Lake Atitlan with San Pedro volcano in Guatemala

Nature and Culture: Revealing the Spirit of Guatemala & Belize Vacation

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Belize, Guatemala

Places Visited

Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Belize City, Placencia...

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Suggested Duration

8 Days

Experience enduring spirit on your 8-day Guatemala and Belize tour. Picture the colorful life of the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere; now imagine yourself looking into the steaming crater of an active volcano to find molten lava rumbling down the mountainside. From Mayan civilization to the calls of the Howler monkeys, this vacation showcases the culture, people, and land that embody Guatemala and Belize.

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Explore the reefs of Laughing Bird Caye on a snorkel tour to witness the spectacular subaquatic life in a delicate ecosystem
  • Discover the vibrant Mayan culture at the Chichicastenango market, where vendors from all around Guatemala venture to showcase their goods
  • Hike to the top of Pacaya Volcano on a guided tour to see the movement of active lava and experience the natural heat where you can roast marshmallows
  • Visit a coffee plantation with colonial roots to learn about the historical and contemporary cultivation of coffee beans in Guatemala
  • Experience Garifuna culture in a traditional village home to descendants of escaped slaves and Caribbean natives
  • Cruise up Monkey River in search of local wildlife on a private guided tour in search of monkeys, crocodiles, and manatee
  • Meander through the colonial city of Antigua to find historic architecture, European influence, and continued Mayan traditions

Detailed Description

Mysteries within challenging topography, captivating coral and fascination wildlife awaits you on your 8-day tour of Guatemala and Belize. Adventure abounds in the jungle and atop the active volcanoes. Markets brim with cultural identity and encompass thousands of years of dedication and craftwork.  Thriving marine sanctuaries showcase the natural splendor of pure marine life. Guatemala and Belize are timeless, and both exude a colorful spirit that originates from the heritage they both share, as well as the distinctive differences cast by the landscape. Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and explore the remarkable museums exhibits featuring collections of Guatemalan culture, from traditional dress to Pre-Columbian artifacts.

Your private transfer will escort you to the Spanish colonial city of Antigua, which sits between three stoic volcanic peaks. Explore the cobblestone streets of Antigua on a private tour to visit the exceptional museums that celebrate Mayan and Colonial history, and take in the elegant architecture of the past. In the afternoon, head into the mountains to experience an adventurous zipline excursion or stroll through a coffee plantation to learn about the cultivation of the important export. Next day, travel up the heights of Pacaya Volcano for an unparalleled view of Guatemala and the activity rumbling beneath the earth’s surface.

Continue with a half-day excursion to enjoy the vibrant market at Chichicastenango. Upon return to Antigua, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore areas outside the city or by indulging in the view from a rooftop café.  Next day and your private transfer will escort you to La Aurora International Airport for your flight to Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, Belize. Continue to a brief connecting flight to the immaculate shores of Placencia Peninsula. Your private transfer will meet you at the airport and lead you to your resort overlooking the beach.

Venture to Laughing Bird Caye to snorkel along the atoll, home to the aquatic life that connects to the Great Belize Barrier Reef. In the evening, visit a Garifuna village for an introduction into their unique culture and their soulful welcome. Travel up Monkey River the next day to scour the trees and riverbank for wildlife. Listen for howler monkeys and search of water for manatees before turning to your resort. Conclude your adventure with a private transfer to Placencia Airport for your brief flight to Belize City, then board your connecting flight to journey home.

Starting Price

$3,635 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.91 stars based on 22 reviews.

Guatemala, Belize Luxury Vacation Review: Pacaya Volcano...
"Zicasso's travel partner listened carefully to our requests...

Reviewed By Nancy P.

Belize, Guatemala Travel Review: Cave Tours, Kayaking, Mayan...
"We had a great experience with Zicasso’s travel agents....

Reviewed By Christopher P.

Belize & Guatemala Tour Review: San Ignacio, Placencia,...
"Our Belize adventure was enabled and enhanced by the outstanding...

Reviewed By Richard M.

Belize & Guatemala Tour Review: Tikal, Temple IV, Ambergris...
"Our travel agency was very responsive and easy to work...

Reviewed By Rob W.

Belize & Guatemala Family Trip Review: Tikal, Zip Lining,...
"Our travel agency was phenomenal at responding to my (many)...

Reviewed By Somaly H.

Belize & Guatemala Family Travel Review: Zip Lining,...
"Catarina was absolutely phenomenal! Every part of our trip...

Reviewed By Tina S.

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