Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins
16 days, Playa del Carmen to Antigua Guatemala
Itinerary
Day 1Playa del Carmen
Arrive at any time.
Check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Shuttles and buses from the Cancún airport are easy to find and reasonably priced. You can also take the public ADO bus that has departures every 30 minutes from the airport to Playa Del Carmen for approximately MX 176 ($10 USD).
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
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. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Playa del Carmen
Enjoy free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or Cozumel. Or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach.
Start your holiday off with some hardcore relaxation. Enjoy a full day of free time to fill as you wish. Get your ruin on with a visit to Tulum perched atop the sea, explore the fish- and coral-filled seas around Cozumel on a scuba dive, go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, and save some energy for a night out on the town.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Playa del Carmen, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like scuba diving, swimming in a nearby cenote, and visiting the Tulúm ruins. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Cozumel Diving (Certified Divers)
85-140USD per personTake the ferry to Cozumel Island and discover one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations. See schools of tropical fish (over 250 species) swimming in and amongst colourful coral, look for sponges and other aquatic marine life. Two main coral reefs provide plateaus beginning in less than 9m (30 ft) of water. All this, plus clear, warm water. Every diver’s dream!
Skydiving
269USD per personBuckle up your harness, practice your exit, then take a plane up and over the blue Caribbean waters. Take a deep breath, leap out and freefall with an instructor before he opens the parachute. Admire the view over the Yucatan as you descend and land on the beach. Wow!
Cenote Visit
40-60USD per personPack 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”.
Tulum Ruins Visit
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.
Coco Bongo Disco and Show
90USD per personCoco 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!
Akumal Beach Visit
20USD per personAkumal is the place to visit if you’re looking to escape from the crowds. Take a shared van (colectivo) and head for this small town and beach between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Known as the “land of turtles”, float in the clear waters of this protected bay and spot green turtles feeding on the sea grass.
Day 3Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
Mention Belize and you may conjure up visions of unbelievably clear blue waters, diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef and remarkable marine life. Belize also boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easygoing people. Belize is all this and much more!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The drive time to Chetumal depends on traffic conditions.
Border Crossing (Mexico - Belize)
Arrive at the Mexican border then go to immigration to get passports stamped and pay the exit fee. After a quick trip on the bus, grab your luggage and pass through Belizean immigration and customs. Get back on the bus with your stuff and get ready to start exploring Belize.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Public buses in Belize are old retired American school buses. Luggage is piled in the back of the bus and people will often stand in the aisle as the bus fills up. Your CEO will pay your fare so if the conductor asks you for money, just point to your CEO.
Taxi
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Days 4–5Caye Caulker
Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Caye Caulker, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like snorkelling, sea kayaking, and sailing. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Days 4–5 HideShow
Bike with Purpose Rental
1-30USD per personRent a bike from the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose project on Caye Caulker and cycle around the island out to the split and back. It's a great way to get some exercise and see the sights on this laid-back island. Don't forget to bring water and wear lots of sunscreen.
Blue Hole National Monument Dive
200-250USD per personChannel your inner Jacques Cousteau and dive the Great Blue Hole, ranked by the Discovery Channel as their top choice for “most amazing place on earth”. This giant limestone sinkhole, 300m (1000 ft) in diameter and 124m (407 ft) deep, was formed more than a million years ago and is now part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Geared to open water and advanced divers, see Midnight Parrotfish and Caribbean reef sharks and interesting rock formations, including stalactites which formed before the area was submerged by the sea.
Guided Kayak Trip
15-20USD per personFollow 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.
Blue Hole National Park Flight
180-250USD per personCharge up your camera batteries and take flight over the crystal clear waters off Belize. Take off from Caye Caulker airstrip in a small plane and observe the incredible Blue Hole national monument from above. Made famous by underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, this limestone sinkhole is 300m (1000 ft) in diameter and was formed more than a million years ago.
Hol Chan Snorkel Tour
70-80USD per personSlather on the sunscreen and set out on a snorkel adventure of a lifetime. Stop at the Coral Gardens, shark and ray alley, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Snorkel three different spots along the Belize reef in this protected channel. See hundreds of varieties of tropical fish in this natural aquarium including angelfish, nurse sharks, stingrays and green moray eels. Be sure to check out the Coral Gardens to see a rainbow of colours – red, purple, pink and green – and depending on the season, float past manatees while you marvel at nature’s underwater artistry. End the day with a cruise back to Caye Caulker just before sunset with a complimentary glass of rum punch in your hand.
Fishing
250-450USD per personCast 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.
Sunset Sailing Boat Tour
60USD per personSet 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 6Caye Caulker/San Ignacio
Travel day from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio. Depending on departure time from Caye Caulker, there may be time to visit the small Maya ruin site of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, or take a relaxing swim in the Mopan river.
