We visit colourful hilltop market towns that bustle with vendors in traditional dress, spend a night with Mayan families, discover ruins hidden in the jungle, wander the streets of the colonial Mexican town of Merida and explore the magnificent Mayan ruins of Palenque and Chichen Itza.

Itinerary:

Day 1, ANTIGUA Arrival day. Day 2, ANTIGUA - PANAJACHEL Drive to Panajachel, a relaxed village on the shores of the impressive Lake Atitlan. On the way we stop to visit Chichicastenango, home to Guatemala's most colourful market. Day 3, PANAJACHEL A free day in Panajachel. There's the chance to take an optional boat ride to visit some of the fascinating nearby villages, and find Maximon, the mysterious Mayan god that lives in one of the houses. Day 4, PANAJACHEL - TOTONICAPAN Today we travel to the village of Totonicapan, a wonderful place to find artisan workshops for all different kinds of crafts. This evening we enjoy the privilege of staying with a local family. (LD) Day 5, TOTONICAPAN - SAN CRISTOBAL We bid farewell to our host family before moving on. We cross the border into Mexico and head to the town of San Cristobal, home to a large proportion of Mexico's indigenous population and with a character all of its own. (B) Day 6, SAN CRISTOBAL A free day in San Cristobal. You can visit the nearby Sumidero Canyon, a series of cliffs that reach an impressive 1,500m in height. Alternatively, you could take a horse ride into some of the nearby villages. Day 7, SAN CRISTOBAL - PALENQUE We take a bus to Palenque, the town close to the impressive site of the same name. Day 8, PALENQUE - YAXCHILAN - BONAMPAK We head into the jungle early in the morning in a quest for these little visited Mayan ruins. A boat ride take us to Yaxchilan (Place of the Green Stones), one of the few Mayan cities where women have ruled as well. In the afternoon we visit Bonampak, a site that is known for its well preserved frescoes. The Lacandon Indians are the original inhabitants of this part of the jungle, and we spend the night at an original Lacandon settlement in a simple multi-share cabin. (BLD) Day 9, LACANDON JUNGLE - PALENQUE After breakfast we take a walk through the Lacandon jungle with an indigenous Indian guide. Along the way we stop at small waterfalls to take a swim. Later this afternoon we drive back to Palenque. (BL) Day 10, PALENQUE A free day to visit the amazing Mayan ruins at Palenque, set amidst stunning rainforest. We also have the option of visiting Agua Azul, an area of beautiful jungle scenery and superb waterfalls. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Merida. Day 11, MERIDA We arrive in Merida, capital of the Yucatan state and packed full of markets and old colonial buildings. Nearby are the ruins of Uxmal and the Celestun National Park, home to huge flocks of flamingos. A free day to enjoy the city. Day 12, MERIDA - CHICHEN ITZA In the afternoon we drive to Chichen Itza. We have plenty of time to visit this magnificent Mayan site and spend time exploring its temples and pyramids. Day 13, CHICHEN ITZA - PLAYA DEL CARMEN After having time for a last visit to the ruins before the crowds arrive, we then head to the lively coast town of Playa del Carmen. Day 14, PLAYA DEL CARMEN Tour ends.

Group Size: Max 18
Activities: Extensive walking at sites, hiking in the Lacandon jungle
Accommodation: 10 nights simple hotels, 1 night homestay, 1 night simple multi-share cabin, 1 night overnight bus
Transport: Public and private bus, boat, foot
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, local guide in Lacandon jungle
Trip Reference: LAMR