Maya Route Independent Expedition Itinerary

During your expedition you will have the opportunity to visit ancient cities, and learn about the astonishing Mayan civilisation. Many of the people you encounter on your journey will be direct descendents of the Maya, whose culture is very much alive today.

Depending on whether you start in Mexico's Yucatan Pennisular, or in Guatemala, you will find yourself exploring the following areas:

Lake Atitlán
Set in the southern highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. It is the perfect place for you to acclimatise as there are all kinds of treks to choose from, which you can plan upon arrival. You will probably decide to combine day treks ascending some of the volcanoes with treks along the lakeshore - a more adventurous team may even decide to complete the full 50 km circumference of the lake!

Cockscomb Basin Reserve
In Belize, acclimatisation to the jungle can take place in the Cockscomb Basin Reserve, the world's only Jaguar Reserve, and a pristine and beautiful tract of rainforest rich with wildlife. Here you can complete a variety or day treks to get used to the intense heat and humidity.

Main Trekking phase
Trekking can take place in the Highlands of Guatemala, where you can journey through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Ixil region, staying in remote indigenous villages enroute. The highest peaks in Central America also lie within the region and many can be climbed.

In Belize main trekking will take place in the rainforest. There are exciting and challenging rainforests treks, such as to the caves and waterfalls of the Mountain Pine Ridge, or the dense jungles of the Mesoamerican Corridor trail system of Indian Creek. The trekking is tough, but you will be rewarded by fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities enroute.

Wherever your itinerary takes you, through acclimatisation and main trekking you will be able to explore both the Highlands of Guatemala and the rainforests of Belize, witnessing incredible diversity within this compact region.

Rest and Relaxation
Throughout the expedition trekking can be interspersed with days visiting Mayan ruins such as the astonishing city of Tikal in Guatemala or Tulum in Mexico. You will also be able to spend a few days of your expedition on the Caribbean coast of Belize and Mexico - there you will have the opportunity of snorkelling in the crystal clear sea, or simply relaxing on the lovely white beaches.

Cultural activities abound in Guatemala and Mexico, and many teams chose to spend their last few days of expedition visiting colourful markets and museums, and, of course, having a go at salsa dancing with your new friends!

This is a sample itinerary that may be subject to some change depending on local conditions, contact us for more information. 

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