Mayan Discovery

15 days
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Small Group Tour
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...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • 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

What's this trip about?

    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.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPlaya del Carmen
End CityPlaya del Carmen

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Transformative

Destinations

  • New Mexico
  • Central America
  • Belize
  • Guatemala

Attractions

  • Blue Hole
  • Cancún
  • Caribbean
  • Caye Caulker
  • Flores
  • Mayan Riviera
  • Palenque
  • Playa del Carmen
  • San Ignacio
  • San José
  • Tikal

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Trip includes

    • Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch
    • San IgnacioYour G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program
    • Playa del CarmenYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: MéridaYour Discover Moment: San IgnacioYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour 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

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 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.

Day 3 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.

Day 4 Mérida/Palenque

Sit back and relax on a travel to Palenque in the lush jungle of Chiapas.

Day 5 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.

Day 6 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.

Day 7 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.

Day 8 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.

Day 9 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.

Day 10 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 ...

Day 11 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...

Day 12 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.

Day 13 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 co...

Day 14 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.

Day 15 Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

Playa del Carmen is located just south of Cancún airport (45 mins) so you can head directly there without returning to Cancún.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,679
Price per day$112
Last Updated: 4/29/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
18 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$1,679
5 spots left
08 Jun 2024
22 Jun 2024
$1,679
Sold Out
22 Jun 2024
06 Jul 2024
$1,679
Sold Out
29 Jun 2024
13 Jul 2024
$1,679
5 spots left
06 Jul 2024
20 Jul 2024
$1,679
10 spots left
13 Jul 2024
27 Jul 2024
$1,679
Sold Out
20 Jul 2024
03 Aug 2024
$1,679
9 spots left
27 Jul 2024
10 Aug 2024
$1,679
Sold Out
03 Aug 2024
17 Aug 2024
$1,679
Sold Out
10 Aug 2024
24 Aug 2024
$1,679
15 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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G Adventures

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G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet's most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Adventure travel is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. This is your planet. Come and get it.

All G Adventures tours share a common love of adventure, but life-altering experiences come in a variety of flavors. Here are some of the Travel Styles we offer:

"Comfort": “Adventure travel” doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Comfort tours offer the genuine experiences you want with more extras, frills, and upgrades.

"Classic": An unbeatable mix of uncommon experiences, insider access, cultural contact, and all the must-sees and -dos, Classic is adventure perfected.

"Active": Why just see the world when you could bike, hike, kayak, and multi-sport it? Why, indeed. Active tours keep travellers who like to move on the move.

"Yolo": You’re only young once. Make the most of it with Yolo tours, fun-filled and fast-moving adventures designed just for travellers aged 18 to 39.

"Family": Just because you settled down and had kids doesn’t mean your adventuring days are through. Family makes our big planet small enough for all.

"Local Living": Want to get under the skin of some of the most gorgeous and out-there places? Local Living tours grant access that even locals don't have.

"Private Groups": Got a group of eight or more and want to keep the fun to yourselves? Try a Private Group tour. You pick the who and where, we’ll handle the what.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got a tour (or a dozen) that’ll fit you just right.

  • 100% Guaranteed Departures
  • Lifetime Deposits
  • 24/7 Service
  • Awards include one of National Geographic Traveler's Tours of a Lifetime and one of National Geographic Adventure's "Best Adventure Tour Outfitters." Several times named Canada's Favorite Adventure Tour Operator.

To speak with G Adventure Travel Specialist call 1-855-667-9514 

Why we love this operator
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
What they’re known for
Curated culturally immersive adventures for young adults and families that are tailored to a destination or specific theme.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels (14 nts).,

Transportation & Flights

Public bus, private vehicle, water taxi, taxi, walking.,

Transportation & flights

Public bus, private vehicle, water taxi, taxi, walking.
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,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.
Travel Insurance
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. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. 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.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Meals Included
1 lunch, 1 dinner
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information

Important Notes

1. As this trip crosses national borders, please be prepared to pay some border fees for certain countries ranging from $1 to $30 USD. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. 2. When entering Mexico by land for the second time (from Belize) you must pay a tax of 533MXN payable in cash (35 USD approximately) due to new regulations). 3. The Cancún airport is only 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen and frequent buses run on schedule. 4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Trip ID
gadventure-22833

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