9-Day Guatemala and Mexico Adventure

Chichicastenango is famous for its vibrant indigenous market, bustling with activity every Thursday and Sunday as locals trade seeds, fruits, vegetables, textiles, and handmade crafts, offering a window into their daily lives. This morning, in addition to exploring the lively market, we'll visit the historic Church of Santo Tomas, where Maya-Quiche natives honor their traditions, and the local cemetery, where you may observe other Mayan rituals. Later in the day, we'll journey onward to Lake Atitlan to spend the night surrounded by its tranquil beauty.

Travel by boat to the town of Santiago Atitlan, known for its large indigenous population of Tzutujile Mayans and the revered deity Maximón, a significant figure in Mayan folklore represented by a dressed-up wooden effigy sitting on a chair. Spend half a day exploring the town's main attractions before returning to Panajachel in the afternoon and continuing your journey to Guatemala City.

Early in the morning, head to Guatemala City airport (at 04:30 am) to catch a flight to Flores. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to Tikal, an expansive archaeological site and one of the most significant Mayan cities of ancient times. Here, enjoy a guided tour exploring its main temples, monuments, arenas, and palaces. The tour concludes at the Sylvanus Morley Museum, showcasing numerous artifacts unearthed during excavations. 

After a picnic lunch, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Leave early for the Bethel Border. Complete the immigration process and cross the Usumacinta River to reach Corozal, where a local Mexican guide awaits you. 

From Corozal, embark on a 45-minute boat journey along the Usumacinta River to reach Yaxchilan, a captivating Maya site nestled in the Lacandon rainforest. Renowned for its remarkably preserved stone lintels adorned with sculptures depicting the historical narrative of this ancient Mayan city, Yaxchilan offers a fascinating glimpse into the Mayan civilization. Following the tour, proceed to Palenque for overnight accommodations.

Start your day by exploring the archaeological site of Palenque. Nestled in the highland rainforest close to the Mexican and Guatemalan border, this Mayan site, flourishing during the Classic period between 600 and 700 A.D., boasts numerous remarkable examples of Maya art and history. Admire the intricate carvings adorning the temples, including the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Temple of the Sun, and The Palace. After the tour, head to Campeche for an overnight stay.

Today, we journey to Merida, the cultural hub of the Yucatan Peninsula. Along the way, we'll make a stop to explore the Uxmal archaeological site. Located 80km south of Merida, Uxmal is remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. Explore its key structures, including the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle, and the House of Turtles. After this enriching experience, we'll proceed to Merida for our overnight stay.

Our journey through Mayan history continues as we head to the Chichen Itza archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city, flourishing from the 10th to the 15th century, features iconic structures like the Warriors' Temple, the Stepped Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), and the circular observatory known as El Caracol. After our exploration, we'll return to Merida for the night.

Later, we'll travel to Cancun, where your beachfront hotel awaits. While beach activities are not included in the tour, we're here to assist with arranging accommodations and recommending enjoyable seaside activities upon request.