Imagine Guatemala and Belize
Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Lake Peten, Cayo District & PlacenciaThis awe-inspiring trip is perfect for adventurous travellers looking to experience the highlights of Guatemala and Belize without sacrificing luxury and comfort. Explore colonial cities and traditional settlements, visit vibrant markets, observe wildlife and uncover ancient ruins deep in the jungle and relax on white sandy beaches.
At a glance
This adventure-packed itinerary will suit those wanting to discover more about the fascinating history of the ancient Maya civilisation and the more recent Spanish colonial influence that has influenced this region.
Stay at unique and luxurious properties, full of boutique charm and well positioned to make the most of each destination along the way.
Journey through pretty colonial towns and meet indigenous communities in remote villages, soak up spectacular lake views which reflect the softly puffing volcanoes on the horizon.
Enjoy a healthy dose of adventure whilst exploring verdant rainforest and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Journey highlights
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This adventure-packed itinerary will suit those wanting to discover more about the fascinating history of the ancient Maya civilisation and the more recent Spanish colonial influence that has influenced this region.
-
Stay at unique and luxurious properties, full of boutique charm and well positioned to make the most of each destination along the way.
-
Journey through pretty colonial towns and meet indigenous communities in remote villages, soak up spectacular lake views which reflect the softly puffing volcanoes on the horizon.
-
Enjoy a healthy dose of adventure whilst exploring verdant rainforest and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Imagine itinerary:Rooted in the culture, history and people of a destination, our Imagine Journeys offer premium hotels and experiences with an emphasis on discovering the best the locals can offer
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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For Belize’s best weather, visit between the months of December to April. Expect warm weather and a great deal of sunshine as well as excellent snorkelling opportunities. Avoiding travel between June to October is recommended as daily heavy rainfall is common. Hurricanes are possible between August and October.
Guatemala is best visited during the months of December to March, when the landscape is still green from the rainy season but the weather is warm and pleasant. April to September is rainy season, temperatures begin to drop and hiking can be difficult because of the terrain. October brings the hurricane season so we would advise to avoid Guatemala during this time. Religious ceremonies and festivals take part at Easter with the Semana Santa and May/June with Corpus Christi, so expect the city to be extremely busy during this time.
Price Guide: (Per Person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | GBP £4,500 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| October | GBP £4,500 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| November | GBP £5,100 | GBP £800 | plan your trip |
| December | GBP £5,100 | GBP £800 | plan your trip |
| January | GBP £5,100 | GBP £800 | plan your trip |
| February | GBP £5,100 | GBP £800 | plan your trip |
| March | GBP £5,100 | GBP £800 | plan your trip |
| April | GBP £4,800 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| May | GBP £4,800 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| June | GBP £4,500 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| July | GBP £4,500 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| August | GBP £4,500 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,100
Deposit from*GBP £800
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,100
Deposit from*GBP £800
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,100
Deposit from*GBP £800
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,100
Deposit from*GBP £800
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,100
Deposit from*GBP £800
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,800
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,800
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*GBP £700
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Fly to Guatemala City
Antigua
Upon arrival into Guatemala City, you’ll be transferred to the picturesque colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala’s former capital that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll spend the next couple of days exploring this wonderfully preserved Spanish colonial city. Enjoy guided tours around the photogenic cobbled streets and its pastel coloured buildings, exploring ruined churches and convents whilst uncovering the fascinating history of Antigua. Bursting with little cafés hidden under arches and in ornate courtyards filled with potted plants, market stalls and locals selling fairs on the main plaza and an excellent array of restaurants, it’s easy to get swept away by the Guatemalan way of life. The city enjoys a spectacular back drop of three volcanoes, two of which can be hiked if you wish, but the views are best enjoyed from one of the rooftop bars whilst sipping a refreshing cocktail and watching the sunset. Antigua is also the best place to fill your suitcase with good quality souvenirs and gifts, so allow some time for perusing the treasure trove of boutique stores and art galleries.
Accommodation: El Convento ( 3 nights )
Lake Atitlan
After three days, you will head to Lake Atitlan, stopping at a traditional local market where vendors sell and barter produce, animal stock and handicrafts at one of the indigenous highland towns along the way. Markets operate on different days, so it all depends on which day of the week you are travelling.
As you continue along the road, passing small settlements and agricultural plots of land, you eventually reach the shores of Lake Atitlan where you will be taken aback by its breath-taking scenery. Check into Casa Polopo, an absolute gem of a boutique hotel, just in time to watch the marvellous sunset from the outdoor terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel enjoys at enviable location perched high above the lake with spectacular views and you’ll probably fall in love with its gorgeous décor and delicious tasting restaurant menu.
