Active Adventure Vacation: Canyons, Coastline and Jungle Ruins | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Active Adventure Vacation: Canyons, Coastline and Jungle Ruins

PRIVATE TOUR - 15 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 6858

Private Tour Highlights

  • Strolling through the cobblestone colonial town of Antigua, with its many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals rubbing shoulders with brightly-colored facades.
  • Crossing the shimmering Lake Atitlan by boat, gazing up at the imposing volcanoes of Toliman, San Pedro and Atitlan.
  • Meandering through the market in Chichicastenango, a vibrant highland town rich in indigenous cultural heritage.
  • Climbing to the summit of the Two-headed Serpent, a temple at Tikal which is 70m high and offers sublime views above the jungle canopy.
  • Wandering along trails which lace their way through Palenque, an ancient Mayan ceremonial center in the heart of the lowland jungle.
  • Going for a dip in the pools of the Agua Azul waterfalls, named so for the inviting waters’ effervescent hues.
  • Gazing up in wonder at the craggy rock faces of the towering Sumidero Canyon as you sail along the Grijalva River.
  • Unearthing the ancient charms of Uxmal and Kabah in the Yucatan, cradling crumbling pyramids and temples from the Mayan Empire.
  • Staring in awe at the iconic Mayan-Toltec pyramids of Chichen-Itza, which dates back around 1,000 years and is an emblem of Mexico’s heritage.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

For those that love a thrill, Yampu presents an Active Adventure Vacation: Canyons, Coastline and Jungle Ruins! After a city tour in Antigua, we travel to Lake Atitlán where we will see three volcanoes: Toliman, Atitlán and San Pedro. From Atitlán we go the Mayan market of Chichicastenango and then to Tikal, great Mayan ruins nestled in a lush green jungle. In Mexico, we first visit the Mayan ruins of Palenque and the highlands of Chiapas to visit the city of San Cristobal de las Casas. We then explore Mayan ruins at Kabah, Uxmal and Chichen-Itza.

Inclusions
Price includes domestic airfare from Guatemala City to Flores and Tuxtla Gutierrez to Mérida, hotel accommodation with daily continental breakfast, guided tours in English, meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at the time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote).
Best Time to Travel
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JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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Package Price: From £$ 6858

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Guatemala

Upon arrival in Guatemala City, transfer to the hotel in Antigua Guatemala.

Upon arrival in Guatemala City, transfer to the hotel in Antigua Guatemala.

Day
2

Morning Private tour of Antigua

For more than 200 years, Antigua was the seat of the Spanish military in much of Central America. Be met at the hotel at 9 a.m. by a private guide to begin a half-day walking tour of Antigua. this tour will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of its many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrance fees are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church. This tour is flexible, and if travelers have specific places that they wish to see please, let Yampu know and it can be added! At the end of the tour, transfer privately to the hotel in Lake Atitlan. ...read less

LandingPage-Guatemala-Antigua
Day
3

Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlan

Be picked up from the hotel for a scenic boat ride across the lake, passing by the three impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Upon arrival in Santiago, walk with the guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is said to reside. Each year a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God, so his location changes. Once with Maximon, one may see local shamans performing rituals for local people. If one so wishes, one can ask their guide to help hire the services of a shaman for a personal ceremony. Next, visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town, and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and the area’s famous primitive art. Take a ride in the back of a “flete” (a pickup truck in which people stand in the bed and are taken around town, often at high rates of speed) to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, transfer to the hotel in Lake Atitlan. ...read less

lake-atitlan-dock-guatemala
Day
4

Chichicastenango

Private transfer to Chichicastenango. There will be time to shop and visit the colorful, outdoor Maya market in Chichicastenango (market operates only on Thursdays and Sundays). Once there, there will be time to mingle with people from several ethnic highlands Maya groups who gather to buy, sell and trade goods. In the afternoon, head back to the hotel in Antigua.

Private transfer to Chichicastenango. There will be time to shop and visit the colorful, outdoor Maya market in Chichicastenango (market operates only on Thursdays and Sundays). Once there, there will be time to mingle with people from several ethnic highlands Maya groups who gather to buy, sell and trade goods. In the afternoon, head back to the hotel in Antigua.

Chichicastenango-Guatemala
Day
5

Day of Leisure in Antigua

Optional hiking tour to Pacaya Volcano available.

