Days 1-3: Mexico Caribbean
Arrive Cancun. Transfer to Playa del Carmen — orientation at a community restaurant employing local youth. Day 2: Tulum ruins — the only Maya city built on a Caribbean cliff, with temples overlooking turquoise water and a beach below. Swim, explore, photograph. Day 3: cross into Belize, ferry to Caye Caulker.
Days 4-5: Caye Caulker — Barrier Reef
Two full days on Belize’s car-free island. Day 4: Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkeling (sharks, rays, turtles) and Shark Ray Alley. Day 5: free — Blue Hole scenic flight, manatee watching, or The Split. Intrepid Premium upgraded hotel with pool.
Days 6-8: San Ignacio — Jungle Adventures
Water taxi to Belize City, bus to San Ignacio. Day 7: cave tubing through Nohoch Che’en underground rivers, then Xunantunich Maya ruins — El Castillo with its stucco friezes. Day 8: full free day — ATM Cave (the Crystal Maiden), zipline, or Maya chocolate workshop.
Days 9-10: Tikal — The Maya Megacity
Cross into Guatemala. Flores overnight. Day 10: Tikal sunrise from Temple IV, then 5-hour exploration of the site’s temples, plazas, and acropolis.
Days 11-13: Rio Dulce to Antigua
Boat on Rio Dulce. Drive to Antigua (2 nights). Colonial city exploration, optional Pacaya Volcano hike, chocolate workshop.
Days 14-17: Chichicastenango & Lake Atitlan
Chichi market. Boat to San Juan La Laguna — weaving cooperative, Maya homestay. Days 15-16: explore Santiago Atitlan (Maximón shrine), San Pedro, San Marcos. Indian Nose sunrise hike.
Days 18-19: Antigua & Depart
Return to Antigua. Farewell dinner at a rooftop terrace. Day 19: Guatemala City Airport transfer.
