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The Grand Maya Escape is designed for travelers seeking to explore famed Mayan archeological wonders including Copan, Quiriqua, Tikal, Yaxchilan, Bonampak, and Palenque. Throughout the journey expert guides weave a rich tapestry of ancient Maya mythology and modern Mayan culture. The Grand Maya Escape also features abundant rainforest birds and wildlife in Central America's most diverse jungle environments. Upscale hotels, transfers and guided explorations are included.

Day 1 - Guatemala City

Upon arrival at the international airport in Guatemala City you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Hotel
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Explore Guatemala City, Copan

A perfect start for the Grand Maya Escape is the visit to the Guatemala National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology with an outstanding collection of original monuments and ceramics from all over the country. Later this afternoon transfer to Copan.

Accommodations: Marina Copan Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 3 - Honduras, Copan

Copan is the south-eastern most city of the Ancient Classic Maya and the one with more detailed carvings, making of it a very picturesque place. Today, visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Copan Archaeological Site and Museum of Sculptures. In the afternoon there will be some time left to re-visit the site on your own or walk around charming Copan Ruinas Town.

Accommodations: Marina Copan Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 4 - Guatemala, Quiriqua

Transfer to Guatemala`s Peten Northern Lowlands. En route, visit to the Quirigua Archaeological Site – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quirigua is a small site that has played a key roll in the process of understanding life in the Ancient Classic Maya Era, due to the remarkably well preserved panels with glyphs.

Accommodations: Camino Real Tikal Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 5 - Tikal National Park

Spend the Day in the company of an expert Maya guide exploring the magnificent achievements of these fascinating ancient people. At its height Tikal was home to over 100,000 Maya and was a cultural and political center. It becomes easy to imagine life in the city as you explore temples, plazas, multi leveled palaces, ball courts and living areas. Howler and Spider monkeys, coatamundi, are commonly seen while the elusive jaguar and ocelot are know to survive in this protected rainforest reserve. Almost 300 species of bird have been identified in Tikal including toucans, motmots and parrots. At the days end return to your hotel.

Accommodations: Camino Real Tikal Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 6 - Guatemala, Yaxha

Make an early morning departure from Flores to visit the Yaxha Archaeological Site located within the Maya Biosphere Reserve on the shore of a beautiful lake. This afternoon, transfer to Palenque.

Accommodations: Villas Kin-ha Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 7 - Mexico: Palenque & Agua Azul/Misol Ha Waterfalls

This morning enjoy a visit to the Palenque Archaeological Site and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palenque is the north-western most site of the Ancient Maya and a perfect site to end this tour. The Palace and the Temple of the Inscriptions are icons of the Maya World. In the afternoon, tour the waterfalls at Agua Azul and Misol-ha, in the lush Chiapas piedmont. Agua Azul (blue water in Spanish) forms a series of emerald blue ponds of an extraordinary beauty enhanced by the lush tropical forests. Take a scenic drive allong Maya people´s villages on the way to a very nice family run lodge in a cattle farm close to Bonampak.

Accommodations: Lacamja Chansayab
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Mexico: Bonampak, Yaxchilan, Villahermosa

Today, visit the nearby Bonampak Archaeological Site. Bonampak has its place in Maya History due to the famous frescoes with scenes of a battle, 1 room painted with the preparations, 1 room with the battle itself, and the last room with the celebration of victory. Mayanists have learn from this frescoes so much: how they dressed, the colors they used, the musical instruments, bloody warfare, etc. Drive 20 minutes to reach the Usumacinta River, the Maya’s main “highway”. An hour boat ride brings us to the Yaxchilan Archaeological Site. This is a site in a pristine forest and walking through its temples, pyramids and palaces is magic. The quality of the carved lintels is awesome, although some of the originals are in the British Museum. At the end of the visit, transfer to your Villahermosa, Mexico, hotel: Olmeca Plaza Hotel.

Or, return to Flores Airport to take an evening flight to Guatemala City where you will be met and transferred to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Flight not included; call for a quote.

Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Hotel or Olmeca Plaza Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 9 - Departure

Transfer to Villahermosa Airport for return flights home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a



Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about options for extending your trip. We also specialize in custom vacations.

Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of travel unique.

Included: Each itinerary includes all lodging as listed on the itinerary or similar; meals as indicated; all airport/hotel transfers when arriving and departing the stated arrival and departure dates of the trip; all land and water transportation within destination; entrance fees to national parks and reserves as specified; and guide services as specified.

Exclusions: International airfare to/from the destination; excess baggage fees; the cost of obtaining passports; visas or tourist cards; airport arrival and departure taxes; meals not specified in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; personal expenses such as room service; beverages and laundry; personal communication charges; and gratuities to tour escort, guides or drivers.

Room Configurations: Rates are available for single travelers. Single Supplement $300 (2012) or $350 (2013).

Arrival & Departure: The Grand Maya Escape begins in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and ends in Villahermosa, Mexico. Please plan flights to arrive any time on day 1 at La Aurora International Airport. Depart in the afternoon on day 9 of the outlined itinerary from Villahermosa International Airport.

Payment & Cancellation: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days - 50% of deposit
90 to 31 days - 50% of total trip cost
30 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: The Grand Maya Escape is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.


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