24 Days Guatemala, Mexico & Belize Tour Package

We travel through some of the most memorable sceneries on the continent on this 24-day adventure through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico's Yucatan region, bearing witness to historic sites that boggle the mind and mingling with friendly peoples whose bloodlines stretch back millennia and to the most notable ancient civilisations in the history of the Americas. Each of our three destination countries offers a wealth of well-preserved monuments dating back to the days of the great Mayan Empire: in Guatemala, we see ancient temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500BC; in Mexico, we come face-to-face with majestic palaces and perhaps the most beautiful of all Maya structures in Central America; and in Belize, we explore Maya ruins outside Caracol, where the number of ancient dwelling-places is greater than the total number of modern houses in the entire country. Along with browsing in local markets brimming with impressive arrays of beautiful hand-woven textiles and crafts, admiring traditional dress and learning about long-held customs of villagers, we see towering volcanoes, explore lush tropical jungle and take a boat ride to one of the oldest commercial sites, which dates from 400BC.

Overnight in San Pedro Sula. Meal plan: Dinner, if required.

Day 2 San Pedro Sula - Macaw Mountain Bird Park - Copan

Before leaving the city today, we will visit the Museum of Anthropology and History. The museum displays will take you through the Pre-Columbian to modern day history of the Sula Valley. The museum also has a wide range of Mayan artifacts.

Archaeologists have demonstrated that Honduras had a rich, multi-ethnic prehistory. An important part of that prehistory was the Mayan presence around the city of Copan in western Honduras, near the Guatemalan border. Today the colonial town of Copan is is peaceful, quaint and interesting, with cobblestone streets and tiled roofs.

In the afternoon we will visit the Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve, one of Central Americas best loved secrets. This is an innovative tropical bird reserve that cares for rescued and endangered birds of the American tropics. The Park's owners were lucky enough to purchase one of the last old growth forests close to Copan, and the nine-acre nature reserve has an extraordinary forest including mahogany, indio desnudo (gumbo limbo), chico zapote, Spanish cedar and fig trees. The tropical forest here has been augmented by reintroducing native species and some tropical ornamentals into this natural botanical garden. Blue Morpho butterflies are a delightfully constant presence along the streamside trails. This private collection has grown to more than 40 birds representing
15 species, including parrots and toucans.

Overnight in Copan. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 3 Copan: Site Tour

This morning we will visit the Copan archaeological site. The Mayan ruins of Copan are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Copan contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features. We will tour the sight on foot, walking through grassy plazas filled with intricately carved and decorated monuments, statues and staircases. Huge carved faces stare at you from ancient walls and bring the place to life, causing renewed wonder at the mysterious disappearance of such a creative civilization.

Often called the "Athens of the New World," Copan features some of the Mayas' most impressive accomplishments in architecture, in astronomy, in sheer civic organization. After our guided tour of the archaeological site we will visit the world famous Sculpture Museum, designed to give the visitor a sense of how the ancient Maya viewed their world, and recorded its most important aspects in architectural and freestanding sculpture.

The Ball Court at Copan is the second largest in Central America; and nearby is Copan's most famous monument, the Hieroglyphic Stairway, the work of King Smoke Shell. The flight of 63 steps bears a history, in several thousand glyphs, of the royal house of Copan. We have a guided walk through the Rosalia and Jaguar tunnels, one of the few opportunities to enter a Mayan pyramid to see up close the layers upon layers of temples that make up these magical structures.

Copan is unique in the Mayan realm for its emphasis on sculpture, since it was home to the most carved commemorative stelae and altars, as well as many complex stone and stucco sculptures decorating the buildings. Thus the Copan Sculpture Museum presents the most beautiful and informative sculptures to the pubic, while at the same time preserving them in an enclosed environment that will insure that they can be admired and pondered for centuries to come.

