16-Day Mayan Sun Southbound: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Adventure

Tour Overview

Journey south through the heart of the Maya world on this 16-day adventure from the beaches of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to the highlands of Guatemala. Explore ancient ruins, swim in sacred cenotes, sail the Caribbean, trek through rainforests, and immerse yourself in the living cultures of the Maya people across three countries.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun, Mexico

Arrive at Cancun International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Welcome meeting with your group. Evening explore the Hotel Zone or downtown Cancun. Welcome dinner with Mexican cuisine. Overnight in Cancun.

Day 2: Isla Mujeres & snorkeling

Morning ferry to Isla Mujeres, a beautiful island off the coast of Cancun. Explore the island by golf cart: visit the Punta Sur ecological park with its Mayan temple ruins, the turtle farm, and the stunning southern cliffs. Snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park with its vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. After lunch, relax on the beautiful north beach (Playa Norte), consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the world. Evening return to Cancun. Overnight in Cancun.

Day 3: Chichen Itza & cenotes

Morning visit Chichen Itza, UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore: Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo), Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors, Sacred Cenote, Observatory (El Caracol). After lunch, swim at Cenote Ik Kil, a beautiful natural sinkhole with hanging vines and clear blue water. Visit Cenote Suytun near Valladolid, a stunning cenote with a beam of light illuminating the water. Evening return to Cancun or overnight in Valladolid. Overnight in Cancun/Valladolid.

Day 4: Tulum & Sian Ka’an

Morning visit Tulum, the only Maya archaeological site on the coast, with stunning cliff-top setting overlooking the turquoise Caribbean. Explore: Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, Temple of the Descending God, Great Palace. After exploring, enjoy the beautiful Tulum beach. After lunch, visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO), a vast protected area of tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and beaches. Take a boat tour through the reserve to see dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and a variety of birds. Float through the ancient Maya canal system. Evening return to Cancun. Overnight in Cancun.

Day 5: Uxmal & Merida

Morning visit Uxmal, UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for distinctive Puuc architecture with intricate stone mosaics. Explore: Pyramid of the Magician (oval pyramid), Nunnery Quadrangle, Governor Palace (massive mosaic facade), Great Pyramid, Ball Court. After lunch, drive to Merida (1.5 hours), the White City, capital of Yucatan. Explore historic center: Plaza Grande, Cathedral, Casa de Montejo, Paseo de Montejo. Evening enjoy Yucatecan cuisine: cochinita pibil, panuchos, salbutes. Overnight in Merida.

Day 6: Merida to Belize City, Belize

Morning explore Merida: visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, Mercado Lucas de Galvez, and historic center. After lunch, fly or drive to Belize City (2 hours flight or 5 hours drive via Chetumal). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Explore Belize City: Government House Museum, Supreme Court, St. John Cathedral, Swing Bridge, Belize Museum. Evening enjoy Belizean cuisine: rice and beans, stew chicken, fresh seafood. Overnight in Belize City.

Day 7: Belize Barrier Reef snorkeling

Full day snorkeling trip to the Belize Barrier Reef (second-largest in the world, UNESCO). Visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley: snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and nurse sharks. Visit a beautiful sandbar/caye for a beach BBQ lunch. Afternoon continue snorkeling at Mexico Rocks or Tres Cocos. Evening return to Belize City. Group dinner with fresh seafood. Overnight in Belize City.

Day 8: Altun Ha & to San Ignacio (Cayo District)

Morning visit Altun Ha, the most important Maya site in Belize, near Belize City. Known as the Stone of the Water, Altun Ha was a major trading center. Explore: Temple of the Green Tomb (where the famous carved jade head of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau was found, weighing nearly 10 pounds), Temple of the Masonry Altars, Plaza, reservoir. After lunch, drive to San Ignacio (2 hours), the main town in the Cayo District of western Belize. Check into your hotel. Explore San Ignacio town and markets. Evening enjoy Belizean cuisine. Overnight in San Ignacio.

