Mexico, Guatemala & Belize
22 days
Mexico, Guatemala & Belize – are three astonishing countries that will give you an unforgettable experience. On this 22-day trip, see paradisiacal places offering these countries’ incomparable beauty and Mayan heritage.
Visit unique Cenotes, fascinating jungle ruins, waterfalls, and incredible natural wonders in Mexico. In Guatemala, see natural wonders like the delicate Laguna Brava and stunning Mayan Cities. Take a boat ride around and visit the indigenous villages in the highlands. Have the incomparable experiences of walking on the active Volcano of Pacaya. Join a boat and snorkeling in Belize and more.
El Sumidero
Great canyon in Chiapas
Uxmal
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cenotes
Underground water reservoirs
Laguna Brava
Eco tourism
Highlights
Mayan ruins of Uxmal, Edzna, Palenque, Tikal, Yaxha, and El Mirador. Natural wonders such as Cenotes, Agua Azul waterfalls, El Sumidero Canyon, and the second biggest barrier reef in the world.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the airport of Cancun, a representative will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in the romantic colonial city of Valladolid. Later, you will have time to rest and relax before starting a trip full of adventures and discovering Mexico and Central America.
Today you will visit the Cenote Dzitnup. It is a closed type one, so you will enter through a narrow tunnel and a rock-cut staircase. The light that enters through the opening at the top of the cenote gives the water a turquoise blue hue that illuminates this water mirror and gives it an impressive beauty.
You will have time to swim and relax inside this magnificent natural sinkhole. Later you will have a free afternoon in Valladolid. It is a beautiful city in the Yucatan state. We strongly recommend you to see the nightly light show organized by the city. The show is in English and Spanish, and it is free for everyone who would like to see it.
Firstly, a guide will pick you up from your hotel to take you to the Mayan city of Chichen Itza. Secondly, with a local guide see the impressive ruins and temples, moreover, learn about the Mayan culture. Its ruins correspond to the Early Postclassic period (800-1100 AD). Certainly, these ceremonial centers of the Mayan civilization have left their vestiges to be admired in our present time.
Your driver will take you to your hotel in the city of Merida. Together with a local guide, you will walk through the elegant colonial city of ‘Merida’. The largest city in the ‘Yucatan Peninsula’. Enjoy its architecture and its exquisite gastronomic heritage. In its plaza, you can taste traditional food and drinks from the region.
In Merida, feel the friendliness of the locals in its parks, markets, and museums. This city has even been named the American Capital of Culture due to its great impulse of cultural activities. During your city tour, you will visit the Great Museum of the Mayan World.
We will drive from Merida to the town of Cuzama where fantastic adventures await you. A fun ride in a horse-drawn carriage will take you along the old trails to this heavenly place. The area has three amazing ‘Cenotes’, a wonder of nature. Discover, during this truly adventure tour, the magic beauty of these Cenotes.
- Cenote De Chelentún. It is considered one of the prettiest in this area. It has easy access, so you quickly appreciate the huge dome that shelters this natural wonder. Submerge and relax in its calm, fresh and crystalline waters.
- Cenote de Chak-Zinik-Ché. Go down a ten-meter wooden staircase where you can admire impressive stalactite formations on the ceiling of the cavern. The roots of the trees fall to the cool and calm water, and it all gives a charming atmosphere.
- Cenote Bolom-Chojol. The name means “nine mouse holes” for its nine-light entrances inside. It is a magical and charming place. Descend a staircase formed by rails, and join the snorkelers who swim into its crystalline turquoise blue waters.
Today, you will visit together with a professional guide the Mayan city of Uxmal.
Appreciate impressive architectural structures of the ancient Mayans, both buildings and Mayan sculptures. Such as the Fortune Teller pyramid, the Courtyard of the Nuns, the House of the Turtles, and the Platform of the Jaguars. Moreover, see part of the complex of the House of Pigeons and the Temple of the South. In addition to a Mayan ball court. It will leave you enchanted and immersed in what once was the ancient Mayan culture in the classical period (200 to 900 AD).
Later, we will drive to the colonial city of Campeche.
Today, together with a local guide, we explored another Mayan site of the ‘Puuc Route’, The ruins of Edzna. The valley here used to flood during the rainy season, which is why the Mayans created a complex system of ducts to drain the water. Now, the valley has a constant humidity that gives it a mystical environment that harmonizes with the temples, buildings, and sculptures.
