Best of Guatemala and Belize

.gif?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)



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.
5.0
5 reviewsStart: Antigua, Guatemala
End: Caye Caulker, Belize
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
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.
Itinerary
Welcome to Guatemala! Your trip starts in the city of Antigua with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive earlier, make sure to explore your surroundings. Antigua is known for its Spanish buildings, many restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended the city’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from Antigua are sure to start your trip on a high! After your meeting, you can join your leader and fellow travellers for an optional group dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Maya culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Early this morning before breakfast, hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – each bus is unique to the independent driver, who deck them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. The traditional dress and the lively negotiations you’ll see will be equally impressive, and will have you truly feeling like a local. In the afternoon take an optional trip to the Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings. You’ll walk down a cloud forest trail to a series of pools of varying temperatures with views into the surrounding trees. Soak it all then, then return to your accommodation for the evening.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
- Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
- Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free
- Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class - USD55
- Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings - USD25
As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Maya dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Chichicastenango market visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
This morning, hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll be specially invited into a local home where the shrine of Maximon (San Simon) resides. Your leader will explain the shrine’s significance and give you insight into local life on the lake. Tonight, take a minibus back to Antigua.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
- Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Enjoy a free day to explore the city, with nothing scheduled until a meeting to welcome any new travellers joining you on your adventure. Maybe grab some roasted beans from a street vendor and munch them while you stroll around. If you’ve got a historical bent, perhaps check out the 18th-century ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara. Why not get a taste of local tradition with a chocolate-making workshop in the ChocoMuseo, or strut your stuff with a salsa dance lesson?
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) - GTQ150
- Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - USD30
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
As the seat of the Spanish colonial government, Antigua was once one of the most important cities in Central America. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but many of the colonial-era buildings have been carefully restored. This morning, wander the quiet cobblestone streets with your leader, who will point out many fascinating markets and museums. The afternoon is yours to spend exploring the city and its surrounds. Prefer to take it easy? Grab a coffee on the main plaza and settle in for some people watching. Don't miss the chance to taste a tamale, a local dish served in a corn leaf. Or try pepian, a meaty dish of chicken, beef, pork, or all three at once, in a rich sauce. You’ll find the best value food next to the markets near the bus station.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Antigua - Informal Spanish Lesson
- Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk
It’s a long day of travel today as you make your way to Rio Dulce by private vehicle. During the journey, learn a few handy phrases with an informal Spanish lesson from your leader, before arriving mid-afternoon. Rio Dulce, which means 'Sweet River' in Spanish, refers to both the Guatemalan river that flows from Lago de Izabal (Lake Izabal) to the Caribbean Sea and the town of Fronteras, which sits at the east end of the lake. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Maybe stretch your legs on a jungle walk, rent a kayak and get out on the water or just laze in a hammock and enjoy the tropical surrounds.
- Lodge (1 night)
- Breakfast
Today’s driving time is approximately 7 hours.
Join your group on a boat ride down the river to Livingston, a laidback Afro-Caribbean town that offers a unique taste of Garifuna culture in a far-flung corner of Guatemala. It’s located 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Rio Dulce and the boat ride is spectacular, taking you through waters laden with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon replete with river birds. The Garifuna population in Livingston are descendants of a community forcibly removed from the Caribbean by the British in the late 18th century. Livingston was one of the towns the displaced Garifuna settled in, and its relative isolation means the culture has remained undiluted by Guatemalan norms. Spend a little time here and enjoy an included lunch of local specialties like tapou, a creamy soup made with fish.
- Lodge (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Livingston - River boat trip to Garifuna town
The boat trip's duration is approximately 45 minutes.
Travel to the township of Flores on Lago Peten Itza. On the way, pay a visit to Nuevo Horizonte, a ranch where 130 demobilised families settled after the signing of the Guatemalan Peace Accords in 1998. Beginning with no infrastructure and poor living conditions, the community cooperated to establish fish-farming, agriculture, reforestation and eco-tourism projects. Tour their nature reserve, have lunch on the ranch and speak to the locals about the origins of the community. Continue to Flores, where you’ll take an orientation walk with your group leader. Flores had a long history before it was colonised by the Spanish in 1697, most significantly as the capital of the Itza people after the fall of Chichen Itza. Spend your free afternoon wandering the island’s quaint streets or shopping for local handicrafts. Around 4 pm, the lakefront starts to hum with street food vendors, making it a good place to grab a bite.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Flores - Leader-led orientation walk
- Santa Ana Vieja - Cooperativa Nuevo Horizonte visit
Today's driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.