Antigua may be the most outstanding and best-preserved colonial city in Spanish America. Travellers are overwhelmed by the natural beauty and wealth of historic monuments. The Spanish Colonial style permeates every part of the town: its houses, churches, squares, parks and ruins, also its traditions and folklore as well. Antigua is a city of charm and color where you can see and buy an overwhelming variety of attractive, handmade products that honor the traditions of generations of artisans.

The city, founded in 1543, was the seat of Spanish colonial government for the Kingdom of Guatemala, which included Chiapas (southern Mexico), Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Throughout its history the city was repeatedly damaged by earthquakes, and always rebuilt, bigger and better. But on July 29, 1773, the day of Santa Marta, earthquakes wrought such destruction that officials petitioned the King of Spain to allow them to move the capital to safer ground, which led to the founding in 1776 of present-day Guatemala City. Today its monumental bougainvillea-draped ruins, and it's preserved and carefully restored Spanish colonial public buildings and private mansions give form to a city of charm and romance unequaled in the Americas. In 1979 UNESCO recognized Antigua Guatemala as a Cultural Heritage of Mankind site.

Overnight in Antigua. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 5 Antigua: Walking Tour

This morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Antigua, located in a valley and surrounded by many green small hills and three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. We will explore both the restored colonial buildings as well as those left as ruins throughout the city. Among the intricate colonial buildings and interesting museums we will visit on our tour, we will explore the ornate La Merced church, the ruins of the Capuchinas convent and the San Francisco Cathedral, where pilgrims go to see the tomb of Saint Hermano Pedro.

Wandering down the cobblestone streets of this magical city or through the central plaza to view the mermaid fountain, you will quickly realize why people call Antigua "the colonial jewel of the Americas" and why most vow to return. Our tour will take us to the impressive town square (plaza) where travelers are often drawn to the beauty and activity. The massive trees offer friendly shade, and combined with the cold drinks and snacks sold by countless vendors, it is a prefect place to beat the heat. Around the perimeter of the central park are many buildings of note, including the Palacio de los Capitanes, and the Museo de Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum). Directly east of the plaza is the Santiago Cathedral, which has been damaged and rebuilt many times. This cathedral is said to contain somewhere within the remains of Don Pedro de Alvarado, conquistador of Guatemala.

Overnight in Antigua. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 6 Antigua: Free Day

Today you are free to explore Antigua. Sit and relax in the Plaza de Armas, the central square, and enjoy the view of the Palace of the Captains General, the old City Hall and the remains of the Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace, excellent examples of Spanish colonial architecture.

Overnight in Antigua. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 7 Antigua - Chichicastanengo Market - Panajachel

This morning we depart for Chichicastenango (locally known as Chichi) where we will tour this world famous market. On Thursdays and Sundays there is a large market here where vendors sell handicrafts, food, flowers, pottery, wooden boxes, condiments, medicinal plants, candles, pom and copal (traditional incense), cal (lime for preparing tortillas), grindstones, pigs and chickens, machetes, and other tools. In the central part of the market plaza are comedores (small eateries). Among the items sold are textiles, particularly the women's blouses. The manufacture of masks, used by dancers in traditional dances has also made this city well known for woodcarving. Our walking tour through the market will bring us to the 400-year old church of Santo Tomas. It is built atop a Pre-Columbian platform, and the steps originally leading to a temple of the pre-Hispanic Maya civilization remain venerated. Shamans still use the church for their rituals, burning incense and candles. In special cases, they burn a chicken for the gods. Each of the 18 stairs that lead up to the church stands for one month of the Maya calendar year.

After our time at the market we will drive south to the town of Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Atitlan owes its grandeur to its enormous size and spectacular, volcanic setting. Lake Atitlan was formed after a volcanic eruption. Three stately volcanoes, Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro rise gracefully from its southern shore, their perfect cones reflected in the azure mirror of the lake.

