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📌Day 1 Departure from your home airport - Arrival in Guatemala

This morning, your journey to the Mayan Empire departs from your home airport. We will arrive in Guatemala City in the afternoon, where our tour guide will meet you at the airport. After a journey of approximately one hour, we will arrive in the magnificent colonial city of Antigua and relax after our journey.

📌Day 2 Antigua - City Tour

Colorful Antigua is often referred to as a living cultural monument, so it's no surprise that this tranquil little city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1975. Signs of Baroque colonial architecture await discovery at every corner. We gradually realize why Antigua was the economic, intellectual, and cultural center of Central America for over 200 years.

📌Day 3 Pacaya Volcano Ascent

Today's program features an absolute highlight of our trip: the ascent of Pacaya Volcano! This 2,552-meter-high volcano is one of Guatemala's most active and offers an unforgettable experience of the earth's elemental forces. You decide whether to climb the volcano with our guide or explore the charming colonial city of Antigua.

The ascent, which takes about two hours, is moderate to occasionally difficult due to the temperature and high humidity, but it can also be done on horseback (optional, at an additional cost). Depending on the current activity, we may be lucky enough to see incandescent lava. If conditions permit, you can roast marshmallows over the volcanic heat.

You can also stroll through Antigua's colorful markets, admire the impressive architecture, and simply soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

Note: Lava is not always visible. Depending on the volcano's activity, you may also choose an alternative hiking route.

📌Day 4 Antigua - Lake Atitlán

Well-rested from yesterday's adventure, today we continue our journey to Lake Atitlán, which Aldous Huxley described as "the most beautiful lake in the world." En route, we'll stop in Chichicastenango to visit the colorful local market (Thursdays and Sundays). As we stroll among the vibrant stalls, we'll watch vendors and customers haggle passionately and discover both familiar and unusual aromas. At the white church of San Tomás, we'll marvel at the blend of Catholicism and Mayan culture and can imagine how the Dominicans attempted to proselytize among the Maya. In the picturesque cemetery nearby, we can also experience this cultural fusion firsthand by observing a shamanic ritual. Once we arrive at Lake Atitlán, the rest of the day will be free.

📌Day 5 Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, and San Juan La Laguna

After breakfast, we'll depart by boat for San Juan La Laguna. With its three volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America. Only at the end of the last century were some areas of the lake urbanized, which allowed many Mayan traditions to be preserved due to its remoteness. After buying ingredients at a market, a local family invites us to lunch in San Juan La Laguna, which we reach again by sea. While they prepare the ingredients we've bought, we take a walk to the San Juan viewpoint to admire the volcanoes. Once our taste buds are satisfied with the traditional dishes, we head to a local cooperative where we have the opportunity to buy locally produced goods before returning to Panajachel.

📌Day 6 Lake Atitlán - Guatemala City

Filled with new impressions, today we leave Lake Atitlán behind and begin our journey to Guatemala City. Along the way, we discovered the ruins of Iximché, founded by the Cakchiquel people in 1470. During our exploration, we recognized the foundations of the plazas, the pyramids of the temples, the ball courts, and the sacrificial sites. Unlike many older examples, Iximché impresses with its tranquility and stunning location, offering a place to pause and reflect. In the evening, we will meet for dinner in Guatemala City.

📌Day 7 Guatemala City - Cobán

Early in the morning, we depart for the Verapaces, the beautiful green region surrounding Cobán. Inhabited for over three thousand years, this area was one of the regions that offered the greatest resistance to the Spanish conquistadors. Here, we'll try to spot Guatemala's national bird: the quetzal! Mayan kings adorned themselves with its impressive, colorful feathers. On an easy hike, we'll also marvel at some small waterfalls and the flora of the tropical cloud forest, with its mosses and ferns. Our walk through the orchid biotope, dedicated to the protection and conservation of the diversity of native plants, is especially vibrant.

