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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
19 DAYS
COMFORT
STYLE
LANGUAGE
RATING
  •  Explore Tikal and it’s main rival, the seldom-visited Calakum
  •  Visit 13 magnificent Mayan sites including Palenque, Chichen Itza, Tikal, Calakmul, El Mirador, Caracol and Copan
  •  9 UNESCO sites
  •  Helicopter journey to El Mirador
  •  Visit the colonial gems of Antigua, Campeche and Merida
  •  Hear the call of howler monkeys
  •  Superb bird watching at most Mayan sites as well as river excursions along Rio Dulce and the lagoon at Celestun
  •  Search for crocodiles, toucans, macaws, hummingbirds and monkeys
  •  Visit the colorful market in Chichicastenengo
  •  Enjoy the laid back Caribbean culture of Livingstone
  •  Boat journey on Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Walking Tour
Other: Bird Watching, helicopter, UNESCO, Wildlife, sightseeing, ancient ruins, World Heritage Sites, Local Markets
$5995USD
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TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Lost World of the Mayans

ElderTreks’ 19 day journey to the Lost World of the Mayans is probably the most exhilarating Mayan trip you will ever encounter. This fantastic adventure includes the great Mayan cities of Tikal (Guatemala), Copan (Honduras), Caracol (Belize), Palenque, Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Tulum (Mexico).
ElderTreks’ 19 day journey to the Lost World of the Mayans is probably the most exhilarating Mayan trip you will ever encounter. This fantastic adventure includes the great Mayan cities of Tikal (Guatemala), Copan (Honduras), Caracol (Belize), Palenque, Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Tulum (Mexico). We also journey to seldom-visited Calakmul, Tikal’s great rival. We even travel by helicopter to the almost inaccessible El Mirador, which boasts having the largest pyramid in the world (by area). El Mirador can only be reached by an extremely hard trek for several days through dense jungle and camping overnight, or by helicopter. We also explore Yaxchilan and Aguateca, accessible by boat from our jungle lodge and Quirigua, with the highest Stelae, which includes the controversial Stelae referred to in the “end of the world” predictions for Dec 21, 2012. The demise of the Mayan civilization - the end of the world as fortold in the astrology and beliefs of the Mayan, have long created intrigue and mystery.

Our Central American journey includes so much more than Mayan ruins. We explore lagoons and rivers teeming with birds as well as monkeys, crocodiles, turtles and much more. Experience the Caribbean culture of Livingstone and the traditional mountain cultures of Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenengo, featuring it’s vibrant and colorful Thursday market. And we cannot forget about the colonial gems of Merida, with the oldest cathedral in the Americas, the seaside fortress of Campeche as well as it’s beautiful central square and Antigua, a colonial masterpiece surrounded by 3 volcanos.
We hope you can join ElderTreks’ unique journey to the Mayan world that promises to be nothing short of memorable.
Day 1: Arrival in Cancun, Mexico
Pick up at airport and transfer to our hotel in Cancun. The day is free to rest up or explore on your own. In the evening meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and orientation meeting. Overnight in Cancun.
Day 2: Ruins of Tulum overlooking the ocean
This morning we leave behind Cancun but not the ocean, as we head south to the ruins of Tulum. Our route offers stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the forested lowlands to the west. En route to Tulum, we stop at Cenote Azul (a cenote is a sinkhole with exposed rocky edges containing groundwater), a beautiful and relaxing place where one can enjoy a refreshing swim.

After lunch, we explore Tulum with our guide who will explain the history and stories behind this amazing site. The ruins of Tulum, which date back to the late period of Mayan Civilization are guarded by thick ramparts and a watch- tower, built as a result of the developing enmity between the various Maya Provinces. Dating from the 12th century, it is a combination of Maya and Toltec influences, with many of its temples dedicating themselves to the worship of the Falling God or the Setting Sun. The center-piece of the site is the Castillo, occupying the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Overnight in Tulum.
Day 3: Chichen Itza, the Convent of Izamal, To Merida
As our journey heads inland, we first drive to Piste, a small village to the east of Chichen Itza. We visit the Convent of Izamal, located at a once important Mayan ceremonial site that became a focal point in the Spanish attempts at converting the locals. The colonial forces built the imposing Convent of Izamal, a huge building that claims the honor of possessing the second largest atrium in the world.

