If your idea of a dream adventure holiday involves a combination of astounding culture and adrenalin-pumping sports, there could be fewer better destinations for you to head to than Mexico and Guatemala.

Situated in the heart of central America, these two countries offer a dazzling array of attractions and activities that are certain to provide you with enough memories to last a lifetime.

Taking adventure holidays in Mexico and Guatemala can certainly be an effective way for you to experience different cultures and with a number of archaeological sites created by the ancient Mayan civilisation to be found in both countries, you may well find a trip here allows you to take a step back through time.

One must-visit site on your travels is sure to be the historic ruins of Chichen Itza in Mexico. Constructed hundreds of years ago, the former city contains a wide variety of fascinating buildings and monuments.

Be sure to keep a camera handy as you explore, you are bound to want to show your friends and family members back home some of the astounding sights you have been able to take in.

Perhaps the most famous part of Chichen Itza – and one that you may be especially keen to see – is the Kukulkan Pyramid. This structure stands some 24 metres high and is also know as El Castillo – or The Castle in English.

In 2007, Chichen Itza was named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – along with the likes of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil and the Taj Mahal – so it is bound to be an epic highlight of your adventure in central America.

But there is much more to uncover than just this world wonder during your time in Mexico. As you travel from one coast to the other, you will discover a vast number of sights that are sure to be a real treat for the senses.

One such place could well be Palenque. Set deep in the heart of the Chiapas jungle, the ancient city contains the tombs of ancient rulers so as you explore you may well find that you are able to get a closer insight into the region’s history.

The Unesco World Heritage Site is located just a short distance from the coastal resort of Cancun, so you may want to spend time on the beach topping up your tan before travelling to Palenque.

If you’re looking to tap into your adventurous side then the Yaxchilan ruins is certain to be a place that you will want to visit. Located on the banks of the Usumacinta river in the heart of the jungle, the ancient site is only accessible by boat, so even the process of getting there will be an adventure!

And as you make your way through the rainforest, keep your eyes peeled for the vast array of wildlife that is available to spot. With creatures ranging from toucans to monkeys making the jungle their home, you could well see some amazing animals before you reach Yaxchilan.

Upon arrival, you can get up close and personal to the stone buildings created by the Mayans hundreds of years ago and look at the well-preserved pictures and designs that the ancient civilisation carved into them.

But an adventure through central America need not be limited to Mexico. By crossing over the Usumacinta river into neighbouring Guatemala you will be able to see the fascinating ancient ruins of Tikal.

Much like Yaxchilan, Tikal is a Mayan city set in the heart of the jungle and as you explore the various buildings and monuments you can get an idea of how people lived hundreds of years ago.

A trip through Mexico and Guatemala also means you can take in stunning cities such as San Cristobal de Las Casas and Oaxaca, where you can visit markets to buy handmade souvenirs.

And if you’re keen to take part in a little adrenalin-pumping action, you’ll be glad to know that Mexico and Guatemala are perfect places to indulge in activities such as canoeing, snorkelling and horseback riding.

With so many things to see and do, you are sure to find group and singles holidays in central America to be the trip of a lifetime!