14 Day itinerary in Guatemala, Central America & Caribbean
An exceptional tour combining Guatemala and Belize for travelers looking for a change of scenery. The itinerary first covers the highlands of Guatemala, between lakes and volcanoes. Then it heads to the Peten and its Mayan sites hidden in the jungle. We then cross the border of Belize to discover th... Read More
By Tristan and Tristan
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Indigenous culture
Skiing/Snowboarding
Visit markets
Meet local people
Hiking
Kayak & Canoe
Rafting
Rural home stays
Snorkeling/Diving
Cycling
Nature & Wildlife
Culture & Heritage
Explorer Trips
Start
Night
End
Embark on a city tour of Antigua and admire in the distance the volcanoes Fuego, Agua and Acatenango
Discover the Mayan Underworld in the Candelaria Caves one of the largest networks in Latin America
Explore the impressive city of Tikal, built in the 4th century BC
Snorkel in Hol Chan, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, known as one of the world’s best dive sites
Embark on a city tour of Antigua and admire in the distance the volcanoes Fuego, Agua and Acatenango
Discover the Mayan Underworld in the Candelaria Caves one of the largest networks in Latin America
Explore the impressive city of Tikal, built in the 4th century BC
Snorkel in Hol Chan, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, known as one of the world’s best dive sites
High-end Accommodation
Accommodation Categories
Guatemala City Airport Transfer to Antigua
Bienvenidos a Guatemala! Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, meet your driver and transfer to Antigua.
Accommodation:
Antigua Walking Tour
Surrounded by 3 majestic volcanoes, the ancient capital of Central America has suffered throughout its history many natural hazards: earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. But Antigua is now one of the most beautiful cities in Guatemala. This morning, take a guided tour of the city which is host to more than thirty monasteries and convents and a grand cathedral in the central square. The cobblestone streets adjoin the colorful patios of the colonial houses. Stroll along the arcades of Parque Central, admiring in the distance the volcanoes Fuego, Agua and Acatenango. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure in Antigua.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Visit to Iximché, Lake Atitlan and transfer to Panajachel
Departure for the Mayan site of Iximché, capital of the Mayas Kaqchikel who allied themselves with the Spanish settlers facing the Maya Quiché. The conquistadors established the first Spanish city of the country, but the Kaqchikels revolted and burned the city in 1562. The site is sometimes the place of Mayan rituals practiced by shamans and locals. Emblematic Lake Atitlan: We continue for Lake Atitlan, a true symbol of Guatemala. This beautiful lake is nestled between 3 volcanoes at 1600 meters above sea level - the panoramas are magnificent. There are many small villages that sit on the shores of the lake, often only accessible by boat. Here they celebrate local festivals and host markets rooted in tradition. Arrive in Panajachel at the end of the day.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Explore the surroundings of Panajachel
Early in the morning, departure by boat for Santa Cruz la Laguna. Walk to the village of Jaibalito with beautiful views of the volcanoes Toliman, San Pedro and Cerro de Oro. The walk allows you to appreciate the local life: the farmers work in the corn or coffee plantations, we meet villagers on the paths along the lake. Afterwards, discover the small Mayan village of San Juan La Laguna. Here the weavers' cooperative will open its doors to teach you about the techniques of natural coloring and traditional weaving. Appreciate the naive paintings that represent scenes of daily life in the region. Return by boat to Panajachel at the end of the afternoon.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Market day in Chichicastenango and transfer to Guatemala City
Departure for Chichicastenango and its famous market (Thursday and Sunday). The Kaqchikel Indigenous descend twice a week from surrounding villages to sell their wares. Women wear the traditional huipil representing the seasons of the Mayan calendar. The city is transformed into a real kaleidoscope of colors and smells. In the center of the village, shamans purify the stairs of the church with incense and practice Mayan rituals. Transfer to Guatemala City.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Highlands in the Verapaces
Today, depart for the region of Alta Verapaz whose mountainous landscapes are covered with mist, waterfalls and lush forests. Visit a coffee cooperative made up of small producers of the Q'eqchi ethnic group in the highlands of Cobán. A community member accompanies visitors to the plantation, explaining the history of coffee in Guatemala, the processes of production and roasting. Continue to Cobán, capital of Alta Verapaz located at 1300 meters altitude. The name of the city comes from the Indian Quek'chi "between the clouds".
