Welcome to Guatemala! Upon your arrival you will be met by your driver to begin your transfer to Antigua. Take in the city at your own pace as you unwind post-flight. (This service is on a private basis.)

Antigua

Antigua is among the world’s best conserved colonial cities in the Americas. It is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings; strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, you will experience the splendors of ancient times! A few things you will find are art galleries and exhibits, coffee shops, amazing cuisine, cute little bars and much more.

Pacaya Volcano Trek & Rappelling

This morning, you will have an early transfer to Pacaya Volcano. Upon your arrival you will visit El Barretal where you will enjoy your breakfast. This volcano is one of the most visited in Guatemala, 8,373 ft above the sea level it’s been active since 1965. It takes around 1-2 hours to hike from the base to the top viewpoint overlooking the flowing lava fields this trail is very gentle with a wide trail. From the summit enjoy beautiful views toward other volcanoes and if the weather is clear you may also see the southern coastline. This active volcano has a Strombolian activity (Strombolian activity produces frequent, moderate eruptions. The lava is basaltic but sufficiently viscous for entrapped gases to build up a pressure which is released in continuous small explosions), but occasional Plinian eruptions may also occur (marked by columns of gas and volcanic ash extending high into the Earth's atmosphere. Key characteristics are ejection of a large amount of pumice and very powerful continuous gas blast eruptions). A few of its eruptions have showered Guatemala City and surroundings with ash. After hiking you will return to El Barretal. After lunch in El Barretal, you will enjoy a Rappel Adventure! After your day of adventure, you will be transferred back to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Antigua Walking Tour

After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Antigua. You will visit breathtaking colonial monuments and find out why this city was the bustling center of the region for the Spaniards. Starting at central plaza the guide will give you a general idea about the colonization, Guatemala’s history, contemporary issues. View the exterior of main buildings (Palacio de Capitanes, City Hall, and El Portal), visit backstage of the Cathedral, Cathedral ruins, and San Francisco church.

After your walking tour, you will transfer to Lake Atitlan. Three stunning volcanoes rise above its emerald surface. Lake Atitlan is located 144km west of Guatemala City and is characterized by its natural beauty surrounded by gorgeous views of the volcanoes and indigenous villages. The famous writer Aldous Huxley considered it "the most beautiful lake in the world." (This service is on a private basis.)

Lake Atitlan

With three stunning volcanoes rising out of its emerald surface, Lake Atitlán is for sure the best way to be introduced to the indigenous culture in the highlands of Guatemala. Located 144km west of Guatemala City this lake is characterized by its natural beauty and surrounded by gorgeous views and indigenous villages filled with culture. The famous writer Aldous Huxley considered it ¨the most beautiful lake in the world¨.

Chichicastenango’s Market & Colorful Culture

After breakfast, you will transfer to Chichicastenango. Chichicastenango is home to what is surely the most colorful native market in the Americas. Market days are held every Sunday and Thursday and draw not only the K'iche' Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors from all over Guatemala, representing many of Guatemala's linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others. On arrival, you will meet your guide. He/she will show you local church, an iconic monument for the indigenous and Mayan history itself. If you’re lucky you will also witness special ceremonies and mix of religions. Then you will visit one of the famous “Morerias”where you will enjoy a cultural dance and a Mayan Ceremony. After your tour, you will transfer back to Lake Atitlan for a relaxing evening. (This service is on a private basis.)

Kayaking & Tzununa Hike

After breakfast this morning, you will have a boat transfer to Santa Cruz to pick-up your kayaking gear. Paddle for approximately 45 minutes along delightful peninsulas, admiring the shore's beautiful gardens. The views of the Atitlan, San Pedro, and Toliman volcanoes are spectacular.

After kayaking you will start the hike to Tzununa. The hike takes you several hundred feet above the ever changing waters of Atitlan for breathtaking views of the famous volcanoes. Then you will descend into the Pumpatin Canyon for a nature walk along the banks of the river.? Experience two different ecosystems as we walk from the upper lakeshore into the narrow canyon.? After the hike, you will travel by boat to Santiago for lunch and visit Maximon.