Lake Atitlan is the epicentre of Mayan folklore in the Guatemalan highlands and religious beliefs here are a unique fusion of Catholicism and Mayan traditions. Take a private boat tour across the waters to visit some of the small villages on the lake’s shore which are characterised by their own unique traditions and customs and even witness a ceremony hosted by a shaman.
Accommodation: Casa Palopo ( 2 nights )
Tikal
You will need to board a short flight to reach your final destination in Guatemala and be prepared for a significant change in climate as it’s much more tropical and humid in Tikal! This is the heartland of the ancient Maya world and deep within the jungle you’ll find most of Guatemala’s Mayan ruins.
Check into La Lancha, a stunning lodge owned by the film producer and director Francis Ford Coppolaset. Get up early before breakfast and enjoy a yoga class on the deck or paddle out across the glistening waters of the lake in a canoe. There’s also lovely swimming pool in which to escape the heat and humidity at the end of each day and where you can kickback with a masterfully created cocktail. Enjoy a privately guided tour of Tikal, the most spectacular and grand of the Mayan ruins in the area. It’s a vast archaeological complex shroud amidst dense jungle and you’ll feel like Indiana Jones whilst exploring the site. You can still climb some of the temples, so make sure you get a good vantage point to enjoy unforgettable views high above the thick jungle canopy. Listen out for the unmistakable sound of howler monkeys and if you’re lucky you might also spot colourful toucans peering down at you from the treetops. Accommodation: La Lancha ( 2 nights )
Cayo District
As you cross over the border, you’ll immediately feel the shift between the Spanish speaking country of Guatemala, and Belize where Mayan, Creole and an English history have fused together to create something unique with a distinctly Caribbean feel.
Your first stop is the Cayo district, Belize’s premier adventure and eco-activity region. It’s a lush green area interwoven with bubbling rivers, cascading waterfalls and a series of cave networks waiting to be explored. There are also several Mayan temples, still hidden within dense vegetation, many of which only receive a handful of visitors on a daily basis. With so many activities to choose from there’s plenty to keep you occupied over the next few days. However, we’d forgive you for not wanting to leave the luxurious resort, in which case you can indulge in lavish spa treatments, enjoy delicious seafood lunches and relax by the pool.
Accommodation: The Lodge at Chaa Creek ( 3 nights )
Placencia
Your final stop is the laid-back beach village of Placencia on the sun-drenched Caribbean coast. Check into your brand-new, plush beachfront hotel and indulge yourself in their extensive range of spa treatments, relax by the pool with an ice-cold beverage or hangout in hammock on the beach.
Placencia is a tiny village, relatively untouched by tourism and has a super friendly Caribbean atmosphere. Spend your days topping up your tan, strolling around the colourful Creole town or take a boat trip to an uninhabited island in the middle of the ocean where you can enjoy mouth-watering grilled lobster and go snorkelling amongst shoals of tropical fish. In the evenings head down to one of the friendly beach bars to watch the sun melt away into the ocean whilst you dip your toes in the warm waters, with a slow a reggae beat in the background. Enjoy every last moment as you wind down towards the final day of your holiday. Accommodation: Naia Resort & Spa ( 3 nights )
Fly home via Belize City
Call us on 020 3993 9308 to start planning your holiday.
Experiences included in this itinerary
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![Explore Santiago & San Juan]()
Read moreLake Atitlan Village Tour - Santiago & San Juan La Laguna
Take a boat across the calm waters of Lake Atitlan to the villages of Santiago de Atitlan and San Juan la Laguna, each with a distinctive character yet both very charming and two of the most fascinating of the surrounding villages.
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![Temples - Temples of Tikal]()
Read moreTikal Tour with Restaurant Lunch
Experience one of the Maya world's most impressive and evocative temple complexes, Tikal, and feel like a true Indiana Jones. Tikal is arguably the greatest of all Mayan cities. Enjoy a fascinating private guided tour with your very own archaeology guide.
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
For Belize’s best weather, visit between the months of December to April. Expect warm weather and a great deal of sunshine as well as excellent snorkelling opportunities. Avoiding travel between June to October is recommended as daily heavy rainfall is common. Hurricanes are possible between August and October.
Guatemala is best visited during the months of December to March, when the landscape is still green from the rainy season but the weather is warm and pleasant. April to September is rainy season, temperatures begin to drop and hiking can be difficult because of the terrain. October brings the hurricane season so we would advise to avoid Guatemala during this time. Religious ceremonies and festivals take part at Easter with the Semana Santa and May/June with Corpus Christi, so expect the city to be extremely busy during this time.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 3993 9308 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn?
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