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18 Day itinerary in Mexico, North America

Mexico & Guatemala Circuit (from Cancun) Travel Pass

Embark on an exhilarating adventure through Mexico and Guatemala with an exclusive travel pass from Cancun. This immersive journey showcases ancient Mayan ruins, stunning cenotes, and vibrant local culture. Discover iconic sites like Chichén Itzá, Tikal, and Lake Atitlán, while enjoying authentic cu... Read More

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Bamba Travel Inc

By Bamba Travel Inc

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Cancún

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Backpacking

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Snorkel or scuba dive in underground caves

2

Swim with nurse sharks and stingrays

3

Experience the jungle as it comes alive in Tikal

4

Explore the ancient Maya city of Palenque

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Merida, Mexico

Cancun to Merida

Type: Bus

Time: Every hour from 01:00 to 23:59

Duration: 3.5 Hours

Transfer from Cancun to Merida

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Merida.

Day 2

place Day 2: Merida, Mexico

Magic CENOTES + Hacienda

Departure Time: 7:30

Duration: 6.5 hrs

This is an authentic Yucatecan experience. We'll visit 2 of our favorite cenotes and one hacienda (historical building) on ​​this day of Mayan jungle adventure & probably (hopefully) we'll have them just to ourselves (depending on the season and the day) or at least we won't find a crowd in them. (Perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers). The first cenote is a cavern one, with sapphire blue water (not cold) from where we will appreciate to the bottom of it (it may vary in raining season). The second cenote is a perfectly shaped open circle with incredible emerald water surrounded by trees and birds.


We’ll tell you a few things about the mayan culture as you take in the impressive views of these hundreds of millions of year old rock formation while you swim, snorkel, explore, float, do high jumps from almost 32 ft! (just for the most adventurous) or just relax in each of these cold&fresh water cenotes taking pictures. We will stay from 45 mins to 1 hour (depending on you) in each cenote, without rushing (something typical in normal tours).


Finally, you will enjoy a regional artisanal organic firewood cooked meal (VEGAN & VEGETARIAN option) prepared by the Mayan community from the harvest to your plate (welcome to México!) (Not included in the price) *Why is not included? This is made in order for you to not pay commission of the platform + taxes of the food price and also to make sure your money goes into the right hands!

Day 3

place Day 3: Merida, Mexico

Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Merida)

Departure Time: 08:00, 08:10, 08:15, 08:20

Duration: 9.5 hrs

Upon arrival to Chichen Itza, a specialised guide will give you a detailed tour of the site, enjoying the quiet of the morning visit before the crowds. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide archaeological essential background to better understand the history of Chichen Itza.

Discover how this large pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan civilization around 600 AD to 1200, and remained a center of worship and pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spaniards. Even today, it is still considered sacred by the Maya people of Yucatán Peninsula site. Like many of the cities of ancient Mexico, the site was abandoned, and its ruins were hidden by jungle. Hear how the site was discovered and excavated by archaeologists, earning the protection of UNESCO and today considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. They will explain the philosophy, cosmology and mythology behind this ancient place, such as the meaning of the stone carvings, pyramids, platforms, ball games. Visit the Temple of the Jaguars, the Temple of the Warriors and of course the famous pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan. Hear how a serpent of light seems going up the stairs of this temple in the spring and fall equinoxes (around March 21st & September 21st).

Day 4

place Day 4: Merida, Mexico

Merida to Palenque

Type: Bus (Overnight)

Time: 22:00 23:30

Duration: 9 Hours

Transfer from Merida to Palenque

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Palenque.

Day 5

place Day 5: Palenque, Mexico

Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (from/to Palenque)

Departure Time: 08:00

Duration: 11 hrs

You will be picked up early in the morning and transferred to the Palenque ruins. You will have 3 hours and 30 minutes to visit these beautiful ruins hidden in the jungle. Then you will be transferred to Misol-ha where you will spend 45 minutes. The last stop will be at Agua Azul where you will have 2 hour and 30 minutes to freely explore this beautiful area. After seeing these 3 beautiful attractions, you will be taken back to Palenque and dropped off at your accommodation.