Overnight in Panajachel. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 8 Lake Atitlan Boat Tour

Today we will take a boat tour around Lake Atitalan and will see some of the many lakeside villages. Our journey today takes us across the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlan, nestled beneath the three volcanoes of San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman. When we visit Santiago de Atitlan you will notice the unusual headdresses that the locals wear which are called Tocoyal and consist of 12 metres/40 feet of material. This is easily the most beautiful and fascinating village on the lake, as well as the largest, with a population of almost 15,000 people if the outskirts are included. Built on the slopes of Volcano Atitlan, is it surrounded on three sides by water and faces Volcano San Pedro across a small bay. Originally the capital of the Tzutuhil Indian nation, Santiago was turned into an important missionary and trading outpost after the Spanish conquest. Today Santiago is one of the most traditional Indian villages in Guatemala, with a purely Indian population that lives much as it did hundreds of years ago.

As our boat approaches Santiago's shore, you will see dozens of women standing knee-deep in water, washing their families' clothes against the rocks, often with babies in colourful slings on their backs. This sets the mood for the rest of our visit. Just wander through the streets of this village and you will catch a firsthand glimpse of indigenous life as it is today.

As we walk around we see towering volcanoes and spectacular scenery. Flowers are abundant; the white blossoms on coffee plants, bright wildflowers and hibiscus cover the landscape. Once again colour is the focus, costumes which are very vibrant are worn by nearly everyone. The women's costume consists of white and purple huipiles embroidered with birds and flowers, bright red skirts and unique headdresses made from narrow, woven red bands (sometimes over twenty feet long) that are evenly wrapped around their heads until a wide brim is formed. The men's outfits are equally vibrant, with purple and white striped knee-length pants, white shirts and multi-coloured sashes worn nowadays with cowboy hats.

Overnight in Panajachel. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 9 Panajachel - Iximche - Guatemala City

This morning we travel to Guatemala City. Our journey takes us through the spectacular volcanic landscape of Guatemala's western highlands to visit Iximche en route, an excellent Maya site which became a model of civic planning. Most of the buildings here were erected around four large courtyards, and there are also two smaller courtyards at Iximche that may have been used for religious ceremonies. Terraces were levelled from the natural terrain to accommodate platforms for temples, palaces, and other structures. The structures had roofs of thatch or of wooden beams and plaster and have long since perished. Ball courts were common at all civic and religious centers, and at Iximche there are two ball courts, one of which has been restored.

Here we discover ancient temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500 BC. The five great pyramids of Tikal give this ceremonial centre a majestic grandeur unique among Maya cities. The height of the temples, crowned with tremendous roof combs; the complicated assemblage of the palace structures of the central Acropolis; and the complexity of the chronology of the North Acropolis are staggering to anyone visiting Tikal for the first time. In ancient times Tikal functioned mainly as a ceremonial centre in which the aristocratic elite and their priests ruled, dictated, and directed the activities of the architects, builders, craftsmen, and labourers. All endeavours in the region of Tikal were directed to enhance the city, to glorify the gods, to amass wealth, and to acquire tribute for the ruling upper strata of society. To sustain this activity for over a thousand years demanded a well-disciplined peasantry.

Overnight Cancun. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 12 Cancun - Chichen Itza

Today we travel to Chichen Itza. This is a wonderful archaeological site incorporating the ruins of two different cultures, the ancient Maya and the later arriving Toltecs. The substantial fusion of highland central Mexican and Puuc architecture make Chichen Itza unique. The El Castrillo, the temple of Panels and the Platform of Venus are superb architectural feats.

The most impressive monuments here are the Temple of the Warriors, the group of a thousand columns, the Temple of Kukulcan, the Temple of Chac-Mool and the Ball Court. The Toltecs interest in astronomy and mathematics is evident with a visit to the Astronomical Observatory, perhaps one of the most impressive revelations is the phenomenon occurring during equinoxes, when shadows cast across the ramp of the castle appear to form the shape of a slithering serpent.

Overnight in Chichen Itza. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 13 Chichen Itza - Merida

Today we drive to Merida, probably the most beautiful town in the Yucatan peninsula. We find that the most enjoyable way to sightsee is from a calesa, or horse drawn carriage. We include a half-day's sightseeing in this most elegant of fashions. During the nineteenth century, European traders flocked to the bustling city to exchange their luxuries for the area's much sought after sisal hemp. The state capital's many buildings and the Moorish and rococo-style mansions of the Paseo Montejo reflect the strong Old World influences.

Overnight in Merida. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 14 Merida - Uxmal

Uxmal is a stunning place. Uxmal was one of the sites to which the Maya returned again and again in the course of their civilization. The name means 'thrice built'. The Palace of the Governor at Uxmal is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Maya structures in Central America. Here some 20,000 hand cut stones have been set into acres of geometric friezes. The nunnery is the quadrangle where vestals allegedly spent a licentious final year of worldly pleasure before their sacrifice to appease the rain god Chac. This truly is a step back into the years of the Maya glory (AD 7-10). The Palace of Large Masks with its magnificent stone mosaics and representations of the ubiquitous rain god.

We also visit the nearby smaller sites of Kabah and Labna. Kabah is the most notable for its Palace of the Masks, the facade of which is covered with innumerable carved masks of the rain god Chac. Labna is another beautiful site. It is famous for its fine sculpture and its arch, this was one of the most ornate built by the Maya.

Overnight in Uxmal. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 15 Uxmal - Valladolid - Coba

Today we depart Uxmal for Coba. The morning's drive takes us through Valladolid where we stop for our lunch break. The peaceful Zocalo in the heart of Valladolid is shaded by large trees and surrounded by a variety of restaurants.

We continue on to Coba, one of the grandest Mayan city-states, and have a tour of this impressive site immediately upon arrival. As a large trading center, Coba was connected to other Mayan cities by an elaborate network of roads known as "sacbes". The ancient temples are still surrounded by the thick Yucatan jungle which adds a lot of natural flavour to a rich cultural experience.

After our guided tour you may choose to rent a mountain bike available at the site. A bike is the quickest way to reach some of the most remote parts of this enormous ruined city that once rivalled Tikal in size. Because our hotel is so close to the site you may choose to stay in the site and climb up Nocoh Muh -- the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. Watching the sun set from the top of this Mayan pyramid over an endless stretch of forests is truly one of Mexico's most magical experiences.

Overnight in Coba. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 16 Coba - Tulum - Chetumal

In order to beat the crowds, we depart early today for Tulum, one of the most beautiful Maya sites, perched high on the cliffs above the Caribbean. Tulum means "wall" in Maya. The most impressive site at this area is the large Pyramid on the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea. A wide staircase leads to a two-chamber temple on the top. Two serpent columns divide the entrance and above the middle entrance is a carved figure of the Diving God. The sight at the top of the pyramid is stunning with a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding jungle. You will have free time to explore this site on your own. Tulum was once considered to be as grand as Sevilla in its day (ca. 1500).

Our journey continues on to Chetumal travelling along the edges of the Sain Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a vital preserve for the rich flora and fuana of the region. Chetumal, the capital of the state of Quintana Roo was once a Mayan port for shipping gold, feathers, cacao and copper from this region and Guatemala to northern Yucatan. The town's name is derived from the Mayan Chactemal, meaning "Where the Red Trees Grow." The trees referred to were once used to produce a red dye for use in weaving.

Overnight in Chetumal. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 17 Chetumal, Mexico - Corozal, Belize [click] After crossing the border into Belize we have an excursion to Cerro Maya. We leave Corozal aboard a small boat and travel across the bay to Los Cerros, one of the oldest commercial sites dating back to 400 BC.

Overnight in Corozal. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 18 Corozal - Crooked Tree - Altun Ha - Orange Walk

Today we travel to Belize City via the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a large reserve covering inland waterways, logwood swamps, and lagoons. It is ideally located as a resting point for thousands of migrating birds such as kites, tiger-herons, snowy egrets and ospreys. The reserve's most famous visitor is the rare Jabiru Stork, the largest flying bird in the New World with a wing span of 2.5 m/8 ft.

