Maya Encounter

Maya Encounter

Discover more than one kind of bliss on this 17-day experience in Central America, from the calming sea breezes on Playa del Carmen’s beaches to the contentment of a hearty, homecooked dinner in a lakeside Maya village. This adventure through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize takes its sweet time ambling down the coast to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, then cuts inland to the lush jungle around Tikal, cruising to the vast Rio Dulce and finishing among the clouds in Panajachel and Antigua. You get the right balance of local-led experiences and independent exploration, with a whole load of awesome places to discover.

Activities

• Caye Caulker – Leader-led orientation walk
• San Ignacio – Leader-led orientation walk
• Tikal National Park – Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
• Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
• Chichicastenango – Market Visit
• Chichicastenango – Shaman Visit
• San Jorge La Laguna – Traditional Maya Homestay
• Panajachel – Leader-led orientation walk
• Antigua – Leader-led orientation walk

Highlights

• Spend two days exploring Caye Caulker at your leisure. Munch barbecue lobster? Snorkel around a coral reef? Nap under a palm tree? It’s up to you.
• Hit the streets of Antigua with your local leader and climb to a vintage cross lookout for views of the city and the incredible volcano that towers over it.
• Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Jorge La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
• Wander between stalls of rainbow-coloured handicrafts, fruits and flowers and get some haggling tips from your leader in Chichicastenango Market.
• Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.