Mayan Highlights

Mayan Highlights

Swim with sharks around Caye Caulker, Explore the forested hills of San Ignacio, Become a part of local life at a lakeside homestay, Experience grassroots travel in Guatemala, Gawk at jungle creatures from the temples at Tikal , Relax on the white sand coast of Belize, Haggle at Chichicastenango's colourful highland markets , Explore the colonial streets of Antigua

Experience adventure in Mexico, ancient Guatemalan attractions and the historic sites of Belize on a trip that combines the volcanic beauty of the highlands, the mystery of the ancient Mayan ruins and the perfect beaches of the Caribbean in a truly unique travel experience. From Cancun to Playa del Carmen, this three week journey offers the chance to get out and get active - or enjoy a more relaxing pace while exploring the colour, culture and adventure of Central America.

 

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.

A few minutes walk from our accommodation and you are at the famous Yaxchilan Avenue where you can find nice places to have some great Mexican food. If you want, you can dive right into the adventure and go a little further and try some of the food stands that are in the back streets. Be careful as your stomach might not be just yet adjusted to the Mexican street food!

Cancun has become the spring break paradise for young college kids mainly from the US, but if you don't head down to the Hotel Zone that is about 20 minute bus ride from downtown Cancun you can easily stay away from that rather crazy crowd. But it is worthwhile to go and see it just once. It's strange to think that in the 1970s this was a small fishing village. It's a fun place to visit, but don't take it too seriously. If there's time, head down to the beach for a frolic in the surf before playing 'spot the MTV camera' in town.

On arrival in Mexico it is possible you will feel lethargic and lose some appetite. This is nothing to be concerned about and is just your body acclimatising to the heat and humidity. Be sure to drink plenty of water and try not to do too much in any one day, you'll soon adjust.

Our hotel is located in downtown Cancun, away from the huge 'all inclusive' resorts, and more where the real life takes place.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

Our journey by local bus to the ruins of Chichen Itza takes approx. 3 hours. This bus is rather fun because you cruise through little villages seeing the Mexican life outside the city of Cancun. For snacks you can try the vendors that come into the buses selling sweets, sandwiches, tacos and all that good stuff. We have about 2-3 hours to spend at Chichen Itza before we travel onwards.

 

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.

 

After a tour with a local guide we travel on to Merida (approx. 2 hours) where we will spend the night. Make sure you always have your sunscreen handy when you are outside; the Mexican sun is lovely but can cause you to burn quickly.

 

We don't have much time in Merida since we arrive in late in the afternoon and leave early in the morning. But your tour leader will take you to the centre of town and show you some of the main sites of this beautiful city.

 

On Sunday some of the streets in the centre are closed for traffic and various bands set up their instruments for the locals as well as for the visitors. You will be amazed how lively it gets when people start dancing in streets!

 

Our hotel in Merida is a beautiful old colonial building with high ceilings; just a couple blocks from the centre.

 

Included Activities

• Chichen Itza ruins

Accommodation

 

Hotel (1 nt)

We have an early start today as we jump on one of the very comfortable first or second class buses in Mexico. These buses are equipped with TVs and bathrooms, just what you need for a long bus ride to Palenque. You will leave the Yucatan and travel into the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico (approx. 10 hours). Along the way the bus will stop a few times to give us time to stretch our legs and buy some food and drinks. Once we arrive in Palenque it is a short walk to the hotel.

 On day 4 we will hit the ruins with your tour leader who will organise a local guide in Palenque to give you all the information that you need on these mystical ruins.

 

 After visiting the ruins you have the option of visiting the waterfall of Misol-Ha and the natural pools of Agua Azul. The first stop on this tour is spectacular Misol-Ha waterfall.

 

After visiting Misol-Ha you will drive to the Agua Azul (the blue waters) Here you can kick back, relax and go for a refreshing swim. This is also a great place to have lunch. There are many little restaurants and street vendors. Make sure you try the delicious empanadas, you can get them with cheese, meat or chicken. After this visit you will drive back to Palenque.

 

In Palenque we stay in a hotel, which is in a newer section of the city called Las Canas, just a 10 minute walk from the central plaza.

