Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

An Exciting Off the Beaten Path Vacation to Guatemala and Belize

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, Chichicastenango, Tikal...

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Suggested Duration

8 Days

Introduce the family to authenticity, luxury, and adventure in Guatemala and Belize. Dramatic pyramids tower over the jungle canopy as angelfish dart around branching coral in the Caribbean Sea. Women weave delicate garments in great detail alongside coffee farms that flourish in the highlands growing out of the volcanic soil. The bright plumage of tropical birds glows against the jade leaves. Your customized vacation tour takes you from the colonial charm of Antigua to the sensational sandy shores...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Discover the majesty of Tikal as a family during a sunset tour, witnessing the towering pyramids and vibrant masks of the former lavish Mayan city
  • Scour the second largest barrier reef in the world off the coast of Belize in search of tropical fish, colorful coral, and magnificent sharks
  • Soar through the jungle canopy on a zipline excursion that lets you travel across the trees like monkeys
  • Walk across the collection of hanging bridges more than 300 feet above the forest floor, offering unparalleled views of the canopy
  • Visit the charming town of Chichicastenango for a first-hand experience of the evolution of Mayan culture in Guatemala at the bustling market
  • Travel across the azure waters of the high-altitude Lake Atitlan where secluded villages offer insight into the highland traditions
  • Explore the far reaches of Monkey River on a wildlife safari encompassing both land and water to view monkeys, crocodiles, and endangered manatees

Detailed Description

Heritage and jungle scenery, wildlife and coral reefs capture the family’s imagination on your eight-day vacation in Guatemala and Belize. Embark on a discovery tour of Central America that encompasses Spanish colonial buildings and the secluded villages of Guatemala’s Highlands. Explore the jungle in crisscrossing hanging bridges and sturdy zip line excursions. Follow narrow trails through dense forest in search of jaguars and tapirs, and then return to the relaxing comforts of your luxurious hotels. Guatemala and Belize provide an enriching experience for the family, turning every moment into a cherished adventure.

Your voyage begins with your arrival at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City as your private transfer meets the family at baggage claim and escorts you to the Spanish colonial city of Antigua. After you settle in to the city, your guide leads you on an introductory tour of the cobblestone streets and treasured architecture. The next day, make your way to the town of Chichicastenango for a tour of the whitewashed buildings, thriving market, and the connection between the Catholic Church and Mayan traditions.

Continue to the shores of Lake Atitlan for the evening. Set out to the dock in the morning of to explore the secluded villages around Lake Atitlan. Visit San Juan La Laguna for insight into the culture of the highlands and the differences between the villages around the lake. In the evening, travel to Guatemala City and then wake up early for your flight to Flores, located in Guatemala’s eastern region. Visit the Ixpanpajul Nature Park to walk along the canopy on hanging bridges before you continue to Tikal National Park.

Wander through the park on an exciting sunset tour to witness the architectural and cultural remains of the Mayan city. Watch the sunset with your family from atop the tallest pyramid. Cross the Guatemala-Belize border the next day.  On the way to your beachside resort in Placencia, stop for an unforgettable zipline tour across the trees in search of wildlife. Next, the family ventures to Laughing Bird Caye for a half-day snorkel tour to witness the stunning coral and marine life of the Great Belize Barrier Reef.

In the evening, the family has an introduction to the Garifuna culture in the town of Seine Bight. The next is a day at leisure to enjoy the variety of activities around Placencia and greater Belize, or relax on the shore of the peninsula. Traverse the trails of Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve or explore caves at Actun Tunichil Muknal. You could also embark on a wildlife safari at Monkey River. Conclude your trip as the family transfers to the Placencia airport for a brief flight to Belize City. Upon arrival, check-in to your connecting flight and continue 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.

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

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

Reviewed By Somaly H.

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

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"Catarina was absolutely phenomenal! Every part of our trip...

Reviewed By Tina S.

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