Mayan Quest

Visiting: Guatemala, Mexico

Mayan Quest

Admire the dramatic scenery surrounding Lake Atitlan, Breathe crisp air and meet locals in the Chiapas highlands, Savour spectacular jungle views from atop ancient ruins, Spot carved snakes at Chichen Itza, Soak up San Christobal’s relaxed atmosphere, Dive into the clear pools beneath Palenque’s waterfalls

Through Mexico and Guatemala, this all-encompassing adventure is a heady mix of volcanic beauty, ancient Mayan ruins, and colourful colonial towns. Travelling from Mexico’s famous beachside playground of Cancun and on to the colonial town of Antigua, this journey is the perfect combination of cultural highs and active adventures. Discover the secrets of the ancient Mayans and traverse incredible scenery on this fascinating journey through Central America.

When you arrive, you will be met at Cancun Airport and transferred to your hotel. Please ensure that you give us your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided. 

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.

Cancun is unlike any other place in Mexico. A haven for sun-worshippers, retirees and American spring-breakers, Cancun is full of resorts, bars and shops and there is always something going on. It's strange to think that in the 1970s this was a small fishing village. It's a fun place to check out but don't take it too seriously. If there is time, head down to the beach for a frolic in the surf before playing 'spot the MTV camera' in town.

Arriving in Mexico your body will need to acclimatise to the heat and humidity. Be sure to drink plenty of bottled water and try not to do too much in any one day; you'll soon adjust.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

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We have time to explore the site before heading on to Merida (approx. 5 hours travel time)

The city of Chichen Itza was founded in 432 and aligned with the Toltecs in the 10th century. In the 13th century civil war broke out and the city went into decline. In more recent years it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city is one of the best examples of Mayan architecture and the piece de resistance is El Castillo (great castle), a 91 stepped pyramid. El Castillo is best known for its amazing carved snakes. The temple is aligned so that the diamond back rattlesnake carved along the staircase will be hit by the sun during the spring and fall equinoxes. With the play of light the snakes look as though they are ascending or descending the staircase.

The Ball Court is another impressive site and the largest of its kind. Playing on a field much longer than a football field, two teams would try to score goals with a ball using only their elbows, wrists and hips. This was a sport the Mayans took very seriously and it was often used to settle disputes. Some believe the losers were even put to death. Another site of interest is an impressive sinkhole, just a short walk from the main plaza. It's said that ceremonies of sacrifice and offering to the Mayan rain god were made here.

Merida is the the Yucatan state capital and the area's cultural centre. A busy city full of small parks and colonial buildings every night sees an exhibition or arts performance of one kind or another. There are plenty of musuems, great bars and restaurants specialising in local cuisine.

Included Activities

Chichen Itza ruins

Optional Activities

Celestún Bird Sanctuary, Merida - USD35.00

Contemporary Art Museum, Merida - USD5.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

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The journey to Palenque takes around 9 hours. The encroaching jungle trying to reclaim the ruins of Palenque is almost as fascinating as the ruins themselves. The ruins rise up above the wilds, but a climb to the top of any of the towers reveals the great Yucatan plain just down the road. Stroll around some of the 200 buildings that make up the city and admire the temple walls, sculpted with images of gods, rulers and ceremonies.

Imagine yourself in the shoes of the archaeologist Alberto Ruz as you walk down the steps to Pakal's tomb. Pakal was the greatest of all Palenque's rulers and in 1952 Ruz unearthed his tomb, discovering Pakal's sarcophagus decorated with the richest offering of jade ever seen in the Maya world.

Don't forget to bring your bathing suit, nearby are the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after the heat of the ruins.

Included Activities

Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls

Palenque ruins

Optional Activities

Horseback riding (full day), Palenque National Park - USD50.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts) 

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The journey to Palenque takes around 9 hours. The encroaching jungle trying to reclaim the ruins of Palenque is almost as fascinating as the ruins themselves. The ruins rise up above the wilds, but a climb to the top of any of the towers reveals the great Yucatan plain just down the road. Stroll around some of the 200 buildings that make up the city and admire the temple walls, sculpted with images of gods, rulers and ceremonies.

Imagine yourself in the shoes of the archaeologist Alberto Ruz as you walk down the steps to Pakal's tomb. Pakal was the greatest of all Palenque's rulers and in 1952 Ruz unearthed his tomb, discovering Pakal's sarcophagus decorated with the richest offering of jade ever seen in the Maya world.

Don't forget to bring your bathing suit, nearby are the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after the heat of the ruins.

