Scarlet Macaw, Copan Mayan Ruins, Honduras

Epic Maya Journey: Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

20 Days

Prices Start from

$10,597pp(ex. flights)

An exploration of the ancient Maya sites of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, this route strikes the perfect balance between ancient temples, dense jungles and dazzling lakes. Unveil some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the Americas and a series of world-renowned archaeological sites, with the added bonus of having a chance to attend a private Shaman ceremony.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Bonampak Mural, Mexico 1

Temple Paintings

Observe ancient temple paintings in Mexico’s highly remote Lacandón Jungle.

Mayan Ruins, Tikal, Guatemala 2

Discover Tikal

Explore the Maya site of Tikal in Guatemala, observing temples that rise above the jungle.

Copan, Honduras 3

Maya Site of Copan

Explore Copan in Honduras, learning about ancient cultures and see hieroglyphic stairways.

Kayaking on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala 4

Atitlan & Antigua

Sail Lake Atitlan in the volcanic highlands and amble the UNESCO town of Antigua.

Why we like it

Befitting archaeology enthusiasts and lovers of all things Maya, these three nations are awash with indigenous communities and ancient sites that are marvelled at world-over. Suited to intrepid travellers keen to explore a mix of iconic and relatively little-visited locations, this highly customisable journey balances expert private guiding with independent travel and features a sprinkling of short flights. In a place where rich culture abounds and enchanting high-altitude lakes lie in colossal volcanic craters, we can tailor a bespoke trip that suits all activity levels and interests, encompassing any number of add-ons from private coffee tours to exclusive Shaman rituals. Ideally suited to those who are eager to travel to the three pillars of richly-coloured Maya nations, the route also combines beautifully with the jungles and beaches of adjoining Belize.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Central America on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Days 1-2

    Mexico City

  • Day 3

    Mexico City - Tuxtla Gutierrez - San Cristobal

  • Day 4

    San Cristobal

  • Day 5

    San Cristobal - Palenque

  • Day 6

    Palenque

  • Day 7

    Palenque - Lake Peten Itza

  • Days 8-9

    Lake Peten Itza

  • Day 10

    Lake Peten Itza - Rio Dulce - Livingston

  • Day 11

    Livingston - Puerto Barrios - Copan

  • Day 12

    Copan

  • Day 13

    Copan - Antigua

  • Days 14-15

    Antigua

  • Day 16

    Antigua - Nebaj

  • Days 17-18

    Nebaj

  • Day 19

    Lake Atitlan

  • Day 20

    Lake Atitlan - Guatemala City

Days 1-2

Mexico City

Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, Mexico City, Mexico

One of the world’s greatest capitals; it is vibrant, overwhelming, captivating and bursting with energy.

Day 3

Mexico City - Tuxtla Gutierrez - San Cristobal

Day 4

San Cristobal

Street Shot, San Christobal, Chiapas, Mexico

Day 5

San Cristobal - Palenque

Day 6

Palenque

Day 7

Palenque - Lake Peten Itza

Days 8-9

Lake Peten Itza

Flores & Lake Peten Itza

Day 10

Lake Peten Itza - Rio Dulce - Livingston

Day 11

Livingston - Puerto Barrios - Copan

Day 12

Copan

Mayan Ruins, Copan, Honduras

Colonial towns and villages nestled into an expanse of split fertile valleys, pine-clad mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Day 13

Copan - Antigua

Days 14-15

Antigua

Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua, Agua Volcano, Guatemala

Astonishingly beautiful and remarkably traditional, wander around Antigua’s cobbled streets, its colourful market and peek through colonial doorways.

Day 16

Antigua - Nebaj

Days 17-18

Nebaj

Day 19

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Author Aldous Huxley once called it ‘the most beautiful lake in the world’ and on first sight it would be difficult not to agree.

Day 20

Lake Atitlan - Guatemala City

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

La Casa Rosada £££££

  • Honduras
  • B&B, Motel and Guesthouse

La Casa Rosada is located in Copan Ruinas, just two blocks from central park and less than a mile from the magnificent archaeological site, where the legacy of the Maya can be found. La Casa Rosada is a Spanish colonial-style inn, decorated with antiques and local fine art. This hotel has five nicely decorated rooms. Every room has a private bath with a steam shower, television, CD/DVD player, telephone, and air conditioning.

View Property

Meson de Maria £££££

  • Americas - Central
  • Boutique

Centrally located close to a number of local markets, Meson de Maria is a well-appointed and traditional property in Antigua. This is a charming boutique hotel centrally located in the lovely UNESCO town of Antigua. With 20 rooms of varying categories, including three delightful Meson suites with fire places, Hotel Meson de Maria is a welcoming and stylish haven for guests.

View Property

Start planning your trip


Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Name(Required)
Hidden

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From $10,597 Per person

When to travel

Mexico in January

January and February are peak months of travel as the weather is dry, temperatures and temperatures are warm. As these are popular months, we recommend planning 9-12 months in advance. Many beach hotels and resort have required minimum night stays during this time, which will be taken into consideration when planning your itinerary.

Mexico in February

January and February are peak months of travel as the weather is dry, temperatures and temperatures are warm. As these are popular months, we recommend planning 9-12 months in advance. Many beach hotels and resort have required minimum night stays during this time, which will be taken into consideration when planning your itinerary.

Mexico in March

March continues to be a dry month in Mexico and peak time to visit. Crowds have calmed from January and February school holidays and can be a great time to travel.

Mexico in April

April continues to be peak season to travel to Mexico. Weather is still dry and towards the end of the month temperatures begin to rise slightly in the south.

Mexico in May

May is a shoulder season set between the dry season ending in April and the start of hurricane season in June. Expect the occasional afternoon shower and temperatures to begin rising in the south.

Mexico in June

The rains become more prevalent in June, in the form of afternoon storms and showers. Humidity and temperatures are building as hurricane season begins, though historically most hurricanes take place between August and November.

Mexico in July

July is very much the wet season across Mexico. Expect temperatures of +30 along the coast which break into afternoon showers to cool the evenings. The temperatures inland are marginally less, averaging mid-20s.

Mexico in August

Hurricane Season

Mexico in September

Hurricane Season

Mexico in October

Hurricane Season

Mexico in November

November is considered the first month heading into the dry season. The rains have subsided but not completely gone, following the hurricane season. Early November can be a good time to visit, before the school holiday (for the USA) crowds begin.

Mexico in December

December is one of the most popular months for travel in Mexico. Weather is dry and warm across the country making for a comfortable environment to experience the culture and wildlife that Mexico has to offer. As this is a busy time, we highly recommend planning 9-12 months in advance.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E

Get in touch

  • By sending your enquiry you are stating that you agree to our T&C

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.