Our adventure starts and finishes in the lively resort town of Cancun. In our first few days we come face to face with the ancient Mayan civilisation at the cliff top ruins of Tulum and in the Guatemalan jungles at the giant ruins of Tikal. Crossing to the other side of Guatemala we come to the beautiful town of Antigua de Guatemala, complete with its cobbled stone streets, classic colonial houses, plazas and colourful inhabitants. Encircling the town are three volcanoes and lush green country side. The Guatemalan Highlands provide some of the most beautiful scenery in Central America as you will see on our visit to Panajachel and the colourful Sunday indian market at Chichicastenango. Crossing back into Mexico we head for the town of San Cristobal de Las Casas in the Chiapas Highlands. Here we visit some of the nearby highland villages, known for their distinctive colourful costumes. In the jungle near Palaneque we explore the partially excavated ruins and enjoy a dip in some stunning waterfalls. On our way back to Cancun we stop at the colonial city of Merida and visit ancient Uxmal and possibly the most impressive Mayan ruins of them all - Chichenitza. Having come full circle we arrive back in Cancun.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Fri) Arrive in Cancun and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
Free time to enjoy Cancun or the nearby beach of Playa del Carmen. |
| Days 3-4 |
Visit Mayan ruins of Tulum on the Caribbean. Continue via Chetumal to Flores in Guatemala. |
| Day 5 |
Explore stunning Tikal ruins deep in the Guatemalan jungle. |
| Days 6-8 |
Drive to Antigua de Guatemala and explore one of Central America's most beautiful towns. |
| Day 9 |
Discover Lake Atitlan and Panajachel in the Guatemalan Highlands. |
| Day 10 |
Day trip to the colourful Indian market at Chichicastenango. |
| Day 11 |
Drive from Panajachel to San Cristobal in Mexico. |
| Days 12-13 |
Explore San Cristobal and surrounding Indian villages. |
| Days 14-15 |
Drive to Palenque, visit waterfalls and Mayan jungle ruins. Continue to Campeche. |
| Days 16-17 |
Drive to Merida. Explore Merida city and ancient Uxmal. |
| Day 18 |
Visit magnificent Chichen Itza ruins and continue to Cancun. |
| Day 19 |
Free day Cancun. |
| Day 20 |
Trip comes to end after breakfast today (Wed). |