Guatemala & Belize Bespoke Holiday
Discovery of Guatemala & Belize. You will have your own personal chauffeur guide with car in Ecuador, so you can experience Guatemala & Belize at your own pace. The highlights of this tour: Natural Beauty, Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls, Mountains, Jungle Rainforest, Stunning Wildlife & Tropical Birds, Local Ingenious Culture & Peoples, Colourful Markets, Ancient Maya Ruins, Colonial History & Legacy, Soft Adventure, World-class Snorkelling & Diving, Beach & Pool R&R
Our Suggested Day By Day Itinerary
This tour can be fully personalised and upgrades are available.
Ecuador & Galapagos tailor-made holidays will be designed to suit your preferences.
PACKAGE DETAILS
From £3,970 Per Person
Based on 2 people sharing
- Price Includes:
- Return economy flights from UK London/Manchester/Birmingham. Contact us for flights quotation from different countries.
- Excursions,
- Entry fees,
- Transport: Private A/C Car with Chauffeur Guide
Hotels: Mixture of Mid-range & Deluxe hotels on Breakfast Basis
Business Class Flights Upgrades Are Available
Day 1 – Hello Guatemala! Arrival in Antigua
Today is the day you head off to Guatemala! You will fly from your airport of choice to Guatemala City (GUA). Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly met by your friendly, English-speaking driver/guide. They will then take you on a comfortable transfer to the charming city of Antigua, the former colonial capital and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settle in and get ready to soak up the atmosphere!
Accommodation: Casa Encantada
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 2 – Antigua – Discover at Your Own Pace
Enjoy a wonderful day completely at your leisure to relax or explore the beautiful city of Antigua! This is your opportunity to wander the cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and find your favourite café.
Should you wish to dive deeper into the local culture and activities, we have a fantastic list of options that can be booked in advance or once you arrive:
- Antigua City Tour: A perfect introduction to the history and highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Taste of Guatemala: Visit a local macadamia nut farm or explore the fascinating Cacao and Chocolate Museum (perfect for foodies!).
- Shop Local Treasures:
- Visit the Jade Museum and various shops selling stunning jade and silver jewellery. Fun fact: Guatemala is one of the few places in the world where high-quality Jadeite is found!
- Experience the vibrant and colourful daily market.
- Take a short trip to the nearby town of Pastores to pick up your own pair of custom, handmade leather cowboy boots.
- Support local artisans by visiting a Women’s Weaving Cooperative in nearby San Antonio Aguascalientes.
- Adventure & Relaxation:
- Get active with horse-riding or mountain biking tours.
- Unwind and rejuvenate with a relaxing soak at the Santa Teresita hot springs just outside Antigua.
The day is yours to create your perfect Antigua experience!
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 3 – An Active Adventure – Conquering Pacaya Volcano
Get ready for an exhilarating start to the day with a private morning hike of the incredible Pacaya Volcano!
Located about 50 km from Antigua, Pacaya is an impressive and active volcano of the Strombolian type. The climb begins at the village of San Vicente de Pacaya and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the foot of the crater. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the volcano and the sprawling Guatemala City urban area.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to see several other majestic volcanoes, including Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, and on a clear day, you might even spot the distant peaks near Lake Atitlán! Because Pacaya is active, you’ll constantly feel its warmth and smell the sulphur seeping through the porous lava rock—a truly elemental experience. Keep an eye out for lava flow if you’re lucky!
And yes, you read that right: the heat is strong enough in certain spots to toast your own marshmallows or sausages!
Key Information
| Detail | Description |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Altitude | m / ft above sea level |
| What to Bring | Good hiking shoes, hat, camera, wind or rain jacket, and 2 litres of water (essential!). |
| Optional Extra | If you prefer not to hike, horses are available to rent at the starting point for an additional fee. |
| Included | Entrance fee to the park. |
Afternoon at Leisure
After your exciting morning on the volcano, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore! Take some time to recuperate back in Antigua, or choose from the optional activities available in the area (which can be booked either in advance or locally).
