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Multi-Country Landmark Tours Holidays

The Mayan route

21 Night Itinerary from  £5,959

Pacal Tour

Visit Mayan villages, colourful weavers and the massive pyramids built by powerful civilisations that mysteriously abandoned their cities to the encroaching jungle.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Travel through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala to admire Mayan ruins, browse traditional markets, observe local life and stay in a remote luxury jungle lodges.
  • Spend 3 nights in Mexico City and discover the Teotihuacan Aztec complex.
  • Explore the Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Chichen Itza with expert guides.
  • Travel deep into the jungle to discover Guatemala's remote Mayan sites including Tikal.
  • Enjoy the colonial centre of Antigua, a charming city surrounded by volcanoes.
  • Browse the colourful weavings at the large Indian market of Chichicastenango.
  • Take a scenic boat trip on enchanting Lake Atitlan to visit traditional communities.

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

Stylish cuisine

Mexico City - 3 Nights

Day 1 - Fly to Mexico City 

Day 2 - Guided tour of Teotihuacan

Day 3 - At leisure in Mexico City

  • Full Description

Thursday, 28 March 2024

Fly to Mexico City

Depart Monday on the daytime flight to Mexico City. You will be met on arrival by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Your guide will introduce you to your local area.


Friday, 29 March 2024

Guided tour of Teotihuacan

Today, your Veloso Tours local guide will take you on a tour of Mexico City, including a market where you can view paintings from local artists. We also visit the Archeological Museum and then continue to the outskirts of Mexico City and the great Aztec complex of Teotihuacan dominated by the Pyramid of the Sun.


Saturday, 30 March 2024

At leisure in Mexico City

Ruins 4442732 1920

Merida - 3 Nights

Day 4 - Fly to Merida

Day 5 - Uxmal

Day 6 - At leisure 

  • Full Description

Sunday, 31 March 2024

Fly to Merida

This morning we fly to Mérida for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Rest of the day at leisure. Merida is a delightful city with the main plaza bordered by graceful buildings and trees, gleaming white patios blending colonial and Mayan designs. 

 


Monday, 01 April 2024

Uxmal

Enjoy a full day tour to Uxmal today, a fine example of the ornate Puuc style. Expertly restored, it shows intricate building decorations in lattice work and mosaics. 

 


Tuesday, 02 April 2024

At leisure in Merida

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza - 1 Night

Day 7 - Chichén Itzá

 

  • Full Description

Wednesday, 03 April 2024

Chichén Itzá

We drive this morning to the archeological site of Chichén Itzá. Here, with our guide we witness the technical skill and knowledge of the Mayas at this mighty, austere site which encompasses several pyramids and buildings spread over a large area. The tallest pyramid was a cosmological observatory, its 365 steps representing the solar year. We stay in Chichen Itza for 1-night. 

Belize Jaguar

Cancun to Lamanai Lodge - 2 Nights

Day 8 - Cancun to Lamanai Lodge

Day 9 - Exploring the flooded forest

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 04 April 2024

Cancun to Lamanai Lodge

Morning to explore Chicken Itza before the crowds of tourists arrive. We then drive to Cancun Airport and fly to Belize City. On arrival, you will be met by our Veloso Tours local guide and transferred to Lamanai Lodge deep in the forest for a 2 night stay on a full board basis including guided tours and excursions.. The rest of the day is yours to explore the forest with your local guide.  


Friday, 05 April 2024

Exploring the flooded forest

The is much to do and enjoy at Lamanai Lodge including kayaking on the river, trekking, biking and nature tours. A full day of adventure awaits.

Lamanai Lodge

Lamanai & Orange Walk - First Lodge

Perched on a hillside overlooking the waters of the New River Lagoon and adjacent to the spectacular Maya ruins of the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is the Lamanai Outpost Lodge.

Public facilities include an open air restaurant and bar affording panoramic views of the New River Lagoon. There is also a reference library and lounge area to relax.

Each of the Outpost's cabañas offers rustic elegance while blending in with the lush tropical gardens. The cabañas are handcrafted of local hardwoods with a palm thatched roof and feature screened windows for an open feel, ceiling fans, private bathroom with hot and cold running water, 24 hour electricity and all have verandas overlooking the lush tropical garden or lagoon. 

