Mexico, Belize, & Guatemala
The Mayan route
Pacal Tour - 21 Night Itinerary
Visit Mayan villages, colourful weavers and the massive pyramids built by powerful civilisations that mysteriously abandoned their cities to the encroaching jungle.
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Tour Route
- Mexico City - 3 Nights
- Merida - 3 Nights
- Chichen Itza - 1 Night
- Cancun to Lamanai Lodge - 2 Nights
- Mountain Pine Ridge - 2 Nights
- Tikal - 2 Nights
- Aguateca - 1 Night
- Antigua - 1 Night
- Chicicastenango market - 1 Night
- Lake Atitlán - 2 Nights
- Return to Antigua - 3 Nights
- Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights
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 departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
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
- Accommodation
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
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.
Thursday, 23 January 2025
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.
Friday, 24 January 2025
At leisure in Mexico City
Zocalo Central
Mexico City - Tourist Hotel
This hotel offers good value and a very good location on a side street by the Plaza, Zacalo, Cathedral and Presidential Palace. The area is the centre of Mexican life in the city with numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and people.
The rooms are modern, well decorated, relatively small but with fresh warm colours, with private facilities, TV and telephone.
Condesa DF
Mexico City - First Boutique
The Condesa DF was built in 1928 in French neoclassic style and updated by its owners with a completely new interior. Located in a tree lined street in the trendy Condesa district, the hotel has a rooftop bar, terrace with sofas and treetops all around. The interior patio restaurant serves breakfast and Japanese/Mexican modern cuisine.
The rooms are comfortable with a calm, white and natural mid tones decoration and modern bathroom. Wonderful style!
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
Mexico City - Deluxe Hotel
The 5* Four Seasons Hotel is ideally situated on the Paseo de la Reforma (near Chapultepec Park and the museums), an ideal base to explore one of the world's largest and most dynamic capitals.
There are 240 guest rooms with modern amenities and some overlook the courtyard and fountains. The Reforma 500 restaurant offers a unmatched dining experience. There is also a pool and a spa.
Merida - 3 Nights
Day 4 - Fly to Merida
Day 5 - Uxmal
Day 6 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Saturday, 25 January 2025
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.
Sunday, 26 January 2025
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.
Monday, 27 January 2025
At leisure in Merida
Casa del Balam
Merida - Tourist Hotel
El Hotel Casa del Balam is one of the oldest and most distinguished hotels in Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula, but also one of the few original Mexican Art Deco houses left in the colonial city. Newly renovated, this historic mansion has been carefully outfitted with today's modern comforts and conveniences. The Casa del Balam has an advantageous location, situated only two blocks from the Main Square or Plaza Grande in the heart of the Historic Centre, near the Jose peon Contreras Theatre and the Yucatan University.
The air-conditioned rooms are elegantly decorated with colonial antiques, wrought iron accessories and marble floors.
Public facilities include a garden cafe-bar, "Las Palomas" Bistro featuring Mexican and International Cuisine and a swimming pool.
Chable Yucatan
Merida - Luxury Hotel
Chable Yucatan is a small luxury hotel set in the jungle about 40 minutes drive from Merida, close the the village of Chochola where the jungle shelters the largest group of white tail, gray tail and red deer in the Yucatan. The location is also ideal for exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Celestun River, the best preserved wetlands in the Yucatan.
The accommodation is a choice of luxury Casita, a family Villa, Presidential Villa or Royal Villa. All accommodation types are air-conditioned and spacious with luxury bedrooms, lounge area with views of the jungle, private terrace, bathroom and outside moon shower. Amenities include TV, hammocks, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, luxury toiletries and bathrobes.
The ingredients for the award-winning cuisine come mainly from the hotel's traditional organic Mayan garden. There are three eating venues to enjoy. Other public facilities include a swimming pool, spa and gym. Activities such as yoga, guided walks in the jungle and trips to nearby attractions are also available.
Chichen Itza - 1 Night
Day 7 - Chichén Itzá
- Full Description
Tuesday, 28 January 2025
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.
Cancun to Lamanai Lodge - 2 Nights
Day 8 - Cancun to Lamanai Lodge
Day 9 - Exploring the flooded forest
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Wednesday, 29 January 2025
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.
Thursday, 30 January 2025
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.
Mountain Pine Ridge - 2 Nights
Day 10 - Travel to Mountain Pine Ridge
Day 11 - Exploring Mountain Pine Ridge
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 31 January 2025
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.
