24/7 support
No card fees

Excellent

Highlights of Guatemala and Belize

12 days

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.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

12 days

Starts

Antigua

Ends

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 20

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Thursdays

Hotel Rating

3-4 star

Countries

Belize, Guatemala

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 3
Per Person From
USD$4,465.00
Deposit From
Final payment
USD$2,679.00
$6,251.00

Tour Highlights

Antigua - Discover this picturesque Colonial town with its charming cobbled streets and leafy central plaza, set against a stunning backdrop of smouldering volcanoes
Chichicastenango - Visit the vast, bustling market and wander the labyrinthine streets lined with brightly coloured textiles, clothes and tapestries
Lake Atitlan - Cruise across the lake to Santiago de Atitlan, admire the stunning scenery and explore the lakeside villages
Tikal - Take a guided tour of this remarkable Mayan archaeological site, where steep, stepped and vertiginous temples penetrate the forest canopy
Yaxha - Discover this captivating lesser-visited archaeological site nestled within a lush jungle on a guided walking tour
Chaa Creek - Stay at a beautiful Belize eco-lodge on the rain-forested banks of the Macal river and enjoy a range of activities

Included

Breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
11 nights 3-4 star hotels
Arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 12
Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Escorted by an English-speaking tour leader
Guided walking tour of Antigua
Lake Atitlan excursion by boat
Chichicastenango market visit
Tikal guided tour of the ruins
Yaxha guided tour of the ruins
Chaa Creek outdoor activities

Not Included

International flights and visas
Departure taxes or border taxes
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1 - 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.

Overnight: Antigua

Days 2-3 - Guided city tour

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.

Overnight: Antigua (2)
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 4 - Chichicastenango & Lake Atitlan

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.

Overnight: Santa Catarina de Polopo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Excursion on Lake Atitlan

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.

Overnight: Santa Catarina de Polopo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Free time to explore the lakeside

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.

Overnight: Santa Catarina de Polopo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Flight to Flores

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.

Overnight: Flores
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Tikal Mayan archaeological site

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.

Overnight: Flores
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Across to Belize

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.

Overnight: Chaa Creek
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 10-11 - Chaa Creek eco lodge activities

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.

Overnight: San Ignacio
Meals: Breakfast x2, Dinner x2

Day 12 - Belize City

Today marks the end of our tour. There's an included transfer to Belize Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Antigua

Double

$85per passenger

Twin

$85per passenger

Single

$145per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Airport Transfer

Only book this transfer in conjunction with pre or post tour accommodation. Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

$175

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Meson De Maria
Antigua

Antigua boasts numerous charming Spanish colonial-style hotels, and this stands as one of the most captivating. Set within a refurbished colonial-era residence, it offers snug, exquisitely adorned guest rooms of diverse sizes, encircling petite patios adorned with terraces and balconies adorned in lush tropical greenery. Throughout the property, antiques are thoughtfully placed, complementing exposed brickwork, wicker furnishings, and crackling open fires, creating an upscale rustic chic ambiance. A rooftop terrace invites relaxation under the sun, affording views of the city from comfortable loungers.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Villa Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina de Polopo

Villa Santa Catarina lies 4km from the tourist hub of Panajachel in the quaint village of Santa Catarina Polopo and offers picturesque views of the lake. The hotel centres around a well-maintained small landscaped garden, featuring a medium-sized swimming pool surrounded by loungers and a manicured lawn. The spacious rooms are spread across two levels, each equipped with a terrace or balcony, with most boasting lake and volcano views. Built in an appealing colonial style, its relaxed feel makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a peaceful escape with minimal crowds.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Villa Maya
Flores

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Petén, Villa Maya Lodge offers a secluded retreat for its guests. Located a 45-minute drive from the magnificent Tikal Mayan site and just 10 minutes' drive from the nearby Flores town this is the perfect base to explore the region. The rooms are contemporary and well-lit, each featuring a ceiling fan, private bathroom, and a balcony showcasing lake views. With no TVs in the rooms guests can make the most of the appealing swimming pool with an adjoining plunge pool, thatched restaurant, and lakeside bar.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
The Lodge at ChaaCreek
San Ignacio

Located within a lush rainforest-covered valley near the Macal River, The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a charming jungle retreat. All en-suite rooms have WiFi, A/C and offer space, comfort and privacy. The infinity pool, flower-filled gardens and spa offer relaxation and peace for all guests, whilst the adventurous can partake in organized activities led by naturalist guides. A stay at Chaa Creek contributes to Chaa Creek Cares, an initiative supporting various social and environmental projects such as local kids' summer camps, scholarships, clean-up drives, and conservation efforts.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers who are happy to share a room with another traveller of the same sex.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
Shared
16 Jan - 27 Jan
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
17 Apr - 28 Apr
$4,605
$6,215
$4,605
14 Aug - 25 Aug
$4,465
$5,635
$4,465
9 Oct - 20 Oct
$4,465
$5,635
$4,465
27 Nov - 8 Dec
$4,465
$5,635
$4,465

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in Belize to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

4.4 out of 5 based on 277 reviews