Accommodation is on a full board basis including a full programme of excursions and guided walks.

Lamanaioutpostlodge 28
Belize Mayan Ruins Chaa Creek Gallery 1

Mountain Pine Ridge - 2 Nights

Day 10 - Travel to Mountain Pine Ridge 

Day 11 - Exploring Mountain Pine Ridge

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 06 April 2024

Travel to Mountain Pine Ridge 

Travel to Mountain Pine Ridge and check into your chosen lodge for a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Here, you can explore the forest on foot, by mountain bike, go nature spotting and discover the pine forest with ferns, hill and waterfalls in the company of knowledgable local guides. 


Sunday, 07 April 2024

Exploring Mountain Pine Ridge

A day of exploration in the pine forest awaits.

Blancaneaux Lodge

Mountain Pine Ridge - First Lodge

Ensconced in a region of pristine rainforest, outside of San Ignacio in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a 300 square mile national wildlife reserve in the Maya Mountains is Blancaneaux Lodge.

Public facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, lush gardens and a spa.

The accommodation offers modern comforts in an entirely self-sustained jungle sanctuary. Each bungalow features a thatched roof, artisan-crafted and antique colonial furnishings and a luxurious Japanese bath with views of the jungle sky. 

There are many activities available in the area - some of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Central America are a short drive away (Tikal a day trip away), explore the rainforest on horseback or mountain bike, and visit the many caves and waterfalls in the area. The lodge prepares food from its own organic garden and all of the electricity used at the Lodge is generated by a hydroelectric plant that harnesses the power of the Privassion River that runs through the grounds.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis. 

Francis Ford Cappolla's Villa
Tikal Site

Tikal - 2 Nights

Day 12 - Transfer to Tikal 

Day 13 - Exploring Tikal

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 08 April 2024

Exploring Tikal

We fly to Flores in Guatemala and transfer to your chosen lodge in Tikal where we stay for 2 nights. With an expert guide we visit the mysterious pyramids and temples, some still entangled in vines and creepers. The peaks of the temples rise out of the jungle offering a truly magical image. 

 


Tuesday, 09 April 2024

Ceibal

Today we explore the ruins of Ceibal, hardly excavated and hidden deep in the forest. We then continue to Sayaxche and then take a local canoe to our jungle lodge overlooking a tranquil lagoon for 1 night on a full board basis. The rooms and facilities in the jungle lodge are simple with private facilities - but the experience is a real adventure. Lunch and dinner included today.

Jungle Lodge

Tikal - Tourist Lodge

The family run Jungle lodge is ideally situated within the Tikal National Park, offering the closest accommodation to the temples & pyramids. The lodge has a rich history in providing accommodation for archeologists and explorers over many years.

The public areas include a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, games room and bonfires at night.

The spacious rooms have private bathrooms with hot water (limited) electricity. High ceilings keep the rooms cool and each bungalow has its own small porch.

The main activity is guided tours of nearby Tikal and other impressive Mayan sites. 

The rates are on a full board basis and include one guided shared excursion of Tikal.

Jungle Lodge, Tikal

Camino Real Tikal Hotel

Tikal - First Hotel

In the lush Peten jungle, the Camino Real Tikal provides guests with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites and relax in an unspoiled natural paradise.

Public areas include the Ceibal Restaurant, bar, a Mayan sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool, shop travel agency, jacuzzi and lounge. 

All rooms at the Camino Real Tikal are housed in thatched-roof bungalows and offer modern comforts including air-conditioning, private bathrooms, direct-dial phones, cable TV and private balconies. Every balcony enjoys magnificent views of Lake Petén Itzá. 

There are many activities on offer including kayaking on Lake Peten Itza, excursions to Tikal National Park and Yaxha and Topoxte National Parks, zip wire adventures and catamaran boat ride on the lake.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Camino Real Tikal Hotel

La Lancha Lodge

Tikal - Luxury Lodge

La Lancha is located in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. Part of the Francis Ford Coppola family of lodges in central America, La Lancha is a perfect luxury retreat to be your base for discovering the incredible Mayan ruins that are hidden in the nearby national parks.

