Guatemala and Belize– Maya Discovery

Upon arrival in Guatemala, you will be met by a representative and transferred (1 hr) to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, where you will check in to your hotel.

Overnight at Meson de Maria or similar (deluxe room)

Following breakfast you will be met for a walking tour in Antigua. You will have the chance to visit the Antigua Cathedral, the Merced and the San Francisco Monasteries. Today, you will experience tuc tucs as well.

La Antigua (the old one), former colonial capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, combines 17th and 18th century buildings and ruins with all the modern conveniences discerning travelers desire. The city was established as Santiago (St James) in 1543 after a mudslide destroyed the former capital. Santiago’s history was punctuated by massive earthquakes, followed by rebuilding and reparation, until the earthquake of Santa Marta in 1773 prompted a move to the present capital in Guatemala City. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Antigua exudes a unique atmosphere of history, intrigue and surprise. Resting in a fertile valley at 1530 m and surrounded by hills and volcanoes, Antigua’s climate is likened to ‘eternal spring’ Central Park, also known as the Plaza Real, Plaza de Armas or parque central, this was the center of government, commerce and society and formed the center of the original street grid system.

Its gardens and mermaid fountain make it a pleasant place to watch the Guatemalans at work and play. On the south side is the Palace of the Captain-General, home to the governor and his family, the soldiers and their horses, offices for employees, and the Royal Mint. On the north side is the Ayuntamiento (City Hall), built in 1740, its solid construction and graceful arches continue in daily use. Along the west, formerly ‘bakers row’, are banks, cafés, bookstores etc. Gracing the east side is the Cathedral, inaugurated in 1680 and destroyed in 1773. The front portion has been restored and is currently in use while the rest, which can be visited, lies in ruins.

Church and Convent of Santa Clara, stark and imposing from the street, the beautiful baroque façade of the church can only be admired from within the convent complex.

Then you will head back Antigua.

Overnight at Meson de Maria or similar (deluxe room)

This morning you will be met by your guide for an early transfer to Lanquin. En-route we will visit the Quetzal reserve , protecting 3,000 acres of cloud forest and many species of birds, butterflies, orchids and exotic flowers.   Here we will get a chance to walk along a path, which will lead you through the cloud forest, past ancient trees, fragrant ferns, creeks and cascading waterfalls. Many species of birds can be seen here, among others the quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird (although this is elusive even here), toucans, hummingbirds and owls.
Upon arrival in Lanquin, we will be able to enjoy the Lanquin caves and bats experience  – a unique experience where you get the chance to explore the home of the bats before (at dusk) sitting and allowing thousands of bats to fly out of the cave past your on their nights hunt.
Our hotel for tonight is very basic but is in an ideal location for us to enjoy the bat cave.

Overnight El Recreo Lanquin in Standard room

After breakfast we transfer to Semuc Champey (approx. 1 hr) Semuc Champey is a natural monument consisting of a natural 300 m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. On top of the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a perfect place for wild swimming. We will spend the morning swimming in the tranquil waterfalls and travertine pools of mineral water before transferring to Coban (approx.1 hr). You will get a chance to relax this afternoon.

Overnight La Posada (Standard room)

After an American breakfast we transfer to Sayaxche, (approx.3 hrs). Here we will board a boat and head out along La Pasion River to reach our accommodation Chiminos Island Lodge, located next to the beautiful Petexbatun Lake –Prepare yourself for the Ultimate Eco-Archaeological Adventure and enjoy the most pristine jungle, as tonight will be spent on this a fortified artificial island built by the ancient Maya to defend themselves during the terminal period of their occupation in this region. Lunch and dinner will be served at the lodge.

Overnight Chiminos Lodge (Standard room)

The site of Uaxactun is famous for the oldest complete Maya astronomical complex found and is one of the longest-occupied Maya sites. It´s also the community where the “Chicleros” (gum collectors) have lived for over 100 years. Many of Uaxactún’s residents nowadays make their living from gathering forest products such as chicle (exported to Japan), allspice and xate palm leaves (ornamental plant exported to the US and used for floral arrangements).
This morning after breakfast we will head out on a unique 2 days excursion to Uaxactun. We will visit the community and interesting archaeology museum as well as explore the archaeology site. In the late afternoon, we will head to the lookout tower for Sunset Drinks where, if we are lucky, we will be able to see the ruins from Tikal rising above the jungle!  After drinks we head back to the campsite where we will have a simple local candlelight dinner. The night will be spent in tents in this impressive site in the middle of the jungle.

Overnight camp.

This morning we will have breakfast at the site before transferring to Tikal National Park where we will receive a private guided tour of this fabulous site with huge temples rising up through the jungle canopy and a variety of tropical animals and birds on show.
You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the howler and spider monkeys as well as many colourful tropical birds and other mammals.
After lunch at a local restaurant for those not joining us on a beach extension, you will transfer back to Flores where you will take a flight back to Guatemala City. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight Biltmore Express (Standard room)

A box breakfast will be provided before transferring to the airport in time for your flight home.