Itinerary
- Day 1
Chichen Itza Day Trip
Start before dawn at 4:00 AM for a 12-hour trip to Chichen Itza. Getting there early helps you beat the crowds at this UNESCO Maya archaeological site. You'll walk through ancient pyramids with a specialized guide who'll explain the civilization that thrived here from 600 to 1200 AD. The jungle terrain surrounds everything, and you'll see why local Maya people still consider this place sacred.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Chichen Itza archaeological site
- Exploration of Maya ruins and pyramids
Landmarks Chichen Itza 
- Day 2
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Head to the bus station and catch a bus heading to Playa del Carmen from Cancun. Buses leave every 30 to 45 minutes between 06:30 and 21:30, so you'll have flexibility with timing. The 1.2-hour journey gives you time to settle in and watch the landscape change as you get closer to the coast.
- Day 3
Playa del Carmen
This is your free day in Playa del Carmen with no scheduled activities. You can spend time however you want, whether that's relaxing on the beach, checking out the shops along the pedestrian avenue, trying local restaurants, or just wandering around and getting a feel for the town.
- Day 4
Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Make your way to the bus station for the journey to Tulum. Five buses depart at 09:16, 09:25, 09:51, 10:00, or 10:36, so pick whichever works best for your morning. The 1-hour trip gets you to Tulum with time to settle into your next accommodation before evening.
- Day 5
Tulum Jungle Adventure
Spend 5 hours in Tulum's jungle on this adventure. You'll ride shared ATVs through thick forest trails, then zip line through the treetops with views stretching out below you. After that comes swimming in a natural cenote with crystal clear water. Lunch with local food wraps up the day, and transportation to and from your accommodation is included.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch with local flavors)
Included Activities
- ATV trail ride through jungle
- Zip line experience through treetops
- Cenote swimming experience
- Lunch with local flavors
Landmarks Cenote (Tulum) - Day 6
Tulum to Chetumal
Travel from Tulum to Chetumal by bus for a 4-hour journey south through Guatemala. You'll find 12 different departure times throughout the day between 01:50 and 21:10, so you can choose whatever fits your schedule. Grab lunch before or after depending on which bus you take.
- Day 7
Chetumal
You have a free day to explore Chetumal on your own without any organized activities. This gives you a chance to see the local market, walk along the waterfront, or just rest up before continuing your journey.
- Day 8
Chetumal to Caye Caulker
Head to the ferry terminal for the 10:00 AM departure to Caye Caulker. The boat goes via San Pedro on a 3-hour journey across water. Arrive at least 2 hours early for check-in procedures and to make sure everything goes smoothly with your departure.
- Day 9
Snorkel with Sharks & Rays
Spend 3 hours snorkeling in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve at three different reef spots. You'll navigate through pristine coral formations and see schools of tropical fish swimming around you. Nurse sharks and stingrays glide through the water in their natural habitat, and the whole experience happens in calm, clear conditions.
Included Activities
- Snorkeling in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
- Reef exploration at three snorkeling stops
- Swimming with nurse sharks and stingrays
Landmarks Caye Caulker Marine Reserve 
- Day 10
Caye Caulker to Belize City
Take the ferry from Caye Caulker back to Belize City on one of the frequent departures between 06:30 and 17:00. The 45-minute crossing gets you back to the mainland with time to grab lunch or explore before your next transfer.
- Day 11
Belize City to San Ignacio
A shuttle transfer takes you from Belize City to San Ignacio, departing at 13:30. Find your way to the meeting point and settle in for the 2.5-hour drive west through Belize's countryside. You'll arrive in San Ignacio with the afternoon still ahead of you.
- Day 12
San Ignacio to Flores
Another shuttle heads out at 15:00, this time from San Ignacio to Flores. The 3-hour journey crosses the border into Guatemala and takes you through changing terrain. Later in the afternoon you'll arrive in Flores, which sits on an island in a lake surrounded by jungle.
