Overview & Highlights
A whirlwind tour of Central America’s Mayan world takes you to the top sights in Belize, Guatemala and southern Mexico.
It was over 3,000 years ago when tribes who’d been on the move over large swathes of what is now known as Central America began to settle down in the region’s tangled rainforests, scrubby plains and misty mountains. They had no written language but created a complex civilisation the astronomy and architecture of which was more sophisticated than any other on the continent. Their cities, featuring giant pyramids and ornate temples, were inexplicably abandoned by 1,200AD but the ruins of these stand testament today to the Maya’s achievements, and their descendants still populate the region with their own language and traditions.
There are too many of these architectural masterpieces to name here but on this holiday we have picked out the most stunning and most significant for your visit. But it isn’t all about history – the natural landscapes of unrestrained jungles swarming with wildlife, craggy mountains cut through by rivers and caves, immaculate powdery beaches and the second longest barrier reef in the world are well worth discovering in themselves.
Put these together, mingled with the graceful heritage of colonial Spain, and you have a marvellous self-contained holiday where you will encounter top highlights in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico in just two weeks.
- Guided excursion to Caracol Mayan ruins, Rio Frio pools
- Visit to Yaxha ruins
- Guided tour of Tikal archaeological site
- Excursion to Bonampak and Yaxchilán Mayan sites
- Half day tour of Palenque abandoned Mayan city
- Guided tour of Chichen Itzá site
THE UK’S № 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA
Mary Anne Nelson
Travel Expert
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Belize City and transfer to Mountain Pine Ridge in the Mayan Mountains.
Day 2
Guided excursion to the Mayan ruins at Caracol and Rio Frio cave and pools.
Day 3
At leisure at the lodge.
Day 4
Continue into Guatemala via Yaxhá ruins and arrive at Tikal.
Day 5
Discover the Mayan Empire’s most extraordinary ruins.
Day 6
Cross the border into Mexico; overnight close to the border.
Day 7
Visit Yaxchilán and Bonampak; continue to Palenque.
Day 8
Guided tour of Palenque.
Day 9
Fly from Villahermosa to Mérida in the Yucatán.
Day 10
At leisure: optional excursion to Uxmal.
Day 11
By road to Chichén Itzá; guided tour.
Day 12
By road to Cancún.
day 13
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Belize / Maya mountains and jungle
Hidden Valley Inn and Reserve
Guatemala / Tikal
Jungle Lodge
Mexico / Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque
Chan Kah
Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan / Mexico
Mision de Fray Diego
Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan / Mexico
Hacienda Chichen
Mexico / Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites
What our clients say
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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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