Day 9: Xunantunich & cave tubing

Morning visit Xunantunich (Stone Woman), a stunning Maya site on a ridge above the Mopan River, with its iconic El Castillo pyramid (40m, second-tallest in Belize) offering panoramic views of Guatemala. Cross the river by hand-cranked ferry. Explore: El Castillo, Plaza, palaces, ball court. After lunch, go cave tubing – float on inner tubes through spectacular limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient Maya artifacts. Fun adventure for all. Evening return to San Ignacio. Group dinner. Overnight in San Ignacio.

Day 10: Caracol or Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

Morning choose: Caracol, the largest Maya site in Belize, deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, with its massive Caana pyramid (43m, tallest in Belize) and beautiful jungle setting. Look for wildlife: howler monkeys, toucans, coatis. Or Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, one of the most incredible Maya sites, accessible only by swimming, hiking, and climbing through water. Inside: ancient Maya pottery, artifacts, and the famous Crystal Maiden (calcified skeleton of a young woman believed to be a human sacrifice). Physically demanding but once-in-a-lifetime. After lunch, relax or explore more of Cayo. Evening group dinner. Overnight in San Ignacio.

Day 11: San Ignacio to Tikal, Guatemala

Morning cross the border into Guatemala at Melchor de Mencos. Drive to Tikal (2-3 hours), one of the greatest Maya archaeological sites and UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the heart of the Peten rainforest. Afternoon explore Tikal: Great Plaza, Temple I (Great Jaguar, 47m), Temple II (Masks), Temple IV (tallest at 70m, climb for jungle canopy views), North Acropolis, Mundo Perdido. Look for wildlife: howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, coatis. Sunset at the temples. Evening transfer to Flores or Tikal area. Group dinner. Overnight in Flores/Tikal.

Day 12: Tikal sunrise & Yaxha

Early morning (optional but highly recommended): sunrise at Tikal. Watch the sun rise over the jungle canopy from Temple IV, with the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds. This is a magical experience. After breakfast, continue exploring the less-visited parts of Tikal. After lunch, visit Yaxha, a stunning Maya site between two lakes (Yaxha and Sacnab), less visited than Tikal but equally impressive. Explore: North Acropolis, South Acropolis, Great Plaza, Temple of the Red Hands, beautiful lake views. Sunset over the lakes. Evening return to Flores. Group dinner. Overnight in Flores.

Day 13: Flores to Guatemala City & to Antigua

Morning explore the island town of Flores with its colonial architecture and lakeside setting. Visit the Flores Museum. After lunch, fly to Guatemala City (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to Antigua Guatemala (1 hour), the beautiful colonial city surrounded by volcanoes, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your hotel. Explore historic center: Central Park, Cathedral, Arco de Santa Catalina, bustling markets. Evening enjoy Guatemalan cuisine: pepian, kak ik, fresh tropical fruit. Overnight in Antigua.

Day 14: Antigua – volcano hike & coffee tour

Morning optional hike up Pacaya Volcano (active volcano, 2-3 hours each way, see lava flows and roast marshmallows over volcanic heat). Alternatively, explore Antigua: Convento de las Capuchinas, Iglesia de la Merced, Casa Santo Domingo, ruins. After lunch, visit a local coffee farm for a tour and tasting (Antigua is famous for its coffee). Visit the Mercado Central for shopping for textiles, jade, handicrafts. Evening group dinner. Overnight in Antigua.

Day 15: Lake Atitlan

Morning drive to Lake Atitlan (2.5 hours), one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by three volcanoes and a dozen Maya villages. Take a boat across the lake to visit villages: Santiago Atitlan (largest, famous Maximon shrine and textile market), San Juan La Laguna (natural dyes and textiles), Santa Catarina Palopo (colorful painted houses). Meet local Maya artisans. After lunch, hike or kayak on the lake. Sunset views of the volcanoes. Evening return to Antigua or overnight at a lakeside lodge. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Antigua/Lake Atitlan.

Day 16: Departure from Guatemala City

Morning free for last-minute exploration of Antigua or shopping for Guatemalan handicrafts. Drive to Guatemala City (1 hour) and transfer to La Aurora International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your epic 16-day Maya world adventure through Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses