Classic Guatemala and Belize - 14 nts

2 nts Antigua, 2 nts Lake Atitlan, 2 nts Tikal, 3 nts rainforest lodge, 5 nts island resort

This itinerary starts at the beautiful colonial town of Antigua where you will tour the sights before visiting the stunning Lake Atitlan where you will have the opportunity to visit two fascinating Mayan Villages on the lake. You can see a demonstration of back weaving at the women's cooperative in San Juan village and experience the Mayan culture in Santiago.

Next you will fly Flores in the northern Peten region of Guatemala to visit the highly excavated Tikal Mayan Ruins which are set within protected rainforest. Climb temple IV at the early hours of the morning to witness the sun rising above the temples and listen to sounds of the parrots, toucans and howler monkeys as the jungle comes alive. Travel across the border into Belize to stay at one of the premier eco-lodges in Belize and experience stepping back into the Ancient Mayan world by visiting Actun Tunich Muknal a cave once used by Mayans for ceremonial purposes including sacrifice.

The latter part of the holiday provides the opportunity to relax on the beach, dive the barrier reef or snorkel the fascinating corals at the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve on Ambergris Caye.

Price Guide

From £3,895 per person based on double occupancy

These prices are based on an average flight price of £850 per person and High Season room rates.

Includes

International flights via Madrid to Guatemala City and back from Belize City to UK
Breakfast at Meson de Maria
Half day guided walking tour of Antigua with lunch
Guided tour of Chichicastenango market on transfer to Lake Atitlan
Breakfast at Hotel Atitlan
Guided tour of Lake Atitlan and villages of Santiago and San Juan
Internal flights from Guatemala City to Flores Airport
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Jungle Lodge
Sunrise tour and guided tour of Tikal Mayan Ruins
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Black Rock Lodge
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour
Guided hiking from Black Rock Lodge
Continental breakfast at Victoria House
Internal flights from San Ignacio Airstrip to San Pedro Airstrip, Ambergris Caye
Internal flights from San Pedro Airstrip to Belize International Airport

Day to Day

Below is an example day to day itinerary.

Day 1

Fly from London to Madrid and connect onwards to Guatemala City. Transfer to Antigua on arrival and overnight in the centrally located Meson de Maria.

Day 2

Enjoy a guided half day walking tour around the cobbled streets of Antigua visiting the La Merced church, the cathedral and the ruins of the San Francisco monastery that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Overnight Meson de Maria (B)

Day 3

Today you will transfer to Lake Atitlan stopping on the way to visit Chichicastenango market,this highland village is famous for its huge traditional market. Overnight Hotel Atitlan (B)

Day 4

Take a scenic boat ride across the lake and visit the villages of San Juan and Santiago. Overnight Hotel Atitlan (BL).

Day 5

Return to Guatemala City and fly to Flores in the northern region of Guatemala. Transfer by vehicle to the Jungle Lodge which is located in the Tikal National Park, walking distance from the ruins. Overnight Jungle Lodge (B).

Day 6

Up early accompanied by your guide to climb the steps of Temple IV and witness the sunrise over the Tikal Mayan Ruins. After breakfast you will continue a guided tour of Tikal. Overnight Jungle Lodge (BL).

Day 7

Transfer across the Guatemalan and Belize border on to Black Rock Lodge. Enjoy the onsite activities at the lodge that could include night walks, river tubing or canoeing on the Macal River. Overnight Black Rock Lodge (BD).

Day 8

Guided tour of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, follow your guide across several streams and the swim across a small pool of water through the hourglass entrance of the cave, where you will clamber across rocks, past stalactites and stalagmites until you climb higher to a cavern to witness ancient mayan ceremonial artefacts left as originally found and the calcified skeleton of a young girl left as sacrifice. Overnight Black Rock Lodge (BLD).

Day 9

Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Macal River and Black Rock gorge as you hike the grounds with your guide. Overnight Black Rock Lodge (BLD).

Day 10

Fly from San Ignacio to the island of Ambergris Caye where you will be staying at the luxury resort Victoria House (B).

Day 11 to 13

Relax on the beach or in one of the two pools. Excursions could include diving, snorkelling or fishing on the nearby Barrier Reef. A highlight for any stay at Ambergris Caye is to visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve where you can snorkel and see a variety of tropical reef fish, diverse corals and get up close to stingrays, turtles, moray eels and nurse sharks.