Maya Route: In the Footsteps of the Empire | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Maya Route: In the Footsteps of the Empire

PRIVATE TOUR - 15 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 7478

Private Tour Highlights

  • Touring the ancient Maya Ruins of Copan, taking in the towering Hieroglyphic Stairways, expert stone masonry, manicured lawns and much more!
  • Strolling through the cobblestone colonial town of Antigua, with its many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals rubbing shoulders with brightly-colored facades.
  • 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.
  • Savoring the enticing sights, sounds and smells of San Cristobal de las Casas and Oaxaca, both exquisite colonial towns in the south of Mexico.
  • 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

Explore the Maya Route: In the Footsteps of the Empire. Yampu will take you to see the mystifying Mayan ruins in Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. We begin our Maya Route at the classical Mayan site in Copán. In Guatemala enjoy a city tour in colonial Antigua before visiting Lake Atitlán, its three surrounding volcanoes, and the largest site of Mayan ruins, Tikal. In Mexico, visit Palenque, known for its fine architecture and sculpture, and the beautiful Mayan pyramids at 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 £$ 7478

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

San Pedro Sula

Upon arrival in San Pedro Sula, transfer to the hotel.

Upon arrival in San Pedro Sula, transfer to the hotel.

Day
2

Copan

Transfer to Copan, the site of a major Maya kingdom of the Classic era. Visit the Copan Ruins Archeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (social center of the city during the Maya days); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars; and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copan.

Transfer to Copan, the site of a major Maya kingdom of the Classic era. Visit the Copan Ruins Archeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (social center of the city during the Maya days); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars; and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copan.

Copan-Ruinas-Honduras
Day
3

Horseback Ride

Guided by an authentic native cowboy, starting at the hotel you will ride heading south, by crossing the Copan River one will continue to a small but interesting archaeological site called Los Sapos (the toads). It is a common belief that the Mayan women used this place to come to give birth to their children. The ride continues to the Hacienda San Lucas, from this restored 100 year old farmhouse the traveler will relax enjoying some breathtaking lovely views of town and the valley while enjoying a refreshing cold beverage or a savory cup of Honduran coffee. Later on be taken back to the hotel in Copan. ...read less

Copan-Ruinas-1-Honduras
Day
4

Antigua

Transfer read more...

Transfer to Antigua Guatemala. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, private tour of Antigua, the Spaniards’ military capital of Central America for two centuries. Travelers will be met at the hotel by a private guide to begin a half-day walking tour of Antigua. It will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the 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 one has specific sites that they wish to see, please let us know. ...read less

guatemala-antigua-arch
Day
5

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 a guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon resides. Each year, a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God, so his location changes. Once with Maximon, one may see a local shaman performing rituals for local people. If one wishes, ask the guide to help hire the services of a shaman to perform a personal ceremony. After visiting Maximon, visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town. One will also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art for which the town is famous. Take a ride in a local “flete” (a pickup truck in which passengers stand in the bed) to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, transfer to Antigua for overnight. ...read less

Lake-Aititlan-Guatemala
Day
6

City of Tikal

Transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Enjoy this full-day visit to the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its highest point, one can hear the sounds of the rain forest: 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.

Transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Enjoy this full-day visit to the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its highest point, one can hear the sounds of the rain forest: 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.

sunset-guatemala
Day
8

Transfer to Palenque

Ground transfer from Flores to Palenque takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Ground transfer from Flores to Palenque takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Mexico_Ruins_jungle_Palenque
Day
9

Palenque

Enjoy a visit to the 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

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

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

agua-azul-Mexico
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

San Cristobal de las Casas- Sumidero Canyon- Merida

Depart San Cristobal de las Casas towards Tuxtla Gutierrez airport. On the way, there is a visit to the enormous Sumidero Canyon, where 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. Arrive at the airport for a flight for to Merida. Upon arrival in Merida, the “white city,” transfer to the hotel.

Depart San Cristobal de las Casas towards Tuxtla Gutierrez airport. On the way, there is a visit to the enormous Sumidero Canyon, where 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. Arrive at the airport for a flight for to Merida. Upon arrival in Merida, 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. Sense the 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 a 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

Uxmal-Pyramid-Mexico
Day
14

Merida

After breakfast, leave Merida on the way to the ancient archeological site of Chichen-Itza. The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are more than 1,500 years old. The site is divided into three sections. The north grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as “The Old Chichen.” Travelers will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok, full of symbolism and drama. Transfer to the hotel in Cancun.

After breakfast, leave Merida on the way to the ancient archeological site of Chichen-Itza. The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are more than 1,500 years old. The site is divided into three sections. The north grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as “The Old Chichen.” Travelers will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok, full of symbolism and drama. Transfer to the hotel in Cancun.

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.

San Pedro Sula, Cortés, Honduras

Copan Ruinas, Copan, Honduras

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala

Peten, Guatemala

Palenque, Mexico

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico

Merida, Mexico

Chichén Itzá, Tinum, Mexico

Places You'll See

  • 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.

  • Copan-Ruinas-Honduras

    Copan Ruinas

    Over one thousand years ago, Copan Ruinas was once the center of Mayan civilization. Here, one can witness some of the greatest Pre-Colombian artwork that is offered including ancient hieroglyphics. Nearby are many options for wildlife lovers including a bird sanctuary, butterfly house, as well as horseback riding and zip lining.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Casa del Arbol Galerias

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Gran Hotel Sula

Copan Ruinas : La Casa Rosada

Copan Ruinas : Plaza Copan

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

4 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula hotel: Hilton Princess

Copan Ruinas : Marina Copan (standard)

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

5 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Real Intercontinental

Copan Ruinas : Hacienda San Lucas

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

Luxury Properties

Antigua : Posada del Angel

Peten : La Lancha (Lakeview Casitas)

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (deluxe Suite)

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

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

Merida : Casa Lecanda

Merida : Casa Azul Hotel

Tixkokob : Hacienda San Jose at Tixkokob

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.

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

Liz K

Traveled February, 2012

Thank you again for everything

The trip went off without a hitch due to your excellent planning, awesome tour guides and drivers and wonderful accommodations. I had an incredible time, the Mayan sites were indeed magic and the scenery in Honduras, Guatemala and Belize is something not to be missed. I wanted to mention my driver, Gustavo Morales, who drove me from the Lake Atitlan hotel to the Guatemala Airport (for my flight to Flores). Gustavo should as far as I am concerned be nominated for the Tourist Driver of the Year Award. If such an award doesn’t exist, one should be created for him. On the day he was to drive me to the airport, there was a massive two-large truck collision in the middle of the main highway to the Airport. In addition, the teachers had gone on strike and were blocking the roads. Gustavo thought that we would not make it to the airport in time, but said he would try his best. He backtracked almost as far as Antigua and took all the back roads through Guatemala City to circle the city and come back to the airport from the other direction. Not only did he give me the Drive of a Lifetime, but he did get me to the airport in plenty of time for the flight. It was nothing short of a miracle and I would like to pass along my thanks and also, my admiration for his driving skills. He is a wonderful guy and I wish him all the best of luck for the future. Thank you again for everything I will definitely recommend Yampu to anyone who wishes a fantastic, personally tailored vacation.

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