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 4 – Ruins, Ziplines, and Arrival at Majestic Lake Atitlán
This morning, you will set out on a private transfer to the breathtaking Lake Atitlán. While your transfer will be with an experienced Spanish-speaking driver, not a guide, you’ll still have a wonderful cultural stop along the way!
Journey Highlights
Stop 1: Maya Ruins at Iximché
En route, your driver will stop for a brief, self-guided visit to the fascinating Maya ruins at Iximché. As the former capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom, this site offers a powerful glimpse into Guatemala’s ancient history. Take a moment to wander the plazas and pyramid temples before continuing your journey.
Stop 2: Ziplining Adventure at San Buenaventura Nature Reserve
In the afternoon, your driver will take you straight into an adventure! You’ll enjoy the thrilling Cables X-Tremos Ziplining Circuit at the San Buenaventura Nature Reserve. (Your driver will wait while you enjoy the fun!).
The Circuit:
Get ready to soar! This full circuit is about $1,300$ meters long and features 8 spectacular zip-wires ranging from 90 to 320 meters. You will be gliding over waterfalls, canyons, and dense forest plantations, giving you a truly unique perspective of the area.
- The Experience: Hiking through the dense, forested slopes, you’ll be surrounded by the incredible sights and sounds of nature—the area is home to around 250 species of tropical birds alone! You’ll cross five suspension bridges and pass a coffee plantation on the way up to the launch point.
- Duration: The entire ziplining tour takes approximately one hour, including a short, scenic walk to reach the starting line.
After your thrilling afternoon, your driver will take you to your beautiful accommodations at Lake Atitlán to relax.
Accommodation: Dos Mundos La Posada, Panajachel
You will be staying for 2 nights in Standard Room on a half-board basis
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day 5 – The Spirit of Atitlán – Maximon and Santiago Village
Private Boat Trip Across Lake Atitlán
Get ready for an incredible day exploring the majestic Lake Atitlán and its vibrant shores! This morning, you will board a private boat for a scenic ride across the lake to Santiago Village. Surrounded by towering volcanoes, the views from the water are simply breathtaking.
Upon arrival, your expert, English-speaking guide will lead you on a cultural discovery through this traditional town.
A Visit to Maximon
One of the most unique aspects of Santiago is the elusive folk saint, Maximon (or Rilaj Maam). Your guide will help you find the house where he is currently residing. Since a different “brotherhood” is given the honour of caring for their God each year, his location changes annually!
- Cultural Insight: Once you find Maximon, you may observe local shamans performing rituals for the community. If you are interested in a truly personal experience, you can ask your guide to help you arrange for a shaman to perform a personal ceremony just for you.
Exploring Santiago
After your visit with Maximon, you’ll continue exploring Santiago. You’ll visit the local church to learn about the history of this very traditional town. You’ll also explore the bustling market and learn about the area’s famous, distinctive textiles and primitive art.
This full-day experience is a beautiful way to understand the deep spiritual and cultural traditions of the Maya people who call this magnificent lake home.
Included:
- Private Boat Transportation
- English-Speaking Guide
- Local Tuk-Tuk Transportation within the villages
- Maximon Donation Fee
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day 6 – The Famous Chichicastenango Market and Flight to Flores
Morning: Chichicastenango Market
This morning, you will meet your experienced Spanish-speaking driver for the scenic drive to Chichicastenango, famously known as “Chichi.”
Today is Thursday, making it one of the two main market days (Thursdays and Sundays). Get ready to immerse yourselves in one of the most vibrant and unforgettable markets in all of Central America! The town of 76,000 inhabitants is completely transformed as villagers from all over the highlands arrive to buy, sell, conduct business, and perform their essential religious ceremonies—both in the Catholic church and at ancient Mayan sites.
- Self-Guided Exploration: You will have time to explore the bustling market at your own pace.
