Itinerary #1: Guatemala & Belize Adventure: Antigua, Lake Atitlan & Caye Caulker
Experience the diverse beauty of Central America on this Guatemala and Belize adventure, from the historic cities of Antigua and Guatemala City to serene Lake Atitlán and the tropical paradise of Caye Caulker. With highlights such as hiking to Pacaya volcano, exploring the ancient ruins of Tikal National Park, and snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef, it's perfect for travelers who love a blend of culture, nature, and outdoor fun.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Guatemala City, Transfer to Antigua | Antigua |
Day 2 | Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano, Spa Day in Santa Teresita | Antigua |
Day 3 | Antigua Walking Tour, Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class | Antigua |
Day 4 | Transfer to Lake Atitlán, Lake Atitlán Village Tour | Lake Atitlán |
Day 5 | Kayaking & Hiking Tour at Lake Atitlán | Lake Atitlán |
Day 6 | Paragliding Above Lake Atitlán | Lake Atitlán |
Day 7 | Transfer to Guatemala City, Guatemala City Tour | Guatemala City |
Day 8 | Transfer to Flores, Explore Tikal National Park | Flores |
Day 9 | Visit the Crystal Blue Waters of Crater Azul | Flores |
Day 10 | Transfer to San Ignacio (Belize) via Cahal Pech Maya Temples Tour | San Ignacio |
Day 11 | Transfer to Caye Caulker, Explore Caye Caulker | Caye Caulker |
Day 12 | Snorkeling Tour Along the Belize Barrier Reef | Caye Caulker |
Day 13 | Explore Caye Caulker, Half-Day Snorkeling Tour at the Marine Reserve | Caye Caulker |
Day 14 | Transfer to Belize City, Depart |
Your adventure begins in Antigua, Guatemala, where you'll soak in the city's colonial charm with landmarks like the 18th-century Santa Clara Convent, the National Guatemala Museum of Art, and the Colonial Art Museum. Afterward, hike up the Pacaya volcano and have a relaxing spa day at Santa Teresita. For cultural immersion, partake in a traditional Guatemalan cooking class and a walking tour of Antigua. Next, journey to Lake Atitlán and explore its secrets, including a local village tour, before indulging in exciting water sports like kayaking, hiking, and paragliding.
Guatemala City is next on your itinerary, where a city tour awaits. From there, fly to Flores and visit the ruins at Tikal National Park. As you cross the border into Belize, tour the Cahal Pech Maya temples before settling in San Ignacio. The next part of your journey takes you to the picture-perfect island of Caye Caulker, where you can explore the Belize Barrier Reef through a snorkeling tour. Enjoy a free day in Caye Caulker and a half-day snorkeling tour at the Marine Reserve before heading to Belize City for your departure. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Explore Belize & Guatemala: Beaches, Maya Ruins, Caves & Lakes
Ideal for history buffs and beach lovers alike, this itinerary offers a captivating blend of ancient Maya ruins, bustling local markets, stunning beaches, and vibrant underwater ecosystems in Belize and Guatemala. Highlights include a guided tour of the Actún Tunichil Muknal caves, a visit to the Tikal National Park, snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef, and relaxing on the pristine beaches of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in San Ignacio (Belize), Visit Butterfly Farm | San Ignacio |
Day 2 | Actún Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves Tour | San Ignacio |
Day 3 | Horse Riding Tour to Xunantunich Ruins, Transfer to Tikal (Guatemala) | Tikal National Park |
Day 4 | Explore Tikal National Park, Fly to Antigua | Antigua |
Day 5 | Antigua Walking Tour & Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class | Antigua |
Day 6 | Transfer to Lake Atitlán, Lake Atitlán Village Tour | Lake Atitlán |
Day 7 | Transfer to Guatemala City, Visit Chichicastenango Market | Guatemala City |
Day 8 | Fly to Caye Caulker (Belize) & Explore | Caye Caulker |
Day 9 | Snorkeling Tour on the Belize Barrier Reef | Caye Caulker |
Day 10 | Free Day in Caye Caulker | Caye Caulker |
Day 11 | Fly to San Pedro Town & Explore | San Pedro Town |
Day 12 | Free Day in Ambergris Caye & Kayak Rental | San Pedro Town |
Day 13 | Free Day in Ambergris Caye | San Pedro Town |
Day 14 | Transfer to Belize City, Depart |
Begin in San Ignacio, Belize, where you'll visit the enchanting Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm before delving into the Actún Tunichil Muknal caves and touring the mystical ancient Maya underworld. Next, embark on a horse riding tour to the Xunantunich Ruins and transfer to Tikal National Park in Guatemala. Enjoy ancient Maya history as you explore the park and its impressive pyramids. From here, fly to Antigua, where you'll join a guided walking tour and participate in a Guatemalan cooking class and learn to make traditional dishes. On Day 6, sail across Lake Atitlán and enjoy a village tour of surrounding communities.