Afterwards continue on to explore one of the most outstanding archaeological ruins in Central America - Chichen Itza. Founded in 432 AD and re-founded in 987 AD. Chichen Itza was reputedly conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th Century, at a time when the culture of the Maya and the Toltec were gradually fusing together to create an amalgam of designs and influences. The pyramids, palaces, temples and ball-court (where death was the penalty for defeat) are adorned with astonishing sculptures. Believed to have reached its zenith during what was termed the Terminal Classic Period (800-1000 AD), the city’s origins can be traced back some 500 years previously. There is still some debate as to the influence that the Toltecs had on the city and its architectural styles. Whatever its origins and influences though, little can detract from what is, for many, the quintessential image of a Mayan city. 

Chichen Itza is dominated to the north by the imposing presence of El Castillo (also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkan), a remarkable building that is in fact a stone representation of the Maya calendar, its summit decorated with symbols of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent. One unique feature of the building occurs at sunset on the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the heads of the serpents at the foot of the staircases are joined to their tails at the top by the shadows cast by the setting sun. The ‘Toltec Plaza’ is littered with more structures, including the Temple of the Warriors and the Group of a Thousand Columns, while the ball-court that occupies its western edge is the largest of its kind anywhere.

Later that afternoon we explore Merida, which is known as the “White City” – famed for its beautiful Spanish/Moorish- style architecture. Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and its centre reflects its colonial heritage, with a church or mansion on every street and its plazas alive with markets and entertainment. Indeed the city is probably the most European in feel than any other in Mexico. Built over, and partly from, the ruins of a Mayan city, Merida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo. Trade with Europe brought the city much of its wealth and at one time a substantial proportion of the world’s rope was manufactured from Yucatan henequen. Merida went on to become one of the richest cities in the country and boasts the oldest cathedral in Latin America, the imposing Cathedral of San Ildefonso. In 1849, during the Caste Wars, the Mayan armies besieged the city and came within a whisker of taking it and thus regaining control of the entire peninsula. Unfortunately for the Mayans, at that moment the peasants left the fight to return to their fields to plant corn and so the city was saved and the Yucatan was brought back under Mexican control. With its trading franchises all but forgotten and the riches of the past all but a distant memory, the city still retains an air of elegance and vitality. Overnight in Merida.
Day 4: Lagoon of Celestun, the Mayan site of Uxmal and Campeche
We depart Merida and once again travel towards the ocean and the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. We explore the lagoon of Celestun by boat enjoying the abundance of birdlife, often a favorite feeding spot for flamingos. We also keep an eye out for crocodiles, turtles, iguanas and other lagoon inhabitants. We can enjoy a walk along a virtually deserted white sand beach before enjoying a fresh seafood lunch. 

Our next stop is the ancient site of Uxmal. Encircled by hills, Uxmal is expansive in its design, with majestic palaces, temple-pyramids and long geometrical friezes that rank amongst the most splendid examples of ancient American art seen anywhere. The incredible Pyramid of the Magician and the beautiful Governor’s Palace must also rate as two of the finest examples of Mayan art on the entire continent. Today, we visit this extraordinary site, spending some time exploring what for many is considered the crowning glory of Puuc architectural style, with its classical lines and abstract designs. 

Leaving Uxmal behind we will drive on to the colonial city of Campeche, where we enjoy the setting sun as you relax after a busy day. Overnight in Campeche.
Day 5: Campeche Tour; To Calakmul
This morning we explore the pleasant colonial city of Campeche, the state capital and once one of Spain’s main ports in Mexico. During our city tour of Campeche, we learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campeche, with its historic 17th Century city walls is an excellent example of a fortified city. After our city tour, we depart for the Mayan site of Calakmul. Overnight in Calakmul.
Day 6: Calakmul tour; To Palenque
Today we explore Calakmul (UNESCO), once ranked as Tikal’s greatest rival, yet one of the lesser-known Mayan sites located deep in the jungle, just 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the Guatamalan border. Throughout the Classic Period, Calakmul was one of the largest and most powerful of the ancient cities. The political posturing between Calakmul and Tikal was a clear struggle between two Mayan superpowers.