- A Kaleidoscope of Colour: Wander through the textile portion of the market, where streets are flooded with beautiful, brightly coloured fabrics. While traditional backstrap weaving is still used for clothing (which you’ll see many women wearing), it’s also used to create wonderful household accessories and unique souvenirs.
- Cultural Note: Keep an eye out for the unique, traditional religious outfits worn by the men—a rare sight, but one that adds to the deep history of this town.
Afternoon & Evening: Journey to Flores
After your incredible market experience, you will meet your driver for a private transfer directly to Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to catch your evening flight north.
- Flight Details: Depart Guatemala City at 18:35; Arrive Flores (FRS) at 19:40 (Flight with Avianca).
Upon arrival at the airport in Flores, you will be met by a Spanish-speaking driver for a short, private transfer to your hotel on the charming island-town of Flores.
Accommodation
You will be staying for 2 nights in Standard Room on a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) basis
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 7 – Maya ruins at Tikal
Get ready for an absolutely unforgettable experience today with a private guided tour of the magnificent Tikal National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most powerful ancient Maya cities ever discovered.
A City of Superlatives
Tikal was not merely a ceremonial center; it was the capital of a dominant conquest state that shaped the history of the Maya world for over a thousand years. Your tour will cover a remarkable archaeological area spanning more than square kilometers, featuring thousands of structures, from simple house mounds to monumental temples.
Your expert, English-speaking guide will lead you deep into the rainforest to explore the most important architectural achievements:
- Climbing Temple IV: Stand atop the awe-inspiring Temple IV (The Two-Headed Serpent) to take in a truly iconic view. At over meters tall, this climb rewards you with a breathtaking panorama where the tops of other major temples—including Temple I (The Great Jaguar) and Temple II (Temple of the Masks)—pierce the vast, unbroken canopy of the Petén jungle.
- The Central Plaza: Walk through the heart of the city, flanked by the majestic pyramids and the intricate structures of the Northern and Central Acropolis, where Tikal’s elite conducted their most important royal and religious ceremonies.
- Lost World Complex: Discover the scale of the early Classic period with a visit to the Lost World complex, a massive ceremonial area used for astronomical observations.
A Natural Encounter
Tikal is unique because it sits within a vibrant natural reserve. As you explore the ancient stone monuments, you will simultaneously be on a wildlife walk. Keep your eyes and ears open for:
- The unmistakable call of Howler Monkeys echoing through the trees.
- Colorful toucans flitting overhead.
- Mischievous Spider Monkeys swinging through the high canopy.
This day is a perfect blend of profound ancient history and incredible tropical adventure.
Included Details
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 8 – Crossing into Belize & The Stone Woman of Xunantunich
Get ready for an exciting day as you transition from Guatemala’s Petén region to the vibrant jungles of Belize’s Cayo District!
Morning: Border Crossing and Xunantunich Ruins
Your morning begins with a private transfer from Flores to the Belize border (about hours) with your Spanish-speaking driver.
Border Formalities
At the border, you will complete the necessary border formalities for both Guatemala and Belize. After successfully crossing, you will be met by your new, English-speaking Belizean driver who will take you to your first stop: the remarkable Xunantunich Maya Ruins.
Guided Visit: Xunantunich (“Stone Woman”)
The journey to the site is an adventure itself! You’ll cross the Mopan River via a charming, hand-cranked ferry, a unique experience that sets the tone for your Belizean exploration.
Xunantunich, which means “Stone Woman” in Mayan, was a thriving city near the end of the Classic Period (300-900 A.D.). Your local guide will bring this magnificent site to life as you explore:
- El Castillo: This towering, -foot pyramid is one of the tallest in Belize, second only to the Caana pyramid at Caracol. You’ll be able to admire the frieze—a stucco band that once decorated the temple—and climb for panoramic views of the jungle canopy and surrounding plazas.
