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Mayan Encounter

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    Mayan Encounter

    From: AUD $1,402.00

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      Product Description

      Highlights

      This overland adventure covers big parts of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, allowing you to see some of the best of Central America. Extended time in Caye Caulker and Antigua provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy laid-back island vibes as well as buzzy colonial city life. A homestay in San Jorge La Laguna invites you to connect with a local family. Sit down for breakfast and dinner with your hosts and work on improving your Spanish. Whether its slumbering on the sands of Playa del Carmen, gazing at the pyramids of Tikal or haggling in the markets of Chichicastenango, you’ll experience multiple sides of Central America

      Overview

      Travel to paradise somewhere between the blazing Yucatan sun and the cool Guatemalan highlands on this Mayan Encounter. Prepare to be wowed as you relax on the white sands of Tulum, admire the underwater life in Caye Caulker, amble over the Mayan ruins in jungle-clad Tikal and gaze up at the volcanoes surrounding Antigua. From narrow laneways and remote jungles to fascinating ruins and powdery beaches, the Mayan Encounter has everything under the sun.



      Breakfast Included: 1

      Lunches Included:

      Lunches Included: 1

      Mayan Encounter 1 Mayan Encounter 2Mayan Encounter 3Mayan Encounter 4

       

       

      Trip Dates

      Start Date End Date Price Room Type Status
      21-JAN-2023 06-FEB-2023 From: AUD $2,630.00 N/A
      28-JAN-2023 13-FEB-2023 From: AUD $2,605.00 N/A Fully Booked
      04-FEB-2023 20-FEB-2023 From: AUD $2,370.00 N/A Fully Booked
      25-FEB-2023 13-MAR-2023 From: AUD $2,485.00 N/A Fully Booked
      28-FEB-2023 16-MAR-2023 From: AUD $2,415.00 N/A DGAvailable
      04-MAR-2023 20-MAR-2023 From: AUD $2,440.00 N/A Fully Booked
      11-MAR-2023 27-MAR-2023 From: AUD $2,440.00 N/A DGAvailable
      18-MAR-2023 03-APR-2023 From: AUD $2,460.00 N/A DG1 place left!
      25-MAR-2023 10-APR-2023 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DG2 places left!
      01-APR-2023 17-APR-2023 From: AUD $2,415.00 N/A DG2 places left!
      08-APR-2023 24-APR-2023 From: AUD $2,485.00 N/A DGAvailable
      22-APR-2023 08-MAY-2023 From: AUD $2,415.00 N/A DGAvailable
      29-APR-2023 15-MAY-2023 From: AUD $2,415.00 N/A DGAvailable
      06-MAY-2023 22-MAY-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      09-MAY-2023 25-MAY-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
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      27-MAY-2023 12-JUN-2023 From: AUD $2,370.00 N/A DGAvailable
      03-JUN-2023 19-JUN-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      17-JUN-2023 03-JUL-2023 From: AUD $2,209.00 N/A DGAvailable
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      08-JUL-2023 24-JUL-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      15-JUL-2023 31-JUL-2023 From: AUD $2,390.00 N/A DGAvailable
      22-JUL-2023 07-AUG-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      05-AUG-2023 21-AUG-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      15-AUG-2023 31-AUG-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      26-AUG-2023 11-SEP-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      23-SEP-2023 09-OCT-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      30-SEP-2023 16-OCT-2023 From: AUD $2,325.00 N/A DGAvailable
      07-OCT-2023 23-OCT-2023 From: AUD $2,415.00 N/A DGAvailable
      14-OCT-2023 30-OCT-2023 From: AUD $2,415.00 N/A DGAvailable
      21-OCT-2023 06-NOV-2023 From: AUD $2,415.00 N/A DGAvailable
      28-OCT-2023 13-NOV-2023 From: AUD $2,415.00 N/A DGAvailable
      04-NOV-2023 20-NOV-2023 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      11-NOV-2023 27-NOV-2023 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      14-NOV-2023 30-NOV-2023 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      18-NOV-2023 04-DEC-2023 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      25-NOV-2023 11-DEC-2023 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      28-NOV-2023 14-DEC-2023 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
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      12-DEC-2023 28-DEC-2023 From: AUD $2,535.00 N/A DGAvailable
      19-DEC-2023 04-JAN-2024 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      23-DEC-2023 08-JAN-2024 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      26-DEC-2023 11-JAN-2024 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      30-DEC-2023 15-JAN-2024 From: AUD $2,510.00 N/A DGAvailable
      06-JAN-2024 22-JAN-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      13-JAN-2024 29-JAN-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
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      10-FEB-2024 26-FEB-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      24-FEB-2024 11-MAR-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      27-FEB-2024 14-MAR-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
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      16-MAR-2024 01-APR-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      23-MAR-2024 08-APR-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      30-MAR-2024 15-APR-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      06-APR-2024 22-APR-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      13-APR-2024 29-APR-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      20-APR-2024 06-MAY-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      27-APR-2024 13-MAY-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      04-MAY-2024 20-MAY-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
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      20-JUL-2024 05-AUG-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      03-AUG-2024 19-AUG-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      13-AUG-2024 29-AUG-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      24-AUG-2024 09-SEP-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      21-SEP-2024 07-OCT-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      28-SEP-2024 14-OCT-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      05-OCT-2024 21-OCT-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      12-OCT-2024 28-OCT-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      19-OCT-2024 04-NOV-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      26-OCT-2024 11-NOV-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      02-NOV-2024 18-NOV-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      09-NOV-2024 25-NOV-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      12-NOV-2024 28-NOV-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      16-NOV-2024 02-DEC-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      23-NOV-2024 09-DEC-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      26-NOV-2024 12-DEC-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      30-NOV-2024 16-DEC-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      03-DEC-2024 19-DEC-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      10-DEC-2024 26-DEC-2024 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      17-DEC-2024 02-JAN-2025 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      21-DEC-2024 06-JAN-2025 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      24-DEC-2024 09-JAN-2025 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable
      28-DEC-2024 13-JAN-2025 From: AUD $2,305.00 N/A DGAvailable