After our morning tour of Calakmul, we stop for lunch before continuing on to the Mayan site of Palenque. Overnight in Palenque.
Day 7: The impressive Mayan site of Palenque
Evidence indicates that Palenque was first occupied more than 1500 years ago and reached its zenith around 600-700 AD, when many of the plazas and buildings were constructed, all without the use of metal tools, pack animals or the wheel. Palenque flourished for some 600 years, between the 4th and 10th centuries, but it was under the reigns of Pakal and Chan-Bahlum during the 7th century AD that saw it reach the peak of its prestige and power. Many of the buildings that we see today date from this period, including the Temple of the Inscriptions and its tomb (closed to visitors). At the centre of the city lies El Palacio, with its unique tower and intricate reliefs.

The entire site, shrouded by the steamy rainforest, has an aura of deep mystery. Its towered palace and pyramid tomb are breathtaking and were only discovered in the 19th century. Once the choking forest was cleared, the ruins revealed the tomb of the high priest Pakal, his body adorned with a marvelous jade death mask – one of the most prized relics of the Maya culture, only discovered in 1952.

In the morning, we explore the intricate labyrinth of buildings that surround the palace and temple, with its four-storey tower dominating the city. After lunch, we return to our comfortable lodge, where you can explore the beautiful grounds, search for birds or simply relax by the pool. Overnight in Palenque.
Day 8: Boat journey to the Mayan site of Yaxchilan. To Petexbatun, Guatamala
Today we have an early start as we head to the Mexico-Guatamalan border where we travel downstream on the Usumacinta River to Yaxchilan, hidden in the trees. Only Yaxchilan’s distinctive roof combs can be seen from the river. This is a more remote Mayan site as it is away from the more popular tourist routes and is only accessible by boat. 

After our visit, we return to the ‘Frontera’ Corozal border crossing. Once border-crossing formalities are taken care of, we continue to the town of Sayaxché, lying along the banks of the Rio de la Pasion. We take a boat to our lodge at Petexbatún, passing locals fishing as well as any birds or other wildlife along the banks of the river. We will have time this afternoon to enjoy the lodge and listen to the sounds of the jungle, including howler monkeys. 
Overnight in Petexbatum.
Day 9: The Lost World of Aguateca. To Flores
This morning, we journey by boat through the lagoon and river to visit the site of Aguateca, whose largely unexcavated ruins afford us something of a feeling of undiscovered promise amongst its ancient stone walls. Abandoned in the early years of the 9th century, the site straddles a deep gorge, connected by a limestone bridge that links the city’s plazas, palaces and altars. This very remote site is more challenging to get to but is well worth the effort. Covered in jungle, one should always keep a lookout for birds and howler monkeys.

We return along the river to Sayaxche, before driving to the expanse of Peten Itzá Lake and the town of Flores. Once the domain of the fierce warriors of King Kanek, the town was conquered and settled by the Spanish in the late 18th century, finally bringing an end to the last bastion of an independent Mayan culture. Flores was named after Cirilo Flores, who was one of the first Guatemaltecos to call for independence from the colonial powers. The city of Flores is built over the old city of Tayasal and in the center of the plaza some stelae remain. Enjoy walking about the charming streets and alleys as the sun sets on this ancient village. Dinner and a short tour in Flores.

After dinner, we drive to our accommodation outside the town of Flores, which will be our home base for the next 4 nights. Overnight in Peten.

