Itinerary - Guatemala and Belize: from the Mayan world to the Caribbean Sea

Return flights are not included in the price of the trip, so you can choose your departure point, time, and airline. We do this to give you maximum freedom of choice! Check-in at the hotel in Antigua Guatemala. Get ready—today marks the start of our adventure in one of the most colourful and culturally diverse countries on the planet.

Previously the capital of the country, Antigua is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America. We will stroll through its streets, explore the typical markets, visit the Convent of the Capuchins, the famous Arco Street, the La Merced Church, the ruins caused by various earthquakes, and its magnificent cathedral. We will mingle with the locals to uncover city legends such as “La Llorona” or “El Cadejo.” All this under the shadow of the majestic Agua Volcano.

 What better way to start getting to know each other than with Guatemalan specialties at our welcome dinner? Pepian, Jocon, and of course, many shots of rum to toast the beginning of our adventure.

This morning, we will wake up early and head towards Acatenango Volcano. To reach the base camp, which is at 3,600 meters, it will take us approximately 4 hours, but the views will be spectacular. As night falls, we will witness a unique spectacle. The nearby Fuego Volcano, just an hour's walk away, will offer lava eruptions like you've never seen before. We will sleep in tents and have dinner under the stars. What an adventure!

Today, we will wake up very early to ascend to 3,976 meters to witness one of the best sunrises in the world. From here, we will have a view of a significant part of Guatemala’s volcanic chain. Fatigue will not hold us back. After a hearty breakfast, we will descend the volcano and return to Antigua Guatemala, where we can shower and rest after an incredible adventure.

Today, we will change cities and head to San Juan la Laguna on Lake Atitlán. This village is one of the most colourful around the lake. Upon arrival, we will take a tour through its art-filled streets and in the afternoon, visit several producer associations of honey, chocolate, medicinal plants, and clothing.

In the evening, we will have dinner with a family who will teach us how to cook their specialty: Pepián. During the meal, we will hear the legends surrounding the lake. Will they be true?

Today, we will take a boat to Santiago Atitlán, another of the 12 villages around the lake. You will notice how the culture in this village differs from that of San Juan la Laguna. Even the traditional costumes of its inhabitants are different. Here, there is a cult dedicated to a saint not recognised by the Church: Maximón. They venerate him through dances and aguardiente (a type of strong liquor). It’s quite a spectacle! The cult is always performed in private homes, so we must respect the space we enter.

The Chichicastenango market is open only on Thursdays and Sundays. We will have the chance to explore its labyrinths of vegetables, clothing, and traditional souvenirs.

We’ll try our hand at bargaining and take many souvenirs home. In the late afternoon, we will return to Antigua Guatemala.

We will leave very early in the morning to avoid the traffic from the capital. The journey to Río Dulce will take approximately 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, we can cross the largest bridge in Guatemala and visit the Castillo de San Felipe. We can also rent a boat to explore the river and see why it is considered a little Amazon. If we're lucky, we might spot pink dolphins and manatees. We will also spend time with a Garifuna community, which has Caribbean origins.

We will leave Río Dulce behind and head into the Petén department of Guatemala. This region is known for being the largest in Guatemala and home to the greatest number of Mayan ruins in the world. We’ll arrive at Flores, an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá. Here, you can rent kayaks, swim in the lake, or stroll through the streets.

 In the evening, the lively atmosphere won’t disappoint, so we can head out for dinner at one of the island’s charming restaurants and later go dancing.

Today, we enter the most important Mayan city in the world: Tikal. A city surrounded by jungle, wildlife, and history. It’s a setting worthy of a Star Wars film, with many pyramids. We will explore the entire city, passing through the central plaza and its main pyramid, the Great Jaguar. As we walk, we’ll spot monkeys, parrots, and countless other species of wildlife. If we're lucky, we might witness Mayan ceremonies. Climbing to the top of Temple IV will give us a breathtaking view of the pyramids emerging from the jungle. A photo at this spot is a must!

 After finishing the tour, we will return to Flores, where we will spend the night again.

Did you know that Belize was a department of Guatemala until 1992, when it gained independence? In Belize, English is the primary language because it was a British colony. We will cross the border to reach Belize City and then take a boat to Caye Caulker. This island is small and a perfect place to relax on the beautiful Caribbean beaches. In the evening, we can go out dancing.

These two days will be filled with relaxation and a bit of adventure. Those who wish can

go scuba diving or snorkelling to explore the second-largest reef in the world. The underwater views will undoubtedly be spectacular. In the afternoons, enjoy the beach, the sea, and a good cocktail.

On the penultimate day, we’ll prepare for our final dinner together: it will be our last chance to enjoy delicious Caribbean food and spend time together. The trip has been intense, and we return home with our backpacks full of memories, toasting to all the emotions experienced and shared!

We have reached the end of this adventure: we say goodbye and promise to see each other again soon for another WeRoad!