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Mayan Underworld in the Candelaria Caves
Today, head north of Alta Verapaz to explore the Caves of Candelaria. The main gallery is nearly 22 kilometers long, plus 60 kilometers of additional networks, making up one of the largest underground networks in Latin America. Take an excursion of approximately 1.5 hours to discover a part of the network that the Mayas regarded as an entrance to the underworld of Xibalba. In the afternoon, continue to Flores in the heart of Petén.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Tikal: Jewel of the Mayan World
Today is dedicated to the exploration of the impressive city of Tikal, built in the 4th century BC. The city reached its peak between the 3rd and 9th century AD. Some 3,000 structures emerge from the rainforest in a mystical atmosphere. The Temple of the Great Jaguar faces that of the masks on the main square, in the center of the city. At a height of 65 meters, the Serpent Temple was the tallest building in the New World until the 19th century. Nature very much still present at Tikal, engulfing every traveler who enters the reserve. Spider monkeys, pheasants, coatis, toucans and other multicolored parrots are on display. The screams of the howler monkeys can be heard for miles around. Odors of lianas and roots surprise you as you explore the site. In 2017, new research techniques have uncovered temples still buried in the jungle. Tikal has not finished revealing all its mysteries. Transfer to Flores on a peninsula of Lake Peten Itza.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Departure for the community of Nuevo Horizonte and transfer to Belize
The cooperative was founded by former guerrillas in 1996 at the end of the Guatemalan armed conflict. 130 families settled in Nuevo Horizonte to develop various projects, particularly in the agricultural sector and solidarity tourism. Discover the history of the community, the daily life of the families, their reforestation project. A rich experience of sharing. Pick up from the Belize side of the border. After about twenty minutes, you enter via a track into the forest of Mountain Pine Ridge, one of the green lungs of the country. The reserve covers 430 km2 and is home to nearly 400 species of birds, numerous waterfalls and natural pools in a green setting. The setting is ideal for hikers and ornithologists. Installation at your hotel, a charming lodge on the edge of the Makal River.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Mountain Pine Ridge National Park
The reserve attracts travelers for its exceptional flora and fauna. You can observe a multitude of birds, including some rare specimens such as the solitary eagle. The 5 big cats of Belize have taken up residence in the reserve but are more discreet: puma, jaguar, ocelot, tiger margay and jaguarondi. Possibility to walk alone or with a guide ten kilometers of marked trails on the private reserve. These trails lead to little corners of paradise for swimming in rivers and waterfalls. Many activities are also offered on site to travelers: guided hikes, bird watching with specialist guides, Yoga, mountain biking, Canoeing or even Tubing (aboard a large buoy carried by the current).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
From the jungle to the Caribbean - Transfer to San Pedro
Transfer from your hotel to Belize City water taxi station. Water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye (not included - to pay on site).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Dat at leisure in San Pedro on Ambergris paradisiacal Caye
Ambergris Caye is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Belize with dream beaches, lagoons and exceptional seabed. Enjoy the sea a cocktail in hand. Possibility of organizing many fishing trips, snorkeling, diving or inland tours (not included).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Hol Chan - Snorkeling Tour
Hol Chan is our most popular Snorkel Adventure. As a matter of fact, it is the second most popular dive/snorkel site in Belize. Thousands of large and small fish inhabit this magnificent underwater National Park. The reef system that borders Belize was recognized as a World Heritage Site, by UNESCO, several years ago. Hol Chan or “Little Channel,” which cuts all the way through the reef, lives up to its reputation among some of the world’s best dive sites. Hol Chan is safe for beginners, and breathtaking for advanced divers. Don’t miss it! Trips depart your hotel's dock at 9:00Am or 2:00PM and lasts about 2 1/2 Hours.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Transfer to Belize City and Airport transfer
Free transfer from your hotel to the San Pedro taxi boat station. Taxi boat from San Pedro to Belize City. Private transfer to Belize International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Meals
Transport
Activities
Extras
Not Included
Travel that Makes a Difference
By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.
Let’s regenerate the planet together
We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.
$2,606.00 USD