Original
Explorer
Best of Guatemala and Belize
15 days • 5
5
Excellent
3 reviews
15 days
Start
Antigua, Guatemala
Finish
Caye Caulker, Belize
Trip Code
QBSGC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
12 breakfasts, 4 lunches
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Taxi, Ferry, Shared boat
Accommodation
Hotel (12 nights), Lodge (2 nights)
From £1,804(15 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Take an elaborately decorated chicken bus to a local market and witness the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God.
Gaze in wonder at the jungle-shrouded limestone temples of Tikal, one of Central America's most impressive Mayan sites, as howler monkeys call from the canopy.
Relax and recharge on the white sands of Caye Caulker, a tiny Belizean island made for beach BBQs, snorkel trips and lazy afternoons spent swinging in a hammock.
Explore Livingston – a one-of-a-kind riverside town where the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population heavily influences the local culture.
Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Mayan descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon and share a bottle of local spirits with them as they tell you stories of local life.
Is this trip right for you?
The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
As this trip covers destinations across two countries, you'll need to make a border crossing. While this is usually straightforward, please prepare to be patient.
While your leaders on this trip will bridge any language gaps you have, you'll find meeting locals easier the more Spanish words you know. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is an excellent way of showing you care.
Itinerary
Explore the rich culture in the hearts of Guatemala and Belize
Looking for a Central American trip that dives into the hearts of colourful Guatemala and untouched Belize? Take a 15-day trip from colonial Antigua and dive into the rich cultural blend of Catholicism and traditional Mayan religion in the Guatemalan Highlands. Meet the deity-with-vices at the Temple of San Simon, hop on a chicken bus to local markets and take a boat ride on Lake Atitlan. Then, laze in the tropics of Rio Dulce, explore a laidback Afro-Caribbean town and witness the ancient ruins in Tikal National Park. End it all in paradisical Caye Caulker, where you’ve got loads of free time to ‘go slow’ and relax on the white sands, take a day trip or snorkel in the Belize Barrier Reef.
Inclusions
Meals
12 breakfasts, 4 lunches
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Taxi, Ferry, Shared boat
Accommodation
Hotel (12 nights), Lodge (2 nights)
Included activities
San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
Chichicastenango market visit
Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
Antigua - Informal Spanish Lesson
Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Livingston - River boat trip to Garifuna town
Flores - Leader-led orientation walk
Santa Ana Vieja - Cooperativa Nuevo Horizonte visit
Tikal - Tortilla Making Workshop
Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Optional activities
Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free
Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class - USD55
Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings - USD25
Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ150
Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - USD30
San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD24
San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD20
San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry - BZD20
San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - USD135
San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - USD100
Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD55
Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) - USD12
Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) - USD120
Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat - (gear, guide and transport included) - USD120
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Please be careful when booking flights to Antigua; make sure you fly into Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights to Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
4. On your final day, you’ve got the power to choose where your adventure takes you. If you like, you can stay in Caye Caulker for another couple of nights relaxing beachside – we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Otherwise, jump on an included water taxi transfer from the Caye Caulker ferry port back to Belize City where you can also book additional nights’ accommodation, or where your leader can assist you to catch a taxi from the port to the airport for an onward connection. You will need to make your own way from your hotel in Caye Caulker to the ferry port. To allow for transfer times, please book a flight after 12 pm (midday).
5. An open-dated round-trip ticket to return to Belize City from Caye Caulker's ferry port is included on this trip. If you are travelling from Caye Caulker to Belize Airport please ensure you do not book a flight before 12pm to allow for travel time.
Reviews (3)
5 stars
3
Maria
May 06, 2025
This was my first Intrepid trip and first proper trip outside of Europe (apart from work) ever and I could not recommend it more - especially the second part of Guatemala starting at Antigua followed by Rio Dulce and ended in Caye Caulker in Belize. We did this with Reyes de Leon and what can I say, this guy is amazing, warm, friendly, fun and so knowledgable, he bonded the group and we had an excellent experience once he met him. He went above and beyond to sort out some hick ups along the way and did it with style. Reyes, you will be missed!
Diane
Feb 18, 2025
This was a great trip giving the best worlds. Isaias was a great trip leader for the Heart of Guatemala. Simeon was also very down to earth and enthusiastic about showing us Belize. Definitely worth considering this trip.
Lorraine
Feb 18, 2025
Great trip. Well paced and varied. Grew in knowledge and understanding of Guatemalan and Belizean culture
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