 

Included Activities

• Palenque ruins

Optional Activities

• Agua Azul / Misol-Ha, Palenque - USD16.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

We have an early start today as we jump on one of the very comfortable first or second class buses in Mexico. These buses are equipped with TVs and bathrooms, just what you need for a long bus ride to Palenque. You will leave the Yucatan and travel into the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico (approx. 10 hours). Along the way the bus will stop a few times to give us time to stretch our legs and buy some food and drinks. Once we arrive in Palenque it is a short walk to the hotel.

 On day 4 we will hit the ruins with your tour leader who will organise a local guide in Palenque to give you all the information that you need on these mystical ruins.

 

 After visiting the ruins you have the option of visiting the waterfall of Misol-Ha and the natural pools of Agua Azul. The first stop on this tour is spectacular Misol-Ha waterfall.

 

After visiting Misol-Ha you will drive to the Agua Azul (the blue waters) Here you can kick back, relax and go for a refreshing swim. This is also a great place to have lunch. There are many little restaurants and street vendors. Make sure you try the delicious empanadas, you can get them with cheese, meat or chicken. After this visit you will drive back to Palenque.

 

In Palenque we stay in a hotel, which is in a newer section of the city called Las Canas, just a 10 minute walk from the central plaza.

 

Included Activities

• Palenque ruins

Optional Activities

• Agua Azul / Misol-Ha, Palenque - USD16.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

A local bus takes us to San Cristobal de las Casas (approx. 5 hours).

 

If you take an optional 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 with firewater, ancient prayer and sometimes chickens.

 

There are markets to visit too with colourful handicrafts for sale. Take the opportunity to go on a day trip to Sumidero Canyon.

 

San Cristobal offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, but make sure you try one of the 'elotes' that women sell in the late afternoon on the street. An elote is a corn cob and a very traditional snack in the Chiapas highlands.

 

In San Cristobal we stay at a simple but well located hotel. Rooms have private bathroom and hot water.

 

Optional Activities

• Horseback riding, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00
• Bicycle rental (per hour), San Cristobal de las Casas - USD30.00
• Lagunas de Montebello, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD30.00
• Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD25.00
• Villages tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD12.00
• Mountain bike tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

A local bus takes us to San Cristobal de las Casas (approx. 5 hours).

 

If you take an optional 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 with firewater, ancient prayer and sometimes chickens.

 

There are markets to visit too with colourful handicrafts for sale. Take the opportunity to go on a day trip to Sumidero Canyon.

 

San Cristobal offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, but make sure you try one of the 'elotes' that women sell in the late afternoon on the street. An elote is a corn cob and a very traditional snack in the Chiapas highlands.

 

In San Cristobal we stay at a simple but well located hotel. Rooms have private bathroom and hot water.

 

Optional Activities

• Horseback riding, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00
• Bicycle rental (per hour), San Cristobal de las Casas - USD30.00
• Lagunas de Montebello, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD30.00
• Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD25.00
• Villages tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD12.00
• Mountain bike tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

From San Cristobal we head down to Guatemala by van. It takes about 4 hours to get to the Guatemalan boarder and another 3.5 hours to get to our final destination, Panajachel. The border crossing is fairly easy, just make sure you have your passport ready and the tour leader will give you detailed instructions on what to do once at the border.

 

Once in Pana enjoy the view from the shores of Guatemala's most beautiful lake.  Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets and many shops, but it is still easy to get around on foot. Explore the back streets and churches to soak up some old world charm.

 

Make sure you don't just stay at the lake while in Panajachel; as soon as you go out of this modern town into the small villages you can really experience the lifestyle of the Mayan people that populate that area. For a couple of Quezales (the local currency) you can hop on a pick up that will take you to these villages. Make sure you take your swimsuit with you in case you want to cool down in the lake.

