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13 Day itinerary in Mexico, North America

Cancun to Antigua Express Travel Pass

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Cancun to Antigua with Bamba's surreal travel pass. Dive into the turquoise waters of Mexican cenotes, explore the majestic Mayan ruins of Tulum, and revel in the vibrant nightlife of Playa del Carmen. Journey through Guatemala's lush landscapes and uncover th... Read More

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By Bamba, Sandra, Jonatan, Judith and Rick

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Cancún

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Backpacking

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Discover the ruins Chichen Itza and Tikal

2

Trek the Pacaya Volcano for panoramic views

3

Hike through the mysterious caves of Kanba

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: 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!

Day 2

place Day 2: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Type: Bus

Time: Every 30-45 minutes from 06:30 to 21:30

Duration: 1.2 Hours

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

Day 3

place Day 3: Tulum, Mexico

Playa del Carmen to Tulum

Type: Bus

Time: 09:16, 09:25, 09:51, 10:00, 10:36

Duration: 1 Hours

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

Day 4

place Day 4: Chetumal, Mexico

Tulum to Chetumal

Type: Bus

Time: 01:50, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00, 18:00, 20:00, 21:10

Duration: 4 Hours

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

Day 5

place Day 5: Caye Caulker, Belize

Chetumal to Caye Caulker via San Pedro

Type: Boat

Time: 10:00

Duration: 3 Hours

Transfer from Chetumal to Caye Caulker
Please make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer to Caye Caulker. Please keep in mind that check-in is 2 hours prior to Departure.
*Note: The Ferry departs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays.

Day 6

place Day 6: 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 7

place Day 7: Belize City, Belize

Caye Caulker to Belize City

Type: Ferry

Time: 6:30 to 17:00

Duration: 45 min Hours

Transfer from Caye Caulker to Belize City
Please make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer to Belize City.

Day 8

place Day 8: Flores, Guatemala

Belize City to Flores

Type: Bus

Time: 12:30, 13:30

Duration: 5 Hours

Transfer from Belize City to Flores
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Flores.

Day 9

place Day 9: 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 10

place Day 10: Lanquin, Guatemala

Flores to Lanquin

Type: Shuttle

Time: 08:00

Duration: 8 Hours

Transfer from Flores to Lanquin
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 11

place Day 11: 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 12

place Day 12: Antigua, Guatemala

Lanquin to Antigua

Type: Shuttle

Time: 06:00

Duration: 8 Hours

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

Day 13

place Day 13: 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 fo 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 clouds around you. 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 flash light 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.

What’s Included

Transport expand_less

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

Activities expand_less

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

Not Included expand_less

  • Other meals / drinks
  • Tips for guide
  • Extra fees
  • Accommodation pick-up and drop-off
  • Entrance Fees when not specified
  • Personal expenses

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