Mayan World: Guatemala, Honduras & Belize

On arrival in Guatemala City, you will be welcomed and transferred to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Antigua for a 3-night stay at the charming El Meson de Maria.

Antigua, the ancient capital of Guatemala was established in the early 16th century and sits at 1500 m altitude in a seismic zone. Devastated by an earthquake in 1773, its main landmarks endure as ruins. The town has developed over less than three centuries on a Renaissance-inspired grid, with numerous splendid monuments.

Explore Antigua on an immersive guided walking tour. Discover magnificent colonial monuments, uncovering why this city thrived as the heart of the Spanish presence in the region. Begin at the central plaza, where your guide illuminates the colonisation era, Guatemala’s history, and modern challenges. Admire exterior facades of key structures like Palacio de Capitanes, City Hall, and El Portal. Visit the Cathedral and its ruins, then explore the San Francisco church

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the cobblestone streets of Antigua. As you meander through the town, take in the vibrant streets and the colourful colonial architecture. Visit the local markets, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and indulge in delicious street food. Admore the Santa Catalina Arch or the fascinating La Merced Church and relax with a Guatemalan coffee at a local cafe.

Private transfer to Copan in Honduras which takes approximately 6 hours with stops. The charming Hotel Marina Copan is situated in the heart of the town which captivates with its cobblestone streets, adorned with white adobe structures topped by red-tiled roofs. Renowned for its Mayan ruins, this village exudes an air of tranquillity and history, inhabited by the Maya for over 2000 years. Despite its popularity as a tourist hotspot, Copan maintains its authentic charm and integrity.

At the Copan archaeological site, your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the layout and key temples. Renowned as one of the most extensively restored and intriguing Mayan cities, Copan thrived between 400 and 800 AD, spanning over 50 acres of temples, altars, steles, ball courts, and plazas, including the remarkable Hieroglyphic Stairway. Nestled in a lush, mountainous valley, Copan showcases the Maya's remarkable achievements in architecture, astronomy, and art, boasting treasures like the impeccably preserved Rosalila Temple and the tombs of its rulers.

En-route to Rio Dulce, stop to explore the Quirigua archaeological site. Quirigua's ruins feature a striking collection of stelae and sculpted calendars, offering invaluable insights into the social, political, and economic events of the Mayan civilisation. Its captivating zoomorphic and anthropomorphic sculptures rank among the finest pre-Columbian artworks. As one of Guatemala's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, alongside Tikal and the Colonial city of Antigua, Quirigua stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural legacy. In Rio Dulce, settle into Nanajuana for 2 night stay on Guatemala’s small Caribbean coast.

As you navigate the Rio Dulce (Sweet River), you'll traverse "El Golfete," its widest stretch, home to Chocon Machaca Park and the floating gardens. Alongside, visit Ak'Tenamit, a local cooperative fostering education and medical services sustainably. Continuing between "El Golfete" and Livingston, encounter a breathtaking canyon with lush jungle and limestone walls. The journey concludes at Livingston, Guatemala's sole town settled by the Garifunas in the 1800s. Its unique Caribbean ambiance offers a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of an island getaway.

After breakfast, transfer to Peten, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours where you will stay at Villa Maya overlooking Laguna Petenchel. The department of Petén covers a third of the country but houses only three percent of its population. Renowned for its production of wood, chewing gum, oil, pepper, and other agricultural goods, Petén's primary revenue stems from its status as the globally recognised birthplace of the Mayan civilization.

With your local guide, enjoy an unforgettable journey to Tikal, the heart of ancient Maya civilisation. At the site towering pyramids and majestic temples await. Explore the vast archaeological complex, unravelling the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stand in awe as you witness the grandeur of the Great Plaza, Temple of the Jaguar, and Temple of the Masks. Tikal promises an adventure steeped in history and wonder.

Private transfer to the Belize Border where you will cross by foot and switch to a different vehicle for the last part of the journey. On arrival in the Cayo District, settle into the San Ignacio Resort. The town of San Ignacio is situated along the banks of the Macal River surrounded by lush tropical forests and rolling hills and is a charming and vibrant hub for adventure and culture. Explore the colourful streets lined with shops, restaurants, and lively markets.

The cave entrance is reached by a 30-minute forest hike where on arrival you will enjoy a refreshing swim into the enchanting underworld realm. An adventurous trek through the main water passage unveils breathtaking geological formations including sparkling stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. This hidden chamber holds ancient secrets and showcases geological processes that shaped the Maya underworld, known as Xibalba—a mysterious realm where kings and shamans communed with gods and ancestors through sacred rituals and ceremonies.

On the way to Palencia, make a stop to explore the Inland Blue Hole. This natural wonder offers a refreshing opportunity for an afternoon swim. Created by the collapse of an underground limestone cave, the Blue Hole features a stunning sapphire-coloured pool formed by a river that flows through the cave system. The depression spans approximately 100 feet deep and 300 feet in diameter, with the Blue Hole itself reaching a depth of around 25 feet at the base of the depression. The next 3 nights, kick back and relax at Itz’ana Belize Resort.

Free days to relax at Itz'ana Belize Resort. Wake up to the gentle sounds of the Caribbean Sea and start your day with a sumptuous breakfast overlooking the pristine coastline. Lounge by the infinity pool, sip on tropical cocktails, or unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment. For the adventurous, explore nearby coral reefs with a snorkelling trip, take a cooking class, a drumming lesson, kayaking or paddle boarding.

Transfer to Placencia airstrip for the short domestic flight to Belize City for onward connections.