Palenque Ruins: The ancient Mayan city of Palenque is one of Mexico's most breath-taking archaeological parks surrounded by lush tropical forest and jungle. This site has a serene, mystical atmosphere. From the moment you enter, you feel engulfed by a sense of history, timelessness and awe. Explore the site on foot and climb up the pyramids for great views of the ancient city and the jungle. (approx. 3 1⁄2 hours)

Agua Azul Waterfalls: Rio Xumul-Ha (meaning River of Blue Water, or in Spanish, Agua Azul) features a series of torrential cascades and fast flowing waters rolling down a limestone ridge to form pools and small streams. Take a one-hour walk next to the falls in the breath-taking green valley and swim in one of the calm parts of the refreshing blue river. (approx. 2 1⁄2 hours)

Misol-Ha Waterfall: River Misol-Ha (meaning "Streaming Water"), in the "Chol Maya" tribe area of Chiapas, creates one of the state's most wonderful natural sights as the river glides off the edge of a cliff and 40 meters down into a deep pool of water surrounded by lush vegetation. Swim in the deliciously refreshing water and be impressed by the sight of the fall from below. A small walkway will take you behind the water curtain created by the waterfall where you can walk inside the caves. (approx. 30 - 45 minutes)

Day 6

place Day 6: Flores, Guatemala

Palenque to Flores

Type: Shuttle

Time: 06:00

Duration: 10 Hours

Transfer from Palenque to Flores

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Flores, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Day 7

place Day 7: Flores, Guatemala

Tikal Early Morning Day Tour

Departure Time: 04:30, 06:00, 08:00

Duration: 8.5 hrs

Depart Flores at 4:30 am this morning for your early morning experience to Tikal archaeological site. Walk among giant pyramids towering over 200 feet at dawn to feel the magical vibration of Tikal and its historic splendor. Listen to the jungle sounds of exotic birds, monkeys and small mammals and feel the humid jungle air on your skin as the Maya inhabitants of this site felt it 2000 years ago. Immerse yourself in the jungle at dawn for an early morning tour through the archaeological site to experience the jungle come alive as it wakes up at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in touch with nature and marvel at the majestic pyramids hidden away in the jungle.

This magical ancient city is teeming with native flora and fauna. If you are lucky you may be able to spot a jaguar walking leisurely through the park, although large numbers of visitors have caused the wildlife to move further into the jungle away from the noise. Howler monkeys here are famous for their loud growling sounds which may surprise you from a tree top overhead. Keep an eye out for colorful birds throughout the park such as toucan, parrots, eagles and quetzals.

Tucked away in the vast Peten Region that covers 222 square miles of lush jungle in the northwest corner of Guatemala lie the ruins of the most magnificent archaeological site and important Maya citadel in Mesoamerica. Tikal National Park, declared as a UN World Heritage Site in 1979, is the largest excavated archaeological site on the American continents and is one of the most important natural reserves of Central America.

It is known that Tikal, meaning “Place of Voices” in Maya, was one of the most powerful cities of their era covering more than 16 square kilometers and dominating other tribes in the surrounding region as well as interacting with neighboring cultures as far as Teotihuacan in the Valle de Mexico. The site was estimated to house between 10,000 - 90,000 inhabitants before being abruptly abandoned over 1000 years ago.

*If you prefer, you can purchase your entrance tickets at any Banrural bank in Flores the day before the tour to avoid waiting in line.

Day 8

place Day 8: San Ignacio, Belize

Flores to San Ignacio

Type: Shuttle

Time: 07:00

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Transfer from Flores to San Ignacio

Please make your own way to the meeting point to catch your transfer to San Ignacio.

Day 9

place Day 9: Belize City, Belize

San Ignacio to Belize City

Type: Shuttle

Time: 10:30

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Transfer from San Ignacio to Belize City

Please make your own way to the meeting point to catch your transfer to Belize City.