Architectural advances of Mayan civilization for its time are certainly remarkable. After the archaeological adventure, you will have free time to explore further the amazing city of Campeche. A city full of attractions where you can admire its Baroque colonial style, take a walk through its squares and relax. It is a must-see while being in Mexico.
Today we will drive from the city of Campeche to your hotel in Palenque. After that, there will be time to rest and relax.
Together with a local guide, explore the Mayan city of Palenque. It will offer you spectacular views of the tropical savannah. Its temples are considered to be one the most beautiful architectural specimens of the ancient Mayan World.
Sculpted stones and preserved hieroglyphs are some of the wonders that you will be able to appreciate on this site. Palenque also possesses dozens of beautiful springs and waterfalls. Without a doubt, this tour is an unparalleled experience for any traveler who is interested in going off-the-beaten-path.
On this day, we will drive to San Cristobal de Las Casas. On the way, visit the wonderful blue waterfalls and upon arrival explore the city.
A driver will take you on just over an hour commute to visit the wonderful ‘Agua Azul’ waterfalls. They are formed by the tributaries of three rivers. The beautiful indigo blue color of the water is formed by dissolved carbonate salts.
The mountainous vegetation and petrified fallen tree trunks give a beautiful landscape and a magical atmosphere of relaxation and peace in all its surroundings. Transfer to San Cristóbal de Las Casas. A driver will take you to this beautiful colonial city where you can rest, explore the city and try some of the best Mexican traditional food.
Today, you will visit one of the best natural wonders in Mexico, El Cañón del Sumidero. This canyon is one of the main attractions of the state of Chiapas. The beauty of this canyon is comparable to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the USA as its walls can measure up to a thousand meters high, and it is fed by the ‘Grijalva’ river.
During this boat expedition, admire the flora and fauna of the place and observe species such as crocodiles, spider monkeys, and green parakeets, among others. There are five wonderful lookouts, from where it is possible to enjoy the fantastic view of this canyon created by twelve million years of erosion that has left a natural wonder for visitors.
After the boat adventure through the Sumidero Canyon, explore the small town of ‘Chiapas de Corzo’. With an architectural ensemble in the style of the centuries XII, XIV, and XV, this city will remind you of the pre-Hispanic and Spanish cultures.
During the city tour, admire its crafts, such as lacquer and wood carving, and its squares and historical monuments. It is a very picturesque small town, as a result, they consider it to be one of the magical towns of the state of Chiapas.
Today, we will drive to Laguna Brava, Guatemala. The amazing lagoon is located in the highest mountain chain of Central America. So, the views are amazing.
Today, we will explore Laguna Brava. This unique lagoon has many interesting qualities, such as maintaining a constant mist and a beautiful turquoise blue color. Its water is so crystalline that you can see its depth and purity at simple sight. The tranquility of the water and the landscape around is a magical experience for nature lovers.
A magical location surrounded by mountains, completely isolated from civilization. It is a paradise as such, and its surroundings are full of flora and fauna, such as migratory birds, wild pigs, armadillos, deer, and tigrillos. So, the lagoon shows its natural beauty at its best.
Today, your driver will take you to Lake Atitlan, and upon arrival, you will take a boat to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and relax.
Lake Atitlan has been recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The environment and its incomparable landscape are surrounded by three volcanoes: Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro. The blue of the sky, its deep blue waters, and the tranquility of its fresh air that blows around, as well as the flora and fauna of its surroundings and the small boats that can be seen throughout its 18 kilometers in length, are worth visiting.
Today, we will have a boat excursion in Lake Atitlan. In this boat ride tour, you will be able to stop at three of its indigenous towns and get to know their people and unique Mayan culture. Each one has a unique culture of its own. Appreciate their crafts, typical clothing, and customs of the ancient Mayans that today are kept alive in these little towns. Each one has breathtaking viewpoints where you will enjoy the beauty of the lake landscape.
Your private transport will take you from Lake Atitlán to your hotel in the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, where you will have a city tour. The most beautiful colonial city on the whole continent. It was the capital of the former kingdom of Guatemala and Central America.
Today its colonial buildings, mansions, baroque churches, indigenous markets, hotels, and restaurants, all in colonial style, will give you a delightful experience. Likewise, its squares, parks, and cobbled streets give a splendid touch to this beautiful city.