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.
It is possible to do cave tubing or visit the ATM cave on this day however it would require a group decision to do this with minimum numbers. The local operator would pick them up from the water taxi terminal and take passengers directly from Belize City to do one of these activities.
Water Taxi
Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Xunantunich Visit
65USD per personHike 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 7San Ignacio
Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing
120USD per personStrap 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.
Cave Tubing
95USD per personStrap 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 firsthand why the Maya selected these sites to make offerings to their gods.
Horseback Riding
80USD per personChoose 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.
Caracol Ruins Tour
125USD per personSet 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.
Crystal Cave Visit
110USD per personDrive to Blue Hole National Park and hike for one hour through lush rainforest and down steep, slippery slopes, then descend 4.5m (15 ft) by ropes to start exploring Crystal Cave (also known as Mountain Cow Cave). Crab walk and crawl through the cave and head into the Mayan Xibabla or underworld. Slide down mud ramps, along rock faces, and be awed by the stalactites and stalagmites, ancient fire pits, wall carvings, pottery and the haunting skeletal remains of humans sacrificed by the Maya to appease their gods. Afterwards, take a short drive to the Blue Hole River, relax and refresh in the cool water.
Xunantunich Visit
65USD per personHike 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.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit
140USD per personThe Actun Tunichil Muknal 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.
Day 8San Ignacio/Flores
Learn about Mayan culture and history on a guided tour of the ruins of Tikal.
Cross the border into Guatemala and you immediately notice the difference in culture, with its heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Here we have entered Guatemala’s northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán.
En route to Flores, stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Arrive in Flores, the capital of the department of Petén, a small island located on the second largest lake of Guatemala, Lake Petén Itzá.
Taxi
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Border Crossing (Belize - Guatemala)
Grab your bags from the vehicle and head to immigration after paying the exit fee. Passports get stamped in immigration and then passed to your CEO for the short walk (200m) to the Guatemalan border where the entrance fee is paid. Lend a hand loading luggage into the vehicle while your CEO gets all the passports stamped. Welcome to Guatemala!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Tikal Ruins Guided Tour
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 9Flores/Rio Dulce
Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, or go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall.
A travel day from Flores to Rio Dulce which is located in the department of Izabal, home of the largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Izabal was one of the most important water ways of the Spanish crown during colonial times.
We 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 10Rio Dulce
Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, or go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall.
Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall, take a sunrise kayak to visit groups of noisy howler monkeys, or take a horseback ride through the rubber plantations combined with a visit to the Shaman Tower.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Natural Hot Waterfall Visit
35USD per personFinca el Paraiso contains a unique volcanic vein that heats spring water and dumps it into a colder river below. Refresh and relax as you bathe in these therapeutic thermal waters and swim in the river below. Arrive by boat or overland.
Sunrise Monkey Kayak
20USD per personSet your alarm very early and set off on a sweet soulful paddle along the Rio Dulce. Kayak to the base of the Boquerón Canyon with its sheer cliff face, covered in a green mass of moss, vines, and trees. Enjoy a striking sunrise, sit back, and listen to the jungle as it wakes up – howler monkeys, birds and the slap of the paddle on the water provide the soundtrack to this memorable morning.
Scenic Boat Ride to Livingston
30USD per personTake 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”.
Hike and Yoga in Shaman Tower
32USD per personGo for a hike through some of the many hectares that Hacienda Tijax Reserve has to offer. Stop for a swim and walk amidst the rubber plantations. Arrive at the Shaman Tower where you will do some basic yoga and take in the 360-degree view.
Horseback Riding
30USD per personSet out to explore the massive property at Hacienda Tijax Jungle Lodge on horseback. Trail ride through the reserve’s lush landscape, past a plantation of rubber trees, and stop at the Shaman tower. Climb up to see the stunning view and spot the suspension bridges hanging over natural waterfalls.
Day 11Rio Dulce/Antigua Guatemala
Enjoy an orientation walk of Antigua's cobblestone streets, then take an included group salsa lesson and practice new moves out at night.
Today is a travel day from Rio Dulce to Antigua, followed by an orientation walk once you arrive. Plan your activities for the next day and enjoy some of the nightlife this beautiful colonial city has to offer.
Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will take you on a brief orientation walk to help you get your bearings. While you're here, opt to take a mountain bike ride out into the countryside or explore the fascinating markets, shops and museums within the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
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.
Your Hands-On Moment: Salsa Lesson
Kick up your heels and learn this typical Latin dance. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome. Get lost in the rhythm of the music and let your body take you to a new place -- one-two-three, one-two-three, hip roll, arm up, partner under, shimmy, shake, salsa! Vamos a bailar! (Let's dance!)
