WELCOME TO
MAYA ROUTE & MARKETS
Maya Route & Markets
Discover the most remarkable sites of Maya culture and enjoy the splendor and majesty of its archaeological areas—unique places filled with history, color, and nature at its finest.
Overview
Would you like to join us as we explore some of the greatest attractions of the ancient and enigmatic Maya World, from the Yucatán Peninsula, through Petén, and all the way to the Guatemalan Highlands?
The influence and territory of the Maya extended across much of southeastern Mexico and Central America, and they are still considered a “living culture.” Pack your bags and join us for 11 days as we discover their diverse architectural styles, enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and explore beautiful colonial cities of great historical importance.
We will also visit fascinating markets filled with textiles, masks, and handicrafts, as well as Indigenous communities where the syncretism between Maya traditions and those of the Spanish colonizers is beautifully expressed.
Would you like to learn more about this itinerary?
Itinerary
Early morning departure from Cancún to Ek Balam (“Black Jaguar”), known as the “City of the Black Jaguar.” It features impressive structures surrounded by dense vegetation, most dating from the Late Classic and Terminal Classic periods (550–950 AD).
The site also contains murals that reveal the technological and artistic development, as well as the material and cultural wealth, of this ancient Maya city. Ek Balam was the capital of the Kingdom of Tah, which dominated the eastern Yucatán Peninsula between 600 and 850 AD.
Ek Balam’s combination of architectural styles is unique in the Maya World. Its 45 structures are protected by a surrounding defensive wall.
After passing through a magnificent Maya arch, a sacbé (sacred white road) leads to the ceremonial center, where members of the elite once lived. Here, we find the Oval Palace, the Ball Court, Las Gemelas (“The Twins”), and the Nuns’ Palace.
In the North Plaza, the impressive Acropolis stands out. It contains the tomb of ruler Ukit Kan Lek Tok’, where an offering of more than 7,000 objects was discovered. Its façade is beautifully decorated with masks, friezes, and stone statues. Standing 31 meters high, 160 meters long, and nearly 70 meters wide, it is the largest structure by volume in the Yucatán Peninsula.
After an extensive walk, we will cool off in the crystal-clear waters of a cenote, a natural wonder considered sacred by the Maya as a place of life and death and a vital source for the development of Maya civilization.
We will then enjoy a panoramic tour of Valladolid, a colonial city founded on May 28, 1543, over the remains of the ancient Maya settlement of Zací.
Valladolid is the second-most important city in the state of Yucatán and played a role in two important chapters of Mexican history: the beginning of the Caste War in 1847 and the first spark of the Mexican Revolution in 1910.
We will admire Yucatecan cultural syncretism and its charming colonial style at the Central Plaza, the Church of San Servacio, the Sisal District, and the former Franciscan convent of San Bernardino of Siena.
We will continue to Chichén Itzá, one of the main archaeological sites in the Yucatán Peninsula and the religious capital of the Itzaes. Its greatest period of prosperity occurred during the Early Postclassic period (900–1200 AD).
Its name means “the mouth of the well of the water sorcerers.” In 1988, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its buildings showcase two architectural styles: Puuc (600–800 AD) and Maya-Toltec (800–1100 AD).
The tour begins at El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcán, world-famous for the play of light and shadow that appears along its main staircase during the spring and autumn equinoxes and the winter and summer solstices.
This imposing structure, the site’s most emblematic building, was recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World on July 7, 2007. We will then visit the Sacred Cenote and other major structures, including the Ball Court, the Observatory—also known as El Caracol—the Plaza of a Thousand Columns, and the Temple of the Warriors.
We will continue to Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán. Founded on January 6, 1542, Mérida was built over the ancient Maya city of Ichcaanziho, also known as T’Hó.
Among its magnificent buildings are Casa de Montejo, the Cathedral of San Ildefonso—the oldest cathedral in mainland America—and the Government Palace, all located around the famous Plaza Grande, as well as the impressive Peón Contreras Theater.
During the panoramic tour of Paseo de Montejo, one of Mexico’s most important avenues, we will see the Twin Houses, Cantón Palace, and the Monument to the Homeland. Mérida was named American Capital of Culture in 2000 and again in 2017.
Hotel check-in in Mérida.
Included Services
Accommodation in the hotels indicated or similar.
Standard-room accommodation.
American breakfast or boxed breakfast when required for logistical reasons.
Picnic lunches at Chichén Itzá, Yaxchilán, and Tikal. Beverages are not included.
Entrance fees to the sites included in the itinerary.
Authorized professional guides.
Air-conditioned transportation.