Santiago (St. James), is a village located on the south end of the lake, home to Maximon, a pagan saint who drinks moonshine and smoke cigars. Maximon is visited every day by locals, healers, and tourists asking for favors. (This service is on a private basis.)

Lake Atitlan - Flores

Enjoy a morning at your leisure. Later today, you will transfer back to Guatemala City International Airport for your local flight to Flores. Upon your arrival meet with your driver for your transfer to the hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Peten

The area of Petén is the largest department of Guatemala; it occupies about a third of the country but contains only three percent of its population. This area produces wood, chewing gum, oil, pepper and other agricultural products. Its main income comes from the worldwide known cradle of the Mayan civilization.

Monkey Tour & Yaxha Sunset

The property in which Las Lagunas hotel is located, has 5 lagoons and the biggest one is called Laguna Quexil. In this lagoon they have two islands and in one of them they breed and take care of monkeys. Every morning the hotel prepares fresh fruit and vegetables to feed them. You will get to watch them come down from the top of the trees to eat their food and you might even get a chance to feed them. They are charming and friendly.

Later this afternoon, at 2pm your guide will pick you up for your transfer to Yaxha. Yaxha, meaning "green water", is located 73 km from Flores. This Mayan site, discovered in 1904 by architect Teobert Maler, is situated within the Mayan Biosphere Reserve along the sites of Nakum and El Naranjo. From the major pyramid you can enjoy a great view of Yaxha lagoon and another Mayan site called Topoxte. Receiving fewer visitors than other sites, Yaxha remains peaceful and there are wonderful wildlife watching opportunities. The sunset on top one of the temples on a clear day is simply stunning! After the tour your guide will transfer you back to the hotel for the remainder of your evening. (This service is on a private basis.)

Tikal Tour & Ziplining

After breakfast your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Tikal National Park (45min). Your guide will show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, some theories of why they disappeared, and if you are lucky a few monkeys, parrots, macaws, and toucans will be on site.

City and ceremonial center of the ancient Maya civilization, Tikal became an important ceremonial center with the construction of major pyramids and temples. Its best years were the Late Classic Period (600-900AD). Tikal National Park contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Maya Civilization. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, Tikal is Guatemala's most famous cultural and natural preserve.

After the tour enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle. You will then zipline through the jungle before heading back to your accommodations for the evening. (This service is on a private basis.)

Transfer to San Ignacio, Xunantunich & Cahal Pech

This morning, you will meet with your driver for your transfer to the Belize Border, where you will cross on your own. On the Belize side, your local guide will be waiting for you and you will transfer to Xunantunich & Cahal Pech.

Enjoy a guided tour through the site, visiting the most important monuments. The structure called El Castillo rises 130 feet above ground making it one of the highest buildings in Belize, offering an impressive panoramic view of the Mopan River Valley. From here, you will be able to appreciate a large stucco frieze on a lower temple and more. After your Xunantunich tour you will be taken to the Cahal Pech Mayan site which use to be a hilltop palace for an elite Mayan Family. After your exploration, you will continue on to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Belize

There are countries whose culture is the incredible, beautiful result of the marriage of other cultures. Belize is a wonderful mesh of Mestizo, Caribbean, Maya, English, and something new - something uniquely Belizean. Counting the Mayan historic sites, the second largest coral reef in the world, the dense jungle, the Latin America-inspired menu, the only thing that makes this a better destination for American travelers is the official language: English. Belize is a country tragically overlooked, but completely worth your time.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Placencia to enjoy the beach for the next few days! (This service is on a private basis.)

Monkey River Tour

Explore Monkey River by boat, observing Howler Monkeys, tropical birds, crocodiles, and wildlife. Stop by the village of Monkey River and enjoy some delicious lunch before driving up the river for 20 minutes. When you get to the river you will get to hike the trails through the rainforest to view families of the Howler Monkeys. Aside from these peculiar monkeys, you will get to see several species of the Flora and Fauna (including medicinal plants). (This service is on a private basis.)

Unwind at the shore and enjoy the amenities of your resort as you like today!

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the Belize International Airport in good time to board your international departure flight. The journey should be approximately 3 hours. (This service is on a private basis.)

We hope you've had an amazing journey through Guatemala and Belize and will take home memories to last a lifetime!