Latin America Adventure Travel From Belize To Guatemala

Day 1 - Caye Caulker

We will greet you at the Philip Goldson International Airport and transfer you to your Caye Caulker beach resort. A one-hour water taxi will take you to Caye Caulker.

Welcome to paradise! Enjoy the stunning sunset, stroll along the sandy beach or indulge into water sport, do whatever you like. Like any good seaside heaven, Caye Caulker is home to super fresh seafood, which you can enjoy at one of the many ‘floor free’ outdoor restaurants. The islands popular lobster are available between 15 June and 15 February. Some of the best meals can be found by the roadside, so why not grab some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke cooked with firewater to really get into the spirit.

Day 2: Tikal

Awake and be prepared for an 8-hour taxi ride to the Belize-Guatemala border. Cross the border to visit Tikal National Park. In Tikal, there will be time to have lunch before visiting the majestic archaeological site. Mounting above the jungle, the five granite temples of Tikal are an impressive sight and one of the most beautiful Maya ruins. The dynamic can climb to the top of the ruins for panoramic views over the canopy and the opportunity to spot toucans, macaws and other colorful birds. Spent tonight under the stars in a camp. The weather is always pleasant in this part of the world but a thin blanket is provided for extra comfort. There are also basic shared bathrooms and showers available at the camp.

Day 3: Rio Dulce

If you want to enjoy more in Tikal, you have the opportunity to visit the site again in the very early morning before departing at 8 am to Flores. It's just a one-hour drive away, and on arrival, your tour leader will take you on a walking tour of the island of Flores. Continue to Rio Dulce (approximately 4 hours). After reaching Rio Dulce, you will be transferred to the hotel by boat. The simplest way to get back into the city is also on the water. Alternatively, a 40-minute jungle trek will get you there. The hotel is an excellent place to relax and look over the water.

Day 4: Rio Dulce

With lots of free time today, consider taking advantage of some of the optional activities available. Maybe take a picturesque boat trip down the river to the coastal enclave of Livingston for a taste of Creole-Caribbean culture. This laidback city on the Caribbean coast feels very distinct from the rest of Guatemala thanks to its Garifuna population. Or perhaps enjoy boating on the lake, or go for a tour to spot local manatees or explore nearby San Felipe Fort.

Day 5: Antigua

Leave the 'Sweet River' behind and travel to the city of Antigua, a journey which should take around eight or nine hours. There will be a stop for lunch. Spend the night in Antigua before proceeding to Lake Atitlan tomorrow.

Day 6: Lake Atitlan/Panajachel

Bid goodbye to your host family this morning and move on to the neighboring city of Panajachel. Situated on Lake Atitlan with distant volcanoes looming in the background, Panajachel has a flourishing market, good eateries and many water-based activities to enjoy. Once you arrive in 'Pana' your tour leader will take you on a brief walking tour of the city so you can get your bearings. Why not go for a swim, hike to San Pedro volcano or kayak on the lake, there aren't very few places in the world that serve up active adventure in such a wonderful locale. The surrounding area is also dotted with villages which can be accessed on foot or by boat. Watch women weaving at Santa Catarina Palopo or explore the vibrating markets of Santiago Atitlan.

Day 7: Chichicastenango/San Jorge La Laguna

Get up early and be prepared for an 8 am a departure. Board a private transport for two and a half hours on winding roads to Chichicastenango. Home to the most vibrating market in the country, on Thursdays and Sundays locals come from the surrounding villages to sell their products and the streets are lined with stalls offering multi-colored textiles and fresh produce. After doing a little shopping at the market, proceed to San Jorge La Laguna, a small Maya village overlooking Lake Atitlan.

Day 8: Antigua

In the morning! Hit the road again at 9 am and take the three-hour journey back to Antigua by private vehicle. In 1773 the city was devastated by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be viewed. Your tour leader will take you on a walking tour of Antigua including Cerro de la Cruz lookout, the local market and the chicken bus station next door, where the beautifully-decorated American school buses are parked park. The rest of the day in Antigua is free for you to explore at your own pace. If you fancy spin on the dance floor and want to learn some moves, Antigua is the ideal place to be. Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons so you'll be able to improve your moves. As always, ask your tour leader for details.

Day 9: Antigua

Enjoy a free day exploring this beautiful city. You can check out the ChocoMuseo located on 4th Street West, two blocks away from central park. Learn all about chocolate, which was first documented by the Guatemalan Maya, as well as it's historical significance. Otherwise, grab a coffee from one of the many myriad shops in central park and relax back, sip and enjoy Antigua's chilled-out vibes. If you want to explore more about Guatemalan coffee, you can go on a coffee tour, visit the plantations, do some coffee tasting and buy some to take home.

Day 10: Antigua

Your Latin America adventure travel comes to an end this morning, there are no activities planned for the final day. Please note you are required to go with the check-out time set by the hotel. As there's a great deal to do in Antigua, we suggest staying a few extra days to make the most of this tourist favorite place. If you need assistance booking additional accommodation, our reservations team will be happy to help.