We will also stop at Altun Ha, an important ancient trading centre as well as a religious ceremonial centre. We see a concentration of structures including plazas surrounded by palaces and temples. Over 300 jade pieces have been discovered including the largest Mayan jade carving, Kinich Ahau, the sun god, found in the Temple of the Green Tomb.

Travelling via the Northern Highway, we pass through rural villages and lowlands to Tower Hill, where we board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter birdlife including hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while the elusive crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. The river is lined with hardwood trees with lots of orchids and bromeliads. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for submerged crocodile) rise into view.

Once at the site we tour the small museum which features many ancient relics found at Lamanai.

This ancient archaeological site reveals a civilization that is known to have occupied Belize as far back as 1500 BC. Among the most spectacular of these archeological wonders is the ruins of one of the Maya's largest ceremonial centers and home to several large temples located on the banks of the New River Lagoon. The Lamanai Archeological Reserve also contains a museum, the remnants of two 16th century Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill from 1860.

Overnight in Belize City. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 20 Belize City - Belize Zoo - San Ignacio

Early this morning we we visit the world famous Belize Zoo. A highlight of any visit to this little country, the zoo allows us not only to see some of the rare creatures of Central America but the zoo is actively involved in conserving habitat for these species and part of our entrance fees go towards ensuring that the wild relatives of these now caged animals can live free.

We move on to San Ignacio, via Guanacaste Park, to take a pleasant nature walk through the forest. We continue to San Ignacio via a drive through Belmopan, Belize's diminutive captial. San Ignacio is an agricultural area nestled in rolling hills of forest and valleys with clusters of houses scattered throughout.

After arrival at our hotel, we will spend several hours at the recently excavated site of Cahal Pech. Located just a short walk from our hotel, this remarkably well preserved site has a small but very informative museum where we will watch a video outlining the complexity of Mayan civilization in the lands that are today part of Belize (NOTE: We may visit Cahel Pech tomorrow if timing does not allow today.)

Overnight in San Ignacio. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 21 San Ignacio - Caracol - San Ignacio

We have a full day excursion to Caracol, the largest site in Belize and once the most densely populated site in Mesoamerica. This is the largest site in Belize and once home to over 150,000 Mayans. This extensive site is one of the most interesing to visit in Central America; after all, Caracol once ruled over the mighty city of Tikal. The number of Mayan houses found in the countryside around Caracol is greater than the number of modern houses standing today in all
of Belize.

Overnight in San Ignacio. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 22 San Ignacio - Xunantunich - Belize City - Cay Caulker

This morning we visit Xunantunich, a Classic-period ceremonial centre. Its name means "stone maiden." Perhaps the best part of a visit to Xunantunich is the spectacular view of the surrounding forest from the top of El Castillo, the largest structure in the complex and the second tallest human-made building in Belize at 40 m/132 ft. The frieze on the side of El Castillo is a recreation in stucco. Not much is known about the history of Xunantunich except that it was abandoned after being hit by a massive earthquake around AD 900. As with most Mayan buildings, the architecture here is layered, with new buildings erected on top of old ones.

We continue to Belize City to connect with our 45 min water taxi or short flight to Cay Caulker.

Overnight in Cay Caulker. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 23 Cay Caulker

On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favourite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." "Caye Caulker" could be an anglicized pronunciation of Cayo Hicaco. Another theory is that boats were caulked in the protected bay, La Ensenada, on the western side of the island leading to the "Caulker" name.

Despite the growth of tourism, Caye Caulker remains a small village with a distinct cultural flavour not necessarily found in large-scale tourist development. Almost all the businesses are locally owned, vehicles larger than golf carts almost never roam the streets, and lodging is small scale compared to many other tourist destinations, including neighbouring Ambergris Cay.