- Day 13
Tikal Early Morning Day Tour
Leave Flores at 4:30 AM for an 8.5-hour adventure to Tikal. Walking among pyramids over 200 feet tall at dawn, you'll hear jungle sounds from exotic birds and monkeys all around. This Maya archaeological site comes alive as the sun rises, and you may spot jaguars, howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, eagles, and the rare quetzal.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tikal archaeological site
- Early morning pyramid exploration
- Jungle wildlife observation
Landmarks Tikal National Park - Day 14
Flores to Rio Dulce
After pickup at your accommodation or meeting point at 08:00, a shuttle takes you from Flores to Rio Dulce on a 6-hour journey through Guatemala. You'll travel through different landscapes and arrive at your next accommodation or meeting point later in the day.
- Day 15
Rio Dulce to Lanquin
At 13:00, another shuttle picks you up for the drive from Rio Dulce to Lanquin. This 7-hour trip continues through Guatemala's landscape. By evening you'll be at your accommodation in Lanquin, a small town known for caves and river activities.
- Day 16
Semuc Champey & Kanba Caves Tour
You'll spend 10 hours exploring Kanba Caves with their incredible limestone formations and chambers scattered throughout. After that, free time lets you swim and tube down the crystalline river at Semuc Champey. The natural pools filled with fresh mountain spring water sit above a 300-meter limestone bridge, and nearby waterfalls drop 40 feet into the water below.
Included Activities
- Hike through Kanba Caves with limestone formations
- Swimming in Semuc Champey natural pools
- River tubing in Cahabón River
- Waterfall exploration
Landmarks Kanba Caves Semuc Champey - Day 17
Lanquin to Panajachel
A shuttle picks you up at 08:00 for the 11-hour journey from Lanquin to Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan. You'll drive through Guatemala's highlands, watching the landscape shift as you get closer to the lake. By late afternoon or evening, you'll arrive at your accommodation in Panajachel.
- Day 18
Maya Homestay Experience Day 1
Once in Panajachel, take a public bus to San Jorge La Laguna for the night. You'll stay with a Kakchiquel Indigenous family in their home, getting genuine insight into their everyday life and customs. This homestay supports the community while giving you an authentic experience living like a local Maya family.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Overnight stay with Maya family in San Jorge La Laguna
- Cultural experience with Kakchiquel Indigenous community
Landmarks San Jorge La Laguna - Day 19
Maya Communities Lake Tour
After breakfast at the homestay, head to the boat meeting point for a tour of Lake Atitlan visiting three indigenous villages. San Pedro La Laguna has a bohemian feel with traditional life, Santiago Atitlan is the largest with a marketplace and the sacred Maximon statue, and San Antonio Palopo stands out for its intricate weaving traditions. You'll return to Panajachel by afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat tour of Lake Atitlan
- Visit to San Pedro La Laguna
- Visit to Santiago Atitlán
- Visit to San Antonio Palopo
- Return transfer to Panajachel
Landmarks Lake Atitlan San Pedro La Laguna Santiago Atitlán San Antonio Palopo - Day 20
Panajachel to Antigua
A shuttle transfer takes you from Panajachel to Antigua, a 2.5-hour drive through Guatemala's highlands. You'll be picked up at your accommodation or meeting point and dropped at your next location. Antigua's colorful colonial architecture and surrounding volcanoes come into view as you approach the town.
- Day 21
Pacaya Volcano Trek
Depart at 14:00 for an 8-hour adventure on Pacaya Volcano. You'll hike up the slopes for two hours, then trek across dry lava with a landscape that looks like the moon. Depending on volcanic activity levels, you might see eruptions or lava flows. Take photos in this surreal terrain while checking out the views of neighboring volcanoes, then make your way down the slippery, muddy slopes at whatever pace works for you.
Included Activities
- Pacaya Volcano hike and trek
- Moon-like lava landscape exploration
- Neighboring volcano viewpoint observation
Optional Activities
- Horse rental for ascent and descent (available for a few dollars)
Landmarks Pacaya Volcano
