Our trip begins on the beach, heading to the idyllic sandy island of Caye Caulker where we can unwind, snorkel and relax. We continue inland, staying in traditional wooden cabins in the delightful town of San Ignacio and trekking through lush, dense jungle near the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. Our destination is the picturesque town of Antigua, a fitting end to this incredible Central American journey.

Itinerary:

Day 1, PLAYA DEL CARMEN Arrival day. Day 2, PLAYA DEL CARMEN Free day to relax on the beach or visit the ruins of Tulum. This Mayan temple complex overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in a dramatic setting. In the evening we board the overnight bus to the Belizean border. Day 3, CAYE CAULKER We stop in colourful Belize City before taking a boat ride to Caye Caulker, an idyllic island fringed with palm trees, where we spend two nights. Day 4, CAYE CAULKER Free day to relax on Caye Caulker. From here you can arrange a variety of excursions, including snorkelling and boat trips out to the endangered manatee. Day 5, CAYE CAULKER - SAN IGNACIO Today we travel back to the mainland and head inland to San Ignacio, a small town situated within the Belize jungle, where we stay in simple wooden cabins. Day 6, SAN IGNACIO A free day in San Ignacio. The town is a great base for exploring the surrounding area and there are plenty of options to choose from, including horse-riding, jungle trekking, caving, canoeing and visiting some of the excellent Mayan sites in the area, such as Caracol. Day 7, SAN IGNACIO - FLORES We take the bus to Flores, a pleasant island town on Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala, where we spend the night. Days 8-10, PETEN JUNGLE TREK We embark on our trek into the thick jungle of the Peten region, spending our nights camping near little-visited Mayan ruins. On day 10 we arrive at Tikal and we spend the night in the National Park, watching the sunset over the jungle from the top of one of the pyramids. (Day 8 - LD, Days 9 - BLD, Day 10 - BL) Day 11, TIKAL Time to explore Tikal, perhaps the most impressive of all the Mayan sites and set amidst imposing jungle that echoes to the calls of monkeys and exotic birds. We return to Flores in the afternoon. Day 12, FLORES - LIVINGSTON We leave the jungle behind and drive to the Rio Dulce to sail to Livingston, home to Guatemala's Garifuna population. Day 13, LIVINGSTON - ANTIGUA Drive to Antigua, one of the most beautiful of Central America's cities. Surrounded by volcanoes and full of colonial architecture, Antigua is a delight to explore. Day 14, ANTIGUA Free day in Antigua. If you are feeling energetic, try a hike up one of the nearby volcanoes for fantastic views over the city. (B) Day 15, ANTIGUA Tour ends. (B)

Group Size: Max 18
Activities: Peten jungle trek, many optional activities in Caye Caulker and San Ignacio.
Trek grade: Moderate
Accommodation: 8 nights simple hotels, 2 nights cabins, 3 nights camping / hammocks, 1 night overnight bus
Transport: Public and private bus, boat, foot
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guide and crew on jungle trek
Meals: Included on jungle trek. For other days allow US$15-25 per day
NOTE: Playa del Carmen is close to Cancun and is easily accessible by local bus. We can however arrange transfers if required. Please speak to your booking agent if you require this service.
Trip Reference: LAME08