      Playa del Carmen

      Welcome to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7 pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. In order to make the most of what Playa has to offer, we strongly recommend that you extend your stay in Playa del Carmen for one or two extra days. Please contact us if you need us to assist you with additional accommodation. If you manage a few extra days in Playa, you may want to spend time snorkelling in nearby cenotes (sinkholes), swimming with sea turtles in Akumal or strolling along the white sands. Divers may want to take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef diving. You can buy an organized tour to each of these attractions or venture off on your own. Akumal and Cenote Cristalino are easily reached by local transport from Playa del Carmen. Go early in the day to avoid the crowds. Cenote Dos Ojos is perhaps the most spectacular one but it requires a 3 Km walk each way from the local bus drop off.

      Tulum

      Travel south today by local bus to Tulum, which should take around 1.5 hours Tulum is a beach paradise on the Caribbean coast, where you can spend your time relaxing on the beach or strolling along the white sands. The town itself is small. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk upon arrival. For a taste of Mayan architecture, take an optional visit of the ruins of Tulum. These ruins sit atop a cliff amid palm fringed and white sand beaches. You can even go for a swim within its ancient walls. In the evening, use the opportunity to kick back and watch the waves with a margarita.

      Tulum

      Today is free to relax, take part in optional activities and to generally do as you wish. Perhaps start your morning by renting a bike and cycling around the area - this is a great way to cover a lot of ground in a short time. If you haven't yet, you may want to head to Akumal Bay for a snorkelling tour of the bay.

      Caye Caulker

      Leave Mexico behind early in the morning and head south to Belize. Be prepared for a long day of travel on the road, as the total driving time including the border crossing will take around eight or nine hours. Travel by minivan to the border at Chetumal (3.5 hours approximately). After crossing the border and having lunch (not included) continue onto Belize City by private minivan (3 hours approximately). Once in Belize City take a water taxi to Caye Caulker (1 hour). Expect to arrive at Caye Caulker by 5-6 pm. The Belize Cayes are a group of islands that are a short boat ride away from the coast. There are a number of these islands to choose from, Caye Caulker being one of the more popular islands with travellers. On arrival there won't be too much time to explore, so perhaps go for an evening stroll to get your bearings of the immediate vicinity. Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier.

      Caye Caulker

      Today is free to explore. From Caye Caulker, it's possible to arrange day trips to other Cayes or a snorkelling trip to the nearby colorful corals to see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. Further away, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is home to the magnificent Blue Hole and the world's second longest barrier reef. You could also choose to go manatee spotting. These huge peaceful creatures are often called sea cows and are quite curious to meet their visitors. Otherwise just relax on the beach. If you're interested in sampling local cuisine, Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster. Not the cheapest meal you'll ever buy, but delicious nonetheless. Always make sure that you respect the season: the lobsters can only be caught between June 15th and February 15th. Some of the best meals on the island are cooked on the road side. How about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local fire water?

      San Ignacio

      Today travel by local bus through the forested hills of the highlands to San Ignacio. Catch a ferry back to Belize City (1 hour) before taking a local bus to San Ignacio (3.5 hours approximately). Local buses in Belize are a little more basic and crowded than in Mexico. Get ready for stop and go on the journey, as there are very few official bus stops in Belize and the bus will keep stopping to pick up passengers. On arrival, your leader will take you walking tour of San Ignacio and its twin sister Santa Elena. While San Ignacio may lack the colonial charm of other Central American towns, its streets and markets showcasing a mix of Mayan and Garifuna cultures are well worth exploring. All guests at our hotel in San Ignacio are required to pay an additional charge of USD20 per night if they choose to use the air conditioner in their room. Electricity in Belize is incredibly expensive so most hotels charge an extra rate to use the air conditioning - and USD20 per night is pretty standard. We could include this extra charge in the trip price but then all of our travellers would have to pay whether they want to use it or not. We believe giving our travellers the option is a fairer way to manage this situation.

