Highlights of Guatemala and Belize - 12 Days

Highlights of Guatemala and Belize - 12 Days

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12 Days From

$4455

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:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2709/HOGB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

12-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Canoeing-Kayaking, Walking

From: $4455

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Antigua - Discover the picturesque Colonial town with cobbled streets and a stunning backdrop of volcanoes.

  • Chichicastenango - Visit the bustling market with brightly colored textiles and tapestries.

  • Lake Atitlan - Cruise across the lake to Santiago de Atitlan and explore the lakeside villages.

  • Tikal - Take a guided tour of the remarkable Mayan archaeological site with towering temples.

  • Yaxha - Explore the lesser-visited archaeological site nestled within a lush jungle.

  • Chaa Creek - Enjoy a range of activities at a Belize eco-lodge on the rain-forested banks of the Macal River.

  • San Ignacio - Discover the Mountain Pine Ridge with its waterfalls, rivers, and Mayan archaeological sites.

Itinerary

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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

  • Accommodation
    3-4 star

  • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 3 dinners

    Enjoy daily breakfast, one lunch, and three dinners during your tour.

  • 11 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 11 nights.

  • Arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 12

    Transfers are provided upon arrival on day 1 and departure on day 12.

  • Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

    Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicle transfers and transportation.

  • Escorted by an English-speaking tour leader

    An English-speaking tour leader will escort you throughout the tour.

  • Guided walking tour of Antigua

    Participate in a guided walking tour of the historic city of Antigua.

  • Lake Atitlan excursion by boat

    Enjoy a boat excursion on the beautiful Lake Atitlan.

  • Chichicastenango market visit

    Visit the vibrant and bustling market of Chichicastenango.

  • Tikal guided tour of the ruins

    Take a guided tour of the remarkable Mayan ruins at Tikal.

  • Yaxha guided tour of the ruins

    Explore the lesser-known Mayan site of Yaxha on a guided tour.

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Departure taxes or border taxes

    Any departure or border taxes are not covered by the tour.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Jan 16, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025
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Prices last published on 17-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • 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.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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