Get up early for a guided exploration of Tikal National Park. Among the thick, evergreen jungle are some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation – plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys. Wonder at the towering limestone temples and other monuments while pondering the mystery of the ancient city's demise. Spend a few hours playing archaeologist. Afterwards, learn the art of tortilla making and enjoy lunch together. Then say goodbye to Guatemala and head across the border to Belize. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is a great place to get chatting with locals.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Tikal - Tortilla Making Workshop
- Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
The use of an air conditioner at tonight’s hotel comes with an additional fee of approximately USD 20. Electricity in Belize is incredibly expensive so most hotels charge an extra rate to use the air conditioning. We’ve decided to leave the decision to use air conditioning here up to travellers as some opt not to use it.
Today's driving time is approximately 3 hours.
This morning, you can choose whether you would like to relax in San Ignacio or take part in some of the other optional activities on offer, like taking on the challenge of hiking and wading through a river to visit to the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM caves). A living museum of Maya relics, the ATM cave system is home to ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1400 years. If you choose to explore the cave system (and it is highly recommended), you’ll spend most of the day there. If not, there are always more local ruins to explore above ground, including Cahal Pech, which was once the residence of a wealthy Maya family. Nature lovers may be interested in a trip to the Green Iguana Conservation Project, where a number of the scaly – and surprisingly large – beasts are protected.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- 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
If your idea of paradise is white sand, clear blue waters and palm trees, then you’re going to dig Caye Caulker. The island even has a motto: ‘go slow’. Take a golf cart to your hotel following a scenic boat ride and join your leader for an orientation walk, to help you get your bearings on the petite island. While the island is entirely walkable, you might like to hire a bike and cycle between beach bars and along quiet palm-lined streets. Can’t keep your eyes off those Caribbean waters? Get out there for a spot of standup paddleboarding, or if the mood strikes, join a sunset catamaran cruise for an unforgettable end to your first day.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD126
- Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD55
- Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) - USD12
Today's travel time is approximately 6 hours.
Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another day here. If you’re keen to find the best snorkelling spots, opt to take a full-day boat tour (just remember to slather on sunscreen). After a day of swimming and lounging in the sunshine, you’re sure to get hungry. Belize is famous for its barbequed food, with some of the best meals cooked on the roadside. Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster – not the cheapest meal you'll ever buy, but so (so) good. Always make sure that you respect the season: lobsters can only be caught here between June and February. If you’re out of season, how about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local firewater?
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- 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
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time following check out. If you would like to spend more time in Caye Caulker, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
- Breakfast
An open-dated round-trip water taxi ticket is included on your trip. To take the water taxi from Caye Caulker ferry port back to Belize City you will need to arrive at the ferry terminal 1 hour prior to departure. You will need to make your own way to the ferry port from your hotel in Caye Caulker. Your hotel can provide the ferry schedule. The journey takes around 1 hour and transfers from the port to our Belize City Hotel or the airport can be booked in advance. Please contact your booking agent should you require transfers or additional accommodation.
Inclusions and activities
12 breakfasts, 4 lunches
Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Taxi, Ferry, Shared boat
Hotel (12 nights), Lodge (2 nights)
- 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)
- 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
This trip generates 16 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- 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.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Casa Florencia Hotel
7A Avendia North #100
Antigua
GUATEMALA
Phone: +502 78320261
Description
Antigua Guatemala is the best destination for an unforgettable experience, full of color and magic. Casa Florencia offers personal attention friendliness and hospitality in a setting where you can view the majestic presence of the volcanoes and the splendor of the Merced Church. The hotel features private bath and hot water, hair dryer, closet with safety deposit box, ceiling fans and flat screen TVs. Complimentary, tea, coffee and wireless internet throughout the hotel.
Instructions
You can travel from the Guatemala City Airport to the hotel by taxi. We recommend you use the authorised taxi services organised from inside the terminal. They will charge you approximately GTQ250-285 (USD$35-40) for a trip to Antigua. The drive to where the hotel is located is approximately 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Alternate joining point
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
08 Dec 2025 (QBSGC251208), 22 Dec 2025 (QBSGC251222)
Posada Los Bucaros
#94, 7a North Avenue
Antigua
03001
GUATEMALA
Phone: +502 78322346
Description
Posada Los Bucaros
#94, 7a North Avenue
Antigua
03001
GUATEMALA
Phone: +502 78322346
An arrival transfer from Aurora International Airport to Posada Los Bucaros is available if arranged at the time of booking. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trip start date. If you plan to arrive earlier, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid.
If you have booked an airport transfer, a driver holding an Intrepid sign with your name will be waiting for you outside the luggage collection area. If you have any problems locating your transfer please contact the emergency number listed in the essential trip information document.
Alternatively, a taxi to the hotel should cost approximately USD 25-35 and take between 40 minutes to more than 1.5 hours depending on traffic.. Otherwise, door to door shuttle buses operate from the airport to Antigua and it costs USD 10-15. These shuttles operate outside the luggage collection area and depart the airport once they have enough passengers.
Dates and prices
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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
Reviews
Filter by rating