Highlights of Guatemala and Belize - 12 Days
Highlights of Guatemala and Belize - 12 Days
Highlights of Guatemala and Belize - 12 Days
12 Days Starting in Antigua, Guatemala and ending in Belize City, Belize
Visiting: Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Santa Catarina de Polopo, Flores, Tikal, San Ignacio, Belize City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2709/HOGB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
12-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Guatemala and Belize. Begin in the charming colonial town of Antigua, with its cobbled streets and volcanic backdrop. Explore the bustling market of Chichicastenango and cruise across the serene Lake Atitlan to discover its picturesque villages. Delve into the ancient Mayan world with guided tours of the awe-inspiring ruins at Tikal and the lesser-known Yaxha. In Belize, unwind at the eco-friendly Chaa Creek lodge, nestled in the lush rainforest along the Macal River. Enjoy a variety of activities, from canoeing and horseback riding to exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge's natural wonders. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty, all while staying in comfortable 3-4 star accommodations with daily breakfast and select meals included.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Antigua! Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to our charming city hotel. Antigua is a beautiful city known for its art galleries, restaurants, bars and more.
Day 2-3: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation Name: Antigua
Meals Included: Breakfast
The next two days are spent in enchanting Antigua. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, Antigua is a captivating colonial city known for its rich history, architectural beauty, and vibrant atmosphere. There’s an abundance of ruined churches, convents and monasteries, cobbled streets with overhanging tiled roofs and a charming central plaza, all set against a dramatic backdrop of smouldering volcanoes. There will be a guided walking tour of the historic centre and plenty of time to explore this captivating city at leisure.
Day 4: Panajachel
Location: Lake Atitlan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Antigua - Lake Atitlan. This morning our journey takes us to Lake Atitlan travelling along a gradually ascending road via the highlands of west Antigua dominated by majestic volcanoes and bustling farming villages. Our first stop along the way is the town of Chichicastenango, a chilly mountain town with a mystical atmosphere. Practices of overt Catholicism go hand in hand with esoteric Mayan religious ceremonies, centred around the simple, whitewashed church. Here, we will find vibrant and bustling market with array of textiles, clothes, tapestries, hand-carved masks, leather goods, and an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables brought in by local farmers from surrounding villages.
We then continue our journey to Lake Atitlan, known for its captivating beauty. The cobalt waters mirror the forested volcanic cones, while traditional villages and indigenous settlements grace its shores.
Day 5: Santa Catarina De Polopo
Location: Lake Atitlan
Meals Included: Breakfast
We are based in Santa Catarina De Polopo, a peaceful village a few kilometres from the lively tourist centre of Panajacehel. This morning a motor launch takes us over the calm and silent morning waters of Lake Atitlan to Santiago de Atitlan. En route we are treated to breath-taking views of hamlets, cultivated fields, and picturesque volcanoes encircling the lake. Arriving in Santiago, we'll be greeted by enthusiastic children and the town offers a fantastic opportunity to purchase brilliantly coloured textiles. We may even encounter Maximón, the local idol, known for his mischievous behaviour but said to assist with problems in exchange for financial donations.
Day 6: Santa Catarina De Polopo
Location: Santa Catarina de Polopo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to explore the lake and its surrounding shores, dotted with charming agricultural and fishing communities. Each village boasts its own unique traditional dress and speaks its own Mayan dialect. Take this opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of the area or engage in one of the optional activities available today like canoeing, biking, or visiting butterfly and animal parks nearby.
Day 7: Flores
Location: Flores
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lake Atitlan - Flores. This morning we drive back to the capital for an hour-long flight to Flores, located within the dense jungles of northern Guatemala. Our journey continues from Flores to our lodge nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Peten. The rest of today is free at leisure, unwind by the hotel's pool or stroll along the well-marked trails to explore and encounter diverse wildlife.