- The Site Center: Explore the extensive central area, which boasts six major plazas surrounded by over 25 temples and palaces.
This guided visit, including your entrance fee and lunch, provides a perfect introduction to Belize’s rich archaeological heritage.
Afternoon: Arrival at Black Rock Lodge
When you’ve finished exploring the ruins, your Belizean driver will continue the private transfer deeper into the Cayo District jungle to your accommodation.
Accommodation
You will be staying for 3 nights in Classic Cabin on a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) basis.
Meals at the lodge are served family-style, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with other guests and share your daily adventures.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 9 – Coastal Adventure – Snorkelling at Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley
While you are settled in the jungle at Black Rock Lodge, today’s exciting adventure takes you to the famous Belizean Barrier Reef for an unforgettable half-day snorkelling experience!
Half-Day Snorkelling Excursion (Group)
You’ll join a small group for a scenic boat ride out to two of Belize’s most renowned marine reserves.
Stop 1: Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan translates to “Little Channel” in Maya, and it’s a natural cut in the barrier reef. Here, the ocean depth ranges dramatically from 3 to 30 feet, creating a truly spectacular marine ecosystem. You will dive into a huge coral garden to see a breathtaking myriad of vibrant marine life, including flourishing staghorn corals and graceful sea fans.
Stop 2: Shark Ray Alley
This shallow water stop is a world-famous, must-do Belize experience! You will have the unique opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside completely harmless nurse sharks and majestic Southern stingrays. This is a thrilling, close-up encounter that you’ll be talking about for years!
Trip Details
| Included | Not Included (Please Note) |
| Transfers (Lodge to Activity Point) | Snorkelling Gear: US$10 per person |
| Guide and Boat Fees | Travel Note: This trip requires significant travel from Cayo to the coast. |
| Marine Reserve Fee |
Rest of Day at Leisure
After returning from your marine adventure, the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the amenities of Black Rock Lodge.
Should you wish to arrange another activity in the Cayo District area, options include:
- Relaxation: Enjoy the lodge’s pool, or simply relax and reconnect with nature.
- Jungle Exploration: Hiking, river tubing, or bird watching near the lodge.
(If your schedule allows for an independent trip to the coastal town of San Pedro later, you could enjoy wandering the waterfront, shops, bars, and cafes of this buzzy Caribbean seaside town.)
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Days 10 – Jungle Leisure – Relax and Recharge
Today is your final day at leisure! It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax, and savor your surroundings at the beautiful Black Rock Lodge before heading home.
You can use this time to truly unwind, or you can take advantage of the activities available right here in the Cayo District:
Rest and Relaxation
- Lodge Life: Enjoy a slow morning with a good book, relax by the pool, or simply soak up the jungle atmosphere from the comfort of your Classic Cabin.
- Family-Style Dining: Enjoy the unique, intimate experience of the lodge’s family-style meals.
Optional Adventures (Booked Locally)
If you’re still looking for adventure, the lodge can help you arrange local Cayo District activities such as:
- River Tubing: Take a refreshing float down the nearby Macal River.
- Hiking & Birding: Explore the surrounding jungle trails on foot to spot local wildlife and the region’s famous birds.
- Further Maya Sites: Visit lesser-known local ruins for a quieter, more personal historical experience.
Enjoy your final day of chill time in the heart of the Belizean jungle!
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 11 – Farewell Belize – Departure Day
Enjoy a final morning in the Belizean jungle!
When you are ready, a shared transfer will take you from Black Rock Lodge to the local airport for your short domestic flight to the international terminal.
You will take a swift 25-minute domestic flight with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air to Belize City International Airport (BZE) to connect with your onward flight home.
Included Flight Details:
- Route: Domestic Flight to Belize City International (BZE)
- Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
- Please note: The cost of this flight is already included in your itinerary.
Thank you for traveling with us! We wish you safe travels to your final destination.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
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Request A Video MeetingTailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
Guatemala & Belize Holiday 2026-2027
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