Boat transportation for the Corozal–Yaxchilán–Bethel route, as well as visits to San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán.
Gratuities and local or private taxes, according to the selected option.
PRICE $1,870.00 USD
PER PERSON
Important Information
How We Operate
Guaranteed departures every Monday with a minimum of 2 travelers departing from Cancún. We provide hotel-to-hotel service in small groups.
Languages
English and Spanish. For an additional language, please request a quote here.
Guides
Our guides are accredited by Mexico’s National Secretariat of Tourism and comply with Official Mexican Standards, making them experts qualified to provide specialized information and guidance.
Transportation
Our fleet ranges from compact cars to fully equipped minibuses for tourist services.
Accommodation Summary
1 night in Mérida
1 night in Campeche
2 nights in Palenque
1 night in Petén
1 night in Guatemala City
2 nights at Lake Atitlán
2 nights in Antigua
Meals
10 lunches and 10 breakfasts included.
Extensions
Take the opportunity to explore the Maya World in greater depth by adding one of our recommended optional tours. In each destination, we offer a wide variety of activities to enrich your journey, including:
Yucatecan Haciendas
Puuc Route
Basic Yucatán
Uxmal–Kabah
Celestún
Important Travel Information
Currency
The Mexican peso is the official currency of Mexico.
Currency Exchange
We recommend using official exchange offices to obtain better conversion rates. Please note that access to ATMs may be limited in some destinations.
Gratuities
Tipping is customary in Mexico and is at each traveler’s discretion. A gratuity of 10%–15% of the total bill is customary at restaurants. For guides and drivers, a recommended tip is US$2 per day.
Personal Expenses
We recommend budgeting approximately US$50 per day for expenses not included in the trip and carrying this amount in local currency. Most places accept U.S. dollars, Mexican pesos, and international credit cards.
Health and Safety
Travel Insurance
Remember the importance of traveling protected in case of any unforeseen event. Purchasing travel insurance is always recommended.
Vaccinations
Current regulations do not require foreign visitors to have any specific vaccinations to enter Mexico. However, passengers flying to, within, or from Mexico should visit Vuela Seguro 12 hours before boarding and again before their return flight to complete the health questionnaire and report any symptoms.
Documentation, Visas, and Taxes
VISITAX
Since April 1, 2021, foreign visitors to the state of Quintana Roo are required to pay this tax. It applies to travelers aged 15 and over and can be paid before, during, or after the trip through the VISITAX website. The fee is MX$224.
After payment, download the receipt and present it at the airport before leaving Mexico. Families or groups may pay together and generate individual receipts, but all requested information must be completed accurately.
Environmental Sanitation Tax
This tax is MX$25 (approximately US$1.50) per occupied room per night. It can be paid in local currency or by credit/debit card during hotel check-in or check-out.
Visas
Before traveling, confirm whether you require a visa to enter Mexico. You should also complete the Multiple Immigration Form through the National Institute of Migration.
Upon arrival, you should have your outbound and return tickets, a confirmed hotel reservation, and preferably a copy of your travel package information. You may carry up to US$10,000 or its equivalent without declaring it.
Other Information
Climate
The Yucatán Peninsula has high humidity and generally warm temperatures throughout the year.
The best months to visit are January, February, March, April, May, November, and December. The rainy season generally occurs in June and October.
Because of the region’s proximity to the sea, temperatures are warm year-round. Humidity is especially high near the tropical jungle. We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, and staying hydrated with purified water.
Clothing
We recommend bringing lightweight clothing, as temperatures are warm for much of the year. Cotton clothing, shorts or Bermuda shorts, sandals, and comfortable walking shoes are ideal.
You may also wish to bring your own reusable water bottle to help reduce waste. We will provide purified water at the sites we visit.
Duration
Days: 11
Nights: 10
Countries: 2
Countries
México & Guatemala
Excluded Services
Arrival transfer or accommodation in Cancún.
Mexico–Guatemala border taxes (approximately US$5 per person).
Local flight tax at Mundo Maya Airport in Petén (approximately US$3 per person).
Visits listed as optional.
Meals or dinners not specified in the itinerary.
Services not mentioned.
Destinations
Cancún · Ek Balam · Chichén Itzá · Valladolid · Mérida · Uxmal · Campeche · Palenque · Yaxchilán · Petén · Tikal · Ciudad de Guatemala · Chichicastenango · Lago Atitlán · San Juan La Laguna · Santiago Atitlán · Iximché · La Antigua San Juan La Laguna
Itinerary
Day 1
Heading to the archaeological site of Ek Balam.