Optional hiking tour to Pacaya Volcano available.

antigua-guatemala-volcano-through-arch
Day
6

Maya City of Tikal

Early morning, transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which is 70 meters high. From its peak, listen to the sounds of the rainforest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.

Early morning, transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which is 70 meters high. From its peak, listen to the sounds of the rainforest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.

Guatemala_pyramid
Day
7

Day of Leisure in Flores

Optional guided canopy tour to Ixpanpajul and sunset tour to Yaxha.

Optional guided canopy tour to Ixpanpajul and sunset tour to Yaxha.

Hotel-Peten-Sunset
Day
8

Palenque

Transfer to Palenque and overnight there. Ground transfer from Flores to Palenque takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Transfer to Palenque and overnight there. Ground transfer from Flores to Palenque takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Palenque-pyramid-Mexico
Day
9

Archeological site of Palenque

Walk through the same paths as the great Mayan Lords, and feel the charm and mystery of this culture. The Mayan site of Palenque is located northwest of the Maya lowlands in Chiapas, Mexico. Surrounded by the jungle, it is considered one of the most important archeological sites of Mesoamerica, a ceremonial center and home to a number of Mayan Lords. There are religious temples, plazas, open courts and a ball court, but most of the structures are palaces. Artifacts discovered at this site tell us about the Mayan Lords and in particular of Pacal, one of the best-known Lords of the Mayan civilization. Overnight in Palenque. ...read less

mayan-warrior-Palenque-Mexico
Day
10

San Cristobal de las Casas

Get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes, to San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way, visit the Agua Azul waterfalls.

Get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes, to San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way, visit the Agua Azul waterfalls.

mexico-chiapas-agua-azul-cascade
Day
11

San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan

Today, enjoy a half-day tour of the Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Each village has its own distinctive highland dress as well as a weekly market and numerous festivals honoring patron saints and other special religious days. Afterwards walk through the colonial streets of San Cristobal de las Casas, a jewel right in the heart of the Chiapas highlands. The indigenous soul of the town coexists harmoniously with its colonial charm, making it an enchanting place to visit.

Today, enjoy a half-day tour of the Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Each village has its own distinctive highland dress as well as a weekly market and numerous festivals honoring patron saints and other special religious days. Afterwards walk through the colonial streets of San Cristobal de las Casas, a jewel right in the heart of the Chiapas highlands. The indigenous soul of the town coexists harmoniously with its colonial charm, making it an enchanting place to visit.

San-Cristobal-Church-Mexico
Day
12

Sumidero Canyon

Depart San Cristobal de las Casas toward the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport. On the way, there is a visit to the enormous Sumidero Canyon, where Yampu travelers will enjoy a boat ride. Have an unforgettable experience sailing down the Grijalva River, across a geological fault formed millions of years ago with dramatic cliffs up to one-kilometer-high and the river’s depth of 100 meters. Take a flight to Merida. Upon arrival in the “white city,” transfer to the hotel.

Depart San Cristobal de las Casas toward the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport. On the way, there is a visit to the enormous Sumidero Canyon, where Yampu travelers will enjoy a boat ride. Have an unforgettable experience sailing down the Grijalva River, across a geological fault formed millions of years ago with dramatic cliffs up to one-kilometer-high and the river’s depth of 100 meters. Take a flight to Merida. Upon arrival in the “white city,” transfer to the hotel.

sumidero-canyon-mexico
Day
13

Uxmal and Kabah

Enjoy today’s excursion to the wonderful archeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah. Uxmal was probably built around 700 A.D. The rich, green, fertile land provides a perfect setting for some of the most magnificent pyramids, buildings and temples of the ancient Mayan world. Once can sense history here while walking around and gaze at the stunning architecture and layout of this old city. The Piramide del Adivino (the Oracle’s Pyramid) stands majestically above other buildings, and a climb to its summit will reward with spectacular views of the entire half-square-mile ancient city. Kabah is located south of Uxmal, as both archeological sites are connected by a grand 18-kilometer-long pedestrian causeway with monumental arches at each end. Kabah is the second largest ruin of the Puuc region, after Uxmal. The most famous structure at the Kabah ruins is the Palacio de las Mascaras (the Palace of the Masks), its facade decorated with hundreds of stone masks of the long-nosed rain god Chaac. The site also has a number of other palaces, low stone buildings, and step-pyramid temples one can discover and enjoy. ...read less

