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Guatemala and Belize Holidays: Antigua + Lake Atitlan + Tikal + Caracol Mayan Ruins

Guatemala + Belize: Antigua + Lake Atitlan + Tikal

14 NIGHTS FROM:

$3,944

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

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• Guatemala and Belize holidays

• Antigua

• Chichi Market

• Lake Atitlan

• San Juan & Santiago Villages

• Tikal National Park

• ATM & Barton Creek Caves

• Caracol Mayan Ruins

• Ambergris Caye

• Snorkelling & Diving

Our Guatemala and Belize holidays combine the highlights of these two wonderful Central American countries. Starting in the lovely colonial city of Antigua, visit vast Lake Atitlan & Tikal National Park. Then cross the border into Belize to explore the Caracol Mayan ruins & caves of the Cayo District, before flying to spectacular Ambergris Caye. All transfers, light aircraft flights & sightseeing included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Guatemala City Airport and transferred 2-hours to the former Spanish capital of Antigua, situated in a valley between coffee farms, indigenous villages and three imposing volcanoes.

This small city renowned for its beautiful colonial buildings, many of which were restored following an earthquake in 1773. Today the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before checking in to your hotel we drive up the Hill of the Cross (Cerro de Cruz), which offers sweeping views over the city towards the Agua Volcano. This famous landmark is dedicated to Saint James, the patron saint of the city.

Note: Your drivers will only speak Spanish. Your guides will speak English.

Day 2

This morning enjoy a privately guided walking through the rough cobblestone streets of Antigua ('Ancient City'), which is surrounded by three magnificent volcanoes - Agua, Acatenango and Fuego. Originally called Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala (City of Saint James of the Knights of Guatemala), Antigua used to be the capital of Guatemala. However following the Santa Marta earthquakes which destroyed much of the city in 1773, the Spanish moved their capital to Guatemala City.

The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most famous landmarks in Antigua. It has been rebuilt several times following earthquakes, although the buildings on either side are now largely ruins. It was originally constructed as a bridge, allowing the nuns living in the convents which once flanked the street to cross over without being seen by the public, as they had taken a vow to avoid all contact with anyone from outside the convent.

We visit the beautiful Baroque La Merced Monastery which is central to the city's famous Holy Week processions and the Church of San Francisco, where you can see the tomb of Peter of Saint Joseph de Betancur, Guatemala's first saint. We also view some of the city's ornately decorated churches and Spanish colonial ruins, whilst absorbing its cultural, architectural and social history - ending at Antigua Guatemala Cathedral.

Your afternoon is free to explore more of Antigua independently.

Day 3

This morning leave Antigua and transfer 2.5-hours to the market town of Chichicastenango (known locally as 'Chichi') in the Western Highlands, which is home to one of the most colourful indigenous craft markets in Central America

Here you will see local Maya people in their traditional dress going about their daily lives - working in the fields, collecting firewood, travelling between markets and selling their wares. On market days you can spend time in the artisan craft area, where countless stalls overflow with a variety of handmade textiles, carved wood and ceramic crafts, as well as the fruit and vegetable sections where locals buy produce and household goods. Across the market square you can visit the small Roman Catholic Chapel of Calvary (Capilla del Calvario) and the famous Saint Tomas Church, where both Maya and Catholic rituals are performed in the same sanctuary reflecting the intertwining of these two diverse faiths in this region. Also be sure to admire the mural that runs along the wall of the Town Hall, which tells the story of the civil war.

After lunch (own account) continue 2-hours to spectacular Lake Atitlán. Surrounded by rugged hills, a trio of towering volcanoes and a handful of small villages, this lake was formed more than 80,000 years ago during a violent volcanic eruption. Tz'utujil and Kaqchiquel Mayas have plied its shores for centuries and continue to do so today, wearing vibrant traditional clothing and practising age-old Maya customs. The area is also popular for kayaking, biking and zip-lining.

Panajachel is the lake's main hub. From here, boats depart regularly for destinations like San Juan La Laguna, which is known for its hand-woven, naturally dyed textiles and San Pedro, where intrepid visitors can summit a 9,908 ft (3,020 m) volcano.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish. Chichi market is held every Thursday and Sunday.

Day 4

Today enjoy a full day private tour exploring the small villages of San Juan & Santiago, that overlook majestic Lake Atitlán. This lake is in the caldera of what was once a vast volcano and is about 10 miles long, 5 miles wide and 1,000 ft deep. Because of its size it has its own microclimate, with daytime temperatures constant at around 28 C all year, but dropping to near freezing at night.