Visit to a cenote and a brief tour of Valladolid, a colonial city.
Visit to the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá.
Visit and overnight stay in the historic city of Mérida.
Accommodation in Mérida.
Day 3
Tour of Campeche’s Historic Center.
Arrival in Palenque.
Overnight stay in Palenque.
Day 4
Tour of Palenque.
Overnight stay in Palenque.
Day 5
Day 2
Visit to the archaeological site of Uxmal.
Overnight stay in Campeche.
Accommodation in Campeche.
Visit to the Yaxchilán Archaeological Site.
Transfer for immigration procedures.
Departure to the Petén region.
Overnight stay.
Day 6
Visit to the Tikal Archaeological Site.
Flight to Guatemala City.
Accommodation in Guatemala City.
Day 8
Visit to the town of San Juan La Laguna.
Visit to the town of Santiago Atitlán.
Accommodation in Antigua.
Day 10
Free day in Antigua.
Accommodation in Antigua.
Day 7
Visit to Chichicastenango and its Indigenous market.
Tour of Lake Atitlán.
Accommodation at Lake Atitlán.
Day 9
Departure for Antigua.
Visit to the Iximché Archaeological Site.
Accommodation and sightseeing in Antigua.
Day 11
Transfer to Guatemala Airport.
End of services.
Image Alt Text
Maya and Markets Route: Travel Circuit through Mexico and Guatemala
Hotels included in the overnight stay (overnight accommodation)
DAY 1 (MONDAY): CANCÚN – EK BALAM – CENOTE – VALLADOLID – CHICHÉN ITZÁ – MÉRIDA
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Depart from Cancún and travel to Ek Balam, known as the “City of the Black Jaguar.” This ancient site features impressive structures surrounded by dense vegetation, most of which date to the Late Classic period (550–830 AD).
-
Ek Balam was the capital of the Kingdom of Tah, which ruled over the eastern Yucatán Peninsula between 600 and 850 AD.
-
The site’s highlight is the Great Acropolis, which houses the tomb of ruler Ukit Kan Lek Tok’. An offering containing more than 7,000 objects was discovered there. At 31 meters high, 160 meters long, and nearly 70 meters wide, it is the largest structure by volume on the Yucatán Peninsula.
-
After an extensive walk, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of a cenote. These natural wonders were a vital source of water for the development of the Maya civilization.
-
Continue with a panoramic tour of Valladolid, a colonial city founded in 1543. Discover the cultural blend of Maya and Spanish traditions, and visit the Main Square, San Servacio Church, the Sisal neighborhood, and the former Franciscan convent of San Bernardino de Siena.
-
Continue to Chichén Itzá, the religious capital of the Itzaes, which reached its greatest prominence during the Early Postclassic period (950–1200 AD). Its name means “the mouth of the well of the water sorcerers.”
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In 1988, Chichén Itzá was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
The tour begins at El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcán, famous for the play of light and shadow on its main staircase during the spring and autumn equinoxes. It was recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
-
Visit the Sacred Cenote and other major structures, including the Great Ball Court, the Observatory, the Plaza of a Thousand Columns, and the Temple of the Warriors.
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Transfer to Mérida and check in at the hotel.
DAY 2 (TUESDAY): MÉRIDA – UXMAL – CAMPECHE
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Visit Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán. Founded on January 6, 1542, the city was built over the ancient Maya city of Ichcaanziho, also known as T’Hó.
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See some of Mérida’s most impressive historic buildings around the famous Plaza Grande, including Casa de Montejo, San Ildefonso Cathedral—the oldest cathedral in continental America—and the Government Palace. The striking Peón Contreras Theater is another highlight.
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Enjoy a panoramic tour along Paseo de Montejo, one of Mexico’s most important avenues. Sights include the Twin Houses, Cantón Palace, and the Monument to the Homeland.
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Mérida was named American Capital of Culture in 2000 and again in 2017.
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Visit the spectacular archaeological site of Uxmal, whose name means “built three times.” This beautiful Maya city flourished during the Classic period (250–950 AD) and became the political and economic capital of the Puuc region.
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Explore Uxmal’s Puuc-style architecture, including the Nunnery Quadrangle, the Ball Court, the Dovecote, the House of the Old Woman, the House of the Turtles, and the Magician’s Pyramid. The latter is the site’s most prominent structure, with its distinctive elliptical shape and a height of 35 meters.
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See the Governor’s Palace, considered one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Mesoamerica. Its façade is adorned with intricate mosaic-style carvings made from thousands of finely polished and fitted stones, forming masks of the god Chaac, serpents, and astrological symbols.
