Mexico and Guatemala Holiday
20 days
Ready for a trip that will blow your mind? Our Mexico and Guatemala holiday itinerary gives you the top attractions in both lower Mexico and Guatemala. You’ll visit sparkling cenotes, rivers, and lakes, climb a volcano, and explore colonial cities. You’ll have the chance to walk where the Maya once walked, in their cities, which are now ancient history. There’s nothing standing atop a pyramid that is thousands of years old, seeing what the rulers of that time saw.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you take planes, boats, and shuttles to get from place to place. We’ve put together a trip that will have you relaxing in the surf in Cancun and visiting the bustling market of Chichicastenango. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in a beautiful culture that has lasted generations, this is the itinerary for you.
Merida City
Yucatan
Tulum
Mayan City
Volcano Pacaya
Active volcano in Guatemala
Lake Peten
Guatemala
Highlights
Mexico and Guatemala have a lot to offer visitors. You’re about to see some of the most dazzling sights each country has to offer. From the brilliant blue sea and deep turquoise waters of the cenotes to the rich green of Rio Dulce, you will experience life to the fullest. You’ll see historical sites like Tikal, Yaxha, Chichen Itza, Campeche, Uxmal, and Tulum, where the Maya built stunning cities and lived in them for generations. The rise and fall of the Mayan Empire is much easier to picture when you’re there on the ground.
You’ll see more modern sights, too, like Lake Atitlan, with its many unique villages, and the colonial town of Antigua Guatemala. Best of all, you’ll get to meet many people in both countries on your Mexico and Guatemala holiday. Mexicans and Guatemalans alike are friendly, warm people who love to share their culture with visitors. Ready? Let’s go!
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the Cancun International Airport (CUN), you’ll be picked up by our driver and taken to our hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax, explore the area, or chill on the beach.
Overnight in Cancun.
Today, you’ll head to the nearby Mayan ruins of Ek’Balam. The name translates to “Black Jaguar” in reference to a powerful and revered animal in Mayan mythology. This fascinating archeological site is home to 45 structures, including one of the biggest buildings in Mesoamerica, the Acropolis, which stands at 162 meters long and 32 meters tall.
Ek’Balam was a heavily protected military center in its time, but today it’s best known for its art. Well-preserved Mayan paintings are difficult to find, but this site has a range of detailed murals and stucco sculptures. It’s also the site of Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’s tomb, where more than 7,000 artifacts were discovered. The artifacts helped archeologists understand more about Mayan burial practices.
Next, we’ll visit a local village that is dedicated to preserving the original Mayan traditions. It’s also called Ek’Blam and provides the unique opportunity to meet local families and participate in making tortillas and weaving hammocks while you learn about their culture. Enjoy connecting with the heart of Mexico before we take a dip in the X’Canche Cenote, with its partially underground turquoise water that makes this a popular attraction.
Finally, we’ll drive to Valladolid, a picturesque city on the Yucatan Peninsula. The beautiful colors of the houses and fascinating architecture make this the perfect place to explore in the evening. You’ll be staying overnight here, as it’s close to tomorrow’s destination.
- One night in Valladolid.
From Valladolid, it’s a short drive to Chichen Itza and we’ll be arriving early, before everyone else. With your special pass, you can explore the Mayan city without any crowds and in the cooler hours of the morning.
Chichen Itza is the best preserved Maya site in Yucatan, so it’s well worth spending a few hours here. The UNESCO World Heritage was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, thanks to its cultural and architectural significance. Here, you’ll see one of the largest ball courts in Mesoamerica, which is 70 meters by 169 meters, as well as El Castillo Pyramid or the Temple of Kukulcan. The temple has 91 steps on each of its four sides, with the total adding up to 365 days, or the number of days in a year.
After the ruins, we’ll visit a serene cenote usually overlooked by tourists, Yokdzonot. Drift in the pristine waters, surrounded by jungle and wild birds before we head off to our next destination, Izamal.
Izamal or the Yellow City is unique because it has been continuously occupied for more than 2,500 years. The buildings are all painted in shades of yellow, making them particularly appealing to tourists. However, the real attraction is the Convent of San Antonio de Padua. This notable landmark was built atop an existing Maya temple in 1549 by the Spanish.
- Two nights in Merida.
Another interesting Mayan site is Mayapan, which was quite important in its day. While smaller than many of the other ruins in the area, Mayapan held up to 17,000 people during its peak, not including citizens who lived outside the fortified walls.
According to Maya mythology, the city was founded by the Maya deity Kukulcan. It served as a political seat and trade hub, with more than 4,000 structures found there. You can even climb some, like the Castle of Kukulcan, where murals and friezes still showcase ancient art.
