Overview & Highlights
A whirlwind tour of Central America’s Mayan world takes you to the top sights in Belize, Guatemala and southern Mexico.
- 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
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.
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.
Mexico / Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites
Mexico / Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque
Chan Kah
Yucatan Peninsula / Mexico
Hacienda Chichen
Belize / Maya mountains and jungle
Hidden Valley Inn and Reserve
Guatemala / Tikal
Jungle Lodge
Yucatan Peninsula / Mexico
Mision de Fray Diego
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Very efficient with the booking process and very helpful with his service throughout. Adam was always prompt and helpful in answering all our questions prior to departure.
IR, London
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Consultant
Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is an invaluable part of our Group Tours team.
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.
Papagaio
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
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Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Consultant
After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
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Sophie Barber - Travel Consultant
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia.
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Carrie Gallagher - Travel Consultant
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Escorted Groups team.
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Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Consultant
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 team.
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Hannah Donaldson - Travel Consultant
Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is an invaluable part of our Group Tours team.
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Ben Line - Travel Consultant
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
