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
Day 1
Antigua – Arrive in Guatemala and Transfer to the Colonial City of Antigua
As your flight descends into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, look out over the volcanic peaks that outline the city. The lush trees and summits contrast with the high-rise buildings and spreading urbanity. Guatemala City has many treasures hidden in its large size, from upscale shopping centers to celebrated museums. The Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena displays textiles and clothing from the 120 indigenous communities that live in the country. The museum, named for the Mayan goddess of fertility and weaving, features various forms of huipiles, traditional loose-fitting tunics for women and are featured in the variety of heritage pieces showcasing the cultures of the country.
Your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival, and will be ready to take you into the charming colonial city of Antigua. The historic streets provide a relaxed ambiance compared to those of the bustling Guatemala City. Shingled rooftops slope over pastel-colored buildings; the scent of roasting coffee beans emanates from the garden cafes. Three distinct volcano peaks surround the former Guatemalan capital. The central plaza of Parque Central is busy in the evening as you stroll along the verdant grass. Shoe shiners polish footwear and school kids linger beneath the trees as mermaids adorn the central fountain beneath the gaze of Catedral de Santiago.
What's Included:
Day 2
Antigua – Tour the Historical Streets and Exciting Landscape around Antigua
Day 3
Antigua – Traverse the Rolling Landscape with a Trek up Pacaya Volcano
Day 4
Antigua – Discover the Mayan Market at Chichicastenango and Enjoy a Day at your Leisure
Day 5
Placencia – Travel to Guatemala City and Fly to Placencia Peninsula, Belize
Day 6
Placencia – Explore Laughing Bird Caye and Experience Garifuna Culture
Day 7
Placencia – Travel along Monkey River on a Belizean Aquatic Safari
Day 8
Placencia – Depart for Home
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
$4,600 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
4.93 stars based on 15 reviews.
Reviewed By Nancy P.
Reviewed By Christopher P.
Reviewed By Jim B.
Reviewed By Richard M.
Reviewed By Somaly H.
Reviewed By Rob W.