You will also have a chance to enjoy the Homun Cenotes, a cluster of more than 300 cenotes, 30 of which are available to the public. These limestone sinkholes feature jungles and cascades with beautiful blue-green water. They’re beautiful to explore and if you want to cool off, you can take a refreshing plunge and enjoy looking up at the sky through the rounded hole in the rock.
Your day finishes up in Merida, with a little exploration. This melting pot city is a great place to wander, with all its friendly locals, interesting museums, and lovely parks. You’ll find a bit of everything here since it’s full of history and culture that has trickled in from around the world.
We’ll start the day at Hacienda Yaxcopoil, a plantation built in the 17th century. It once covered around 22,000 acres, but is now much smaller. It is rare to find a hacienda this size still intact and you’ll have a chance to tour the stunning buildings. Step through the double Moorish arch straight out of the colonial period and start exploring the main building with its original furniture. The Maya Room is a tiny museum with pieces from nearby Mayan ruins so that you can see even further back in history.
Our next stop of the day is Uxmal, a Mayan city built in 700 AD. It’s considered one of the more important archeological sites of its time. Here, you can see the stunning Pyramid of the Soothsayer, which is 115 feet tall. It was built in five stages, which was a unique method at the time. The architecture in Uxmal is Puuc style, with smooth sections for the lower walls and more decorated upper sections that are covered in motifs.
In the Governor’s Palace, one of the longest pre-Columbian mosaic facades is visible. It’s 320 feet long, featuring stone masks of Chaac, the rain god. Chaac also features prominently in other areas of the city.
North of Uxmal lies a hiking trail that we’ll take to reach Muna, a small Maya community. The people of Muna have created a conservation project around the area, protecting it from development and leaving the jungle lush and free. We’ll stop at the Mirador de Muna, a lookout to enjoy the stunning view.
Finally, we’ll make the trip to Campeche, where you’ll spend the next few days.
- Two nights in Campeche.
Campeche is known for being rich in history and cultural heritage. Today, you’ll explore the fascinating colonial city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike most North American cities, Campeche still has its ancient walls, mostly intact.
As you walk around the city, you’ll have the chance to try some of the local cuisine, such as pan de cazón (shark pie) and roasted pork. Narrow cobblestone streets give way to fishing docks and markets outside the protective walls and you can explore the first and bastions that protected the city from pirate attacks. It’s a beautiful place to explore and you may find that one day just isn’t enough to see it all.
We’re venturing into the past today at Edzna. The word “Edzna” means “House of the Itzas” and it’s thought that the Itza family developed this city. It was established in 600 BC, but didn’t grow into a full city for many more centuries. It was the capital of the region from 400-1000 AD and housed up to 25,000 people.
As we explore Edzna, you’ll learn about their sophisticated water management system that used canals and reservoirs to store rainwater. Unlike many other Mayan cities, Edzna didn’t have natural water resources or cenotes nearby, so they needed other solutions to survive.
The architecture in the city is fascinating because it includes elements from many time periods. Here, you’ll find Puuc, Chenes, and Peten styles, all mixed into one beautiful city. The Gran Acropolis, known as the Cinco Pisos or five levels pyramid, is well preserved and was once a ceremonial site for the Maya. The area also includes any stelae depicting historical events.
Overnight in Calakmul.
Your adventure today is in Calakmul Archeological & Biosphere Reserve, which covers around 1.79 million acres. It’s the largest protected area in Mexico and forms part of the much larger Maya Biosphere Reserve, which is partially in Guatemala.
With more than 60,000 species of flora and fauna, the reserve is extremely important. It is home to many endangered species, including jaguars, birds of prey, and white-lipped peccaries. You’re bound to see plenty of birds and at least a few animals as we venture into the reserve. However, we’re here to see Calakmul, a Mayan ruin that was Tikal’s main rival and one of the most powerful cities in the Maya region.
Tucked deep in the jungle, Calakmul has around 6,000 structures, though most are hidden under the jungle. You’ll see one of the tallest pyramids in the Maya world, standing at 164 feet tall. White roads run throughout the city and lead to other cities, including El Mirador in Guatemala. Throughout Calakmul are 120 stelae engraved with historical events and famous rulers of the time, making this an archeologist’s paradise.
After exploring the ruins, it’s time to head to Bacalar.
- Two nights in Bacalar.
After a lovely breakfast, you’ll head to Bacalar Lagoon, also known as The Seven Colors Lagoon. The name is accurate, as you’ll find when seeing the stunning greens, blues, and whites in the waters.