Today, a driver will take you to the airport in Guatemala City. Later, you will take a one-hour domestic flight to the island of Flores where another driver will take you to the jungle. You will have a tour of the Mayan city of Yaxha with an expert guide. You will be amazed by the archeology of the ancient Mayan World, its impressive temples and sculptures. In addition to the jungle canopy of the Mayan Biosphere Nature Reserve.
The largest temple reaches an incomparable view of the Lagoon. In addition to the beautiful landscapes around it, the flora and fauna preserved in this beautiful region are the perfect complements to this mystical city of the Mayan civilization. It is not uncommon to hear the screams of the howler monkeys, certainly a special complement during the tour of this magical Mayan City.
The most representative city of the Mayan Civilization and the ancient Mayan world is Tikal. Today your tour package will take you through this wonderful Mayan city. With more than three thousand structures, its ruins, including temples, palaces, residences, altars, causeways, squares, and ball fields of the ancient Mayans.
Today, you will have a wonderful experience exploring this city with a local guide. It has high temples, such as the Great Jaguar, a true wonder submerged in the jungle. Moreover, the abundant flora and fauna of the surroundings make the tour through the Mayan city of Tikal an unforgettable experience.
Today you have a free day in Flores Island. You can choose the optional helicopter tour to the great Mayan city of El Mirador, and travel to the very heart of the jungle where this impressive Mayan city is submerged. From the top of its pyramids, you can see the splendor of the horizon. Its huge pyramid, ‘La Danta’ of seventy-two meters, is the highest of the continent, and it is even surpassing in terms of volume the pyramid of ‘Cheops’ in Egypt.
Experts claim that it is the largest construction in the ancient Mayan world. El Mirador is a complex of structures, pyramids, temples, and sculptures, and it is immersed in the Mayan Biosphere and accompanied by its flora and fauna. El Mirador is home to the jaguar, puma, lizards, deer, the harpy eagle, and many more species. Read more information here.
Today you will travel from the island of Flores to the water taxi station in Belize City. Take a pleasant ride in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea until you reach the beautiful small island of Caye Caulker.
Take a boat tour around the paradise island of Caye Caulker. Crystal clear turquoise waters, blue sky, and white sand make a true paradise for visitors. Snorkeling adventure, the crystal clear waters of the island allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of its coral reef, the second largest in the world.
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and surroundings will give you the best chance to snorkel and swim. You will see rays, turtles, moray eels, barracudas, seahorses, starfish, and an infinity of marine species and little fish that make up the beautiful reef and its wonderful colors. It is an unmissable adventure in this paradise.
Sadly, our amazing Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize journey ends today. Take a water taxi back to Belize City where your private transportation will drive you to the international airport of Belize City for your flight back home.
map, expenses & price
Mexico, Guatemala, & Belize
Expenses included:
-Ground transportation and boat transfers.
-Twenty-one nights of hotel accommodations.
-Domestic flights.
-Professional certified guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Daily breakfasts.
Extensions
Discover why ‘El Chiflon’ is the most splendid waterfall in Mexico. A community cooperative established an eco-tourism park around the waterfalls to conserve them for future generations. The isolated location of the waterfall means most travelers are locals. The Montebello Lakes comprises 59 multicolored lagoons burrowed in between pine and oak forests and two Mayan sites. In 2009 was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Duration: 2 days. Price: $450
For the Mayan population, saunas have consistently expressed the purification of body and soul. The primary purpose of the sauna is to warm up the body. Saunas contribute to avoiding colds, softening up strained muscles, and easing any pain, debility, and distress. They also decrease blood pressure, boost vascular action, and help blood circulation. Price from $40
The scenery neighboring Tikal varies dramatically as the sun starts to set. This expedition lets you experience the introduction of the evening creep in the jungle, as nightly creatures start their periodic routines, between 6 and 8 pm. The best part is, the edge of the backdrop sun brightens the section of the jungle which travelers do not completely acknowledge during full sunlight. Price per guest from $80
This is an unexampled adventure to explore the most isolated parts of the Belize barrier reef to experiment with some of her best snorkeling areas! This amazing holiday is created as an island-hopping adventure for all those who want to experience this unoccupied Caribbean heaven. Duration: 3 days & 2 nights. Price per guest from $450