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 and ending in Belize City
Visiting: Antigua, Panajachel, Santa Catarina de Polopo, Flores, San Ignacio, Belize City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2709/HOGB
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
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.
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day tour of Guatemala and Belize, taking in the contrasting cultures and landscapes of these beautiful countries. Guatemala with its rich Mayan heritage, beautiful highlands and towering volcanoes, and Belize with its lush rainforests and laid-back Caribbean vibe. Starting in enchanting Antiqua, visit beautiful Lake Atitlan and marvel at the vast Mayan city of Tikal nestled in the rainforest. Then cross into Belize to end your adventure at a tranquil jungle hideaway, where you'll discover diverse flora and fauna and enjoy outdoor activities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Antigua
Location: Antigua
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: Overnight: Antigua (2)
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: Panajachel
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: Santa Catarina de Polopo
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: Flores
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: Overnight: 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
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11 nights 3-4 star hotels
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Arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 12
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Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
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Escorted by an English-speaking tour leader
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Guided walking tour of Antigua
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Lake Atitlan excursion by boat
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Chichicastenango market visit
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Tikal guided tour of the ruins
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Yaxha guided tour of the ruins
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Departure taxes or border taxes
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Tipping - an entirely 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.
Check out our Q&As
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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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