Please note: for the next 3 days the order of the itinerary may be changed.
Day 10: Exploration of Yaxhá and Tikal
Today we journey to the famous Mayan ruin site of Tikal. Tikal can easily be compared with the masterpieces of ancient Egypt and Greece. Initially settled about 600 BC, it was abandoned by its rulers around 890 AD and totally deserted a hundred years later. Rediscovered in 1848, the site itself comprises many great temples and pyramids, covering an area of more than 16 square kilometers (6 sq. miles), with palaces, causeways, ball-courts, spacious plazas, and hundreds of other architectural ruins – a superb example of sophisticated Mayan engineering. At its height the extended area of the city and its environs covered some 100kms (62 miles) and its population was estimated at between 50,000-100,000. Many of the main buildings were completed between the 6th and 9th centuries, in what was called the Late Classic Period. During this time Tikal traded with Quirigua, Copan and even Teotihuacan to the far west. Economic instability, civil unrest and warfare finally brought the city down, echoing a general demise amongst the Mayan Civilization. The remote jungle setting, with the constant companionship of howler monkeys and parrots, gives the site a feeling of true isolation while its pyramid towers slicing through the lush canopy affords it an almost mystical feel. We will have all morning to explore the Tikal site to fully understand this amazing culture. Overnight Peten.
Day 11: The Mayan site of Caracol, Belize
Today we depart for Belize and it’s most impressive Mayan site, Caracol, which was occupied as early as 1200 BC. Caracol grew to become one of the largest Mayan sites, covering approximately 168 sq. km or 65 sq. miles and supported a population of perhaps as much as 150,000 inhabitants. Similar to Calakmul, Caracol was one of Tikal’s main rivals.

The journey to Caracol is not an easy one as the road to Caracol takes you through jungle and rural areas along an often bumpy dirt road. Keep an eye out for wildlife including the ever elusive jaguar. The site rarely gets more than 15-20 visitors per day due to the challenges of getting there but the reward is a stunning Mayan site. The Caana or “sky-palace” is the largest building at Caracol. Climbing this massive pyramid offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. On our return, enjoy a refreshing dip in the water at the base of a small waterfall. We will return to the Belize/Guatamala border and return to our lodge for dinner and overnight Peten.
Day 12: Helicopter to El Mirador
Today will be a special treat as you can enjoy a visit by helicopter to the almost inaccessible Mayan site of El Mirador. The site is has no roads and is usually reached after several days of trekking and camping through dense jungle. Our option is quicker and more comfortable as we travel to El Mirador by helicopter. At El Mirador you will be privileged to visit La Danta, the largest pyramid in the world (by area), and one of the largest by volume. The La Danta temple measures approximately 70 metres (230 ft) tall from the forest floor and considering its total volume (2,800,000 cubic meters) is one of the largest pyramids in the world. When the large man-made platform that the temple is built upon (some 18,000 square meters) is included in calculations, La Danta is considered by some archeologists to be one of the most massive ancient structures in the world. Surprisingly, El Mirador is not a Classic, but rather Pre-Classic and flourished between 600 BC – 100 AD.

After our visit to El Mirador, we return by helicopter to relax at our lodge, where everyone can relive their unforgettable exploration and journey to El Mirador. Overnight and dinner in Peten.
Day 13: To the Carribean town of Livingston via Río Dulce
Today we head south by road before transferring to our speedboat to journey along the beautiful Rio Dulce, running from Lake Izabal, in the eastern part of Guatemala, to the Caribbean. The river itself is exquisite, with graceful birds and tall cliffs overflowing with lush flora. Today we will also visit a castle (Castillo de San Fillipe), built by the Spanish to fight off English pirates and later turned into a prison after 1700 AD. Our journey takes us to the Caribbean town of Livingston, where we enjoy our accommodations overlooking the ocean. Dinner and overnight in Livingston.
Day 14: Boat to Puerto Barrios, to Quiriguá mayan site; To Copan, Honduras
Leaving early this morning we head to Puerto Barrios, where we transfer to our bus and continue to the small Mayan site of Quiriguá, which lies on the western fringes of the Sierra de Espíritu Mountains. Once an important trading centre between Tikal and Copán, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the tallest stelae to be found anywhere amongst the ruins of the ancient Mayans. Explored by Catherwood and Stephens in the mid 19th century, Quirigua reached its zenith during the 8th century, becoming an independent kingdom that controlled much of the surrounding Motagua Valley, before being abandoned sometime during the 9th century. The impressive stelae tell of the wars with nearby Copan, of the beheading of the Copan king and the emergence of Quirigua from the shadow of its powerful neighbor. The tallest of the stelae reached an impressive 12 metres and over a period of some 55 years the rulers of this tiny kingdom had a new monument erected every 5 years. 