Day 10

place Day 10: Caye Caulker, Belize

Belize City to Caye Caulker

Type: Ferry

Time: 16:30, 17:30

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Transfer from Belize City to Caye Caulker

Please make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer to Caye Caulker.

Day 11

place Day 11: Caye Caulker, Belize

Snorkel with Sharks & Rays

Departure Time: 10:30, 13:30

Duration: 3 hrs

Discover the unparalleled natural beauty of Belize's marine life with a snorkeling experience that you will never forget. On this half-day tour in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, you will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel along the reef in complete serenity. Navigate through mazes of pristine coral reef among schools of tropical fish, and even get the chance to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. See all this and more at three different snorkeling stops along the magnificent local reef of Caye Caulker.

Meals: Snacks

Day 12

place Day 12: Chetumal, Mexico

Caye Caulker to Chetumal via San Pedro

Type: Ferry

Time: 12:45

Duration: 3 Hours

Transfer from Caye Caulker to Chetumal

Please make your own way to the ferry terminal to catch your overwater transfer to Chetumal. Please keep in mind that the check-in is 2 hours prior to departure!

Day 13

place Day 13: Bacalar, Mexico

Chetumal to Bacalar

Type: Bus

Time: 7:30:00 AM, 08:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 14:30, 18:30

Duration: 1 Hours

Transfer from Chetumal to Bacalar

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Bacalar.

Day 14

place Day 14: Tulum, Mexico

Bacalar to Tulum

Type: Bus

Time: 07:20, 08:20, 09:20, 11:20, 12:20, 14:20, 15:20, 16:20, 17:20, 19:20

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Transfer from Bacalar to Tulum

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Tulum.

Day 15

place Day 15: Tulum, Mexico

Tulum: Shared ATVs, Rappel, Ziplines, Cenote Tour with Lunch

Departure Time: 8:30, 12:00

Duration: 5 hrs

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tulum's jungle with our ATV Park experience. Get ready to kick off the excitement by navigating through lush trails on powerful ATVs, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.


Take your adrenaline to new heights as you zip through the treetops on our exhilarating zip lines, providing breathtaking aerial views of the jungle landscape. Then, dive into the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula with a refreshing dip in a stunning cenote, a natural sinkhole with pristine, crystal-clear waters, creating a unique and invigorating swimming experience.


To ensure a stress-free journey, our package includes convenient transportation. After your thrilling activities, indulge in a delicious lunch featuring local flavors, providing a culinary delight that complements your day of adventure. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience in Tulum's jungle!


If you choose a shared ATV and the number of travelers in your reservation is odd, the extra passenger will be automatically assigned an individual ATV, and extra 12USD will be charged at check-in.


We offer roundtrip transportation (from hotel or meeting point, as applicable) for all travelers who book this tour.


NOTE: Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).

Meals: Lunch

Day 16

place Day 16: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Type: Bus

Time: 08:10, 10:20, 11:20, 11:30, 13:00, 14:20, 15:20, 16:30, 17:35, 18:45, 19:20, 20:20, 21:25, 22:20, 23:57

Duration: 1 Hours

Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Playa del Carmen.

Day 17

place Day 17: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Day 18

place Day 18: Cancun, Mexico

Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Type: Bus

Time: Every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:10

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Cancun.

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Snacks (1)
  • Lunch (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Cancun to Merida
  • Palenque to Flores
  • Flores to San Ignacio
  • San Ignacio to Belize City
  • Belize City to Caye Caulker
  • Caye Caulker to Chetumal via San Pedro
  • Chetumal to Bacalar
  • Bacalar to Tulum
  • Playa del Carmen to Cancun
  • Merida to Palenque
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Activities expand_less

  • Enjoy the magic of cenotes by night
  • Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Merida)
  • Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (from/to Palenque)
  • Tikal Early Morning Day Tour
  • Snorkel with Sharks & Rays
  • Local Community & Cenotes by Bike

Not Included expand_less

  • Personal Expsenses
  • Accommodations
  • Guides where not mentioned
  • Other Meals / Drinks
  • Travel Insurance

About Bamba Travel Inc

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