Mayan ruins peeking out from verdant jungle, street vendors hawking their wares on colonial streets, pristine white-sand beaches sparkling under the Caribbean sun — now this is the real Yucatán. On this unique 15-day journey, you’ll tour the ruins at Chichén Itzá and Palenque, and head deep into the jungle of Guatemala to experience the ruins of Tikal. You're free to choose your own adventure! So escape the resort packages and witness all the incredible wilderness, wildlife, and Mayan culture — past and present — that you can imagine.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San Ignacio
Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del Carmen
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Mérida
Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio
Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen. Chichén Itzá guided tour. Mérida orientation walk. Palenque guided tour. Tikal guided tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore Mayan temples, Spot monkeys in the jungle, Chill out on a Belizean island, Stare out into the Caribbean blue from a Mayan Riviera beach
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
1 lunch, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Public bus, private vehicle, water taxi, taxi, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (14 nts).
Itinerary
Playa del Carmen
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.
Playa del Carmen/Mérida
Travel to Mérida, stopping en route for a guided tour of Chichén Itzá. Enjoy an orientation walk of Mérida. Stop for a guided tour of the popular Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. Explore this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings.
Continue on to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán State. Follow your CEO on an orientation walk to get the lay of the land.
Mérida
Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes (underground pools) in the Yucatán. Opt to visit ruins of Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route, go bird-watching in Celestún, hit the beach in Progreso, visit cenotes in the nearby town of Cuzamá, or walk around town and soak in all of the history this city has to offer.
Mérida/Palenque
Sit back and relax on a travel to Palenque in the lush jungle of Chiapas.
Palenque
Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque. Take a guided tour of the ruins of Palenque. Later, choose from one of the many optional activities in the area.
Palenque
Enjoy a free day to explore Palenque and surroundings. Opt to visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls or go for a jungle hike to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Palenque/Flores
Journey through the jungle by private vehicle, crossing into Guatemala and continuing on to Flores. Explore Lake Petén Itzá and the island of Flores.
Flores
Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of Tikal archaeological site. Relax on Lake Petén Itzá and go for a swim.
Flores/San Ignacio
Cross the border into Belize and travel to San Ignacio. Enjoy an included pottery demonstration and local lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative. Continue on to Belize, a country with a decidedly Caribbean flavour. The relaxed atmosphere of San Ignacio allows for options including horseback riding, canoeing, caving, or exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge area.
San Ignacio
Enjoy free time to visit the sacred Mayan cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich or Caracol. Optional acitivities abound around San Ignacio. Choose to see the Mountain Pine Ridge area or take a day trip to the astounding Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. Explore the cave’s water systems using a helmet and headlamp. An experienced local guide will provide insight into the fascinating practices of the ancient Maya.
Alternatively, opt for a trip to the impressive Maya ceremonial centre of Xunantunich. Getting there includes crossing a narrow river by a hand-cranked ferry.
San Ignacio/Caye Caulker
Travel to Caye Caulker and enjoy this tropical paradise. Rent a bike and organize activities for the next day. Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. Snorkel boats leave daily for full- or half-day outings to the reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and for manatee spotting tours.
Try your hand fishing and be rewarded with a fresh catch, then barbecue it on the beach.
Caye Caulker
Spend the day exploring Caye Caulker and the marine life in the area. Opt to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks, and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, rent a bike, or just chill out, Belizean style.
Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen
Full travel day to reach Playa del Carmen, the last stop of the adventure. Head to Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-minute drive south of Cancún. Enjoy some nightlife, buy last minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean.
Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30-75 mins depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the towns and the reefs of the island. For a final dose of ruins, Tulúm is just a 45-minute drive south of Playa.
Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day in Playa del Carmen. Explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm on your own or book an optional tour. Opt to visit a cenote or reserve a canal float in Sian Ka'an, one of Mexico’s most important protected areas. Later, enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
