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13 Day itinerary in Guatemala, Central America & Caribbean

Antigua to Cancun Express Travel Pass

Embark on an unforgettable Central American adventure with an exhilarating travel pass from Antigua to Cancun. Discover Guatemala's rich culture, explore the legendary Tikal ruins, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes in Belize. Dive into crystal-clear waters in Caye Caulker, then revel in Mexico's vib... Read More

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Bamba Travel Inc

By Bamba Travel Inc

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Antigua Guatemala

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Backpacking

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Discover the ruins Chichen Itza and Tikal

2

Snorkel alongside majestic rays

3

Hike through the mysterious caves of Kanba

4

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Antigua, Guatemala

Pacaya Volcano Trek

Departure Time: 14:00

Duration: 8 hrs


Get up close and personal with an active volcano and brag to your friends about it. Hike up the Pacaya Volcano slope for two hours and then trek onto dry lava that resembles a moon-like landscape. Look up to catch an eruption from the active volcano if you're lucky (depending on the activity of the volcano, you may or may not see eruptions or lava). Take unforgettable photos in a landscape so surreal that you feel like you are walking on the moon. Admire the breathtaking landscape and views of neighbouring volcanoes peeking through the surrounding clouds. Take your time returning to the base of the mountain as you make your way down the slippery, muddy slopes. (Note: Horses can be rented for the trip up and back.)


We recommend wearing comfortable trekking shoes and bringing a flashlight and a walking stick (or rent one for a few dollars from local kids before you start your hike). It gets dark and steep on the mountain if you are going up in the afternoon. If you are travelling during rainy season, bring a raincoat or poncho... you will definitely need it! Bring bottled water for the trek and some extra cash to buy snacks afterwards, or pack a few power bars in your day pack to take with you.

Day 2

place Day 2: Antigua - Lanquin, Guatemala

Transfer from Antigua to Lanquin
Type: Shuttle
Time: 08:00
Duration: 8 Hours


You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Lanquin, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Day 3

place Day 3: Lanquin, Guatemala

Semuc Champey & Kanba Caves Tour

Departure Time: 09:00

Duration: 10 hrs

Take a hike through the mysterious caves of Kanba (activity at your own risk) which are filled with extraordinary limestone formations distributed among an endless stretch of different chambers (so far, the end of the cave system has not yet been discovered) housing a sharp pointed rock altar where ancient Maya once performed sacred rituals. The Maya people of Guatemala continue holding spiritual ceremonies here and believe that the cave is the "heart of heaven" where the secrets of many centuries are held.

Enjoy some free time to swim and go river tubing in the crystalline waters of Semuc Champey where there are natural pools filled with fresh mountain spring water above a 300-meter long limestone bridge. Flowing underneath the bridge is the Cahabón River where you will have time to swim in the cool waters in a beautiful natural surrounding immersed in native flora and fauna. At the end of the bridge you will visit waterfalls over 40-feet in height where the water from the pools rejoins the Cahabon River. The color of the water is constantly changing depending on factors such as the season, sun and rainfall, a characteristic of the national park that makes this place an idyllic and awe-inspiring setting to experience and take photographs.

Day 4

place Day 4: Lanquin to Flores, Guatemala

Lanquin to Flores

Type: Shuttle

Time: 08:00

Duration: 9 Hours

Transfer from Lanquin to Flores

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Flores, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Day 5

place Day 5: Flores, Guatemala

Tikal Early Morning Day Tour

Departure Time: 04:30, 06:00, 08:00

Duration: 8.5 hrs

Depart Flores at 4:30 am this morning for your early morning experience to Tikal archaeological site. Walk among giant pyramids towering over 200 feet at dawn to feel the magical vibration of Tikal and its historic splendor. Listen to the jungle sounds of exotic birds, monkeys and small mammals and feel the humid jungle air on your skin as the Maya inhabitants of this site felt it 2000 years ago. Immerse yourself in the jungle at dawn for an early morning tour through the archaeological site to experience the jungle come alive as it wakes up at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in touch with nature and marvel at the majestic pyramids hidden away in the jungle.

This magical ancient city is teeming with native flora and fauna. If you are lucky you may be able to spot a jaguar walking leisurely through the park, although large numbers of visitors have caused the wildlife to move further into the jungle away from the noise. Howler monkeys here are famous for their loud growling sounds which may surprise you from a tree top overhead. Keep an eye out for colorful birds throughout the park such as toucan, parrots, eagles and quetzals.