In San Juan we watch indigenous weavers mix natural dyes from locally grown plants and flowers, and see the women use a backstrap loom to create intricate textiles, thread by colourful thread. We also visit a workshop of indigenous art, before boarding the boat for the cruise to Santiago.

After an included lunch, we set out to find the house of Maximón, the Maya folk saint who moves to a different home each year in a great ceremonial procession. A shaman may be performing a ritual for a local follower or two gathered at Maximón's candle-lit altar. Afterwards you can visit the church, learn more about the town's vivid history and browse in the local market, with its distinctive textiles.

Day 5

After a morning at leisure, transfer 4-hours to Guatemala City Airport for your flight to Flores.

You will be met at Flores Airport and transferred 1-hour to Tikal National Park. Here deep in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major archaeological sites of the Mayan civilisation.

Note: Your drivers today will only speak Spanish.

As this is a twin propeller plane, it is essential to avoid oversized baggage and remain within 20 kg, plus one carry on item up to 6.8 kg that must fit on your lap. If for any reason your bags cannot fit, they will follow on the next available flight – usually later the same day, or early the following morning. Our ground handler will ensure your bags are taken to your hotel. Airport tax of approx $3 per person is payable locally.

Day 6

Set out early today for a full day private tour of Tikal National Park, the largest archaeological site and urban centre of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, where over 3,000 ancient structures rise from the rainforest floor.

Once home to an estimated at 50,000 residents, Tikal flourished from 800 BC to 900 AD. The site is simply enormous and includes temples, palaces, squares, tombs, stone monuments and altars. You can follow in the footsteps of both Maya royalty and commoners, as your guide leads you to sites such as the majestic Great Plaza and its huge Temple of the Grand Jaguar, the Temple of the Masks and Temple IV, which at 230 ft (70 m) is the tallest pre-Colombian structure in the Americas. Also view the Northern, Central and Southern Acropolis, the Lost World Pyramid, Plaza of the Seven Temples, Mundo Perdido, Bat Palace, Temple of Inscriptions and much more.

Not only will you enjoy a fascinating tour of this impressive Mayan citadel that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you will also experience the sights and sounds of the tropical birds and animals that live in the jungle canopy, including howler and spider monkeys, toucans, parrots and macaws. However be warned - it is tiring and requires strong legs, with lots of walking and climbing in the heat of the rainforest.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included today. Also be sure to visit the museum at the visitor centre before returning to your hotel.

Day 7

This morning leave Tikal and transfer 2.5-hours across the border to the Cayo District in Belize - stopping for immigration formalities at Melchor de Mencos, where you will switch vehicles and drivers.

Located in the west of Belize, close to the border with Guatemala, this vast stretch of highland rainforest contains some of the country's most remote and rugged terrain. It offers the opportunity to explore the great outdoors on foot, mountain bike, horseback, kayak or canoe.

After checking in to your lodge, your afternoon is at leisure.

Note: Your drivers today will only speak Spanish. Border crossing fees of approximately $19 per person are payable locally.

Day 8

Today enjoy a full day shared tour to two ancient Mayan sites.

We travel through the scenic Mountain Pine Ridge area and pass through a traditional Mennonite community, where horse and carriage rule the road, before going off-road to reach the incredible Barton Creek Cave, which was only properly investigated by archaeologists in 1998.

After being equipped with a helmet, life jacket and powerful lamp, climb into your canoe and gently paddle into this 4-mile (7.5 km) limestone cave system used by the ancient Mayans for sacrificial ceremonies and burials. Stalactites hang high overhead, as you glide through large cathedral-like chambers with impressive calcite crystal formations and bats hanging on the walls. Duck under low limestone bridges, as you progress further into the cave. On this low intensity adventure, your guide will explain the relevance of these caves to the Mayan people and their archaeological significance.

After lunch (own account) we visit the Xunantunich ruins (meaning 'stone woman'), which flourished towards the end of the Classic Period (300-900 AD). To get there our 4x4 jeep is winched across the river on the local 'ferry'. After a short drive, we then walk uphill to the site. This riverfront city had six major plazas, surrounded by more than 25 palaces and temples. Marvel at the amazing El Castillo Temple, which soars 130 feet (40 m) over the lush landscape. Its famous decorative stucco frieze once extended around the entire temple.

Day 9

Today enjoy a full day shared tour through the stunning Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a protected national park that is home to much endemic wildlife and a myriad of underground caves, to the famous Caracol Ruins - the largest Mayan archaeological site in Belize.

The 3-hour drive starts out on a paved road from San Ignacio, before continuing off-road through the sprawling national park, which features dramatic waterfalls and pristine rivers and pools. Notice the change from pine forest to tropical rainforest as you enter the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, which surrounds the ruins.