Saturday, 01 February 2025
Exploring Mountain Pine Ridge
A day of exploration in the pine forest awaits.
Hidden Valley Inn
Mountain Pine Ridge - Tourist Hotel
Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Hidden Valley Inn is a private nature reserve set on 7,200 acres of wilderness in the Maya Mountains of Belize. An area of awesome beauty and diverse landscape, the reserve is home to many of Belize’s native cats, rare raptors and wildlife. The reserve includes miles of trails, crystal clear creeks, majestic waterfalls, verdant ravines and breathtaking vistas. Over 81 species of wild orchids thrive here, clinging to the walls of rocks and fern that line aqua-blue jungle pools. Hidden Valley Inn is a sanctuary and paradise for the wild, and an exclusive experience for guests.
Hidden Valley Inn’s luxury cottages have a ceiling fan and a seating area with a fireplace. Decorated with mahogany furniture and natural slate, they offer wonderful jungle views.
Public facilities include an outdoor pool, hot tub and yoga school. Bicycles can be hired from reception. The Inn can arrange walking, canoeing or horse riding trips with Mayan guides. The central lodge has a lounge, bar and restaurant, where you can enjoy regional food made with fresh local products.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Ka'ana Resort & Spa
Mountain Pine Ridge - First Resort
In a valley nestled among the Maya Mountains of Belize's Cayo District and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Ka'ana is the premier choice for discerning travellers.
The public areas include exceptional dining in La Ceiba Restaurant, the Wallace bar for drinks, a swimming pool, wonderful well kept gardens and a spa. The resort has its own organic garden which provides many of the ingredients used in the restaurant.
The 15 beautifully appointed cottages include peaceful verandas and are perfect for enjoying the tropical surroundings and verdant landscape. All are air-conditioned, with a sitting area, private bathroom, ceiling fan, LCD TV, mini-bar, safe and free Wi-Fi.
There are many activities on offer including yoga, guided treks into the jungle, tours, excursions, zip wire adventures, horse riding, cave tubing, pottery classes and birdwatching tours.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
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.
Tikal - 2 Nights
Day 12 - Transfer to Tikal
Day 13 - Exploring Tikal
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Sunday, 02 February 2025
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.
Monday, 03 February 2025
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.
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.
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.
Aguateca - 1 Night
Day 14 - Aguateca
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 04 February 2025
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.
Antigua - 1 Night
Day 15 - Antigua
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Wednesday, 05 February 2025
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.
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 metres away from the cathedral and Antigua's Central Park.
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.
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.
Chicicastenango market - 1 Night
Day 16 - Chichicastenango
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 06 February 2025
Travel to Chichicastenango
Morning at leisure in Antigua. Afternoon transfer to Chichicastenango.
Santo Tomas Hotel
Chichicastenango - First Hotel
The Hotel Santo Tomas is a colonial hotel situated in the marketplace in central Chichicastenango. There are 43 well decorated rooms and also a swimming pool, sauna, bar and restaurant. The staff all wear traditional costume. Accommodation includes room and American breakfast.
Lake Atitlán - 2 Nights
Day 17 - Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlán
Day 18 - Lake Atitlán
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 07 February 2025
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.
Saturday, 08 February 2025
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.
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.
Return to Antigua - 3 Nights
Day 19 - Travel to Antigua
Day 20 - At leisure
Day 21 - At leisure
- Full Description
Sunday, 09 February 2025
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.
Monday, 10 February 2025
At leisure
At leisure exploring the delights of Antigua.
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
At leisure
Your final night in Guatemala; Antigua is the perfect place to end this memorable journey.
Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights
Day 22 - Fly back to the UK
Day 23 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to the airport and take an overnight flight back to the UK.
Thursday, 13 February 2025
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 Rooms | £5,959 | £6,278 | £6,279 | £6,677 |
Single Traveller - Own Room | £6,982 | £8,243 | £7,425 | £8,578 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, 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
Speak with a Specialist
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READY - 20 JANUARY 2025
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HONEYMOONS & CELEBRATIONS - "en Tete-a-Tete"
MANAUS, AMAZON - Tours with direct flights, comfortable Lodges, Expeditions Cruise & Adventures in the Rainforest
GUATEMALA & BELIZE - Culture, Ancient Pyramids, Local Markets, Weavings, Rainforest & Caribbean Barrier Reef
PERU TOURS during Harvest: best in March/April/May/June
TRAVEL INSURANCE essential cover including COVID