Tucked away in the vast Peten Region that covers 222 square miles of lush jungle in the northwest corner of Guatemala lie the ruins of the most magnificent archaeological site and important Maya citadel in Mesoamerica. Tikal National Park, declared as a UN World Heritage Site in 1979, is the largest excavated archaeological site on the American continents and is one of the most important natural reserves of Central America.

It is known that Tikal, meaning “Place of Voices” in Maya, was one of the most powerful cities of their era covering more than 16 square kilometers and dominating other tribes in the surrounding region as well as interacting with neighboring cultures as far as Teotihuacan in the Valle de Mexico. The site was estimated to house between 10,000 - 90,000 inhabitants before being abruptly abandoned over 1000 years ago.

*If you prefer, you can purchase your entrance tickets at any Banrural bank in Flores the day before the tour to avoid waiting in line.

Day 6

place Day 6: Flores to Belize City, Belize

Flores to Belize City

Type: Shuttle

Time: 06:00

Duration: 6 Hours

Transfer from Flores to Belize City

Please make your own way to the meeting point to catch your transfer to Belize City.

Day 7

place Day 7: Belize City - Caye Caulker, Belize

Belize City to Caye Caulker

Type: Ferry

Time: 16:30, 17:30

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Transfer from Belize City to Caye Caulker

Please make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer to Caye Caulker.

Day 8

place Day 8: Caye Caulker, Belize

Snorkel with Sharks & Rays

Departure Time: 10:30, 13:30

Duration: 3 hrs

Discover the unparalleled natural beauty of Belize's marine life with a snorkeling experience that you will never forget. On this half-day tour in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, you will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel along the reef in complete serenity. Navigate through mazes of pristine coral reef among schools of tropical fish, and even get the chance to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. See all this and more at three different snorkeling stops along the magnificent local reef of Caye Caulker.

Day 9

place Day 9: Caye Caulker - Chetumal, Mexico

Caye Caulker to Chetumal via San Pedro

Type: Ferry

Time: 12:45

Duration: 3 Hours

Transfer from Caye Caulker to Chetumal

Please make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer to Chetumal. Please keep in mind that the check-in is 2 hours prior to departure!

Day 10

place Day 10: Chetumal - Tulum, Mexico

Chetumal to Tulum

Type: Bus

Time: 06:30, 07:30, 08:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 18:30

Duration: 3.5 Hours

Transfer from Chetumal to Tulum

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Tulum.

Day 11

place Day 11: Tulum - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Type: Bus

Time: 08:10, 10:20, 11:20, 11:30, 13:00, 14:20, 15:20, 16:30, 17:35, 18:45, 19:20, 20:20, 21:25, 22:20, 23:57

Duration: 1 Hours

Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Playa del Carmen.

Day 12

place Day 12: Playa del Carmen - Cancun, Mexico

Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Type: Bus

Time: Every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:10

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Cancun.

Day 13

place Day 13: Cancun, Mexico

Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Cancun)

Departure Time: 4:00

Duration: 12 hrs

Embark on a thrilling adventure to the heart of ancient civilization with this breathtaking early morning tour of Chichen Itza. Rise with the sun and beat the crowds as you delve into the rich history of this renowned archaeological site.

With a specialized guide by your side, journey back in time as you explore the remains of this once powerful city. Discover the secrets of the Maya civilization and learn how Chichen Itza played a pivotal role in shaping their world from 600 AD to 1200. Marvel at the intricate details of this sacred site, still considered holy by the Maya people of the Yucatan today.

Brave the jungle's lush terrain as you unearth the mystery of this lost city, protected by UNESCO and now listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With the cool morning air at your back and the warm sun at your face, this early morning tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Chichen Itza in a way most will never have the chance to.

Please note: The government requires an additional fee for the use of mobile devices such as GoPros, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and drones at the ticket office. Get ready for a truly epic adventure!

What’s Included

Transport expand_less

  • Ferry from Caye Caulker to Chetumal via San Pedro
  • Bus from Chetumal to Tulum
  • Shuttle from Lanquin to Flores
  • Shuttle from Flores to Belize City
  • Ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker
  • Bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
  • Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
  • Shuttle from Antigua to Lanquin

Activities expand_less

  • Pacaya Volcano Trek
  • Semuc Champey & Kanba Caves Tour
  • Tikal Early Morning Day Tour
  • Snorkel with Sharks & Rays
  • Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Cancun)

Not Included expand_less

  • Personal Expenses
  • Meals / Drinks
  • Accommodations
  • Tips & Gratuities
  • Guide throughout the trip
  • Accommodation pick-up and drop-off

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