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Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on December 7, 1996, Uxmal is one of the most important Maya archaeological sites, alongside Chichén Itzá and Tikal in Guatemala.
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Stop at an artisan workshop and meet a group of master craftspeople.
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Transfer to San Francisco de Campeche and check in at the hotel. The evening is at leisure.
DAY 3 (WEDNESDAY): CAMPECHE – PALENQUE
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Explore the Historic Center of Campeche. Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1540, it served as a base for colonizing the rest of the peninsula.
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Campeche became a target for some of the most famous pirates of the 17th century because of its successful monopoly and trade in logwood.
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To protect the population, a wall was built around the city. Thanks to the preservation of its picturesque historic center, Campeche was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Visit colonial mansions, museums, Fort San Miguel, Fort San José, the Cathedral, Independence Plaza, San Carlos Bastion, the Land Gate, San Román Church, and the traditional neighborhoods.
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Continue to Sabancuy, where you’ll take the turnoff toward Palenque.
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Check in at the hotel in Santo Domingo de Palenque. The afternoon is at leisure.
DAY 4 (THURSDAY): PALENQUE
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Located in the heart of the Chiapas highland rainforest, Palenque was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of B’aakal and home to one of the most powerful dynasties in the Maya world.
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Originally known as Lakam Há, meaning “place of the great waters,” it was later called Otulun, meaning “fortified houses.” After Friar Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada’s first visit in 1567, the site was renamed Palenque, a Catalan word meaning “fortification.”
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Palenque reached its height during the Late Classic period (550–830 AD). It was home to the powerful dynasty of King Pakal and rivaled major capitals such as Calakmul, Tikal, Copán, and Toniná.
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Explore the site’s main structures, including the Palace and its Observatory, the Aqueduct, the Temple of the Inscriptions—the tomb of the great lord Pakal—the Ball Court, and the Temples of the Cross, the Foliated Cross, the Sun, the Jaguar, and the Count.
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Palenque National Park and its archaeological site were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987.
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Return to the hotel in Santo Domingo de Palenque.
DAY 5 (FRIDAY): PALENQUE – YAXCHILÁN – PETÉN
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Check out and transfer to the town of Frontera Corozal, where you’ll board a boat to the archaeological site of Yaxchilán, located on the banks of the Usumacinta River.
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Yaxchilán means “green stones” and is known for its many architectural structures, arranged in three main complexes: the Great Plaza or Great Acropolis, the Small Acropolis or West Acropolis, and the South Acropolis.
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The site also features an extensive collection of glyphs on stelae, altars, and lintels, which recount the city’s dynastic history.
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Return to Frontera Corozal for lunch.
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After completing immigration formalities, continue into the Petén jungle and check in at the hotel.
DAY 6 (SATURDAY): PETÉN – TIKAL – GUATEMALA CITY
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Transfer by bus to Tikal National Park, whose name means “place of voices.”
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Located in the heart of the dense rainforest of Guatemala’s Petén region, Tikal is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Maya civilization, alongside Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
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Tikal reached its peak and exerted considerable influence over the region during the Early Classic period (250–550 AD). After it was abandoned, the majestic city lay hidden beneath dense tropical vegetation for 800 years. Today, it is the largest excavated site in the Maya world.
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See highlights including the Central Plaza, Temple of the Great Jaguar, Great Pyramid, Acropolis, and Temple IV, whose summit offers views of more than 50 kilometers of pristine rainforest.
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Established on May 26, 1955, Tikal National Park was Guatemala’s first protected area. On November 5, 1979, UNESCO recognized it as the world’s first mixed World Heritage Site.
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Enjoy a picnic lunch at the archaeological site.
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Transfer to Flores Airport for a flight to Guatemala City, then check in at the hotel.
DAY 7 (SUNDAY): GUATEMALA CITY – CHICHICASTENANGO – LAKE ATITLÁN – ANTIGUA
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Check out of the hotel and transfer to Chichicastenango. Its name comes from its patron saint and a Nahuatl word meaning “wall of nettles.”
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Explore the Central Market, one of the most famous Indigenous markets in Latin America.
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Visit Santo Tomás Church, where Catholic ceremonies take place alongside rituals rooted in local traditions.
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Visit the Rossbach Regional Museum of Chichicastenango, which houses more than 500 pre-Hispanic artifacts from the Late Preclassic and Classic periods.
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Later, enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Atitlán, often called “the most beautiful lake in the world.” Its Nahuatl name means “between the waters.” Covering 130 square kilometers, it lies nearly 1,600 meters above sea level and is the deepest lake in Central America.