 

The blue / grey mountains, volcanoes and picturesque lake all provide opportunities to fully appreciate Guatemala's great outdoors. Optional activities in Pana are endless. Go for a swim, wind surf, hike, kayak, go horse riding, or for the really adventurous, parapenting (paragliding)

 

Optional Activities

• Collective boat to Santiago, Panajachel - USD8.00
• Bike hire, Panajachel - USD10.00
• Mountain bike tour, Panajachel - USD35.00
• Panajachel zipline ride, Panajachel - USD20.00
• Panajachel Museum, Panajachel - USD5.00
• Paragliding, Panajachel - USD80.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (1 nt)

San Jorge is approximately 10 minutes from Pana.  Here you will be introduced to your host family and the group may be split in twos or threes depending on the group size. Locals in San Jorge are both very friendly and very shy. In order to make the most of this experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can and get ready for some serious hand language action.

 

Houses in San Jorge are very basic. Your room may only consist of a couple of beds with clean bedding; the bathroom will most likely be outside your room and to be shared with the rest of the family. The mother of the family will cook dinner and breakfast for you. Meals can be very basic but filling, consisting of corn, rice and beans. You may want to stack up some snacks beforehand.

 

Included Activities

• San Jorge homestay

Accommodation

 

Homestay (1 nt)

We take a shuttle bus up to Chichicastenango (approx. 1.5 hours). The town of Chichicastenango lies about 2,200 metres above sea level and features the best of handicrafts from all over Guatemala.

 

From Chichi we head towards Antigua (approx. 2.5 hours) - our final stop in the Guatemalan Highlands. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if your tastes run to more active adventures hire a mountain bike and ride through the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys, covered in lush vegetation are simply beautiful.

 

In Antigua, make sure you try tamales, a local dish usually prepared on weekends served in a corn leaf. Or give the pepian a try, a meal that consists of a rich dark sauce and three meats (chicken, beef and pork). The best value food you find next to the artesian market close to the bus station.

 

If you're into salsa dancing or you'd like to learn some moves, Antigua is the place to be. Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons that give you the preparation to hit the discos at night and show your moves.

 

In Antigua our hotel is located near the central park.

 

As this is a combination trip the composition of your group and your group leader may change on day 10. There will be a group meeting to meet your new travelling companions and for your new leader to give you some information about the next leg of your journey.

 

Included Activities

• Chichicastenango Market

Optional Activities

• Salsa lessons (per hour), Antigua - USD6.00
• Volcanoes climb, Antigua - USD25.00
• Bicycle tour, Antigua - USD25.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (3 nts)

We take a shuttle bus up to Chichicastenango (approx. 1.5 hours). The town of Chichicastenango lies about 2,200 metres above sea level and features the best of handicrafts from all over Guatemala.

 

From Chichi we head towards Antigua (approx. 2.5 hours) - our final stop in the Guatemalan Highlands. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if your tastes run to more active adventures hire a mountain bike and ride through the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys, covered in lush vegetation are simply beautiful.

 

In Antigua, make sure you try tamales, a local dish usually prepared on weekends served in a corn leaf. Or give the pepian a try, a meal that consists of a rich dark sauce and three meats (chicken, beef and pork). The best value food you find next to the artesian market close to the bus station.

 

If you're into salsa dancing or you'd like to learn some moves, Antigua is the place to be. Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons that give you the preparation to hit the discos at night and show your moves.

 

In Antigua our hotel is located near the central park.

 

As this is a combination trip the composition of your group and your group leader may change on day 10. There will be a group meeting to meet your new travelling companions and for your new leader to give you some information about the next leg of your journey.

 

Included Activities

• Chichicastenango Market

Optional Activities

• Salsa lessons (per hour), Antigua - USD6.00
• Volcanoes climb, Antigua - USD25.00
• Bicycle tour, Antigua - USD25.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (3 nts)

We take a shuttle bus up to Chichicastenango (approx. 1.5 hours). The town of Chichicastenango lies about 2,200 metres above sea level and features the best of handicrafts from all over Guatemala.

 

From Chichi we head towards Antigua (approx. 2.5 hours) - our final stop in the Guatemalan Highlands. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if your tastes run to more active adventures hire a mountain bike and ride through the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys, covered in lush vegetation are simply beautiful.