The Mayan calendar ends on December 21st 2012 denoting “The end of the World”. Join our December 2012 departure and be in Quirigua on the 21st to see what really happens.

After our exploration of Quiigua, we continue to Honduras, where we overnight at Copan.
Day 15: Exploring Copan; To Lake Atitlan
This morning we visit this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everyone familiar with Catherwood’s incredible drawings (which first appeared in John Stephens’ 1841 narrative – ‘Incidents of Traveling Central America and Yucatan’) will recognize scenes and objects from this marvelous site. Stephens actually bought the entire area for US$50 from a local farmer! Our exploration of the archaeological park begins with the Great Plaza, one of the most amazing achievements of the Classic Mayan Period (750 AD), and which contains the greatest collection of Maya sculpture anywhere in Meso-America. 

Next to the Great Plaza is the Acropolis, a group of massive pyramidal structures where royal power was once concentrated, and which hold beneath them a wealth of information about Copan’s ancient past. Ascending one structure is the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, composed of some 2500 individual hieroglyphs, its sides flanked by serpentine birds and snakes. This is the New World’s longest inscribed Pre-Colombian text. The subject of exploration and investigation since the 1830s, the continual discoveries being unearthed by archaeologists are uncovering remarkable finds that represent a Mayan resurrection and have made Copan the most thoroughly researched and understood of all Mayan sites. 

After our visit to Copan we have a very long afternoon drive via Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan where we spend a very relaxing two nights. Overnight in Lake Atitlan.
Day 16: To the colorful market of Chichicastenengo
Today we travel to Chichicastenengo, for it’s famed market held Thursdays and Sundays, arguably the most colorful market in the America’s. The market draws not only the K’iche’ Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors from all over Guatemala, including Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others, each selling their products in a crazy mix of color, dialects, costumes, sounds, smoke, and smells. After our unforgettable visit to this famous market, we return to Lake Atitlan for dinner and overnight.
Day 17: Lake Atitlan; boat trip; To Antigua, city tour
Lake Atitlan is located in the Guatamalan highlands, populated mostly by K’iche’ Maya. It is a deep lake surrounded by three volcanoes. The views of the lake are nothing short of stunning. 

Today we take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the surreal beauty and to visit one of the nearby towns on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Following our exploration of the lake we depart for the colonial gem town of Antigua. Dinner and overnight in Antigua.
Day 18: Exploring Antigua
The stunning city of Antigua is set in a beautiful valley between the volcanoes; Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. This graceful old colonial city, with its cobbled streets and magnificent old buildings, identifies it as one of the most charming in the country and shows how it can justly claim to be one of the most picturesque in Central America, despite the damage caused by a series of earthquakes and floods that it has received over the ages. 

This morning we explore this city by foot with a local guide, visiting the churches of San Francisco, Santa Clara, La Merced and Las Capuchinas. Once the country’s graceful capital and the first fully planned settlement amongst Spain’s New World colonies, much of the city has been repeatedly devastated by earthquakes, yet has still managed to retain an elegant charm, whilst its buildings and ruins give it the air of a snapshot in time.
Day 19: Depart
This morning leave Antique and bid farewell to our Mayan adventure. Transfer to the Guatemalema City airport for our departure flights home.
TRIP INCLUDES
  • all accommodations throughout
  • all meals, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour)
  • bottled drink- ing water throughout the trip
  • all internal transportation; airport transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour)
  • all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
  • tips for hotels (porterage) and bus driver, restaurants and spot guides
  • services of a trip leader
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • International flights
  • tips to ElderTreks tour leader
  • national guide
  • alcoholic drinks
  • visa’s and travel insurance
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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