Private Journeys

Highlights of the Mayan world

13 days from £3,170pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Belize / Guatemala / Mexico

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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.

Read More
  • 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

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Millie Davies

Travel Expert

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What our clients say

  • It is hard to choose one particular part of the trip as it was all amazing but in different ways. One of the most memorable parts was the few days…

    MF, London
  • Seeing the people on the Uros islands demonstrate how they cook, the amazing Iguassu Falls, seeing a toucan close up (at Iguassu), all the different Inca sites, seeing the traditional…

    PW, Leatherhead
  • Amazing trip, fab group, experienced guide and definitely value for money. Would highly recommend.

    AB, London
  • JLA is one of the best Tour Operators I have been with - nothing in the booking process was too much trouble. They stick to specialising in one continent, the…

    LS, Didcot
  • Amazing enjoyed every minute i don't usually do group tours and rather travel independently but journey Latin America has changed my mind.

    SJ, Jersey
  • I travelled with a great group of people, a fantastic Tour Leader and amazing Driver. One of my best JLA experiences.  

    JH, Woking
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Our Expert's Opinion

Millie
Millie Davies Travel Expert Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

Inspired by this trip

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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Your edit for Latin American inspiration

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.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Millie
    Millie Davies - Travel Expert

    Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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