Included Activities

Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls

Palenque ruins

Optional Activities

Horseback riding (full day), Palenque National Park - USD50.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts) 

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It takes us around 5 hours to get to San Cristobal de las Casas (approx. 5 hours). Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristobal is an architectural gem and oozes provincial colonial charm. The outlying villages mix tradition with modern religious beliefs with some unusual results. If you take a day trip to San Juan Chamula, make sure to visit the church.

The floor is covered with pine needles and the air heavy with incense. Shamans come here to carry out cleansings using firewater, ancient prayer and sometimes chickens. There are also markets to visit with colourful handicrafts for sale. Take the opportunity to go for a horse ride in the mountains or a day trip to Sumidero Canyon.

Optional Activities

Horseback riding, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00

Villages tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD12.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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It takes us around 5 hours to get to San Cristobal de las Casas (approx. 5 hours). Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristobal is an architectural gem and oozes provincial colonial charm. The outlying villages mix tradition with modern religious beliefs with some unusual results. If you take a day trip to San Juan Chamula, make sure to visit the church.

The floor is covered with pine needles and the air heavy with incense. Shamans come here to carry out cleansings using firewater, ancient prayer and sometimes chickens. There are also markets to visit with colourful handicrafts for sale. Take the opportunity to go for a horse ride in the mountains or a day trip to Sumidero Canyon.

Optional Activities

Horseback riding, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00

Villages tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD12.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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The journey takes approx. 10 hours.

Enjoy the view from the shores of Guatemala's most beautiful lake, Lake Atitlan. Ringed by volcanoes and colourful villages Panajachel is a great base to explore the best of this region. Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets and many shops, but it is still easy to explore by foot. Wander the back streets with their many churches to soak up some old world charm.

While in "Pana", we venture out by taxi-boat to visit a women community cooperative dedicated to preserving the skill of spinning natural cotton thread while giving local women the opportunity to sell their creations directly to the public.

The blue/grey mountains, volcanoes and picturesque lake all provide opportunities to fully appreciate Guatemala's great outdoors. Go hiking, kayaking, cycling or take a boat to visit some neighbouring communities.

Included Activities

San Juan La Laguna women's cooperative visit

Optional Activities

Bike hire, Panajachel - USD10.00

Kayak rental (per hour), Panajachel - USD6.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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The journey takes approx. 10 hours.

Enjoy the view from the shores of Guatemala's most beautiful lake, Lake Atitlan. Ringed by volcanoes and colourful villages Panajachel is a great base to explore the best of this region. Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets and many shops, but it is still easy to explore by foot. Wander the back streets with their many churches to soak up some old world charm.

While in "Pana", we venture out by taxi-boat to visit a women community cooperative dedicated to preserving the skill of spinning natural cotton thread while giving local women the opportunity to sell their creations directly to the public.

The blue/grey mountains, volcanoes and picturesque lake all provide opportunities to fully appreciate Guatemala's great outdoors. Go hiking, kayaking, cycling or take a boat to visit some neighbouring communities.

Included Activities

San Juan La Laguna women's cooperative visit

Optional Activities

Bike hire, Panajachel - USD10.00

Kayak rental (per hour), Panajachel - USD6.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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En route to Antigua we visit the bustling morning market at Chichicastenango, overflowing with colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings to fill up your backpack.

After an approximately 4 hours travel time we arrive in Antigua - once the most important city in Central America. In 1773 the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be admired. We take an orientation walk through Antigua's quiet cobblestone streets past heavy carved-wood entrances. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if your tastes run to more active adventures, hire a mountain bike and head out into the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys covered in lush vegetation are simply beautiful.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

Chichicastenango Market

Orientation walk

Optional Activities

Bicycle tour, Antigua - USD25.00

Coffee / Macadamia nut plantation tour, Antigua - USD10.00

Mayan horoscopes, Antigua - USD60.00

Salsa lessons (per hour), Antigua - USD6.00

Santiago Zamora Village tour, Antigua - USD10.00

Volcanoes climb, Antigua - USD25.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

!item

En route to Antigua we visit the bustling morning market at Chichicastenango, overflowing with colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings to fill up your backpack.

After an approximately 4 hours travel time we arrive in Antigua - once the most important city in Central America. In 1773 the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be admired. We take an orientation walk through Antigua's quiet cobblestone streets past heavy carved-wood entrances. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if your tastes run to more active adventures, hire a mountain bike and head out into the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys covered in lush vegetation are simply beautiful.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

Chichicastenango Market

Orientation walk

Optional Activities

Bicycle tour, Antigua - USD25.00

Coffee / Macadamia nut plantation tour, Antigua - USD10.00

Mayan horoscopes, Antigua - USD60.00

Salsa lessons (per hour), Antigua - USD6.00

Santiago Zamora Village tour, Antigua - USD10.00

Volcanoes climb, Antigua - USD25.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner