Day 1
Upon arrival in Guatemala City, private transfer to your hotel in La Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as just Antigua or La Antigua).
Day 2
Morning, private tour of Antigua. for two centuries the capital city of the Spanish military in Central America. You will be met at your hotel reception at 9 a.m. by your private guide to begin your half-day walking tour of Antigua. Your tour will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrance fees are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church. This tour is flexible, and if you have specific sites that you wish to see please let us know. At the end of the tour, we will transfer you privately to your hotel in Lake Atitlán.
Day 3
Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlán
You will be picked up from your hotel for a scenic boat ride across the lake, passing by the three impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Upon arrival in Santiago, you will walk with your guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God, so his location changes. Once with Maximon, you may see local shaman performing rituals for local people and if you wish you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman for you to have a personal ceremony performed. Next, you will visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town, and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art for which the area is famous. Take a ride in a local “flete”—a pickup truck in which passengers stand in the bed—to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, private transfer to Antigua for overnight.
Day 4
Early morning, transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, we visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, one can perceive the sounds of the rain forest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.
Day 5
Morning of leisure. Private transfer to the town of San Ignacio in Belize. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 6
Morning visit to the Xunantunich Maya site. We arrive at the village of San José Succotz where a hand-cranked ferry carries vehicles and passengers to the other side of the Mopan River. One more mile will bring the visitor to Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock). A major ceremonial center, and one of the country’s larger excavated sites, the view from the largest pyramid—El Castillo—is remarkable. Trip continues with a visit to the Belize Zoo, some 40 minutes from Belize City. Only indigenous species are housed at the zoo, all of which have been either rescued or donated from owners who could not take care of the animals properly. The “guests” (birds, cats, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.). are housed in large compounds containing what would be their natural habitats. This is a great opportunity to view and photograph those beasts of the rainforest not easily seen in the wild. Transfer to Belize City, and transfer to your hotel.
Day 7
Morning tour of Altun Ha Maya site. Located 35 miles from Belize City on the Old Northern Highway, Altun Ha (Rock Stone Water) is a great example of a Maya ceremonial and trading site. It was here that Dr. David Pendergast uncovered a very precious Mayan artifact—the Jade Head representing Kinich Ahau, the Sun God. Air transfer from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Day 8
Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Afternoon of leisure. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Day 9
Day of leisure. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Day 10
Scenic overland transfer to Riviera Maya. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Ground transfer from Belize to Cancun takes about 10 hours.
Day 11
In the morning head to the ancient archeological site of Chichen-Itza. The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are more than 1,500 years old. The site is divided into three sections. The north grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as “The Old Chichén.” You will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok, full of symbolism and drama. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 12
In the morning, head to the archaeological site of Tulum. Mounted on the edge of a cliff, this abandoned city towers above the deep turquoise of the Caribbean and a beautiful white sandy beach. Although the site dates back to earlier times, Tulum reached its peak in the Post-classic period between 1,000 and 1,600 AD. Originally called Zama or City of the Dawn, the sun rises from the sea above the city walls and for the ancient Maya, begins her dance across the sky. The city within the walls was only inhabited by the nobles, high priests and esteemed citizens such as astronomers whereas the lower classes lived in simple wood and thatch huts beyond. The buildings in the city were originally covered with brilliant paintings and carvings – stark white, deep red or vibrant blue, but only faint remnants of these now remain.
Day 13
Enjoy a day of leisure to explore on your own or add additional optional activities.
Day 14
Transfer to the Cancun airport for your flight home or overlap with the add-on of your choice.
Mexico and Central America Combined
Riviera Maya
Belize
Tikal
