Mayan Trail

11 Days Playa del Carmen to Antigua
Mayan Trail
Mayan Trail
Mayan Trail

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 11 Day Mayan Trail. Leave the resorts of Cancún behind and embark on a true adventure that will take you from spectacular Mayan ruins to the cobblestoned streets of colonial towns and deep into the jungle of Mexico. Explore the ancient ruins at Chichén Itzá and Palenque and meet the descendants of those who built them in the vibrant streets and colourful markets of picturesque Mayan towns. Get your camera out—you're going to need it!
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Our Price From
US$1,259 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $420 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

11 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Playa del Carmen

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Antigua

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

6-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

15

Pace
Pace

Leisurely

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

CMTM

Itinerary

Arrive at any time. As travellers arrive throughout the day, there are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus
Included Experiences
  • Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Take a guided tour of Chichén Itzá and orientation walk around Mérida. Depart Playa del Carmen and head to the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá for a guided tour. Spend time exploring this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings. Continue on to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán State, and take a short orientation walk. Also known as la ciudad blanca (the white city), Mérida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia
Included Experiences
  • Chichen Itzá Guided Tour: Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichén Itzá and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.
  • Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Enjoy a free day to explore Merida and surroundings. Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes in the Yucatán. Take a trip to the beach or soak in the history this city has to offer. The area surrounding Mérida has tons to offer. Choose to visit nearby cenotes (water sink holes) in the town of Cuzamá. Inside, swim in the massive crystal-clear sinkholes. Transportation to the cenotes is half the fun, taking small wooden horse-drawn carts along old rail tracks. Opt to visit ruins in Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route or go bird-watching. There's something for everyone.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia
Included Experiences
  • Free Time: Enjoy free time in this fascinating area.
Optional Experiences
  • Uxmal Ruins Visit: Founded in 700 AD, magical Uxmal was once home to as many as 25,000 Mayans. Located 62km (38 mi) south of Merida, in Yucatán’s Puuc ("hill" or "chain of low mountains") region, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. Wander the site, see the Pyramid of the Magician, and visit nearby Kabah, one of three neighbouring sites. (70-110 USD per person)
  • Cenote Visit: Swim in crystal-blue mineral underground swimming holes that are formed as sinkholes when porous limestone bedrock collapses. Come prepared with your swimsuit so you can dive in and enjoy. The clarity of the water and depth of cenotes makes swimming a unique experience. (60-70 USD per person)
  • Day Trip to Progreso Beach : Roughly an hour drive from Meridá, Progreso is a perfect spot for relaxing on the beach or strolling along the boardwalk. Stop along the way at the Dzibichaltun archaeological site.
  • Anthropology Museum Visit: Installed on two floors of a refurbished mansion, this museum is considered to be one of the most important collections of Pre-Columbian Mayan culture in the Yucatán Peninsula. Learn everything there is to know about Mayan society, from war to writing, art to architecture, calendars, customs and offerings to the dead.

After a long day of travel from the Yucatán to the jungles of Chiapas, arrive to Palenque and settle in for 2 nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Maya Tulipanes
Included Experiences
  • First-class Bus: First-class buses in Mexico have very strong air-conditioning. Bring a sweater.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque. After, go for a swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall.
Accommodation: Hotel Maya Tulipanes
Included Experiences
  • Palenque Ruins Guided Tour: Experience the elegant jungle site of Palenque on a guided tour. See the highlights -- the Temple of the Cross Group, Temple of Inscriptions and the Grand Palace. Howler monkeys sound in the distance as the fog rolls in and out of this mystical site, one of the most important centres for trade and culture during the end of the Classic Maya period.
  • Roberto Barrios Waterfalls: Visit the Zapatista community of Roberto Barrios and swim in stunning turquoise cascade waterfalls. Then, join an agroecological experience at the Pej'Pem Center you will support local entrepreneurship and the sustainable transformation of communities in Chiapas.
Optional Experiences
  • Jungle Trail Hike: Only two percent of the ruins in the Mayan capital of Palenque are out in the open. Follow a local guide into the jungle along a trail, visit ruins that are now overgrown with moss and vines. Learn about the wildlife and different medicinal trees and plants that grow in and around the Usumancinta River of this mountainous forest area of Chiapas.

Travel to San Cristóbal de Las Casas located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft), via Villahermosa. Enjoy an orientation walk of the city, known for its 16th-century architecture.
Accommodation: Baron de las Casas
Included Experiences
  • Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride.
Accommodation: Baron de las Casas
Included Experiences
  • Free Time: Use a full free day to explore all this area has to offer.
Optional Experiences
  • Lagunas de Montebello Visit: Visit Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the group of beautiful lakes near the Guatemalan border. Each is a different colour of green and blue.
  • Indigenous Villages Tour: Visit the communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinancantán with a local guide and learn about this unique way of life. Visit the main plaza and places of worship to better understand the life of the local Tzotzil people. Buy carpets, textiles and hand-made "Zapatista" dolls made to honour former rebel leader, Subcomandante Marcos. Please be respectful when taking photographs here, it's not always welcomed by the residents.
  • Sumidero Canyon: Drive an hour before boarding a boat for a 2-hr journey through the deep Sumidero Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, birds, monkeys and maybe even a river crocodile. Marvel at the tall waterfalls, hidden caves, and unusual rock formations along the Grijalva River. After, stop in a village to visit markets and enjoy lunch.

