The Mayan Road - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrival day.

Drive to Panajachel, a relaxed village on the shores of the impressive Lake Atitlan. On the way we stop to visit Chichicastenango, home to Guatemala's most colourful market. (B)

A free day in Panajachel. There's the chance to take an optional boat ride to visit some of the fascinating nearby villages, and find Maximon, the mysterious Mayan God that lives in one of the houses.

Today we travel by bus to the village of Totonicapan, a wonderful place to find artisan workshops for all different kinds of crafts. This evening we enjoy the privilege of staying with a local family.  (LD)  

We bid farewell to our host family before moving on. We cross the border into Mexico and head to the town of San Cristobal, home to a large proportion of Mexico's indigenous population and with a character all of its own.  (B)

A free day in San Cristobal. You can visit the nearby Sumidero Canyon, a series of cliffs that reach an impressive 1,500m in height. Alternatively, you could take a horse ride into some of the nearby villages.

We take a bus to Palenque, the town close to the impressive site of the same name.

We head into the jungle early in the morning in a quest for these little visited Mayan ruins. A boat ride take us to Yaxchilan (Place of the Green Stones), one of the few Mayan cities where women have ruled as well. In the afternoon we visit Bonampak, a site that is known for its well preserved frescoes. The Lacandon Indians are the original inhabitants of this part of the jungle, and we spend the night at an original Lacandon settlement in a simple multi-share cabin. (BLD)

After breakfast we take a walk through the Lacandon jungle with an indigenous Indian guide. Along the way we stop at small waterfalls to take a swim. Later this afternoon we drive back to Palenque.  (BL)

A free day to visit the amazing Mayan ruins at Palenque, set amidst stunning rainforest. We also have the option of visiting Agua Azul, an area of beautiful jungle scenery and superb waterfalls. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Merida.

We arrive in Merida, capital of the Yucatan state and packed full of markets and old colonial buildings. Nearby are the ruins of Uxmal and the Celestun National Park, home to huge flocks of flamingos. A free day to enjoy the city.

In the afternoon we drive to Chichen Itza. We have plenty of time to visit this magnificent Mayan site and spend time exploring its temples and pyramids.

After having time for a last visit to the ruins before the crowds arrive, we then head to the lively coast town of Playa del Carmen.

Tour ends.