Pyramids and Playas 2008 Round Trip from Cancun: Sun, Jan 13 – Sat, Jan 26 Sun, Apr 06 – Sat, Apr 19 14 Days: $712 plus $163 for food/parks. Frequent Crawler Program Points Awarded for this Trip: 3,500 Points for Free Trip: 55,000 Join the Frequent Crawler Club today!

Pyramids and Playas - 14 Days

Explore the temples of an ancient civilization and lush jungle waterfalls. Our Pyramids and Playas adventure promises to inspire the archeologist inside of you, while offering the tranquillity of white-sand beaches and starry nights!

After our morning departure from Cancun, we head straight for the beachside ruins of Tulum to soak up the warm sun and surf of the Caribbean from the shoreline pyramids. A sacred swimming hole is a great follow-up for a dip and dinner before our overnight drive to the border. Once we breeze into Belize, a scenic afternoon drive delivers us to the Macal River Valley and the village of San Ignacio. Options here include inner-tubing around the ruins, getting lost in town, or just taking it easy at our jungle camp.

Tikal is considered by many to be the archeological highlight of the trip. Enter the ruins to catch the sunset from Temple Four, or get in early for sunrise from the South Acropolis. After rolling through the Peten Jungle and a stop at Poptun and Finca Ixobel, we're off by boat for a night in Livingston. Hang out in the cafes of this Garifuna influenced town, or hike to the outlying jungle waterfalls.

After relaxing at a hidden hot waterfall near Lake Isabella, we check out Castillo San Felipe, which guards the lake's entrance. We then make our way to the village of Rio Dulce, hub of the surrounding aquatic byways. Bidding Guatemala good-bye, we point the bus north and head back to Belize.

Leaving our rolling home behind, we ferry to Cay Caulker for three days of island bliss. Here you will be surrounded by excellent beaches, where you can snorkel your days away, kayak to the key's uninhabited neighboring islands, or simply soak up some rays before an evening in one of the beachside bars.

We then journey to Majahual, a sleepy little town tucked away on a remote Caribbean beach. Optional activities here include scuba diving to fishing the turquoise seas. We wrap up our trip with afternoon good-byes in Cancun.

I'm ready to make a reservation!

Flexible Itinerary means that we may alter an itinerary depending on weather, local events, etc. Although we make every attempt to run our trips as advertised, please be aware that the itinerary may change to give you the best trip possible.

Have you been on this trip? Please tell us what you thought.

Email this page to a friend!

Important Considerations

Passport, Visas, and Red Tape: The international borders we cross are usually not a problem, provided that everybody has their necessary papers in order. Getting these papers in advance is easy — much easier than at the border at 3:00 AM when the consulate is closed.

The United States border: Everyone, including U.S. citizens, must present a valid passport to re-enter the United States. You may be even required to present a multi-entry visa or a plane ticket out of the country. Be prepared! The Green Tortoise cannot be responsible (nor can we wait) for any passengers who get delayed at the border because of missing or improper papers. Please contact the respective consulates to be certain that you can obtain travel papers BEFORE you make a reservation. We do not refund deposits due to beauracractic errors.

Transportation: This trip will require you to organize your own transportation to and from Cancun. Once you have booked with us, we will send you a thorough information package to help you plan and pack for this expedition. We highly recommend Exito Travel for airline tickets (see "Weblinks" on the left) at 1.800.655.4053 or 510.655.2154 (ask for Emma).

The People and their Country: Mexico has incredibly friendly locals steeped in a unique and rich history. Many people will go out of their way to help visitors or just to strike up friendly conversation. You will find the cultural experience very rewarding with participation, respect, and common sense.

Camping Out: We will be camping out quite a bit on these trips and we do not provide tents. As such, we highly encourage people to bring a small, easy-to-assemble tent. Not only do they provide privacy and sanctuary when in the great outdoors, but also protection from elements such as wind and sand.

Why Green Tortoise? You may be thinking, The place is beautiful, the locals are friendly, why don't I pack a bag and do it on my own? This is possible and thousands do it every year. However, by traveling with us, you can leave the hassles of public buses, car rentals, and lodging details behind. We have been running these tours for more than 30 years, and our experience provides you with a greater knowledge of the country, an increased level of security, and, most importantly, access to destinations, people, and experiences that you might never find on your own!