Antigua to Playa del Carmen

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Antigua

Take to the colourful streets to admire the well-maintained colonial buildings set against a backdrop of volcanoes.

Days 3-4 Flores/Tikal

Explore Flores' cobblestone lanes, pastel-coloured buildings and quaint shops, then wake early to visit the impressive Tikal ruins. Soaring above the jungle, the five limestone towers are an awesome sight and one of the most magnificent of all the Maya ruins.

Days 5-6 San Ignacio

Cross the border into easygoing Belize. Enjoy the range of optional activities on offer in San Ignacio, from tubing down the river to exploring the eerie Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, full off Maya relics, ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons.

Days 7-9 Caye Caulker

Relax on the idyllic shores of Caye Caulker, an easy-going island with a distinctly Caribbean feel. Soak up the sun, swim in the warm waters or take an optional visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserve to dive among sharks in the famous Blue Hole.

Day 10 Tulum

Laze on the powdery shoreline or explore the Tulum Ruins, which occupy one of the region's most breathtaking locations - a cliff top overlooking a palm-fringed beach.

Days 11-13 Playa del Carmen

This beach town is a final chance to go souvenir shopping, have some fun in the sun or enjoy the easygoing Mexican nightlife.