For the best experience, you’ll take to the water on a traditional sailboat. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds, fish, crocodiles, and turtles on your four-hour tour. There are several opportunities to swim on this trip. We’ll stop at Pirates’ Channel, a pristine waterway where you can swim surrounded by jungle. We’ll also visit Cenote de la Bruja or Cenote Negro, where you can swim underground. Finally, we’ll check out Isla de Los Pajaros, a bird sanctuary before heading back to shore. You’re free to explore in the afternoon.
As one of the last Mayan cities to be built, Tulum is more modern than the other ruins we’ve seen on this Mexico and Guatemala holiday. It’s located on the east coast and is one of the few walled cities. It’s perched on a cliff 39 feet above the ocean, so it was well protected against attacks.
In Tulum, you’ll see several buildings, but the most notable ones include El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes. El Castillo is 25 feet tall and was both a temple and a lookout spot as part of the city’s defenses.
- Overnight in Playa del Carmen.
It’s time to say goodbye to Mexico, but your adventure isn’t over. You’ll fly from Cancun International Airport (CUN) to the Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City today. A driver will take you to Lake Atitlan.
Lake Atitlan is Central America’s deepest lake, formed in a volcanic caldera. Steep cliffs and volcanoes jut up around the water and there are multiple towns tucked away in the folds of the mountains. The lake itself is beautiful, with its verdant background and beautiful blue waters. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring the area.
- Two nights in Lake Atitlan.
There are twelve main villages situated around Lake Atitlan and each has its own culture and vibe. We’ll take a boat out on the lake and visit several of these pueblos on a town-hopping tour.
Santa Catarina Palopo: When you land at this lakeside village, you’ll be amazed to see hundreds of homes painted in traditional Maya designs. This is thanks to Pintando El Cambio, a project that works with the villagers to create a stunning tourist attraction with paint. However, the people who participate also agree to send their children to school and keep the areas around their homes free of trash, making it a win-win situation. It’s one of the most picturesque villages on Lake Atitlan.
San Juan La Laguna: This beautiful town has been around since the early 1600s and is inhabited by Tz’utujil Maya. The vast majority of the village is indigenous and it’s the perfect place to shop for handwoven textiles, crafts, and other artisan-made items. San Juan is renowned for its coffee and you’ll have a chance to taste it as fresh as it comes at local coffee shops.
San Marcos La Laguna: This relaxed village is inhabited by the Tz’utujil Maya people and is rich in their culture and language. It’s also a popular destination for anyone interested in spirituality and wellness. Yoga and meditation retreats are often held in San Marcos. It also has amazing views of the San Pedro Volcano and Atitlan Volcano.
There are two options for today’s excursion. If it’s Thursday or Sunday, you’ll visit Chichicastenango’s market. Any other day of the week head to Antigua Guatemala, and stop to visit the Mayan ruins of Iximche.
Chichicastenango has long been known for its vast open-air market. The indigenous people of the area sell their handmade wares, ranging from brightly colored textiles to skillfully created pottery and masks. You’ll find everything you could want in terms of authentic souvenirs to take home, so we’ll spend some time walking through the busy market and shopping before having lunch. After lunch, we’ll head to Antigua.
If you are visiting Iximche instead, prepare for a trip to the past. Iximche was the first capital of Guatemala and was a major part of the Kaqchikel kingdom in the 15th century. It features multiple plazas, each with its own pyramid. Two ball courts are still standing and the back of the property continues to serve as a sacred place for the Maya people to carry out rituals and ceremonies.
- Two nights in Antigua.
Wake up early this morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast before we head to Pacaya Volcano, an active volcano very close to Antigua. You can either hike the volcano, which is a medium-difficulty trek, or you can hire a horse to take you up. The hike starts with cool forests and farmlands but quickly turns to cooled lava fields with pockets of heat trapped in them.
Try roasting a marshmallow over one of the volcanic vents and get some one-of-a-kind photos as you reach the summit. You’ll have views of the other nearby volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.
Ready to rest after your descent? We have the perfect place to do that. Kawilal Hot Springs features multiple thermal pools where you can relax and soak out those sore muscles. Once you’ve had some time to chill, we’ll return to Antigua where you can enjoy some of the tasty food offered here.
Guatemala has several fascinating Mayan ruins, so today we’ll drive to Guatemala City and fly to Flores Island in Peten. Upon landing, a driver will take you to Yaxha, a Mayan ruin tucked between Lake Yaxha and Lake Sacnab. The name “Yaxha” means “blue-green water,” quite fitting for its location.
The archaeological site covers just over 90 square miles and is packed with more than 500 structures. The most notable of these are the two astronomical observatories, five acropolises, and three stunning ball courts. You can even climb to the top of the East Acropolis and look out over the jungle. This site is off the beaten path and often overlooked by tourists, so you’ll have the place mostly to yourself as you explore.