Continue to Guatemala City, stopping en route to visit the renowned Chichicastenango market. From Guatemala City, fly to Caye Caulker in Belize and spend a day exploring its exotic island charm. Then, prepare to be mesmerized as you embark on a snorkeling tour of the Belize Barrier Reef. You'll then have a free day to relax in Caye Caulker before flying to San Pedro for further exploration. Take advantage of two free days in Ambergris Caye and consider renting a kayak or relaxing on its white sandy beaches before transferring to Belize City for your departure. Learn more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Itinerary #3: Maya History in Caribbean Guatemala & Belize
History buffs and intrepid travelers will enjoy ancient Maya ruins and vibrant Caribbean culture, from the colonial city of Antigua to the Belize Barrier Reef, with cultural experiences in between on this history-focused trip of Guatemala and Belize. Highlights include a hike to the Pacaya volcano, a boat tour of the Río Dulce, exploring the Maya ruins at Tikal National Park, and snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Guatemala City, Free Day in Antigua | Antigua |
Day 2 | Antigua Walking Tour & Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class | Antigua |
Day 3 | Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano | Antigua |
Day 4 | Transfer to Río Dulce | Río Dulce |
Day 5 | Río Dulce Boat Tour & Visit Livingston | Río Dulce |
Day 6 | Finca el Paraíso Hot Springs, Transfer to Las Conchas | Las Conchas |
Day 7 | Drive to Flores & Swim in the Blue Crater | Flores |
Day 8 | Explore Maya Ruins at Tikal National Park | Flores |
Day 9 | Boat Tour Around Flores Island & Explore Actun Kan Caves | Flores |
Day 10 | Transfer to San Ignacio (Belize), Tour Cahal Pech Maya Temples | San Ignacio |
Day 11 | Zipline in the Jungle, Transfer to Caye Caulker | Caye Caulker |
Day 12 | Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef | Caye Caulker |
Day 13 | Free Day in Caye Caulker | Caye Caulker |
Day 14 | Transfer to Belize City, Depart |
In the colonial town of Antigua, Guatemala, explore the city's Central Park, Antigua Cathedral, and City Hall Palace, and taste local food in its historic center. On Day 2, tour Antigua with a local historian, learning about its historical significance and Maya culture. Next, prepare regional Guatemalan dishes during a cooking class, then burn those extra calories with a hike up to the Pacaya volcano, taking in views of other nearby volcanoes. Afterward, transfer to Río Dulce for a boat tour, exploring the Castle of San Felipe and the Afro-Guatemalan culture of Livingston. Visit Finca el Paraíso, a hot spring waterfall, on Day 6, before transferring to Las Conchas.
Continue to Flores to swim in the pristine Blue Crater and sail around Petén Itzán on a boat tour. Then, explore the Maya ruins at Tikal National Park and enjoy the views of the Belize River Valley from one of the temples at Cahal Pech. Afterward, thrill to a ziplining adventure near San Ignacio, then transfer to Caye Caulker, located on the Belize Barrier Reef. Spend a day snorkeling around the reef with diverse marine life and relish a free day on the island, relaxing on the beaches, biking, or sea kayaking. On your final day, you'll take a private transfer to Belize City to catch your onward flight. Learn more
More Great Belize Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Belize? Check out these other Belize itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.