Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Guatemala City via Miami/Dallas (depending on Canadian gateway) and transfer to your hotel in Antigua.
Today we embark on walking tour of Antigua, viewing breathtaking colonial monuments including the central plaza, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, City Hall, El Portal, and visiting the Cathedral and San Francisco Church. Along our walking tour we have the opportunity to taste local delicacies. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. This evening we have our Welcome Dinner.
This morning we visit a local chocolate farm for a hands-on cocoa experience, making and tasting your own chocolates. After enjoying a local lunch we transfer to the villages surrounding Antigua to discover the traditions and daily rituals of Guatemala’s small towns. We will explore the museum at the Archbishop’s Palace in San Juan del Obispo, witness daily life in San Pedro las Huertas and the Maya town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes which specializes in the finest authentic Maya textiles.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own. An optional tour to do a coffee tour or Antigua weaving workshop will be offered.
This morning we transfer to Lake Atitlán. With three stunning volcanoes rising out of its emerald surface, Lake Atitlán is characterized by its natural beauty surrounded by gorgeous views and indigenous villages filled with culture. We will enjoy a local lunch en route before arriving at our charming hotel.
We embark by boat to visit San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlán, two very special and unique towns along the lake. Santiago is home to Maximón, a venerated pagan saint who smokes tobacco, drinks moonshine and resides in a different house each year. San Juan la Laguna is a quiet town, home to several textile co-ops and art galleries.
We take a boat to transfer to the north shore of Lake Atitlán to visit the quiet town of Tzununá. We will hike along ancient paths that have been used by the Kaqchikel Maya for centuries. You will see villagers going about their daily life and witness some of the most magnificent scenery in the world.
This morning we transfer to Guatemala City for our domestic flight to Flores.
After breakfast we head to Tikal National Park to explore the temples, architecture, and mysteries of why the Mayans disappeared. If we are lucky you will be able to spot monkeys, parrots, macaws and toucans. We enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle before returning to our hotel.
Today we cross into Belize by land and board our short flight to San Pedro. We arrive to our hotel located on Ambergris Caye where we will enjoy a 5-night stay.
We visit Hol Chan, the oldest marine reserve located on the southern tip of Ambergis Caye. We make two stops to enjoy the amazing underwater landscape of the Barrier Reef, viewing corals of all forms, sizes and colours as well as bright tropical fish. Next we visit Shark Ray Alley, a shallow area where you have the opportunity to feed and pet nurse sharks and stingrays, and if you are feeling brave enough you can swim with them!
Embark on a boat ride northward to Mexico Rocks to our snorkel spot. We continue to Robles Point where you can explore the beach while our guides will build a bonfire to cook the catch of the day for our beach picnic lunch. On our way back stop at Mata Rocks for another snorkel opportunity to take in the wonders beneath the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
Enjoy a day at leisure to take advantage of the facilities at our resort, or explore San Pedro on your own.
Enjoy a second day at leisure to take advantage of the facilities at our resort, or explore San Pedro on your own.
Transfer to San Pedro airstrip for our domestic flight to Belize City and connect with our international flight home via Dallas.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