Day 8: Flores
Location: Tikal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our day starts with a guided tour of the remarkable archaeological site at Tikal, just an hour's drive away. The site features steep, stepped temples that penetrate the forest canopy, providing unforgettable views of the timeless rainforest. Wander through the palace complexes and marvel at the well-preserved pyramids and temples that once formed one of the largest and most important Mayan city-states. The lively presence of howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and parrots adds to the magical ambiance of the site.
Day 9: San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Accommodation Name: Chaa Creek
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Flores - Belize. This morning we visit the lesser-known Mayan ceremonial site of Yaxha, situated along the shores of a lagoon. Then, we take a beautiful drive across the border and into Belize, passing through the town of San Ignacio before reaching the low-lying Cayo district. We spend the next few days in Belize's lush, unspoilt, and sparsely populated hilly interior, nestled on the rain-forested banks of the Macal River.
Day 10-11: San Ignacio
Location: San Ignacio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We are based at Chaa Creek for the next two days, one of Belize's first eco-lodges, where we can immerse ourselves in the tranquillity of the jungle. There are many activities available, including a stroll along some of the many orchid-lined trails and a canoe ride through the mustard-coloured waters of River Macal watching waterside creatures and birdlife emerge from its shoreline habitat.
For the more adventurous, horseback riding and biking are available, or you can simply indulge in relaxation and pampering at the hotel's spa (note: some of these excursions may incur an extra charge). The Mountain Pine Ridge, with its waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and caves surrounded by savannah and pine forest, is another option for exploration. You can also visit Mayan archaeological sites at Xunantunich and Caracol, adding to the richness of your experience in this enchanting region.
Day 12: Belize City
Location: Belize City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the end of our tour. There's an included transfer to Belize Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star -
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast, one lunch, and three dinners during your tour.
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11 nights 3-4 star hotels
Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 11 nights.
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Arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 12
Transfers are provided upon arrival on day 1 and departure on day 12.
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Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicle transfers and transportation.
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Escorted by an English-speaking tour leader
An English-speaking tour leader will escort you throughout the tour.
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Guided walking tour of Antigua
Participate in a guided walking tour of the historic city of Antigua.
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Lake Atitlan excursion by boat
Enjoy a boat excursion on the beautiful Lake Atitlan.
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Chichicastenango market visit
Visit the vibrant and bustling market of Chichicastenango.
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Tikal guided tour of the ruins
Take a guided tour of the remarkable Mayan ruins at Tikal.
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Yaxha guided tour of the ruins
Explore the lesser-known Mayan site of Yaxha on a guided tour.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Departure taxes or border taxes
Any departure or border taxes are not covered by the tour.
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is left to your discretion as a personal gesture.
Age Policy
Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to check room requirements.There is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and transportation, including arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 12, and an hour-long flight from Guatemala City to Flores.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights in 3-4 star hotels, including a stay at a beautiful Belize eco-lodge on the rain-forested banks of the Macal River, offering a range of activities and relaxation amidst nature.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect at Chaa Creek in Belize?
At Chaa Creek, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as strolling along orchid-lined trails, canoeing on the River Macal, horseback riding, and biking. You can also relax at the hotel's spa or explore the Mountain Pine Ridge with its waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and caves. Additionally, you can visit Mayan archaeological sites like Xunantunich and Caracol.
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What is the significance of the Tikal archaeological site?
Tikal is a remarkable Mayan archaeological site known for its steep, stepped temples that rise above the forest canopy. It was once one of the largest and most important Mayan city-states, featuring well-preserved pyramids and temples. The site is also home to diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and parrots.
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What can I expect to see at the Chichicastenango market?
At the Chichicastenango market, you can expect to find a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with a wide array of textiles, clothes, tapestries, hand-carved masks, leather goods, and fresh fruits and vegetables brought in by local farmers from surrounding villages.
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What is unique about the villages around Lake Atitlan?
The villages around Lake Atitlan are unique because each one has its own traditional dress and speaks its own Mayan dialect. The area is known for its captivating beauty, with cobalt waters reflecting the forested volcanic cones and traditional villages along its shores.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 12. There is no maximum age, but those aged 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability form. If booking for a family, it is advised to contact the tour operator to check room requirements.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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