 

In Antigua, make sure you try tamales, a local dish usually prepared on weekends served in a corn leaf. Or give the pepian a try, a meal that consists of a rich dark sauce and three meats (chicken, beef and pork). The best value food you find next to the artesian market close to the bus station.

 

If you're into salsa dancing or you'd like to learn some moves, Antigua is the place to be. Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons that give you the preparation to hit the discos at night and show your moves.

 

In Antigua our hotel is located near the central park.

 

As this is a combination trip the composition of your group and your group leader may change on day 10. There will be a group meeting to meet your new travelling companions and for your new leader to give you some information about the next leg of your journey.

 

Included Activities

• Chichicastenango Market

Optional Activities

• Salsa lessons (per hour), Antigua - USD6.00
• Volcanoes climb, Antigua - USD25.00
• Bicycle tour, Antigua - USD25.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (3 nts)

Our journey to Guatemala City takes approx 1hr. We then board a so-called Pullmann bus that takes us to the north of the country, into the hot lowlands, so have your bug spray at the ready... The luxury of the Pullmann bus is that you have your own seat and the chance of you seating next to some farm animals (chicken, pigs etc) is rather small. The bus ride that takes us to Flores is about 8 hours, but there are stops where you can stretch, use the toilet and buy some food. As always, it is a good idea to have drinking water with you.

 

Flores was officially founded by the Spanish in 1700, but had existed in various forms well before. It has long remained isolated, with locals relying on subsistence farming of corn and beans and the gathering of chicle from nearby trees to produce gum. Many locals still get about in the traditional way, by dug-out canoe. We have time to stroll through the cobblestone streets past pastel-coloured buildings, buy local handicrafts or take a dip in Lake Peten Itza.

 

The following day your tour leader will arrange a tour of the ruins of Tikal.

 

The ruins of Tikal tower above the jungle of the Tikal National Park. The five main granite temples are an awesome sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the jungle growth is a maze of smaller structures just waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy. You may even spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. If you are lucky you will also see the howler and the spider monkeys that live in the area. After the guided tour we head back to Flores, which takes about an hour. When visiting the ruins make sure you bring protection for the sun and plenty of bug spray.

 

Back in Flores you can enjoy the early evening with a cold Gallo beer (the local brew) sitting on one of the terrace restaurants overlooking the lake. If there are few clouds you will have a spectacular sunset.

 

 

Included Activities

• Tour of Tikal Ruins and National Park

Optional Activities

• Lake Peten Itza boat tour, Flores - USD12.00
• Horseback riding, Flores - USD25.00
• Birdwatching boat tour, Flores - USD25.00
• El Castillo Fort, Flores - USD5.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

Our journey to Guatemala City takes approx 1hr. We then board a so-called Pullmann bus that takes us to the north of the country, into the hot lowlands, so have your bug spray at the ready... The luxury of the Pullmann bus is that you have your own seat and the chance of you seating next to some farm animals (chicken, pigs etc) is rather small. The bus ride that takes us to Flores is about 8 hours, but there are stops where you can stretch, use the toilet and buy some food. As always, it is a good idea to have drinking water with you.

 

Flores was officially founded by the Spanish in 1700, but had existed in various forms well before. It has long remained isolated, with locals relying on subsistence farming of corn and beans and the gathering of chicle from nearby trees to produce gum. Many locals still get about in the traditional way, by dug-out canoe. We have time to stroll through the cobblestone streets past pastel-coloured buildings, buy local handicrafts or take a dip in Lake Peten Itza.

 

The following day your tour leader will arrange a tour of the ruins of Tikal.

 

The ruins of Tikal tower above the jungle of the Tikal National Park. The five main granite temples are an awesome sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the jungle growth is a maze of smaller structures just waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy. You may even spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. If you are lucky you will also see the howler and the spider monkeys that live in the area. After the guided tour we head back to Flores, which takes about an hour. When visiting the ruins make sure you bring protection for the sun and plenty of bug spray.

 

Back in Flores you can enjoy the early evening with a cold Gallo beer (the local brew) sitting on one of the terrace restaurants overlooking the lake. If there are few clouds you will have a spectacular sunset.

 

 

Included Activities

• Tour of Tikal Ruins and National Park

Optional Activities

• Lake Peten Itza boat tour, Flores - USD12.00
• Horseback riding, Flores - USD25.00
• Birdwatching boat tour, Flores - USD25.00
• El Castillo Fort, Flores - USD5.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

The journey to the Belize border is on a dirt road, so you really feel like an explorer crossing from one country to another. Its about a three hour drive from Flores to San Ignacio.

 

Belize is the only country in Central America where the official language is English, so here it will be a lot easier for you to make conversation with locals even if you don't speak Spanish. The Belizeans are known for their relaxed and easy going way of life. Walk slow and enjoy life is the motto here. You will be amazed how many different cultures live together peacefully in this tiny country.

 

We have a full day at your leisure to discover San Ignacio. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins.

 

Some of the optional activities include a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre with panoramic views of the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique stucco frieze and the central plaza has three carved stelae. Getting to the site is half the fun: you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river.

 

It is also possible to take a day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls, warm swimming holes and a huge system of caves. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Mayan relics. Wade through water until you reach the Mayan ceremonial site. Here you will find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1,400 years.

 

For those who can't get enough jungle fun, there are also opportunities to go tubing or canoeing. And for those who would like some time to reflect on the beauty of nature, there is always the option to visit San Ignacio's butterfly garden.

 

In the late afternoon and at night, many little barbeque street stalls open and serve huge portions. Make sure you give it a try, sit down next to the road, chat with the locals and enjoy a juicy, tasty chicken leg.

 

 

Optional Activities

• Bicycle hire (per hour), San Ignacio - USD3.00
• Horseback riding, San Ignacio, San Ignacio - USD50.00
• River tubing, San Ignacio - USD35.00
• Panta Trail, San Ignacio - USD8.00
• Canoe rental, San Ignacio - USD14.00
• Full-day caving, San Ignacio - USD80.00
• Half-day caving, San Ignacio - USD55.00
• Mountain Pine Ridge day trip, San Ignacio - USD50.00
• Butterfly farm, San Ignacio - USD10.00
• Xunantunich, San Ignacio - USD10.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

The journey to the Belize border is on a dirt road, so you really feel like an explorer crossing from one country to another. Its about a three hour drive from Flores to San Ignacio.

 

Belize is the only country in Central America where the official language is English, so here it will be a lot easier for you to make conversation with locals even if you don't speak Spanish. The Belizeans are known for their relaxed and easy going way of life. Walk slow and enjoy life is the motto here. You will be amazed how many different cultures live together peacefully in this tiny country.

 

We have a full day at your leisure to discover San Ignacio. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins.

 

Some of the optional activities include a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre with panoramic views of the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique stucco frieze and the central plaza has three carved stelae. Getting to the site is half the fun: you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river.

 

It is also possible to take a day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls, warm swimming holes and a huge system of caves. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Mayan relics. Wade through water until you reach the Mayan ceremonial site. Here you will find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1,400 years.

 

For those who can't get enough jungle fun, there are also opportunities to go tubing or canoeing. And for those who would like some time to reflect on the beauty of nature, there is always the option to visit San Ignacio's butterfly garden.

 

In the late afternoon and at night, many little barbeque street stalls open and serve huge portions. Make sure you give it a try, sit down next to the road, chat with the locals and enjoy a juicy, tasty chicken leg.

 

 

Optional Activities

• Bicycle hire (per hour), San Ignacio - USD3.00
• Horseback riding, San Ignacio, San Ignacio - USD50.00
• River tubing, San Ignacio - USD35.00
• Panta Trail, San Ignacio - USD8.00
• Canoe rental, San Ignacio - USD14.00
• Full-day caving, San Ignacio - USD80.00
• Half-day caving, San Ignacio - USD55.00
• Mountain Pine Ridge day trip, San Ignacio - USD50.00
• Butterfly farm, San Ignacio - USD10.00
• Xunantunich, San Ignacio - USD10.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

A local bus takes us to Belize City (approx 3 hours). Get ready for stop and go as there are very few official bus stops in Belize and the bus will keep stopping to pick up passengers. Use this to make conversation with the person next to you on the bus; Belizeans love to talk about their country!

 

Once in Belize City we will transfer to a water taxi. These water taxis have scheduled services to the different Cayes that are situated in the blue waters of the Caribbean sea. The water taxi takes about 45 minutes and brings us right to our next destination, Caye Caulker.

 

Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster; not the cheapest of meals but certainly delicious. But always make sure that you respect the season, the lobsters can only be caught between June 15th and February 15th.

 

Optional Activities

• Snorkel equipment rental (per day), Caye Caulker - USD7.00
• Manatee & dolphin tour, Caye Caulker - USD35.00
• Sea kayaking (half day), Caye Caulker - USD15.00
• Windsurfing (per hour, board and instruction), Caye Caulker - USD20.00
• Two-tank dive, Caye Caulker - USD75.00
• Blue Hole dive tour, Caye Caulker - USD180.00
• Snorkel trips, Caye Caulker - USD40.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (3 nts)

.

A local bus takes us to Belize City (approx 3 hours). Get ready for stop and go as there are very few official bus stops in Belize and the bus will keep stopping to pick up passengers. Use this to make conversation with the person next to you on the bus; Belizeans love to talk about their country!

 

Once in Belize City we will transfer to a water taxi. These water taxis have scheduled services to the different Cayes that are situated in the blue waters of the Caribbean sea. The water taxi takes about 45 minutes and brings us right to our next destination, Caye Caulker.

 

Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster; not the cheapest of meals but certainly delicious. But always make sure that you respect the season, the lobsters can only be caught between June 15th and February 15th.

 

Optional Activities

• Snorkel equipment rental (per day), Caye Caulker - USD7.00
• Manatee & dolphin tour, Caye Caulker - USD35.00
• Sea kayaking (half day), Caye Caulker - USD15.00
• Windsurfing (per hour, board and instruction), Caye Caulker - USD20.00
• Two-tank dive, Caye Caulker - USD75.00
• Blue Hole dive tour, Caye Caulker - USD180.00
• Snorkel trips, Caye Caulker - USD40.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (3 nts)

.

A local bus takes us to Belize City (approx 3 hours). Get ready for stop and go as there are very few official bus stops in Belize and the bus will keep stopping to pick up passengers. Use this to make conversation with the person next to you on the bus; Belizeans love to talk about their country!

 

Once in Belize City we will transfer to a water taxi. These water taxis have scheduled services to the different Cayes that are situated in the blue waters of the Caribbean sea. The water taxi takes about 45 minutes and brings us right to our next destination, Caye Caulker.

 

Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster; not the cheapest of meals but certainly delicious. But always make sure that you respect the season, the lobsters can only be caught between June 15th and February 15th.

 

Optional Activities

• Snorkel equipment rental (per day), Caye Caulker - USD7.00
• Manatee & dolphin tour, Caye Caulker - USD35.00
• Sea kayaking (half day), Caye Caulker - USD15.00
• Windsurfing (per hour, board and instruction), Caye Caulker - USD20.00
• Two-tank dive, Caye Caulker - USD75.00
• Blue Hole dive tour, Caye Caulker - USD180.00
• Snorkel trips, Caye Caulker - USD40.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (3 nts)

.

Our journey back to Belize City is by water taxi.  We then travel by bus to the border with Mexico (approx. 4 hours).

 

Rarely a country border crossing offers a reason to write home about however, the border between Mexico and Belize can be the exception. Extremely busy at times, with non-existing signals, muddy roads and street sellers everywhere you look, this crossing has it all to become a cultural experience in itself. Please listen to and follow your leader's instructions as if you lose sight of the group, it can be very easy to get lost.

 

After crossing the border we head to the Mexican town of Chetumal where we swap buses and head to our final destination: Tulum (approx. 3 hrs)

 

 

Optional Activities

• Full day guided bike tour, Tulum - USD40.00
• Cenote dives (2 dives), Tulum - USD110.00
• Tulum ruins, Tulum - USD10.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (1 nt)

A local Mexican bus takes us to Playa del Carmen (approx. 1.5 hours), our departure destination.

