe on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast.

06

Day 6: Rio Dulce

Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, or go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall.
There are plenty of opportunities for R & R. Aside from boating on Lake Izabal, there are optional tours in the area to view protected manatees. You may opt to horseback ride through a rubber plantation, explore San Felipe fort, take the morning monkey kayak tour, relax in the thermal springs, or hike through the jungle-strewn trails in the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve area.

07

Day 7: Rio Dulce/Flores

Head north to the quaint town of Flores.
Our final stop in Guatemala is Flores, a picturesque town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá. Flores is well-known for its proximity to Tikal—the largest excavated Mayan site.

08

Day 8: Flores/San Ignacio

Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of Tikal before crossing into Belize.
Head north to the ancient city of Tikal before venturing into Belize. The spiritual centre of Tikal boasts the Mayan's highest pyramids and abundant flora and fauna in the surrounding jungle.

09

Day 9: San Ignacio

Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre), or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize's little known inland scenic beauty. With free time here, choose to explore the area by foot, canoe, or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.

10

Day 10: San Ignacio/Caye Caulker

Hop aboard a local bus, then board a water taxi to the island paradise of Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour.

11

Day 11: Caye Caulker

Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving, or just chill out, Belizean style.

12

Day 12: Caye Caulker

Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving, or just chill out, Belizean style.

13

Day 13: Caye Caulker/Mahahual

Travel north along the Caribbean up to Mexico.
Leaving Belize and its Caribbean reggae-tinged vibe, head north to the Costa Maya, Mexico, to the beachside town of Mahahual.

14

Day 14: Mahahual

Enjoy a free day for beach lounging and sipping seaside margaritas.

15

Day 15: Mahahual/Playa del Carmen

Head up the coast to Playa del Carmen for a final night with the group.
Head north to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the de facto centre of the Mayan Riviera. This once sleepy village is quickly becoming a popular destination among sun worshippers and partiers worldwide.

16

Day 16: Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

Inclusions:
    Activities
    • G Adventures for Good: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna G Adventures for Good: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker Big Night Out: Antigua Guatemala Carte Blanche: San Ignacio Carte Blanche: Caye Caulker
    • Orientation walk in Antigua
    • Guided tour of Tikal
    • Beach time in Mahahual
    • Free time in Rio Dulce, San Ignacio, and Caye Caulker
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    Accommodation
    • Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share), local homestay (1 nt)
    • 1 dinner
    Transport
    • Public bus, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking
    Group Leader
    • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
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Tour Highlights:
  • Walk along cobblestones in gorgeous colonial Antigua
  • Overnight in a local homestay
  • Watch the sunset in Caye Caulker
  • Bliss out on white-sand beaches
  • Explore ancient Mayan sites.


Reviews (4)
Taran B Posted on: 

Fantastic! Felt like travelling with a group of friends and our leader was amazing. Our leader was able to help out with whatever we required.

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Kaylie L Posted on: 

Amazing. Would definitely recommend to friends and family. Absolutely loved it and looking forward to more adventures in the region in the future.

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Tormod M Posted on: 

The trip was excellent! Many and good activity options. Loved the diversity. Everything from mountain hiking and caving to relaxing on the beach. Nice!

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Sharlene T Posted on: 

A great introduction to Central America. I always felt like we were seeing the true culture of the countries and having experiences that the average tourist might not have.

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