Guatemala and Belize: Vibrant cities and remote ruins
Day 1-3 Antigua
Bask in luxury and relax at one of Antigua’s many resort areas. There are 365 beaches to sample, from lively Dickenson Bay to deserted Half Moon Bay. Whether you’re looking for glass-bottom boat trips, banana boat rides or jet ski rental, there’s something to suit everyone. Away from the beach, shop in the island’s capital, charming St John’s. Nelson’s Dockyard will delight history fans while the Sunday night party at nearby Shirley Heights is a must for party-goers.
Transfers to Lake Atitian 2h43m
Day 4-6 Lake Atitian
Visit the deepest lake in Central America, Lake Atitlan. Ringed by towns and villages, the area is a favourite for backpackers. The area’s scenic beauty, Mayan culture and tourist amenities attract many visitors for hiking, bird watching, kayaking and diving.
Transfers to Guatemala 2h53m
Day 7-9 Guatemala
Famed for its active volcanoes, extensive rainforests and Mayan ruins, Guatemala prides itself on its rich Mayan heritage. Its capital Guatemala City stepped up to the role when nearby Antigua was flatteded in a earthquake and it’s now a pulsating hub of commerce and trade. Markets in narby Panajachel, Antigua, and Santiago have beautiful, affordable locally woven textiles, pillows, and rugs.
Transfers to Flores 8h04m1h00m
Day 10-12 Flores
Located on an island on Lago Petén Itzá, Flores might draw the crowds keen to visit the nearby ruins at Tikal but it’s a worthy destination in its own right. The cobbled streets are lined with red-roofed homes and businesses, churches and restaurants. Things to see near Flores include La Cueva de la Serpiente in Ak’tun Kan, the wildlife rescue centre, Asociaciòn de Rescate y Conservaciòn de Vida Silvestre and the Petencito Zoo, which is home to raccoons, monkeys and jaguars.
Transfers to Tikal 1h07m
Day 13-15 Tikal
Wander amidst the ruins at Tikal, constructed by the Mayans over two thousand years ago. The ceremonial ruins of the Lost World Pyramid are fascinating, as is the Temple of the Grand Jaguar.Don’t miss temple IV, the tallest Pre-Columbian structure in the Americas at 70 metres tall.
Transfers to San Ignacio 2h01m
Day 16-18 San Ignacio
Rustic San Ignacio is a convenient base from which to visit the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pec and see the mural entitled ‘Land of the Gods’ on the Scotia Bank wall that was a joint project by local artists. An absolute must-see is the Green Iguana Conservation Project where you can interact with the friendly, green iguanas that lend the project their name.
Transfers to Belize City 1h51m