Itinerary
- Day 1
Chichen Itza Day Trip
You'll head out at 4:00 AM to reach Chichen Itza before the heat and crowds arrive. With a specialized guide, you'll walk through this ancient Maya city that flourished between 600 AD and 1200, seeing massive stone structures while learning about the civilization. The cool morning air makes it easier to take in the site's scale and history. After about 12 hours exploring, you'll head back to Cancun.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Chichen Itza archaeological site
- Early morning exploration of Maya ruins
Landmarks Chichen Itza - Day 2
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Make your way to the Cancun bus station for your transfer to Playa del Carmen. Buses run every 30 to 45 minutes between 6:30 AM and 9:30 PM, so you have flexibility with timing. The drive takes about 1.2 hours, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the coastal scenery.
- Day 3
Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Get to the Playa del Carmen bus station and catch a bus heading to Tulum. Several departures leave during the morning, including 9:16, 9:25, 9:51, 10:00, and 10:36 AM, so you can pick what works for your schedule. The trip takes roughly 1 hour.
- Day 4
Tulum to Chetumal
Head to the Tulum bus station for your transfer to Chetumal. Buses depart regularly throughout the day, and you'll have a 4-hour journey ahead. This is a good time to grab snacks and water before settling in for the ride.
- Day 5
Chetumal to Caye Caulker
Make your way to the Chetumal ferry terminal for your transfer to Caye Caulker, which goes through San Pedro. The boat leaves at 10:00 AM and takes about 3 hours, so plan to arrive about 2 hours early for check-in procedures.
- Day 6
Snorkel with Sharks & Rays
You'll spend the morning or afternoon on a half-day snorkeling trip in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. The tour stops at three different spots where you'll swim through coral reefs with tropical fish, and you might encounter nurse sharks and stingrays. Departures happen at 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM, and the whole experience runs about 3 hours.
Included Activities
- Snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
- Three snorkeling stops along the local reef
Landmarks Caye Caulker Marine Reserve - Day 7
Caye Caulker to Belize City
Get to the Caye Caulker ferry terminal for your trip to Belize City. Ferry services run from 6:30 AM until 5:00 PM, so you have options depending on your morning plans. The crossing takes roughly 45 minutes.
- Day 8
Belize City to Flores
Head to the Belize City bus station and catch a bus to Flores. Two departures are available at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. The 5-hour journey takes you through Guatemala, so bring something to read or just watch the landscape change.
- Day 9
Tikal Early Morning Day Tour
You'll leave Flores before dawn for an early morning trip to Tikal. Walking among pyramids towering over 200 feet as the sun rises, you're surrounded by jungle sounds including howler monkeys, exotic birds, and small mammals. The site covers 16 square kilometers, and you might spot jaguars, toucans, and other wildlife as the day progresses. After 8.5 hours exploring this vast Maya citadel in the Peten region, you'll return to Flores.
Included Activities
- Guided early morning tour of Tikal archaeological site
- Sunrise experience among Maya pyramids and jungle
Landmarks Tikal National Park - Day 10
Flores to Lanquin
A shuttle will pick you up at your accommodation or meeting point at 8:00 AM for the drive to Lanquin. The 8-hour journey gives you time to rest and prepare for the next day's activities. You'll be dropped off at your next accommodation or arranged meeting spot.
- Day 11
Semuc Champey & Kanba Caves Tour
Starting at 9:00 AM, you'll explore the Kanba Caves with their unusual limestone formations and chambers where ancient Maya performed sacred rituals. Hiking through the cave system, you'll see the sharp-pointed rock altar before heading out for free time swimming and river tubing in the crystalline pools of Semuc Champey. You'll also visit 40-foot waterfalls where the pool water rejoins the Cahabon River. This full day tour wraps up after 10 hours.
Included Activities
- Guided hike through Kanba Caves with limestone formations
- Swimming and river tubing in Semuc Champey natural pools
- Visit to 40-foot waterfalls at Semuc Champey
Landmarks Semuc Champey Kanba Caves - Day 12
Lanquin to Antigua
Early morning pickup at 6:00 AM from your accommodation or meeting point for the shuttle to Antigua. The 8-hour drive takes you through Guatemala's changing landscape. You'll arrive at your next accommodation or meeting point in Antigua by afternoon.
- Day 13
Pacaya Volcano Trek
The tour starts at 2:00 PM with a 2-hour hike up Pacaya Volcano's slopes. You'll then trek across dry lava creating an otherworldly, moon-like landscape while keeping an eye out for potential volcanic activity or flowing lava depending on current conditions. Views of neighboring volcanoes appear through the clouds as you make your way down muddy, slippery slopes. The full experience takes about 8 hours.
Included Activities
- Guided hike up Pacaya Volcano
- Trek across volcanic lava landscape
Optional Activities
- Horse rental for trip up and back (available for a few dollars from local guides)
Landmarks Pacaya Volcano