Under the tall thatched roof of the main lodge is the restaurant serving local and international cuisine. There is a small two level swimming pool to cool down in, or take a dip in the lake's refreshing waters. The lodge also has a bar and a shop.

The lodge has ten thatched bungalows: four lakeside casitas and six rainforest casitas, all rustically decorated with local artefacts and regional and Balinese furniture. Each has two spacious bedrooms, private bathroom and a balcony with hammocks and chairs. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Wildlife viewing around La Lancha is rewarding with an abundance of bird life, and primates such as howler monkeys can be seen and heard.  Kayaking and fishing can be also be organised. Without doubt, the main attraction arranged by the lodge is to the ruins of Tikal, just a twenty-minute drive away.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis, with free use of the Lodge's mountain bikes and canoes.

La Lancha Lodge
Walkways through the forest

Aguateca - 1 Night

Day 14 - Aguateca

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 10 April 2024

Aguateca

Travel by domestic flight from Flores to Jungle Lodge, near to the ruins of Aguateca. Rest of the day is at leisure. The rooms and facilities in the jungle lodge are simple with private facilities - but the experience is a real adventure. Lunch and dinner included today.

 

Jungle Lodge

Tikal - Tourist Lodge

The family run Jungle lodge is ideally situated within the Tikal National Park, offering the closest accommodation to the temples & pyramids. The lodge has a rich history in providing accommodation for archeologists and explorers over many years.

The public areas include a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, games room and bonfires at night.

The spacious rooms have private bathrooms with hot water (limited) electricity. High ceilings keep the rooms cool and each bungalow has its own small porch.

The main activity is guided tours of nearby Tikal and other impressive Mayan sites. 

The rates are on a full board basis and include one guided shared excursion of Tikal.

Jungle Lodge, Tikal
Easter in Antigua: street decorations

Antigua - 1 Night

Day 15 - Antigua

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 11 April 2024

Antigua

This morning our guide will take you on a walk in the forest to visit the unique site of Aguateca where the ancient builders of a retreating empire used a deep ravine to protect one of their last strongholds. We then return to Flores and fly to Guatemala City, transferring to Antigua where we stay for 1 night. Lunch is included today.

El Meson de Maria

Antigua - Tourist Hotel

The hotel Mesón de María is located in the heart of La Antigua Guatemala just a few steps from the main street, La Calle Del Arco. Constructed in harmony with the old colonial style and beauty, "El Mesón de María" provides a relaxed and refined atmosphere, personalized service, inviting you to stay in a combination of luxury and hospitality in an owner-maintained establishment.

You will take delight in the long and beautiful corridors, soothing búcaros (fountains), numerous lounges and spaces to relax while admiring the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes that surround the valley. There are 20 beautiful rooms, including two Queen Suites and one King. All rooms have cable TV, telephone, safe, complimentary internet and a business centre for those who need to actually accomplish something other than relaxing and visiting a magnificent city.

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

El Meson De Maria

Palacio De Dona Leonor

Antigua - First Hotel

The hotel Palacio de Doña Leonor is located in an old colonial house in the heart of this magical city, just a few meters away from the cathedral and Antigua's Central Park. It was completely refurbished in 2006 but keeping the same charming colonial architectural style. Each of the 12 rooms are named after a historical figure from Antigua's past and is decorated in a different way still in keeping with the colonial theme of the hotel. There is a restaurant, breakfast room, outdoor lounge and breakfast areas in the central courtyard. Plenty of shops and restaurants are just a few steps away. Accommodation includes room and breakfast. (AB)

Palacio De Dona Leonor

El Convento

Antigua - Luxury Hotel

Situated in one of Antigua's famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which you can discover the city's magnificent sites.

The all-suite El Convento gracefully marries the ancient with the modern. Combining artisanal brick vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and hand-crafted doors with the simple elegance of contemporary design. Whether unwinding in the deep-set living room sofas or stopping by for a glass of wine beneath the domed cupula of the bar, staying in can be just as tempting. Fine dining is available at the hotel's restaurant.