      San Ignacio

      You have a full day at your leisure to discover San Ignacio. This beautiful town is surrounded by fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins, making the ideal base to explore the region. One of the optional activities here is a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre located with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique stucco frieze and the central plaza has three carved stelae. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Mayan relics, where you'll have to wade through water until you reach the Mayan ceremonial site. Here you'll find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1,400 years. Other options to fill in your time in San Ignacio include a day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and warm swimming holes, as well as a huge cave system, the butterfly garden, canoeing or river tubing. In the late afternoon and at night perhaps head to Santa Elena (15 minutes walking) where many little street barbecue stalls open, and serve huge portions. Give it a try, sit down next to the road, chat with the locals and enjoy a juicy chicken leg. Closer to town you may want to try tamales, garnachas (crunchy tortillas with fired beans and cheese) and 'foot cow soup' also known as caxlo de res.

      Tikal

      Today starts at 8 am with a short taxi ride to the Belize border. Once in Guatemala, take a bus to Tikal National Park (approximately 2.5 hours). In Tikal there will be time for lunch (not included), before visiting the impressive archaeological site. Towering above the jungle of the Tikal National Park, the five granite temples of Tikal are an imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Mayan ruins. Hidden in the jungle growth is a maze of smaller structures waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and you may even spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. While here, you have the option of taking a guided tour of the area or scale the canopies and explore by zip-line. Tonight, set up the tents along with sleeping mattresses and camp under the stars by this majestic Maya site. Weather is always warm in this part of the world but a thin blanket is provided for extra comfort. There are also basic shared bathrooms and showers at camp.

      Rio Dulce

      If you haven't had enough of Tikal, you have the option to visit the site again (very) early in morning (entrance fee not included). Leave Tikal at 8 am for a 1-hour bus ride to Flores on Lake Peten Itza. Your leader will take you on a walking tour of Flores before continuing travelling by private minivan to Rio Dulce (approximately 4 hours). On arrival in Rio Dulce, transfer to the hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also by boat, which can be organised through the hotel, or take a 40 minute walk enjoying the jungle. Your hotel is located right on the river. This is a great place to simply relax on the deck overlooking the water, with reasonably priced meals served in the hotel restaurant.

      Rio Dulce

      Use your free day here taking advantage of the optional activities to get out and about. Take a scenic boat trip down the river to Livingston, a laidback town on the Caribbean coast that offers a unique experience of local Garifuna culture. Follow the local trend and go boating on the lake, take a tour to spot the protected manatees or explore nearby San Felipe fort.

      Antigua

      Say goodbye to Rio Dulce today and travel by private minibus to the city of Antigua, which should take approximately eight to 9 hours allowing time for lunch. However, the road between Rio Dulce and Guatemala City is one of the busiest in the country. Traffic is slow, there are frequent road works and many, many, many slow trucks. Be armed with patience, music and good book. You'll spend the night here, before heading to Lake Atitlan tomorrow. You won't spend too much time in Antigua today, but you should still go out for a stroll and try tamales - a local dish usually prepared traditionally on weekends and served in a corn leaf. You could also give the pepian a try, which is a meal that consists of a rich dark sauce served with vegetables and meat (usually chicken).

      Chichicastenango/San Jorge La Laguna

      Be read for an 8 am depart. Travel by private transport to the famous market in Chichicastenango, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Home to perhaps the most colourful market in the country, on Thursdays and Sundays locals come from the surrounding villages to sell their wares, and the streets are lined with stalls offering multi-coloured textiles and fresh produce. After visiting Chichi head towards San Jorge La Laguna, a small Maya village overlooking Lake Atitlan, which should take 1.5 hours. Arriving in San Jorge La Laguna, meet your host family for tonight's homestay. The group may be split in twos or threes, depending on the group size. Locals in San Jorge La Laguna are both very friendly and very shy. In order to make the most of this experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can and get ready for some serious hand language signals. Houses in San Jorge La Laguna are very basic. Your room may only consist of a couple of beds with clean bedding, and the bathroom will most likely be outside your room and shared with the rest of the family. The mother of the family will cook dinner and breakfast for you. Meals can be very basic but filling, consisting of corn, rice and beans. You may want to stack up some snacks in Antigua.

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      TRIP MAP

      TRIP OVERVIEW

      Trip Code: QVRA

      Group Size: 16

      Start: Playa del Carmen

      End: Antigua

      Duration: 17

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