Trip at a Glance

Forward

Pause

Play

Back

 

More than 3,000 years ago, Mayan civilization began to develop in the Pacific highlands of Central America. Between AD 300 and 900, the Maya built great cities before mysteriously vanishing into the jungle at sites like Copán and Tikal. In that time, they created a complex writing system, devised a calendar more accurate than any in Europe, introduced the concept of zero in mathematics, predicted lunar and solar eclipses, and built the tallest structures in the Western Hemisphere, all while Paris was just a sleepy village.

Their ghostly remnants are scattered across five countries in an ancient, 1,500-mile trade ring known as La Ruta Maya. From ruins to rituals to rural villages, we’ll trace the footsteps of this enigmatic culture as only OAT can—in our trademark small groups. Along the way, we’ll meet modern-day descendants preserving the Maya legacy in their jade carvings, colorful weavings, and warm hospitality.

And to get the most from your adventure, you can also explore emerging Panama—home of a modern engineering wonder, the Panama Canal—and beautiful Belize, with its spectacular coral reefs, on optional extensions.

Summary Itinerary

View detailed itinerary

Day

• 1 Fly from U.S.to San Salvador : Radisson Plaza San Salvador or similar
  
• 2-3  Explore Joyas del Cerén/Overland to Copán/Discover Copán : Hotel Posada Real de Copán or similar
  Meals: 2B, 2L, 1D
• 4 Overland to Guatemala City/Enjoy city tour : Hotel Stofella or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1D
• 5-6  Visit nut plantation/Transfer to Lake Atitlán/Boat tour/Canopy tour : Porta Hotel del Lago or Hotel Regis
  Meals: 2B, 2L, 1D
• 7 Explore local villages/Jade Factory visit : La Casona de Antigua or similar
  Meals: 1B
• 8 Local school visit/Home-hosted lunch : La Casona de Antigua or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L
• 9 Antigua Museums : La Casona de Antigua or similar
  Meals: 1B
• 10 Enjoy city tour/Explore Antigua/Fly to Flores : Hotel del Patio or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L
• 11 Guatemala/Full day at Tikal : Hotel del Patio or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L
• 12 Explore Yaxha site/Overland to Belize : Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• 13 Discover Lamanai ruins/Free afternoon : Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel or similar
  Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
• 14 Depart for U.S. or begin your post-trip extension
  Meals: 1B

Itinerary subject to change. Alternate itineraries may be available.

View detailed itinerary

What's Included?

• Roundtrip international airfare
• Accommodations for 13 nights
• 27 meals
• Daily small group discoveries and unique cultural activities

And more...