Hi Laura, we are at Antigua again. Tonight we will leave home. We will thank you for all your support and help this holiday. We had a wonderful time, and we felt enormous blessed that we could make this trip! Thank you. – clients vd M.
Discover Guatemala and Mexico
Fly into the city where life still has a very laid back pace and marvel at the pastel houses with an amazing volcano in the backdrop. Then head to one of the most special markets in the world with us where the main highlight are the hills surrounding the village where old Mayan rituals are still being practised till this day. Then head into Chiapas with us where you visit the amazing town of San Cristobal de las Casas. From there you head to the Yucatan peninsula where you will visit the amazing Mayan temples of Calakmul before ending your trip on an amazing white beach.
Day 1 & 2
When you arrive in Guatemala City we will be at the ready and smoothly transfer you in less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of Guatemala City to Antigua. Antigua has an amazing backdrop with the active Pacaya volcano in the background. The city itself bathes in pastel colours and you should really take the time to stroll along it’s beautiful squares and very special clocktower that spans the road. Sip a cappuccino at one of the many loungy bars and restaurants that dot the main squares.
Day 3
If at all possible we will try and have you visit Chichicastenango. The market itself is already well worth a visit but the real treat are the churches where priests walk around with giant baskets of sage and the air is filled with magic. In the hill surrounding the city ancient Mayan traditions are kept alive by Mayan priests and you will feel privileged to witness these rituals. Please keep in mind that the market days are Thursday and Sunday and on other days there is not much to do. After the market visit you move to Panajachel.
Day 4
Panajachel is a town like many others but it finds itself at the shores of Lake Atitlan which itself is guarded by 3 impressive volcanos. No wonder that many visitors are in shock and awe of the place. Take a tour on the lake to let it all sink in! Should you cross the lake then be on the lookout for Maximon, a local deity which is fun to go and visit.
Day 5 & 6
Up into the mountains we go! Your head for the state of Chiapas which within Mexico has a bit of a free state feel to it. San Cristobal de las Casas is where you will sleep and where you will find women in amazing outfits. On day 6 we will take you to the surrounding villages where local law is taken very seriously and their religion is a mix between Catholicism and ancient Maya rituals. You will never forget a church visit here!
Day 7
Via the amazing Canyon del Sumidero with its lively crocodile population you will end your drive in Villahermosa. Just a town for the night although they do have a nice museum.
Day 8 & 9
Campeche is a super laid back town which is super fun to discover. You might not know this but if you feel like chilling on a beach, no problem! The old fort walls are the other highlights of this cozy town. While in Campeche a visit to Edzna is recommended.
Day 10 & 11
On the way to Merida be sure to visit Uxmal where the Temple of the Sorcerer will be a highlight of your trip as it is one of the most impressive pyramids around. Then you head for Merida where your taste buds will be tickled. Day 11 is a full day to discover this amazing city. Lots of churches and squares give it a distinct colonial feel and then there is really a multitude of amazing restaurants where you can spoil your inner self. If you really want to have a Mayan food experience we will be happy to organise a cooking class for you. If you love just the eating part then head on down to Kuuk for an amazing authentic Mayan food experience!
Day 12 & 13
Today you will notice that the selva (jungle) is closing in on you and at Xpujil we highly recommend to take a day and drive to Calakmul. A city found deep inside the jungle and this gives you the opportunity to spot wildlife which might even include a jaguar! In any case this will be a highlight of your trip as the area has some stunning temples (Tikal is actually only a stone’s throw away), amazing jungle filled with toucans and the likes and you will see a part of Mexico only few people do.
Day 14 & 15
The turquoise waters of the Laguna Bacalar are your next stop and it is time to start winding down slowly. Take a canoe across the lagune and look for colourful kingfishers while enjoying amazing views.
Day 16 – 18
You head for Cancun, drop your rental car and head for the ferry to Isla Mujeres. Even though it is right opposite funky Cancun, it still has a remarkable relaxed feel about it. The beaches are as tropical as you would want and there are beach clubs for every taste and budget. From June to September be sure to include an excursion to the whale sharks that visit the area and try the north of the island if you feel like snorkelling!
Day 19
Take the ferry back to the main land and we will be there to take you to the airport after which you fly back home.
Price indication
The price for this trip starts from
$ 1475 per person but this is depending on the time of year
Included in the trip
- Accommodation during the trip on bed and breakfast basis
- Comprehensive description of the trip and 24/7 back up
- Transfers by collectivo in Guatemala. These are mostly small minivans that collect you at your hotel and drop them off at your next hotel. These transfers might mean travelling with other tourists.
- In Mexico a rental car which you will pick up in Tuxtla. You will get a private transfer from San Cristobal de las Casas to Tuxtla. The rental car is a Volkswagon Gol or similar and insurances are included
- Private airport transfers
Hotels used
- Antigua: Hotel los Bucaros
- Panajachel: Dos Mundos
- Merida: Del Gobernador
- Campeche: Plaza Colonial
- Xpujil: Chicanna Ecovillage
- Laguna Bacalar : Villas Ecotucan
- Isla Mujeres: Na Balam
- San Cristobal de las Casas: Casa Mexicana
- Villahermosa: Plaza Independencia
We are just back in Amsterdam and we want to thank you for the perfectly organized trip. We've had a wonderful holiday.
Best regards,
Ekkehard and Ilona
Hola Delphine!
I just posted the review on TrustPilot: five stars! We would like to thank you for the amazing experience in Mexico. The trip was exactly what we had hoped and we really appreciate the help and energy that you put into our holiday.
If you can, please also extend this thanks to everyone at Solana Tours!
Thanks again and warmest regards from a rainy & cold Holland
Sophie & Daphne
Hola Erika,
Now we are back in Germany and can memorize a great tour through the south of México during the last three weeks. We want to thank you and your colleagues for your outstanding and professional support. We hope that the Salsa teacher is in good health again. May be next time in Mèxico we will have more luck learning salsa. Besides this the whole tour was a great experience. We wish you all the best for the future. Stay in good health.
Best regards.
Petra and Kai
Dear Lise-Marie,
Unfortunately we are back in the Netherlands, catching up from our flight. We would like to thank you very much for all your help and services! We had an amazing time in Mexico, with a trip that had everything. Cities, nature, history and relaxation and then also amazing accommodations! Once again, words cannot express our gratitude enough. We will be sure to visit again in the future and should we have friends who want to visit we will certainly recommend your services.
Very warm regards,
Yvette