📌Day 8 Cobán: Semuc Champey - Lanquín Caves

Today we'll take two adventure excursions! First, we'll travel by van along a winding road to Semuc Champey. A fairly steep path leads us to a viewpoint where we can enjoy a fantastic view of the numerous turquoise pools, large and small, that the Cahabón River forms here like a staircase. Afterward, the crystal-clear water invites you to take a refreshing dip in the natural pools of the sinter terraces. If you don't want to walk to the viewpoint, you can also dive directly into the cool water of the natural pools. We continue on to the Lanquín Caves. A mystical atmosphere emanates from the complex cave system where, according to legend, the Lanquín River originates. Bring your water shoes, because our tour not only takes us through the cave on dry paths, but we also cover part of the route in the water!

📌Day 9 Cobán - Río Dulce

Filled with new experiences, we embark today on our 5-hour journey to the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, heading towards Río Dulce. Along the way, we will pass through many towns and small cities and enjoy their lively atmosphere. As a trip like this is known to work up an appetite, we'll stop for lunch. Depending on our arrival time at our beautiful lodge, we'll have some free time to reflect on the first few days of our adventure while enjoying a refreshing drink.

📌Slide 10: River Trip on the Río Dulce - Livingston - Flores

Another nature experience is on our agenda today: after breakfast, we'll board our motorboat and venture into the beautiful local countryside. Passing marinas and small cabins, we'll travel along the section of the river that has almost become a lake until we reach a nearly overcrowded bird island. Here, the mangrove-lined canyon of Río Dulce National Park begins, where, with a bit of luck, we might spot manatees, tapirs, or even crocodiles. Once in Livingston, we'll savor a typical Mayan-style fish soup before returning to our starting point along the same route.

Next, we head to the Petén region, the heart of Mayan culture. Our route takes us north through a diverse landscape to Flores, on Lake Petén Itzá. You'll have the afternoon free to explore this charming city with its many cafes and bars. Our guide will tell you which cafe has the best view of the lake.

📌Day 11 Flores: Visit to Tikal

Culture and mysticism lovers have surely been eagerly awaiting today: We visit the legendary Mayan city of Tikal, considered the most impressive example of the Classic period of civilization, between the 5th and 9th centuries AD. Rediscovered in 1840, the city was covered in jungle, and even today the surrounding nature gives the place a very special atmosphere. Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the tallest pyramids in the ancient Mayan lands. If you haven't already, you're sure to notice the magnificent architectural style of the Maya and be captivated by it.

📌Day 12 Flores - Caye Caulker (Belize)

Today we say goodbye to Guatemala and head to Belize, where Caribbean paradises await exploration.

Our journey takes us through Belize City by water taxi to our destination for the day, the sun-drenched island of Caye Caulker, just eight kilometers long and two kilometers wide. Here, we wonder if anyone has hit the pause button, because nowhere else is as relaxed as this. So it's no wonder the island's motto is "Go Slow." After checking in, we leave our shoes in our suitcases and can walk to "The Split," for example. A hurricane split the island in two some time ago, and the spot is a great place to go in the evening to enjoy the sunset with a delicious cocktail.

📌Day 13 Caye Caulker: Excursion to Shark Ray Alley

Today we have a very special experience planned: we set off on our excursion boat to discover the underwater world of the second largest barrier reef in the world. Our destination is Shark Ray Alley, a favorite spot for close-up wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you can admire rays, nurse sharks, and sea turtles up close, but don't worry, the animals won't attack you. Back on land, we have the rest of the day to enjoy a relaxing stroll around the island.

📌Slide 14 Caye Caulker - Bacalar

Relaxed and refreshed, today we leave our beloved island and board a water taxi to Belize City. From there, we continue our journey across the Mexican border to Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors. The lagoon is an amalgamation of several cenotes, which are especially numerous in the state of Quintana Roo. Depending on the light, the water of Bacalar Lagoon shimmers in idyllic shades of blue and green, inviting you to take a refreshing dip. But if we still carry the Belizean attitude towards life in our blood, we can also simply relax on the palm-fringed shores.

📌Day 15 Bacalar - Mérida

The morning is free to enjoy the Bacalar Lagoon.

We continue our journey to Mérida, also known as the "White City." In this small, lively city, a wide variety of restaurants and bars with beautiful patios or cozy seating areas right on the pedestrian zone invite you to linger.

📌Day 16 Mérida - Uxmal - Mérida city tour and free time

After a few days filled with nature-based experiences, today we return to the Maya. Our journey takes us to Uxmal, where we will immerse ourselves in the Late Classic Maya period with a tour of the ruins. The complex, built in honor of the rain god Chac between 600 and 950 AD, is considered the most important archaeological site in Yucatán, along with Chichén Itzá. In the afternoon, we'll take a leisurely scenic stroll through Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, to get to know the city better. Among other things, the city is home to the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, considered the oldest church in continental America. The City Hall, painted red and featuring a striking clock tower, is also worth a visit; it was here that Yucatán's independence was proclaimed in 1821. Afterward, you'll have free time to explore the colonial city on your own. If you'd like to buy a colorful hammock or other typical Yucatecan handicrafts, you'll find plenty to choose from in Mérida.

📌Day 17 Mérida - Chichén Itzá

One cultural attraction follows another, and today certainly doesn't disappoint: We depart early for the ruins of Chichén Itzá. The ancient Mayan capital is considered one of Mexico's landmarks and is one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World." The settlement, dominated by the imposing Pyramid of Kukulkan, was founded in the 6th century, has a diameter of about two kilometers, and was a ritual and administrative center. After an extensive tour of the impressive ruins (even the oldest Papaya Tours employee felt small here), we have the opportunity to swim in a beautiful cenote. If you still haven't had enough ruins, in the evening you can experience the Pyramid of Kukulkan with a light and sound show in a very special setting (optional, not included in the price).

📌Day 18 Chichén Itzá - Tulum - Akumal

After breakfast, we head towards the Caribbean coast. Here we'll first explore the magnificent archaeological site of Tulum. It's not so much the enormous buildings that impress here, but rather the unique location directly overlooking the turquoise sea. Next, we'll travel to the tranquil coastal town of Akumal, which means "land of turtles" in the Mayan language. Even today, it's one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles. After checking into our accommodation, your tour guide will say goodbye, and you'll be free to spend the rest of the day as you wish.

📌Day 19: Relax on Akumal Beach

Akumal is situated in a beautiful bay, and its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Here, we can recharge and let the many impressions of the past few weeks settle. If you prefer something more active, the hotel reception can advise you on various excursion options, or you can rent diving equipment at the dive center (fees apply).

For example, you have the option of booking a day trip to Sian Ka'an, the largest nature reserve in the state of Quintana Roo (price per person: USD 110, payable on site). On this excursion, you'll learn a great deal about nature, plants, and birds, as well as about Mayan culture and history, both on foot and on the water. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll hike through the jungle and kayak through dense mangroves. You'll leave the boat and walk a short distance to the Mayan temple of Xlapac. Then it will be time to refresh yourself in the water and paddle a little along a small canal. Afterward, you'll continue by boat across the Chunyaxche Lagoon and end the day with lunch at one of the many cenotes (water caves).

📌Day 20 Relaxing on Akumal Beach

Today is another day completely at your leisure. We're feeling a bit nostalgic now, as tomorrow we have to say goodbye to the beautiful Caribbean and realize how quickly time flies when you're having fun.

If you'd like to extend your stay in Akumal or elsewhere, please contact us before booking.

📌Day 21 Akumal - Cancun - Home

Our bags are packed and our camera memory cards are full. Depending on our departure time, our bus picks us up for the last time and takes us to the airport, where we say goodbye to our travel companions and to Mexico, and check in for our flight home.