The ruins, rainforest, Indian villages and beaches of the Mayan heartland
The Mayans forged a powerful and mysterious empire across southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Following 'La Ruta Maya' we explore the hidden treasures of this region - magnificent cities, pyramids and temples. These incredible architectural feats have captivated and confused historians since their discovery. Perhaps the most spectacular of these is Tikal, now ruins lost in emerald jungle and rightly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The history of the ancient Mayan civilisation is also apparent in the customs, language and dress of the Indian towns and villages we pass through. Spanning three countries our journey also takes us on a discovery of lively colonial towns, active volcanoes, the lapping waters of Lake Atitlan and the palm-fringed soft sand beaches of Caye Caulker, a paradise for snorkelling and diving in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef. 

Day 1 Start Antigua. 2 Morning tour of colonial Antigua; afternoon drive to lakeside town of Panajachel. 3 Boat trip on Lake Atitlan. 4 Drive through the hills to San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico. 5 Explore the colourful city of San Cristobal de las Casas and nearby traditional Indian villages. 6 Visit Agua Azul Waterfalls; to Palenque. 7 Tour of Palenque's Mayan pyramids and temples, partially hidden in the jungle; free time on the beach in Sabancuy, afternoon drive to Campeche. 8 Drive via impressive Mayan ruins of Uxmal to colonial Merida; afternoon walking tour of the city. 9 Visit Mexico's most famous Mayan site at Chichen Itza; overnight at Tulum. 10 Visit Tulum ruins; free time on the beach; afternoon drive to Bacalar. 11 Drive to Belize City then ferry to Caye Caulker. 12 Free day in Caye Caulker for relaxation or optional activities. 13 Travel by boat to Belize City; drive to Flores in Guatemala via ruins of Xunantunich. 14 Visit impressive Tikal Mayan site; fly to Guatemala City. 15 End Guatemala City.