Highlights of La Ruta Maya

Sumidero Canyon

The Sumidero Canyon is a spectacular gorge 41km long and up 1,000 metres deep formed by the Rio Grijalva. The best way to experience the canyon is by boat ride through the narrow gorge between kilometre high vertical cliff faces. You're likely to spot crocodiles and other wildlife on the banks of the river. In the 16th century 1000 Chiapa Indians committed suicide by jumping off these cliffs to avoid capture and submission to Spanish rule.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, located in the Guatemalan highlands at 1,585 metres, has been described by the writer Aldous Huxley as 'the most beautiful lake in the world'. The lake, 20km long by 15km wide and reaching depths of 325 metres, is surrounded by the majestic volcanic peaks of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro, making for a spectacular sight during daylight and at sunset. The surrounding villages and towns, including Panajachel, Santa Catarina, San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, are populated by native Mayan peoples who maintain many of their traditional practises, costumes and beliefs. A boat ride can take you to various villages to learn about the lives of these indigenous people, with the shrine to the Mayan god Maximon in Santiago being particularly popular.

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua is one of the best preserved Spanish colonial towns in Latin America and a magnet for travellers to this region. Located in a spectacular setting underneath the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes, it is a beautifully laid back town of Spanish Baroque buildings, ruined and preserved churches and many interesting cafes, restaurants and markets. Founded in 1543, Antigua was capital of the Spanish colonial empire in Central America for over two centuries until an earthquake in 1773 led to the relocation of the capital to Guatemala City. As well as exploring the historic buildings, streets and courtyards, Antigua is a prime location for learning Spanish, with over 30 language schools. Additionally, the nearby Pacaya volcano can be summited with a half-day hike, allowing you to get stand right next to red-hot lava flows and admire the view of nearby volcano cones.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Antigua Guatemala

Mayan City of Tikal

Tikal is the largest and one of the most impressive Mayan sites, set amidst the jungle of Tikal National Park. Tikal was occupied between the 6th and 10th centuries and at its height it was one of the major centres of the Mayan civilisation, with up to 100,000 inhabitants and trading links as far away as Teotihuacan. The ruins comprise some 3,000 buildings over 16 km², including temples, palaces, causeways, ball courts and public squares. Most spectacularly, some of the tallest temples tower above the jungle treeline, which can be climbed to provide amazing views. Structures of note include the Q complex, Main Plaza, North and Central Acropolis, Seven Temples and Mundo Perdido. Its setting in the national park jungle means you'll share the experience with the resident wildlife including coatimundis, grey fox, spider and howler monkeys, toucan and weaver birds.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tikal National Park

Caye Caulker

The tiny island of Caye Caulker lies 34km northeast of Belize City in the Caribbean Sea. It's a great location to explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Some of the world's best diving and snorkelling is available here - there are over 500 species of colourful tropical fish, as well as numerous corals, molluscs, sponges and crustaceans. There's also the chance to explore underwater caves and observe manatees in their mangrove habitats. The island itself, just 7km long, is an uncrowded and unpretentious place of friendly locals, sandy streets, beautiful beaches and some excellent seafood just out of the water.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Sian Ka'an

Meaning 'Origin of the Sky' in the Mayan language, Sian Ka'an is the world's second largest biosphere reserve after the Amazon. Covering over 5,000 km², the reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves, marshes, coastal dunes and a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with 1,200 plant species, 300 bird species and over 100 mammals including jaguar, puma, ocelot, spider and howler monkeys, kinkajou, collared anteater and Caribbean manatee.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sian Ka'an