Serene and private, each of the nineteen suites flows from a central courtyard graced by a hundred year old Tempixque tree. There are two grand suites, six suites and eleven junior suites. All offer cedar-beamed ceilings, sumptuous linens, some of them have a private garden. In each suite, the soothing décor combines eye-pleasing neutrals with vibrant accents from local, hand-woven textiles and fine pieces of art and sculpture.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Interior Courtyard
Chichicastenango

Chicicastenango market - 1 Night

Day 16 - Chichicastenango

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 12 April 2024

Travel to Chichicastenango

Morning at leisure in Antigua. Afternoon transfer to Chichicastenango.

Casa Palopo

Lake Atitlan - Tourist Hotel

Located in Santa Catarina Palopo & near to Panajachel, Casa Palopo has four suites & four standard double rooms with private outdoor terraces with incredible views to the lake & volcanoes. The villa enjoys a private 50 feet long pool, spa, indoor and outdoor living room, a dining area, and a library. By the pool there is an area of relaxation with outdoor fireplace for lounging in the evening.

The rates include breakfast.

Casa Palopo

Hotel Atitlan

Lake Atitlan - Tourist Hotel

The Hotel Atitlan is nestled within an ancient coffee plantation and has large, beautifully landscaped gardens. All 65 rooms are individually decorated and contain furniture designed and crafted in the hotels own workshops. There is a pool with spectacular views over the lake & volcanoes. One of the highlights of this hotel are the well kept gardens with plants & exotic flowers.

Hotel Atitlan
Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlán - 2 Nights

Day 17 - Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlán

Day 18 - Lake Atitlán

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 13 April 2024

Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlán

This morning, with your private guide and driver we visit the colourful open-air Indian market and church with its delightful blend of Catholic and pagan religions. We then continue to beautiful Lake Atitlan, where we take a boat trip across the lake to Santiago Atitlán at the foot of three towering volcanoes to visit an Indian community trying to maintain its traditions and customs. Our hotel is set on the lakeside, quite stunning where we stay for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.


Sunday, 14 April 2024

Market at Solola

Today we take a boat trip on the lake and visit the market at Solola, a small picturesque village overlooking the lake. A chance to relax in this most beautiful setting. 

Casa Palopo

Lake Atitlan - Tourist Hotel

Located in Santa Catarina Palopo & near to Panajachel, Casa Palopo has four suites & four standard double rooms with private outdoor terraces with incredible views to the lake & volcanoes. The villa enjoys a private 50 feet long pool, spa, indoor and outdoor living room, a dining area, and a library. By the pool there is an area of relaxation with outdoor fireplace for lounging in the evening.

The rates include breakfast.

Casa Palopo

Hotel Atitlan

Lake Atitlan - Tourist Hotel

The Hotel Atitlan is nestled within an ancient coffee plantation and has large, beautifully landscaped gardens. All 65 rooms are individually decorated and contain furniture designed and crafted in the hotels own workshops. There is a pool with spectacular views over the lake & volcanoes. One of the highlights of this hotel are the well kept gardens with plants & exotic flowers.

Hotel Atitlan
Antigua

Return to Antigua - 3 Nights

Day 19 - Travel to Antigua

Day 20 - At leisure

Day 21 - At leisure

 

  • Full Description

Monday, 15 April 2024

Travel to Antigua

We return overland to Antigua today and check into your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Antigua is a wonderful city to explore at your leisure. This ancient gem has cobbled streets, Spanish colonial architecture with delightful interior courtyards restored to their original splendour and now used as hotels, restaurants and shops. A wonderful city, full of character in which to relax, walk and experience the colonial heritage. Veloso Tours can arrange optional guided excursions - please ask for details.


Tuesday, 16 April 2024

At leisure

At leisure exploring the delights of Antigua.


Wednesday, 17 April 2024

At leisure

Your final night in Guatemala; Antigua is the perfect place to end this memorable journey.

Antigua

Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights

Day 22 - Fly back to the UK

Day 23 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Thursday, 18 April 2024

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to the airport and take an overnight flight back to the UK.


Friday, 19 April 2024

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates Rest of the year 1 July - 5 Sept, 16-31 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Tourist First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £5,959 £6,278 £6,279 £6,677
Single Traveller - Own Room £6,982 £8,243 £7,425 £8,578

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 22 Days / 20 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 20 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides

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TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover