Intrepid Travel

Maya Encounter

Maya Encounter

Discover more than one kind of bliss on this 17-day experience in Central America, from the calming sea breezes on Playa del Carmen’s beaches to the contentment of a hearty, homecooked dinner in a lakeside Maya village. This adventure through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize takes its sweet time ambling down the coast to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, then cuts inland to the lush jungle around Tikal, cruising to the vast Rio Dulce and finishing among the clouds in Panajachel and Antigua. You get the right balance of local-led experiences and independent exploration, with a whole load of awesome places to discover.

Activities

  • Caye Caulker – Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Ignacio – Leader-led orientation walk
  • Tikal National Park – Tikal archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Chichicastenango – Market Visit
  • Chichicastenango – Shaman Visit
  • San Jorge La Laguna – Traditional Maya Homestay
  • Panajachel – Leader-led orientation walk
  • Antigua – Leader-led orientation walk

Highlights

  • Spend two days exploring Caye Caulker at your leisure. Munch barbecue lobster? Snorkel around a coral reef? Nap under a palm tree? It’s up to you.
  • Hit the streets of Antigua with your local leader and climb to a vintage cross lookout for views of the city and the incredible volcano that towers over it.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Jorge La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Wander between stalls of rainbow-coloured handicrafts, fruits and flowers and get some haggling tips from your leader in Chichicastenango Market.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.

07/02/2023 through 12/25/2024
07/02/2023 through 12/28/2024

Day 1 Playa del Carmen
Day 2 Playa del Carmen
Day 3 Chetumal
Day 4 Caye Caulker
Day 5 Caye Caulker
Day 6 Caye Caulker
Day 7 San Ignacio
Day 8 San Ignacio
Day 9 Tikal National Park
Day 10 Rio Dulce
Day 11 Rio Dulce
Day 12 Antigua
Day 13 San Jorge La Laguna
Day 14 Panajachel
Day 15 Antigua
Day 16 Antigua
Day 17 Antigua

Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua, the largest of the British Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles to the north. The population is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John’s on Antigua.

The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua has warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. These unique characteristics have made Antigua and Barbuda in one of the Caribbean’s premier tourist destinations.

The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for sailors to navigate is where today’s trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda — once a scavenger’s paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs — is now home to one of the region’s most significant bird sanctuaries.

Chetumal

Located in the southern Yucatan, this capital of Quintana Roo, is on the border with Belize and is known for its fine hardwoods and agricultural products.

07/08/23 - 07/24/23

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