Day 12Antigua Guatemala
Enjoy a free day in Antigua. Opt to relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture in one of the city's many cafés, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture of this colonial town’s many museums and cafes, attend a chocolate workshop, visit one of the local coffee or macadamia nut plantations, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Antigua, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking a volcano, visiting a macadamia nut plantation, and taking a salsa lesson. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Cycling
30-50USD per personGet off the beaten track and discover the treasures of Guatemala. Enjoy an adventurous ride with incredible views ranging from wide open fields, volcanoes, local villages, and coffee plantations.There are full-day and half-day tours that vary in difficulty level. Have your CEO make a reservation.
ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop
24USD per personEnjoy a chocolate workshop and museum tour to learn about the process "from bean to bar" and the history of this tasty crop. In this 1.5-hour workshop, make your own bar to take home and enjoy tastings of the varieties of chocolate drinks made on site. Who knew history could be so sweet?
Finca Valhalla Visit
5-10USD per personTake a tour of the macadamia nut plantation at Finca Valhalla led by the workers. Learn about this sustainable crop for the experts and discover the health benefits of the nut. Pamper yourself with a free facial and purchase some of the treats made from the macadamia nut like oils, nuts, and chocolate. This tour is offered for free in the hopes that you’ll show your gratitude by stopping by and picking up some tasty treats from the gift shop or café.
Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour
25USD per personMeet your guide at the fountain in the Central Plaza and take a leisurely walk along the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour focuses on the Antigua's history, culture and restoration efforts (a bylaw, for example, stipulates buildings must only be painted certain colours in order to maintain the Spanish colonial character of the exteriors). Visit the City Hall Palace, Palace of the Captain's General, the main cathedral and many of Antigua's other attractions. Learn about jade and the valuable role it played in Maya culture. Shop for jewelry, pottery, textiles and wooden carvings.
Acatenango Volcano Climb
145USD per personInterested in a major physical challenge? Spend the day hiking the active Acatenango Volcano located to the west of Antigua. Bring lots of water, your camera and hope for clear skies to see a spectacular view of neighbouring Fuego and possibly even Pacaya beyond. Make no mistake, this is a very challenging climb but well worth it.
Massage
30-60USD per personRelax and enjoy a Mayan massage. You’re on vacation!
Finca Filidelfia Coffee Tour
25USD per personTravel a short 10-minute ride outside of Antigua to the Finca Filadelfia coffee plantation. Walk through the plant nursery, explore the rows of coffee plants, pick a coffee “cherry” (each one has two beans inside), then discover the various stages that go into making the perfect cup of quality coffee. The farm also has a restaurant and zipline for those who opt to fly above the canopy to spot the very best beans.
Day 13Antigua Guatemala/Panajachel
Travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán and enjoy the views.
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.
The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.
Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Be mindful of your possessions on these often-crowded buses. The locals put three people to a seat, so be prepared to make room. Your large bags will be left in Antigua and you will only take what you need for two days. Those prone to motion sickness should plan accordingly.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
La Nariz del Indio Hike
15-23USD per personTrek one of the most popular San Juan-area hikes at a park called La Nariz del Indio. Look for the Rostro Maya trail opposite the gas station on the road to San Pablo, and hike to the top in about 3-4 hrs total for spectacular views of San Juan, San Pedro, and Lake Atitlán. Opt to bring a guide, if you wish, but leave valuables at home. Police warn of robberies at the summit.
Massage
Revive sore muscles with a relaxing massage.
Kayaking
Grab your life jacket and tour local waters by kayak. Get up close to marine life and see many sights you may miss on shore.
Day 14Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna
Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings at the lake's markets.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay
Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlán, arrive by boat to the laid-back village of San Juan La Laguna and immediately feel at home. Meet your host family, stash your stuff, then set off to explore the area. Admire the paintings of local artists, watch weavers who use traditional techniques to dye wool, go for a hike and admire the view across the lake. Feel good knowing you are supporting local families eager to benefit from tourism in their community.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Shopping
Scour the local shops and stalls for unique wares to remind you of your travels to the region.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 15San Juan La Laguna/Antigua Guatemala
Return to Antigua, and enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area.
Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut and coffee plantations, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills and salsa lessons.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Those prone to motion sickness should plan with anticipation. Although it is a relatively short distance to be travelled, there are many hills and winding roads.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Massage
30-60USD per personRelax and enjoy a Mayan massage. You’re on vacation!
ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop
24USD per personEnjoy a chocolate workshop and museum tour to learn about the process "from bean to bar" and the history of this tasty crop. In this 1.5-hour workshop, make your own bar to take home and enjoy tastings of the varieties of chocolate drinks made on site. Who knew history could be so sweet?
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Antigua Guatemala
Depart at any time.
Please note that Antigua's nearest airport is Guatemala City, Guatemala. Don't get caught flying out from the Caribbean island nation of Antigua; it's nowhere near the finish point of this tour!
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.