Compare Land of Belize by Intrepid Travel vs Belize & Guatemala by Land and Sea by Great Value Vacations
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4 | Great
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Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
Price From | $ 1,534 | $ 4,784 |
Price Per Day | $ 192 | $ 532 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Jump into Belize's natural wonders, picturesque coastlines and rich cultural history on this 8-day adventure in Central America. This often-overlooked paradise is full of lush jungle, spectacular Maya ruins, long sandy beaches and first-class underwater attractions. You’ll get the chance to sample them all! From the buzz of Belize City, travel through the Lamanai Archaeological Site and to the island paradise of Caye Caulker. Take a day trip to Guatemala to discover the history of the UNESCO Maya ruins of Tikal. Explore this little-visited gem and get off the beaten track, sitting back and relaxing into the Bel-easy-an way of life. |
This 8-night adventure takes you through beautiful parts of Belize and Guatemala! Each day brings an exciting tour or a chance to relax amidst beautiful surroundings. First, you'll spend a few nights in San Ignacio. Located in the Cayo District, San Ignacio is a cute town with museums and plazas to visit. During your time here, you'll visit the Caracol Mayan Ruins and visit Rio Frio Cave! Then, you'll travel to Flores, Guatemala. Visit the Yaxha Archaeological Site, snorkel at the Blue Crater, and experience Tikal National Park! Be sure to keep your camera charged to snap photos during all of your tours! You'll then travel back to Belize to San Pedro. Enjoy some leisure time here, but only after you've taken a flight over the Blue Hole! This spectacular attraction is best viewed from the sky. At the end of your trip, you'll fly from San Pedro to Belize International Airport, and fly home from there! |
Day 1 Belize City
Welcome to Belize! Your adventure begins in Belize City – located where the Belize River meets the Caribbean Sea, this bustling former capital is full of history and culture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, Belize City has plenty to discover. The coastal and maritime museum is on the north side, housed in the beautifully restored former fire station. Also in the north is the Image Factory, displaying contemporary Belizean artists, the National Handicraft Centre and the oldest Anglican church in Central America – St John Cathedral, built in 1812. Tonight, why not head out on a group welcome dinner, recommended by your leader?
Day 2 Orange Walk
This morning, you’ll take a private vehicle to Carmelita, then hop on a boat towards the Lamanai Archaeological site. The boat ride is an adventure in itself, and your leader will help you spot all the colourful birds along the river. Arrive at the archaeological site and take some time to explore the remains of the ancient Mayan civilisation and its unearthed temples. After, head back up the river by boat to the town of Orange Walk, where you’ll spend the night. Tonight, settle into your lodge and enjoy an included group dinner.
Day 3 San Ignacio
This morning, drive to the San Ignacio area, stopping along the way at the San Antonio Women’s Co-op – an organisation formed by local Mayan women as a way to share skills and traditional knowledge while earning an income. Join the local women for a cooking demonstration designed to preserve their culinary heritage, then sit down together for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please.
Day 4 Tikal National Park, Guatemala / San Ignacio
Today, you’ll take a day trip to the UNESCO site and Mayan ruins in Tikal National Park – located just across the border in Guatemala. Among the thick, evergreen jungle are some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation – plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys. Take in the towering limestone temples and other monuments while pondering the mystery of the ancient city's demise. After, enjoy an included group lunch and then make your way back to San Ignacio. Tonight is free to relax at your accommodation or explore at your own pace.
Day 5 San Ignacio
Today is yours to take on any of the many optional activities available in San Ignacio. Maybe take a day trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique moulded wall surface, and the central plaza has three carved stelae (stone slabs). Getting to the site is half the fun as you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Maybe head to the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade through the water until you reach the ceremonial site, where you’ll find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1400 years. If Maya ruins aren’t your thing, consider a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and warm swimming holes, check out the butterfly garden, or canoe down the Barton Creek cave reserve.
Day 6 Caye Caulker
Today, take a private transfer to Belize City, where you’ll board a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. While there are a number of islands off the coast of the mainland, Caye Caulker is certainly the most famous (and arguably the most beautiful). Once you’ve arrived on Caye Caulker, join your leader on an orientation walk to get to know this tiny and laidback island. You’ll notice no cars here, making it a real pleasure to explore. If you fancy, it’s possible to arrange day trips to the other islands or to some spectacular reefs for snorkelling – just chat with your leader about your options. Each island has its own character, but they all have the unmistakable Caribbean pace and charm. This evening, why not get your hands on some freshly caught seafood, often served in causal and colourful restaurants, to a soundtrack of reggae music.
Day 7 Caye Caulker
Your time in Caye Caulker is about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another free day here. If you're interested in sampling some local cuisine, Belize is famous for its barbequed food and some of the best meals are cooked on the roadside! Caye Caulker is also famous for its lobster – not the cheapest meal, but so (so) good. Always make sure that you respect the season – the lobsters can only be caught between June and February. If you’re out of season, how about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local firewater?
Day 8 Caye Caulker
There are no activities planned today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time following checkout. If you would like to spend more time in Caye Caulker, just speak to your booking agent.
Day 1 Welcome to San Ignacio, Belize!
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Check in, freshen up, and let the fun begin!
Day 2 San Ignacio, Belize
Today, you will experience a Mayan ruin tour, with cave visit and lunch! Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 San Ignacio, Belize - Flores, Guatemala
This morning, you'll be taken to the Belize/Guatemala border to meet your Guatemalan guide! Take a tour of Yaxha Archaeological Site. Then, you'll be transferred to your hotel.
Day 4 Flores, Guatemala
Take a tour and go snorkeling at the Blue Crater today! You'll return to your hotel in the early evening. Find a delicious-looking restaurant for dinner tonight!
Day 5 Flores, Guatemala
Visit Tikal National Park today! At the end of the tour, you'll dine at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle! Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6 Flores, Guatemala - San Pedro, Belize
Today, you'll be transferred to San Pedro, Belize via van and water taxi! Settle into your new hotel and spend the rest of the evening however you please.
Day 7 San Pedro, Belize
Today, you'll fly over the Blue Hole to experience this phenomenon from above! S[pend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 8 San Pedro, Belize
It's the final day of your trip! Spend it relaxing at your hotel, shopping nearby, or checking out local attractions!
Day 9 Depart Belize
You'll be transferred to the San Pedro airstrip for a local flight to the Belize International Airport. Then, you'll catch your flight home!