The impressive ruins at Caracol (meaning 'snail') are situated on the Vaca Plateau in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. This was one of the most important regional political centres in the Maya Lowlands, covering an area of over 30 square miles (78 square km) of thick jungle. It was much larger than present day Belize City, with twice its population. There are over 35,000 identified buildings including five plazas, a cosmic observatory and thousands of other structures. Follow the footsteps of Maya rulers by climbing up the steps of the massive Caana pyramid and see the three temples sharing its lofty peak. Enjoy a panoramic view of rainforest canopy as you look out from 43 m (140 ft) above the jungle floor. Because the ruins lie within a reserve, you may encounter exotic birds and other wildlife as you meander through the ruins.

After a guided tour of the ruins and an included picnic lunch we return home, stopping along the way at the alluring Rio Frio Cave, where you can take a refreshing dip in pristine pools formed by waterfalls.

Day 10

Today enjoy a full day shared tour exploring the impressive Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave - the 'Cave of the Stone Sepulchre' - with included picnic lunch.

Located in the heart of the rainforest, the ATM cave system was a sacred place for the pre-Hispanic Mayans of Belize. A series of chambers ends in a huge 300m by 50m 'cathedral', where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. This fascinating living museum will allow you to view historic artifacts in their original setting.

After driving 1-hour to the trailhead, we walk for 45-minutes through the dense jungle of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, wading across three streams as we learn more about the flora and fauna. At the entrance to the caves you will be fitted with a hard hat with headlamp and a life jacket, before swimming into the cave. Once inside climb onto some large rocks and wade upstream against the river for about 1-mile. Climb over, under and around some huge boulders, swim across two small lakes and climb up a steep ladder to 'the cathedral', where most artefacts have been found. This site is unique because these items have been left here and not removed to museums. You can also squeeze into smaller chambers, where you will find more ancient pottery and skeletons from Mayan sacrifices, and see impressive stalagmites and stalactites. You will be inside the cave for about 2-hours, before returning along the same route. Swimming is mainly required at the main entrance, but may be needed in a few other places inside the cave, depending on water levels. Mostly you will be wading through water that can vary between waist and neck height.

Note: This is a demanding tour that needs a good level of physical fitness, including the ability to clamber over high boulders and swim. If you suffer from claustrophobia, or if this excursion is too physically demanding for you, we suggest you remove this day from your itinerary.

You must wear proper river shoes with covered toes (or trainers) and socks today. Wear old light-weight trousers or shorts, and a top that allows for easy movement (ideally wear a swimsuit underneath) and expect to throw these away afterwards. Bring a full change of clothes for when you are finished, so you don’t get cold. Mosquito repellent is prohibited as it washes off as you enter the cave. Cameras are also strictly prohibited inside the cave. Children must be at least 8 years old and taller than 40 in (102 cm).

Day 11

Today take a shared transfer to the small town of San Ignacio for your light aircraft flight to Ambergris Caye.

You will be met at San Pedro Airport, with a shared transfer to your hotel on this spectacular Caribbean island - the largest 'caye' (low-elevation sandy island on the surface of a coral reef) in Belize.

Note: Your drivers will only speak Spanish today.

As this is a single propeller plane, it is essential to avoid oversized baggage and remain within 23 kg, plus one carry on item up to 6.8 kg that must fit on your lap. Oversized bags may not fit into the luggage pods and may not be able to be transported at all.

Days 12 To 14

At leisure to relax on Ambergris Caye, surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

With a fun and laid-back atmosphere, this tiny island is only 25-miles (40 km) long and 5-miles (8 km) across at its widest point, although in many places it is much less than this. Formerly a fishing village, San Pedro is the island's only town and its sandy streets lined with waterfront restaurants and bars are the centre for most sailing, diving and fishing activities.

There are many simple pleasures to be had here, including swimming in the crystal clear waters, riding a bike along the beach or enjoying water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing.

If you wish to snorkel or dive, you will need to take a boat ride to the magnificent Belize Barrier Reef, which runs parallel to Ambergris Caye. Here you can explore famous sites such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve with its abundance of sea life, and the 400 ft (124 m) deep Great Blue Hole.

Note: Please be aware that there is a lot of sargassum seaweed on the beach, which is cleared by the hotels daily. The closest reefs for snorkelling and diving are about 15-20 minutes by boat.

Day 15

Transfer to San Pedro Airport for your light aircraft flight to Belize City Airport for your flight home.

Note: As this is a single propeller plane, it is essential to avoid oversized baggage and remain within 23 kg, plus one carry on item up to 6.8 kg that must fit on your lap. Oversized bags may not fit into the luggage pods and may not be able to be transported at all.

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