Best of Guatemala and Belize

Antigua
Upon arrival in Guatemala City you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Antigua 45 kms away.

Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital city for more than two hundred years until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Antigua today is a peaceful, partially restored colonial city that is a pleasure to explore.

Antigua City Tour
Volcan Fuego rises to the roof of the world above the streets of Antigua. Once the capital of Guatemala and all Central America, Antigua resembles a living ruin. Mammoth churches and palaces tell the story of Antigua's past glory, and restored facades speak of a bright future for this wonderful city. This morning we’ll tour the city and admire Antigua's gilded cathedrals. The afternoon is yours to rent mountain bikes to explore the countryside, visit a coffee finca or macadamia nut plantation, or simply people watch in the main plaza.

Tour departs: approximately 9:00am.

Breakfast included.

Antigua to Lake Atitlán
We’ll travel into the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands to Lake Atitlán, located in the western highlands of Guatemala and often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Located at over 1500 metres above sea level, the lake reaches depths of 324 metres and is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes - Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro. We’ll spend a night in beautiful Panajachel, considered the jewel of the highlands and inhabited by the Cachikel people for over eight hundred years. As we wander around Panajachel and its surrounding villages, you will observe the daily lives of these people and the skill of the women weavers.

Breakfast included.

Boat Trip San Juan La Laguna
Today you’ll take a small passenger boat that takes across the azure-coloured waters of the lake to the charming village of San Juan la Laguna, a very calm village with a Tzutujil population. Here you can find dozens of female-run weaving Co-Operatives, producing beautiful textiles according to time-honored methods passed down through generations, often using organic local cotton and natural dyes. You will also find delicious chocolate.

Breakfast included.

Chichicastenango Markets – Antigua
A visit to Guatemala would not be complete without the chance to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango. This beautiful town, surrounded by valleys and shadowed by mountains, has many shamanistic and ceremonial overtones. Its large market brings villagers from throughout the region who often arrive the night before and sleep on blankets in the market square. Rising early, they set out their colourful fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. The market disperses in the early afternoon, so we will then travel back to Antigua where we’ll spend the night.

Tour departs: approximately 8:00am.

*Take note that market days are Thursdays and Sundays, however we can rearrange this itinerary to make sure you’re there on the correct day.

Breakfast included.

Fly to Flores / Tikal Tour
Our representative will pick you up at your hotel at around 3:15AM for your transfer to La Aurora International Airport and await your departure flight to Mundo Maya International Airport at around 6am.

Upon arrival, you will join the group to visit the Archaeological Site of Tikal "Places of Voices", surrounded by the tropical forest that has kept Tikal in its millenial dream. The sheer scale of the ruins at Tikal may at first seem daunting; however by staying within the park you will have the opportunity to further explore the ruins beyond the central area. Wander endlessly into the maze of smaller structures and outlying complexes hidden in the jungle growth, and if your energy levels are high enough to make it to the top of Temple IV you won't be disappointed! Amazing views of the surrounding jungle canopy will greet you from the top of the highest structure within the complex, and once the crowds have left the jungle animals comes to life.

You will also have the chance to visit the main Plaza and the Temple of the Great Jaguar, central acropolis, and Mundo Perdido (time and weather permitting). Transfer to your lodge in the afternoon.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Travel to Cayo District
For those interested, you can choose to take an optional morning tour of the park to enjoy the sun rising over the jungle. Tour is at your own expense and can be reserved at your hotel.

Later in the morning a representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you across the border to your hotel in the Cayo District in the western interior of Belize.

The Cayo District encompasses a large portion of the Maya Mountains and has more than its fair share of ancient Maya sites to visit and explore, such as Caracol, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech. Cayo is home to forests teeming with wildlife, and immaculately beautiful tropical watersheds catered to by a variety of jungle and river lodges.

Breakfast included.

Xunantunich Maya Temples & Barton Creek Caves
Visit the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich for an opportunity to view originally carved monuments depicting Maya rulers and warriors in their full regalia. Journey one hundred thirty feet to the top of “El Castillo” to capture a panoramic view of the Belize River Valley. Then continue to Barton Creek Cave in Amish territory. Gently paddle your canoe into Xibalba (she-bal-ba), Maya for underworld. You will be dazzled by the glistening crystalline formations and awed by the Maya artefacts secretly tucked away in overhead alcoves.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day at Leisure
This day is at your leisure to partake in one of the many adventure options available, such as the famous caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek, river tubing, kayaking or canoeing.

Breakfast included.

Travel to Ambergris Caye
A representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Belize City airport for your short fifteen minute flight to Ambergris Caye, which is included.

You will arrive in the quaint seaside village of San Pedro where you will be transferred to your hotel and spend three nights in island ambience, enjoying snorkelling, diving, or fishing by day and relaxing to the Caribbean rhythm in the evening.

Breakfast included.

Day at Leisure
Spend your free time to relax and snorkel in the warm clear waters of the Caribbean lap. A stay at Ambergris Caye gives you access to the beautiful sandy islands of the world's second longest barrier reef; renowned for its spectacular snorkelling and diving.

If you’re a diving enthusiast then a feature attraction of Belize, is the opportunity to explore the famed Blue Hole. Part of the Lighthouse Reef System, it can be reached on a day trip from Ambergris Caye.

Breakfast included.

Day at Leisure
Spend your free time to relax and snorkel in the warm clear waters of the Caribbean lap. A stay at Ambergris Caye gives you access to the beautiful sandy islands of the world's second longest barrier reef; renowned for its spectacular snorkelling and diving.

If you’re a diving enthusiast then a feature attraction of Belize, is the opportunity to explore the famed Blue Hole. Part of the Lighthouse Reef System, it can be reached on a day trip from Ambergris Caye.

Breakfast included.

Departure
Our reprentative will pick you up from your hotel and tranfer you to the airport.

Breakfast included.