Luxury holiday Guatemala & Belize

Day 4: Antigua - Atitlán

After breakfast your driver will be waiting for you to take you to the lake of Atitlán. The route takes you through a beautiful landscape. You will drive on mountain roads and get acquainted with the daily life of the Guatemalan countryside. At the lake of Atitlán you will get on a boat that will take you to your accommodation located directly at the lake. The fairytale lake of Atitlán was created in a volcanic way and surrounded by three volcanoes on the southern shore. On the northern shore you will see a mountain range of 1000 meters high. Around the lake there are several small villages where the inhabitants still live in the traditional way and walk around in traditional costumes.
Overnight stay: The Laguna Lodge | bed & breakfast

Day 5: Atitlán

You will be picked up at the hotel and taken to Santiago where the guide will take you on a walk in search of the house where the Mayan God Maximon lives at that moment. Every year another member of the religious fraternities looks after this God, who has the shape of a doll. You will see the local shaman perform their rituals for the local people. If you want a personal ceremony then that is also possible. This saint is honored with liqueur and tobacco and this whole scene with candles is a very special experience to see. After this you will go to the local church and see more about the history of this town with its many traditions. You will also pass the market where you will be surrounded by a beautiful palette of many colors and all kinds of distinctive textiles and crafts for which this region is so famous. Afterwards you will be brought back to the hotel.
Overnight stay: The Laguna Lodge | bed & breakfast

Day 6: Atilán

Today a beautiful ride through the highlands brings you, together with your private guide, to the town of Chichicastenango. Along the way you will already see the first Maya people in their traditional clothing finishing their daily routine; working in the fields, collecting firewood, traveling between two markets to sell their goods. Chichicastenango, popularly known as 'Chichi', has been known for centuries for its large colorful market. Your guide will take you on a voyage of discovery of this immense and extensive market. You will visit the fruit and vegetable 'department', but also the parts of the market where the beautiful Mayan fabrics are sold. You can also visit the San Tomás church, where the Mayan people come to perform their rituals and where it will become clear how interesting these two religions have mixed over the years. When you have seen everything you will be brought back to your hotel.
Overnight stay: The Laguna Lodge | bed & breakfast

Day 7: Atitlán - Guatemala - Flores

Today you will travel back by boat via Lake Atitlán and will be taken to the airport of Guatemala City, where you will board your domestic flight to Flores. Upon arrival in Flores you will be welcomed and brought to your hotel. You will immediately notice that you have traded the highlands of Guatamala for the dense rainforest. The temperature and humidity are much higher here. You will stay in Las Lagunas, an accommodation located in the middle of the jungle near a lagoon. The surroundings are peaceful and the casitas are fully equipped. Enjoy a good dinner here and a good night's sleep.
Overnight stay: Las Lagunas | bed & breakfast

Day 8: Flores - Uaxactún

Enjoy a unique sunrise from your bed this morning and then enjoy a well-made breakfast. When you are ready you will be taken to a special place. The guide will take you to Uaxactún, one of the longest inhabited Mayan cities. Deep in the jungle, not far from the archaeological site of Tikal. The village is still inhabited and every day the men go into the jungle to work. Where we would get lost in no time, the population still lives abundantly from and with nature. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by one of the families who live there and a lunch will be ready for you. After this you will be brought to your comfortable tent and from a observation tower, with a snack and a drink, you can look out over the dense green of the rainforest while the sun slowly sets. At the end of the evening you will dine in a special place and then leave for your sleeping place in the forest.
Overnight stay: Uaxactún Camping | full board

Day 9: Uaxactún - Tikal - Flores

Early in the morning you will wake up for a fascinating sunrise on one of the many buildings that are still intact. After this, breakfast will be ready for you and you will leave with your private guide to the Tikal National Park. Tikal or Tik'al was one of the largest cities of the Maya at the time of the Classical Period. It was not until 1848 that it was rediscovered by a team of Guatemalan explorers. First large-scale archaeological excavations began in the 1950s. In 1979 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will go to the ancient Maya city with your guide and you will learn a lot about the history of the Maya people of Guatemala. You will have lunch in a restaurant in the park. Afterwards you will be brought back to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Las Lagunas | bed & breakfast

Day 10: Flores - Cayo District

Today you will be picked up and taken to the border crossing between Guatemala and Belize. Here you will complete the usual customs formalities and then continue towards the Cayo District. This region has some beautiful landscapes, from wild rainforest to rolling hills farmland with plantations, surrounded by many rivers and caves. You will be staying at the Ka'ana Boutique resort for the next few days, a top spot if you are looking for a mix of luxury, comfort and adventure. The beautifully furnished villas and suites are spread over a well-maintained area that exudes tranquility and relaxation. You can unwind in the pool or in the spa. The restaurant offers a variety of Belizan dishes and the best cocktails.
Overnight stay: Ka'ana Boutique Resort | bed & breakfast

Day 11: Cayo District

This day you will be taken to Actun Tunichil Muknal, or 'Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre'. This is one of the most impressive caves in the Mayan lowlands and was a sacred place during the Mayan period in Belize. The cave system consists of a number of chambers that eventually end in a cathedral of 300 by 50 meters where the sacrificial ceremonies took place at that time. Today you will travel back into the Mayan past as a witness in an open air museum where objects can be seen in their original context. Before you arrive at the caves you will walk through the dense jungle in the Tapir mountain nature reserve where you will learn more about the various plants and animals that live here. At the entrance of the cave you will be given all the necessities and explanations before you enter the cave. It is a true adventure! At some places you will have to swim and climb a little bit. On the way you will take a break and a picnic lunch will be provided to satisfy the hunger you got from all the efforts. At the end of the afternoon you will be brought back to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Ka'ana Boutique Resort | bed & breakfast

Day 13: Cayo District - Orange Walk

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport of Belize city. Here, the staff of the Lamanai Outpost will welcome you and take you to your accommodation in Orange walk. To reach the lodge, you will first travel about 45 minutes over land and then about 1 hour by boat. The jungle lodge where you will stay is located on the banks of the 45 kilometer long 'New River Lagoon' and named after the nearby archaeological Maya site 'Lamanai'. The cottages are built of a local type of wood with palm leaves as roof. You will feel at one with nature and this accommodation is an excellent base for exploring the area. Important to know; the sunsets are very special here.
Overnight stay: Lamanai Outpost Lodge | full board

Day 16: Orange Walk - Belize city - Placencia

After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport of Belize city. From here, you will fly to Placencia. You will stay at Turtle Inn, located directly at the beach. For years, this accommodation belongs to the top of Central and South America. The resort, with its friendly staff, three restaurants, a beautiful Spa and an idyllic location right on the beach of Belize, is a perfect destination for those who are looking for relaxation in luxury. The coral reef just off the coast of Belize is one of the best snorkeling dive sites in the world and the diving school of the resort can offer wonderful diving for both the novice and the experienced divers.
Overnight stay: Turtle Inn | bed & breakfast

Day 20: Placencia - Belize - Amsterdam

Unfortunately, your unique journey is coming to an end today. You will be taken to Placencia airport from where you will fly to Belize with a domestic flight. Upon arrival in Belize, you will transfer to your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam.

Day 21: Amsterdam

You will arrive in Amsterdam today.