Journey from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico to Panajachel, Guatemala. Opt to explore the town on arrival. The first stop in Guatemala is on beautiful Lake Atitlán. Stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages.
Accommodation: Hotel Chinimaya
Included Experiences
  • Border Crossing (Mexico - Guatemala): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Take part in a cultural tour of San Juan la Laguna where you can opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings from the local artisans.
Accommodation: Rupalaj Kistalin Posada Homestay
Included Meals: Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Boat: Climb aboard and get your float on.
  • San Juan La Laguna Village Visit: Visit the town of San Juan la Laguna and immerse yourself in the Tz’utujil culture for an afternoon. Focus on three different associations originating in San Juan la Laguna; textiles, medicinal plants, and paintings. See groups of women making textiles using natural dyes. Your guide will explain the dyeing techniques and observe the waist loom in action. Next, see how plants are used for their medicinal properties within these communities. Enjoy the sights of traditional paintings by local artists/painters who portray their traditional way of life, ceremonies, customs and traditions through large scale murals found throughout the town of San Juan la Laguna. Souvenirs/products from all points of this tour will be available for purchase if you'd like to bring something home and also support this village community.
  • Posadas Mayas Homestay: Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlán, arrive by boat to the laid-back village of San Juan La Laguna and immediately feel at home. Meet your host family, stash your stuff, then set off to explore the area. Admire the paintings of local artists, watch weavers who use traditional techniques to dye wool, go for a hike and admire the view across the lake. Feel good knowing you are supporting local families eager to benefit from tourism in their community.

Travel to Antigua and head out for an orientation walk. Opt for a night out in town. There is so much to do in this charming colonial city, optional activities for the area include a city tour, salsa dancing classes, a Guatemalan cooking class, or relaxing with a massage. Further afield you can rent bikes and ride through the hills, visit a macadamia nut farm or check out some nearby villages.
Accommodation: Hotel Bucaros Express
Included Experiences
  • Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
  • Free Time: Opt to check out more of the city with a little free time.
  • Boat: Climb aboard and get your float on.
Optional Experiences
  • Finca Valhalla Visit: Take a tour of the macadamia nut plantation at Finca Valhalla led by the workers. Learn about this sustainable crop for the experts and discover the health benefits of the nut. Pamper yourself with a free facial and purchase some of the treats made from the macadamia nut like oils, nuts, and chocolate. This tour is offered for free in the hopes that you’ll show your gratitude by stopping by and picking up some tasty treats from the gift shop or café. (5-10 USD per person)
  • Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour: Meet your guide at the fountain in the Central Plaza and take a leisurely walk along the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour focuses on the Antigua's history, culture and restoration efforts (a bylaw, for example, stipulates buildings must only be painted certain colours in order to maintain the Spanish colonial character of the exteriors). Visit the City Hall Palace, Palace of the Captain's General, the main cathedral and many of Antigua's other attractions. Learn about jade and the valuable role it played in Maya culture. Shop for jewelry, pottery, textiles and wooden carvings.
  • ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop: Enjoy a chocolate workshop and museum tour to learn about the process "from bean to bar" and the history of this tasty crop. In this 1.5-hour workshop, make your own bar to take home and enjoy tastings of the varieties of chocolate drinks made on site. Who knew history could be so sweet?
  • Salsa Lesson: Kick up your heels and learn this typical Latin dance. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome. Get lost in the rhythm of the music and let your body take you to a new place -- one-two-three, one-two-three, hip roll, arm up, partner under, shimmy, shake, salsa! Vamos a bailar! (Let's dance!)
  • Massage: Relax and enjoy a Mayan massage. You’re on vacation! (30-60 USD per person)

Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá and Palenque.
  • Get lost wandering colonial San Cristobal de las Casas and Antigua.
  • Cool off with a swim at Roberto Barrios waterfall.
  • Bargain at colourful local markets.

  • Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna
  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Discover Moment: Mérida
  • Your Discover Moment: San Cristóbal de Las Casas
  • Chichén Itzá guided tour
  • Mérida orientation walk
  • Palenque guided tour
  • Roberto Barrios waterfall visit
  • San Cristóbal de las Casas orientation walk
  • Antigua orientation walk
  • Free time in Mérida and San Cristóbal de las Casas
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Public bus, private vehicle, boat
  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

  • Hotels (9 Nights), Homestay (1 Night)

  • 1 dinner

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.

Operator

G Adventures
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Trip Style: Classic

Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

Sunday 12 Apr 2026 12 Apr 26 Playa del Carmen
Wednesday 22 Apr 2026 22 Apr 26 Antigua
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,679
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday 15 Apr 2026 15 Apr 26 Playa del Carmen
Saturday 25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 26 Antigua
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,679
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday 19 Apr 2026 19 Apr 26 Playa del Carmen
Wednesday 29 Apr 2026 29 Apr 26 Antigua
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,679
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday 26 Apr 2026 26 Apr 26 Playa del Carmen
Wednesday 06 May 2026 06 May 26 Antigua
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,679
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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