Bamba TripsMexico TripsCulture HeritageBig Mexico, Guatemala Belize Adventure 21D20N

Mexico • Guatemala • Belize

Independent

Big Mexico, Guatemala & Belize Adventure 21D/20N

21 days

Per person, from
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Travelers / Rooms

1 Travelers / 1 Rooms

Trip Snapshot

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize with Bamba travel. Discover ancient Mayan ruins, pristine Caribbean beaches, and lush jungles. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, explore bustling local markets, and unwind in charming colonial towns. This journey offers thrilling activities like hiking volcanoes and swimming in cenotes, making it perfect for adventurous travelers. Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, exquisite cuisines, and breathtaking landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime on this extraordinary tour.

Trip Type:Independent

Flexible solo travel with pre-planned routes and local activities.

Travel Theme:Culture & Heritage

Uncover the stories and traditions that shape each destination.

Departure City:Cancún

End City:Cancún

Group Size:1 - 2 travellers

Operated in:English

Physical Difficulty:Easy

Travel Styles: Cultural.

Things you will do

See the incredible ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque & Tikal

Hike the active Pacaya Volcano and swim in crystalline waters

Learn about the culture of local indigenous communities

Itinerary

Day 1: Cancun, Mexico

Transfer from Cancun to Cancun

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Cancun, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Day 2: Cancun - Tulum, Mexico

Bus from Cancun to Tulum

Day 3: Tulum - Merida, Mexico

Transfer from Tulum to Merida

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Merida.

Day 4: Merida, Mexico

Explore the captivating history and iconic structures of Chichen Itza on a specialized day trip from Merida, delving into the Mayan civilization's significance and the intriguing serpent of light phenomenon during equinoxes.

Day 5: Merida - Palenque, Mexico

Discover the rich history of Haciendas like Yaxcopoil and the magnificent ruins of Uxmal, culminating in the serene beauty of a Cenote on this day tour from Merida.

Day 6: Palenque, Mexico

Explore the awe-inspiring wonders of Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul Waterfalls, and Misol-Ha Waterfall on this 11-hour adventure from Palenque.

Day 7: Palenque, Mexico

Embark on a fascinating adventure to Yaxchilan and Bonampak ruins deep in the Lacandon Jungle. Cruise along the Usumacinta River, explore the awe-inspiring Yaxchilan Archaeological Site for 2 hours, enjoy a delicious lunch, and witness ancient frescoes at the magical Bonampak Ruins before returning to Palenque in the evening.

Day 8: Palenque - San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

Transfer from Palenque to San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 9: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

Embark on a cultural journey to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, immersing yourself in the local indigenous communities' traditions and way of life.

Day 10: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

Embark on a 6-hour Sumidero Canyon Experience, starting with a scenic drive from San Cristobal to Chiapa de Corzo, where you'll take a 2-hour boat ride through the stunning canyon.

Day 11: San Cristobal de las Casas - San Jorge La Laguna, Guatemala

Upon arrival at Avenida Santander Zona 2 (next to Hotel Dos Mundos), you will be given instructions on how to take a public bus from Panajachel to reach the village where your host family lives, San Jorge La Laguna. Enjoy a genuine insight into the lives of locals with a fascinating homestay.

Meals

Dinner

Maya Homestay Experience 2D/1N with Maya Communities Lake Tour
Home Stay in San Jorge La Laguna (D)
Upon arrival at Avenida Santander Zona 2 (next to Hotel Dos Mundos), you will be given instructions on how to take a public bus from Panajachel to reach the village where your host family lives, San Jorge La Laguna.
The home stay will give you a genuine insight into the everyday lives of a local family during your trip by staying one or more more nights with a family from the Kakchiquel Indigenous group in San Jorge La Laguna. Maya Experience Home Stays has started this home stay program in the village to give something back to the communities around Lake Atitlan, and also to give you a very genuine experience of living with a Maya local family to experience their culture and customs. This experience is very new to the village and families who welcome foreigners into their homes. As a responsible traveler, we as guests must be aware of and sensitive to the culture by behaving respectfully during our time with the family and in the village.
Although shy at first, the villagers are very friendly and welcoming people. Make sure you ask permission to take photos of the people in the village since the Mayan community commonly believes a photograph will steal their soul. You will most likely find the housing situation in San Jorge La Laguna rather basic but the reason for participating in this home stay is to enjoy a real insight into Guatemala, so you can experience the culture firsthand and interact with the local community on a personal basis. We hope that you enjoy this very unique experience.
A small gift for the family would be a nice gesture of appreciation for the family welcoming you into their home. Cooking or kitchen materials such as pasta, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables or kitchen utensils are very much appreciated ($3 USD per person approx). Other materials from your home country or children's books (coloring, basic English, workbooks, almanacs) would be a great addition to the family library.

