Compare Mayan Encounter by G Adventures vs Tamarind by Elegant Hotels and Antigua by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,349 | $ 3,710 |
| Price Per Day | $ 112 | $ 309 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 1 lunch, 1 dinner |
Food & drinkThe hotel offers one dining option, The Restaurant, open seasonally from 15 November — 15 May. Set on an overwater deck perfect for watching the yachts sail by, it's open for breakfast as well as á la carte lunch and dinner where dishes are a fusion of local ingredients and international techniques. Please note this hotel is only available as all-inclusive. |
| Description |
Trek through jungles to Mayan ruins and relax on white-sand beaches. Get an authentic taste of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico with an adventure that combines the mystery of ancient ruins with the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. Shop for treasures along colonial Antigua's cobblestone streets and get to know the locals from communities where life sometimes moves at a reggae pace. Explore the ruins of Tikal, snorkel with stingrays, lounge in gorgeous Caye Caulker, and finish up in bustling Playa del Carmen. With accommodation and transport arranged by a Chief Experience Officer, this trip offers the perfect way to discover this region’s unique vibe. |
Visit the island of Antigua, exploring its landscape and historic sites before heading to the soft white sands of Barbados’ west coast for a week of relaxation. |
Day 1 Antigua Guatemala
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this charming city.
Please note that Antigua's nearest airport is Guatemala City, Guatemala. Don't get caught flying into the Caribbean island nation of Antigua— it's nowhere near the start of this tour!
Day 2 Antigua Guatemala/Rio Dulce
Travel to Rio Dulce and enjoy free time to explore.
Day 3 Rio Dulce/Flores
Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours. Continue on to Flores. Located on Lake Petén Itzá, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.
Day 4 Flores
Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal. In the afternoon, opt to relax on the lake or hang out at a café in town.
Day 5 Flores/San Ignacio
Cross the border to Belize. Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area, or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Day 6 San Ignacio
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.
Day 7 San Ignacio/Caye Caulker
Travel to Belize City and catch a high-speed water taxi to Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on a G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour. Spend a few days enjoying this island paradise.
Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. There are dozens of activities around the island and surrounding coral reefs. Try your hand at fishing and barbecue your catch on the beach.
Day 8 Caye Caulker
Spend time enjoying this island paradise. Opt to go on a sailing trip to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. If the boats aren't your thing, just relax, Belizean-style.
Day 9 Caye Caulker
Jump for joy that you get another full day to explore Caye Caulker! Do what you didn't get to yesterday or take the day to just lay on the beach!
Day 10 Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen
Say farewell to Belize, and travel by boat and private vehicle from Caye Caulker to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
With plenty of options nearby, Playa is an excellent hub for exploring.
Day 11 Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, or visit one of the many cenotes. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Day 12 Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
Day 1
Board your flight to Antigua where you will be met by our representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Day 2
Set in the heart of English Harbour, South Point is ideally placed for exploring the harbor and the historic areas of Nelson's Dockyard.
Day 3
Another day free to explore the island at your leisure. You may like to take a drive through the interior of the island along Fig Tree Drive, passing farmland, historic sugar mills, small villages and churches. Or perhaps head up to Shirley Heights for great views down to the harbor and out to sea.
Day 4
Today you will be transferred back to the airport for the short flight to Barbados
On arrival you will be met and fast tracked through security before a 30 minute private road transfer to your hotel. Set along the beautiful white sand beach of Barbados' west coast, the Tamarind by Elegant Hotels has an excellent beachfront position. Settle in and relax with a stroll along the beach.
Day 5
Today is your first day at leisure at Tamarind. If you're not simply looking to relax on the beach, the resort has a great range of water sports including kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and waterskiing. Fitness classes and games of volleyball, cricket and football on the beach can also be arranged.
Day 6
Why not explore the east coast? Much quieter and less developed it shows a very different side to Barbados. Have lunch in the charming village of Bathsheba, visit the Andromeda Botanic Gardens and stroll along the rugged and surf-swept Atlantic beaches.
Day 7
Perhaps you might like to hire a car, or car and driver, to explore more of the island, visiting historic plantations and local art workshops. Alternatively, head out on a catamaran trip.
Day 8
Why not explore historic Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Kensington Oval, Barbados' oldest cricket ground?
Day 9
If you are in Barbados on a Friday, Oistins Fishing Village hosts the famous Fish Fry, which is worth visiting for local music and excellent fresh fish.
Day 10
Why not spend your last day taking advantage of Tamarind's excellent beachfront location to relax on the golden sands on Barbados' west coast?
Day 11
Most of your day is at leisure to explore or relax before a private transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
Day 12
Arrive home.