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In the mid-afternoon, transfer to the city of Antigua.
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Check in at the hotel in Antigua.
DAY 8 (MONDAY): LAKE ATITLÁN – SAN JUAN LA LAGUNA – SANTIAGO ATITLÁN – LAKE ATITLÁN
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Take a boat to visit two of the twelve villages surrounding beautiful Lake Atitlán.
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The first stop is San Juan La Laguna, known for the close relationship its Tz’utujil and K’iche’ Maya residents share with nature, as well as its spectacular scenery.
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The village has three communities in the highlands: Palestina, Panyebar, and Pasajquim.
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Explore its streets and discover the village’s rich craft traditions, from the skill of its women weavers to the unique style and creativity of local artists. Their work can be seen in art galleries and in murals throughout the village.
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Continue to Santiago Atitlán, considered the capital of the Tz’utujil people. Its name means “those from the flowery place.”
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Residents mainly earn their living through fishing, canoe-making, and crafts such as tule mats, traditional textiles, pottery, candle-making, and leather goods.
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The village’s main attraction is the worship of Maximón, a deity born from the blending of Rilaj Maam, the protective guardian spirit of the Tz’utujil, and Saint Peter, introduced by Franciscan friars during the colonial era.
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Return by boat to the hotel at Lake Atitlán.
DAY 9 (TUESDAY): LAKE ATITLÁN – IXIMCHÉ – ANTIGUA
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Check out of the hotel and transfer to the archaeological site of Iximché, whose name means “corn tree.”
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Known as the last Maya capital, Iximché was the center of the Kaqchikel (or Cakchiquel) kingdom. Built on the slopes of Mount Ratzamut, it is surrounded by deep ravines and protected by an artificial moat.
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Founded in 1470 and abandoned in 1524, the city belongs to the Late Postclassic period (1250–1524 AD). Its surviving Maya structures include palaces, plazas, and ball courts. The site’s colorful decorative style reflects its use for important royal events.
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In 1524, Pedro de Alvarado declared Iximché the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala and the first capital in New Spain. Two years later, the conquistadors set fire to the city and destroyed many of its ancient structures. Some of the stones were later used to build the city of Tecpán.
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Visit the on-site museum, which displays sculptures and pottery and jade artifacts discovered during excavations.
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After the tour, continue to the “Very Noble and Very Loyal City of Santiago de los Caballeros of Guatemala,” better known as La Antigua or Antigua Guatemala.
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Founded in 1543, this beautiful colonial city enjoys a pleasant climate and exceptional views of the Agua and Acatenango volcanoes. Despite numerous earthquakes, its Spanish Baroque architecture remains remarkably well preserved.
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Visit Santiago Cathedral, La Merced Church, Central Plaza, and the city’s main streets and monuments.
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Other places of interest include the Santa Catalina Convent and Arch, La Azotea Cultural Center, the Palace of the Captain Generals, the Holy Route of Brother Pedro, and museums dedicated to ancient weapons, the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, antique books, jade, Indigenous clothing, and the University of San Carlos of Guatemala.
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In recognition of its historic and cultural significance, Antigua was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
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Check in at the hotel in Antigua.
DAY 10 (WEDNESDAY): ANTIGUA
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Enjoy a free day in Antigua, a wonderful city for strolling along its cobblestone streets and admiring its varied architectural styles—or simply relaxing at the hotel.
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As an optional activity, we recommend a morning excursion to Pacaya Volcano.
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Return to the hotel in Antigua.
DAY 11 (THURSDAY): ANTIGUA – GUATEMALA CITY AIRPORT
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Transfer to Guatemala City Airport.
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End of our services.
INCLUDES:
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10 lunches and 10 breakfasts.
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10 nights’ accommodation at the hotels listed or similar.
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Standard room accommodation.
-
American breakfast or box breakfast when required for operational reasons.
-
Picnic lunches at Chichén Itzá, Yaxchilán, and Tikal. Beverages are not included.
-
Admission fees to the sites included in the itinerary.
-
Licensed professional guides.
-
Air-conditioned transportation.
-
Boat transportation for the Corozal–Yaxchilán–Bethel route, and visits to San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán.
-
Tips and local taxes, or private service, depending on the option selected.
NOT INCLUDED:
-
Arrival transfer or accommodation in Cancún.
-
Mexico–Guatemala border taxes (approximately US$5 per person).
-
Local flight tax at Mundo Maya Airport in Petén (US$3 per person).
-
Visits listed as optional.
-
Meals or dinners not specified in the itinerary.
-
Services not mentioned.