Day 12: Panajachel - Antigua, Guatemala

Today, you will hop in a boat for a tour of Lake Atitlan and a visit to its colorful indigenous villages. You will be dropped off back in Panajachel when the tour is finished.

Meals

Breakfast

Maya Homestay Experience 2D/1N with Maya Communities Lake Tour
Boat Tour of Lake Atitlan with visits to indigenous villages. Return to Panajachel (B)
You will have all the instructions on how to go from the Homestay to the meeting point. Then, you will hop in a boat for a tour of Lake Atitlan and a visit to its colorful indigenous villages.
The word "atitlan" is translated from Maya as "the place where the rainbow gets its colors" and accordingly you will understand why so many people have been drawn to this magical lake for hundreds of years. Panajachel alone is an 800 year old town home to mostly Cachikel Maya and an increasing number foreigners from every corner of the globe, all coming together to soak up a piece of that serenity and originality that this place provides.
You'll visit the following villages:
San Pedro La Laguna, much like Panajachel has a large population of bohemian tourists and ex-pats, however the indigenous people of the town still preserve their original ways of life and wear traditional dress, remain very conservative and practice the same style of subsistence agriculture that their ancestors practiced years ago. Just outside of town coffee crops are cultivated on the mountain side and hard working farmers hike up and back on a daily basis to tend to their crops. Walk uphill towards the town center (away from the docks) and you will see a whole different side to this popular lakeside village.
Santiago Atitlán is the largest of the communities around the lake with a population of over 32,000, 95% of which are indigenous Tz’utujils. Traditionally, it is fishing and farming town; it is also known for the manufacture of cayucos, wooden canoes. Directly from the dock, the main street leads visitors up to the main square where there is a vibrant and very lively indoor/outdoor marketplace where street hawkers target "gringos" as they wander by looking for good deals on original locally made souvenirs. Santiago is also home to a very interesting Maya/Catholic sacred statue called Maximon (also known as San Simon by the Spanish and Rilaj Maam by the Maya). All Guatemalan people worship this deity and go to him to ask for blessings or give offerings. During "Semana Santa" (Holy Week) in March/April, the statue is paraded around town and celebrations are held to worship this Guatemalan god. If you can, catch a glimpse of this interesting and very unique local custom.
San Antonio Palopo is one of the most interesting villages around lake Atitlan and the best place to really get an idea for how these traditional indigenous towns used to feel. Walking through the village one can see people wearing intricately designed "huipiles" (woven tunics) and women weaving fabric made of wool and cotton. Take in the views of this tranquil town and imagine what the villagers' peaceful life is like living in adobe houses with tin roofs, farming and selling souvenirs to make a living. This is one of the best places to purchase a "huipil" traditional hand-woven tunic knowing that the profits are going straight to the villagers.
You will be dropped off back in Panajachel when the tour is finished.

Day 13: Antigua, Guatemala

Brag to your friends about trekking an active volcano after hiking up the steep slopes of the Pacaya Volcano to reach a moon-like landscape of dried lava with panoramic views of nearby volcanoes above the clouds.

Day 14: Antigua - Lanquin, Guatemala

Transfer from Antigua to Lanquin

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Lanquin, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Day 15: Lanquin, Guatemala

Hike through the mysterious caves of Kamba, which are filled with extraordinary limestone formations. Enjoy free time to swim in the crystalline waters of Semuc Champey, where you will find natural pools filled with fresh mountain spring water above a 300-meter long limestone bridge immersed in a pristine lush jungle setting.

Day 16: Lanquin - Flores, Guatemala

Transfer from Lanquin to Flores

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Flores, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Day 17: Flores, Guatemala

Experience the jungle as it comes alive in the early hours of the morning. Learn about this former Maya citadel, once the largest and most powerful civilization in Meso-America, by exploring this archaeological site and taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to marvel at the majestic pyramids hidden away in the jungle.

Meals

None

Tikal Early Morning Day Tour

Departure Time: 04:30, 06:00, 08:00

Duration: 8.5 hrs

Depart Flores at 4:30 am this morning for your early morning experience to Tikal archaeological site. Walk among giant pyramids towering over 200 feet at dawn to feel the magical vibration of Tikal and its historic splendor. Listen to the jungle sounds of exotic birds, monkeys and small mammals and feel the humid jungle air on your skin as the Maya inhabitants of this site felt it 2000 years ago. Immerse yourself in the jungle at dawn for an early morning tour through the archaeological site to experience the jungle come alive as it wakes up at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in touch with nature and marvel at the majestic pyramids hidden away in the jungle.
This magical ancient city is teeming with native flora and fauna. If you are lucky you may be able to spot a jaguar walking leisurely through the park, although large numbers of visitors have caused the wildlife to move further into the jungle away from the noise. Howler monkeys here are famous for their loud growling sounds which may surprise you from a tree top overhead. Keep an eye out for colorful birds throughout the park such as toucan, parrots, eagles and quetzals.

Tucked away in the vast Peten Region that covers 222 square miles of lush jungle in the northwest corner of Guatemala lie the ruins of the most magnificent archaeological site and important Maya citadel in Mesoamerica. Tikal National Park, declared as a UN World Heritage Site in 1979, is the largest excavated archaeological site on the American continents and is one of the most important natural reserves of Central America.
It is known that Tikal, meaning “Place of Voices” in Maya, was one of the most powerful cities of their era covering more than 16 square kilometers and dominating other tribes in the surrounding region as well as interacting with neighboring cultures as far as Teotihuacan in the Valle de Mexico. The site was estimated to house between 10,000 - 90,000 inhabitants before being abruptly abandoned over 1000 years ago.
*If you prefer, you can purchase your entrance tickets at any Banrural bank in Flores the day before the tour to avoid waiting in line.

Day 18: Belize City - Caye Caulker, Belize

Transfer from Belize City to Caye Caulker

Day 19: Caye Caulker, Belize

Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Day 20: Caye Caulker - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Ferry from Caye Caulker to Chetumal via San Pedro and then bus from Chetumal to Playa del Carmen

Day 21: Cancun, Mexico

Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Playa del Carmen, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

What's Included

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★4.94 (16 reviews)

Kyle Odonnell • Sep 2024

5.0

Dive into Surreal Waters Beneath Historic Majesty

An exhilarating blend of history and nature! The cenote swim under the Mayan ruins was absolutely surreal. Highly recommend this adventure!

Miss Lesley Wright • Sep 2024

5.0

Underwater Wonders and Historic Excursions Combined

An exhilarating blend of culture and adventure! Snorkeling the coral reefs and exploring Mayan ruins were unforgettable highlights. Highly recommend!

Hector Patton • Sep 2024

5.0

Journey Through Time and Terrain with Bamba Travel

Exploring ancient Mayan ruins while hiking volcanoes was awe-inspiring! Bamba Travel's Big Mexico, Guatemala & Belize Adventure blends history and thrill seamlessly.

Hildegart Plath B.A. • Aug 2024

5.0

Reefs and Ruins: An Unforgettable Expedition

Exploring Mayan ruins followed by snorkeling in stunning coral reefs was an incomparable experience. Truly an adventurer's dream come true!

Sarah Smith MD • May 2024

5.0

Splashing into Excitement: Unforgettable Reefs and Culture Awaits

An incredible mosaic of culture, adventure, and natural beauty! Swimming in cenotes and snorkeling reefs were unbeatable highlights. Highly recommend for thrill-seekers!

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