pyramid-uxmal-mexico
Day
14

Chichen Itza

After breakfast, depart from Merida and drive about one and half hours towards Chichen-Itza. It is a very interesting place because it represents 2 different periods of the Mayan history, one purely Mayan and other with Toltec influence, which is reflected in its architecture and sculpture. Take the chance to visit the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Castle, the Ball Game, the Temple of the Tigers, the Sacred Cenote (where there were human sacrifices), the Snail Temple, the Building of the Nuns, the Temple of the Warriors, as well as other platforms and constructions. Enjoy lunch at hotel Mayaland in Chichen Itza and after lunch, departure towards Cancun. overnight in Cancun ...read less

Crocodile-heads-Chichen-Itza-Mexico
Day
15

Flight Home

Transfer to Cancun airport for the flight back home or stay a few nights in a hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.

Transfer to Cancun airport for the flight back home or stay a few nights in a hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Solola, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala

Tikal, Peten, Guatemala

Palenque, Mexico

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico

Merida, Mexico

Chichén Itzá, Tinum, Mexico

Cancún, Mexico

Places You'll See

  • Guatemala_City

    Guatemala City

    Visit the capital and the largest city of its country with the same name, Guatemala. Take in the local life and explore the surrounding area learning about the city’s history and its culture through the many museums and markets. One stop that can be made is at the giant relief map of the city that must be viewed from a tower because of its massive size, all onstructed before aerial photography!

  • cancun-mexico

    Cancun

    From historical relics of Mayan civilization, to sandy beaches, Cancun has it all. Visit El Meco, a substantial archeological site on the mainland, or The Interactive Aquarium of Cancun where you can get acquainted with all sorts of aquatic life, and even swim with dolphins. If an aquarium isn’t exciting enough, dive into the sea with some of Cancun’s best scuba diving instructors.

  • chichen-itza-pyramid-mexico

    Chichen-Itza

    Once one of the largest Mayan cities, the ruins of Chichen-Itza has much to offer. Visit the Kukulkan Pyramid, known as “El Castillo”. Visit at sunrise or sunset during either the spring or fall equinox, and see the shadow of Kukulkan, a feathered serpent god, as it appears to slither down the pyramid steps. Also visit the Temple of Warriors and the Great Ball Court.

  • Merida-Mexico

    Merida

    Take in the Colonial architecture while visiting the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan. Merida is a bustling city overflowing with culture and history. Explore the art scene with some stops at local museums including the MACAY Gallery. Find souvenirs and other fun things at the bustling and colorful Lucas de Galvez market, and learn about ancient Maya culture at The Great Museum of the Maya World.

  • Palenque-pyramid-Mexico

    Palenque

    Containing some of the finest architecture, Palenque was once a Maya city state that had been abandoned to be swallowed by the Mexican jungle. Now partially excavated, eight temples and other structures stand today. It is believed that this is only ten percent of the entire Maya City that is still mostly consumed by nature. Enjoy a guided tour and learn what there is of this ancient city.

  • Tikal_Peten

    Peten

    Dotted with many Mayan Archaeological sites the area of Peten, once the hub of Mayan civilization, is full of history and ancient mysteries. Deep in the rainforests of Peten is the ancient city of Tikal, among other lost Mayan cities that have begun restoration.

  • antigua-guatemala-volcano-through-arch

    Antigua

    Founded by the Spanish in the 17th century, Antigua city follows traditional layout and Spanish Baroque Style architecture. Enjoy chocolate making classes as you learn about the culture of the area or, For the more adventurous, there is the option to hike up several active volcanos in the region. With a walking coffee tour, one can learn about the process of picking and roasting one’s own coffee.

  • Lake_Atitlan_Guatemala_boarwalk

    Lake Atitlan

    Surrounded by several volcanoes and with a once volcanic basin, Lake Atitlan is Central America’s largest and deepest lake. The villages around the edges of this gigantic body of water offer many places to enjoy eating as well as activities. From hiking the volcanoes and kayaking along the massive body of water to culture and coffee tours, there are many activities to take in.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Guatemala City : Vista Real (Master Suite)

Guatemala City : Westin Camino Real (Std deluxe Room)

: Crowne Plaza Guatemala

Lake Atitlan : Bambu Santiago Atitla

Lake Atitlan : La Casa del Mundo (Jaibalito)

Antigua : Posada de Don Rodrigo

Antigua : Hotel Meson de Maria

Antigua : D’Leyenda

Peten : Hotel Peten

Palenque : Mision Palenque

San Cristobal de las Casas : Ciudad Real Centro Historico

San Cristobal de las Casas : Diego de Mazariegos

Merida : Del Gobernador

Merida : Gamma by Fiesta Inn

Chichen-Itza : Hotel Chichen-Itza

Cancun : Beach Scape Kin Ha Villas & Spa

Cancun : Presidente Intercontinental

4 Star Properties

Guatemala City : Vista Real (Master Suite Business Class Floor)

Guatemala City : Real Intercontinental Guatemala (deluxe Room)

Lake Atitlan : Lomas de Tzununa (Santa Cruz La Laguna)

Lake Atitlan : Posada de Don Rodrigo (Panajachel)

Antigua : El Convento Boutique Hotel

Antigua : Casa Encantada

Peten : Villa Maya

Peten : Camino Real Tikal

Palenque : Chan-kah Resort Village

Palenque : Villa Mercedes Palenque

San Cristobal de las Casas : Villa Mercedes San Cristobal

Merida : Mision de Fray Diego

Chichen-Itza : Hotel Mayaland & Bungalows (superior room)

Chichen-Itza : Villas Arqueologicas

Cancun : Westin Resort & Spa

Cancun : Krystal Grand Cancun

5 Star Properties

Guatemala City : Vista Real (Suite Gran Clase Business Class Floor)

Guatemala City : Westin Camino Real (Executive Premier)

Lake Atitlan : Hotel Atitlan (Panajachel)

Antigua : Camino Real Antigua

Antigua : Meson Panza Verde

Antigua : Palacio de Dona Leonor

Peten : Camino Real Tikal (Club Room)

Peten : La Lancha (Rainforest Casita)

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (standard)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Hotel Bo (deluxe room)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Casa del Alma Boutique Hotel

Merida : Hacienda Merida

Merida : Casa del Balam Hotel

Chichen-Itza : Hotel The Lodge at Chichen-Itza

Cancun : Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun

Cancun : Hotel Casa Turquesa

Luxury Properties

Guatemala City : Real Intercontinental Guatemala (Executive Floor Room)

Lake Atitlan : Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)

Lake Atitlan Area : Laguna Lodge

Antigua : Posada del Angel

Peten : La Lancha (Lakeview Casitas)

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (deluxe Suite)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Hotel Bo (Ik suite)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Parador San Juan de Dios (Master suite)

Merida : Casa Lecanda

Merida : Casa Azul Hotel

Tixkokob : Hacienda San Jose at Tixkokob

Cancun : Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort

Cancun : Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Testimonials

Greg B., United Kingdom

Traveled February, 2013

When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly

After working with Yampu to provide me with my second holiday to the America’s, I am delighted to say it has been another success. We have now travelled to Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras with routes dictated by my needs to see sites that may not be on other people standard routes. Yampu have twice worked with local providers to make my unique routes possible. When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly. I am already thinking ahead to my next trip with Yampu.

Mary and Dave

Traveled January, 2007

It was especially nice having our own private tour

We had a wonderful time in Guatemala. It was especially nice having our own private tour. The tour guides were all excellent, and we appreciated the promptness of the driver or guide each morning. The hotels were good too.

Traveled To

Reinhard

Traveled March, 2010

Everything went very smoothly on our private tour

Everything went very smoothly on our private tour, many thanks. We were able to see many different regions and aspects of Mexico making it a simply fascinating experience. We had a great time in Mexico City and Taxko (sadly Puebla was flooded and had to be taken out of the itinerary), and were able to take in the Aztek culture and Spanish colonial architecture. Then in the north, Copper Canyon (bigger than the Grand Canyon in the US) and the amazing train journey. The trip at the end to Baja California we managed to see the grey whales and the Yucatan and beautiful Maya ruins. The exposure to these very different areas in a short time made this a truly memorable journey.

Traveled To

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