After your tour, you’ll return to Flores Island, where you can wander around and get a feel for this remote area of Guatemala.
- Two nights on Flores Island.
Tikal is perhaps one of the most famous Mayan cities and today, you’ll have a chance to walk the ancient roads yourself. Just entering the park, you’ll be surrounded by a lush jungle filled with animals and birds. From pretty toucans to howler monkeys, many creatures make this place their home.
Established around 300 BC, Tikal eventually grew to around 30,000-50,000 people and was one of the biggest cities in the Maya lowlands. With more than 3,000 structures, many of which are still hidden beneath the overgrown jungle, there’s plenty to see here. You won’t want to miss Temple I, of the Temple of the Great Jaguar, which is 154 feet tall. It was a tomb for Jasaw Chan K’awiil, a great ruler of the time.
Another notable structure is Temple II, Temple of the masks, which stands at 125 feet tall. It’s notable for the intricate carvings it features, as well as masks. You will also want to check out the North Acropolis, which was a burial site for some of the earliest rulers in Tikal. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most ancient buildings.
Once you’ve seen how the Maya people once lived, you’ll head to El Remate, a quaint village on Lake Peten Itza. Here, you can swim in the peaceful green waters and relax after a long day in the heat of the jungle.
Our next stop is Rio Dulce, a thriving city on the banks of the river by the same name. This sprawling town is a popular stop for many international sailors and tourists alike.
First, we’ll travel to El Boqueron Canyon, a gorgeous, green canyon next to a Maya settlement also called El Boqueron. The canyon is formed of steep 250-meter limestone cliffs on both sides, carved out by the Sauce River. Lush vegetation grows down the sides to meet the raucous river, which is frequently used for tubing and canoeing. We’ll take a 15-minute canoe trip to visit local villagers. Take your time exploring the river, looking at the stunning rock formations, and even swimming in the delightful water, before we move on to Finca Paraiso.
If you thought the river was fun to swim in, you’ll love the natural jacuzzi at Finca Paraiso (Paradise Farm). The name fits as you settle into the warm waterfall river. You can also enjoy mud masks and assorted spa treatments or just relax in the water.
Next, we’re headed to San Felipe de Lara, a real-life castle and fortress at the mouth of Rio Dulce. It was once a valuable protection against pirates and while it’s had a few different purposes throughout its lifetime, you can now explore it as a tourist attraction, since it was reconstructed in 1956. Check out the dungeons where prisoners were once held, climb up to the towers, and see the ancient cannons for yourself. History comes alive here!
- Two nights in Rio Dulce.
Livingston can only be accessed by boat, which makes for an interesting and extraordinary culture. Settled by the Garifun people, it has a strong Caribbean influence mixed with Guatemalan culture. The result is a friendly pueblo full of brightly painted houses, fresh seafood, and a thriving artisan market.
To get to Livingston, we’ll take a boat along the Rio Dulce (Sweet River), which is an experience on its own. We’ll pass the Castle of San Felipe Lara and many homes that perch at the water’s edge. The river is alive with wildlife ranging from manatees to tropical birds. You won’t get bored as you speed toward Livingston, with so much to see on the way. Towering cliffs and jungle make the journey a stunning one.
Upon arrival in Livingston, we’ll take a walk along the quaint streets and you’ll have a chance to purchase locally made crafts and textiles. If you like seafood, you’ll find the freshest dishes here, including the local specialty, Tapado, made from fish and coconut milk. It’s the experience of a lifetime and very different from other areas of the country.
On our way to Guatemala City, we’ll stop at Quirigua, a beautiful Mayan site settled around 200 AD. Located on the Motagua River, it was an important trade route in Izabal. While it’s a smaller city, it still covers 1.2 square miles.
The site is best known for its beautifully carved stelae and zoomorphic sculptures. The tallest stelae in Quirigua stands tall at 10 meters. The Mayan city is tucked away in a beautiful valley surrounded by banana plantations. It’s not nearly as well known as Tikal, so it tends to be less crowded and you’ll find fewer tourists here. You’ll have a chance to thoroughly explore the ruins before we get back on the road to Guatemala City.
- One night in Guatemala City.
It’s your final morning in Guatemala. Today, your driver will take you to the airport and you’ll fly home. We hope you’ll return to paradise soon!
map, expenses & price
Mexico and Guatemala Holiday
Expenses included:
-Private transportation.
-Nineteen nights of hotel accommodations.
-Domestic flights.
-Professional local guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Breakfasts and two traditional lunches.