 

In Playa del Carmen you will have some time to do some souvenir shopping and enjoy international food in this booming tourist town.

 

Here you also might spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves, diving in underground caverns or strolling along the white sands. In the evenings kick back and watch the waves with a margarita before heading out to try the island's vibrant nightlife. For adventures further a field take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, and island famous for its reef diving.

 

 You can depart any time on day 22 as there are no planned activities that day. Please ask your tour leader If you need any assistance arranging transport to the airport.

 

The closest airport to Playa del Carmen is Cancun Airport, which is located approximately one hour away from Playa. The easiest way to get to the airport is by taxi. Please ask your leader or hotel staff to help you arrange a taxi if needed. You should expect to pay anything between US$50 and $60 per taxi.

 

Optional Activities

• Horseback riding, Playa del Carmen - USD60.00
• Dos Ojos Cenote snorkelling tour, Playa del Carmen - USD35.00
• Diving course, Playa del Carmen - USD100.00
• Xel-Ha Water park, Playa del Carmen - USD75.00
• Bicycle rental (per day), Playa del Carmen - USD16.00
• Xcaret, Playa del Carmen - USD70.00
• Ferry to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen - USD12.00

• Cenote Ikil, Playa del Carmen - USD5.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

A local Mexican bus takes us to Playa del Carmen (approx. 1.5 hours), our departure destination.

 

In Playa del Carmen you will have some time to do some souvenir shopping and enjoy international food in this booming tourist town.

 

Here you also might spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves, diving in underground caverns or strolling along the white sands. In the evenings kick back and watch the waves with a margarita before heading out to try the island's vibrant nightlife. For adventures further a field take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, and island famous for its reef diving.

 

 You can depart any time on day 22 as there are no planned activities that day. Please ask your tour leader If you need any assistance arranging transport to the airport.

 

The closest airport to Playa del Carmen is Cancun Airport, which is located approximately one hour away from Playa. The easiest way to get to the airport is by taxi. Please ask your leader or hotel staff to help you arrange a taxi if needed. You should expect to pay anything between US$50 and $60 per taxi.

 

Optional Activities

• Horseback riding, Playa del Carmen - USD60.00
• Dos Ojos Cenote snorkelling tour, Playa del Carmen - USD35.00
• Diving course, Playa del Carmen - USD100.00
• Xel-Ha Water park, Playa del Carmen - USD75.00
• Bicycle rental (per day), Playa del Carmen - USD16.00
• Xcaret, Playa del Carmen - USD70.00
• Ferry to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen - USD12.00

• Cenote Ikil, Playa del Carmen - USD5.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

A local Mexican bus takes us to Playa del Carmen (approx. 1.5 hours), our departure destination.

 

In Playa del Carmen you will have some time to do some souvenir shopping and enjoy international food in this booming tourist town.

 

Here you also might spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves, diving in underground caverns or strolling along the white sands. In the evenings kick back and watch the waves with a margarita before heading out to try the island's vibrant nightlife. For adventures further a field take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, and island famous for its reef diving.

 

 You can depart any time on day 22 as there are no planned activities that day. Please ask your tour leader If you need any assistance arranging transport to the airport.

 

The closest airport to Playa del Carmen is Cancun Airport, which is located approximately one hour away from Playa. The easiest way to get to the airport is by taxi. Please ask your leader or hotel staff to help you arrange a taxi if needed. You should expect to pay anything between US$50 and $60 per taxi.

 

Optional Activities

• Horseback riding, Playa del Carmen - USD60.00
• Dos Ojos Cenote snorkelling tour, Playa del Carmen - USD35.00
• Diving course, Playa del Carmen - USD100.00
• Xel-Ha Water park, Playa del Carmen - USD75.00
• Bicycle rental (per day), Playa del Carmen - USD16.00
• Xcaret, Playa del Carmen - USD70.00
• Ferry to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen - USD12.00

• Cenote Ikil, Playa del Carmen - USD5.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (2 nts)

@variation

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