Wander the cobblestone streets of Antigua, admire ancient Mayan ruins and unwind on the laidback island of Caye Caulker on this 10-day adventure from Guatemala to Belize. This trip spans two captivating countries, with different languages, distinct cultures and varied landscapes. From volcano-studded highlands to the chilled-out charm of the Caribbean coast, this trip delivers a hearty dose of history and culture, plenty of epic scenery and some well-deserved downtime.
Highlights
- See the jungle-shrouded limestone temples of Tikal – one of the most impressive Mayan sites in the whole of Central America – as howler monkeys call from the canopy.
- Relax and recharge on the white sands of Caye Caulker – a tiny Belizean island made for beach BBQs, snorkel trips and lazy afternoons spent swinging in a hammock.
- Explore Livingston – a one-of-a-kind riverside town where the local culture is heavily influenced by the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population.
- Walk along cobblestone streets and shop for local handicrafts in the tiny inland island town of Flores.
- Dig deeper into Maya history, visiting lesser-known ruins and a mystical Maya cave complex around San Ignacio – a vibrant market town near the Belize-Guatemala border.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2507
Tour Type: Kleine Gruppe
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Public bus,Local bus,Taxi,Ferry,Shared boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QVSB
Starts: Antigua, Belize
Finishes: Caye Caulker, Belize
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (3),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Lodge (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1844 ($184 /day)
Itinerary
Hola! Welcome to Antigua – a colourful World Heritage city surrounded by three volcanoes that once served as the capital of Guatemala. Today, it’s a cosmopolitan hub filled with cool coffee shops and international restaurants that are often buzzing with live music. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps experience Antigua’s great music scene with a salsa dance class or learn about the history of chocolate with a workshop at the ChocoMuseo.
Optional Activities:
- Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) (150 GTQ)
- Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (30 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, join your leader on a walking tour of Antigua’s historic streets. The city was greatly affected by an earthquake in 1773, but a lot of work went into restoring the buildings that date back to the time of the Spanish government. Your leader will show you the many markets and museums that make up the city, then you have the afternoon free to explore the city and its surroundings. While you’re here, don't miss the chance to taste a tamale (a local dish served in a corn leaf) or pepian (a meaty dish of chicken, beef, pork or all three, in a rich sauce). You’ll find the best value food next to the markets near the bus station.
Included Activities:
- Antigua - Informal Spanish Lesson
- Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll make your way to Rio Dulce by private vehicle, arriving mid-afternoon. Along the way, your leader will give you an informal Spanish lesson. Rio Dulce, which means 'Sweet River' in Spanish, refers to both the Guatemalan river that flows from Lago de Izabal (Lake Izabal) to the Caribbean Sea and the town of Fronteras, which sits at the east end of the lake. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free to rest or explore at your own pace. Maybe stretch your legs on a jungle walk, rent a kayak and get out on the water or take it easy in a hammock.
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Join your group on a boat ride down the river to Livingston – a laidback Afro-Caribbean town that offers a unique taste of Garifuna culture in a far-flung corner of Guatemala. Just 30 km (18 m) from Rio Dulce, this boat ride is spectacular, taking you through waters filled with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon full of river birds. Spend a little time here and enjoy an included lunch of local specialties like tapou (a creamy soup made with fish).
Included Activities:
- Livingston - River boat trip to Garifuna town
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to the township of Flores on Lago Peten Itza. On the way, visit Nuevo Horizonte – a ranch where 130 demobilised families settled after the signing of the Guatemalan Peace Accords in 1998. Since their arrival, the community has established fish-farming, agriculture, reforestation and eco-tourism projects. Tour their nature reserve, have lunch on the ranch and speak to the locals about the origins of the community. Continue to Flores, where you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Spend your free afternoon wandering the island’s streets or shop for local handicrafts. Around 4 pm, the lakefront starts to hum with street food vendors, making it a good place to grab a bite for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Flores - Leader-led orientation walk
- Santa Ana Vieja - Cooperativa Nuevo Horizonte visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get up early for a guided exploration of Tikal National Park. Among the thick, evergreen jungle are some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation, plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys. Spend a few hours playing archaeologist before you learn the art of tortilla making at a local workshop. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch, then say goodbye to Guatemala and head across the border to Belize. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is a great place to get chatting with locals.
Included Activities:
- Tikal - Tortilla Making Workshop
- Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to relax in San Ignacio or explore at your own pace. You could take on the challenge of hiking and wading through a river to visit the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM caves) – a living museum of Maya relics, home to ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved for over 1400 years. If you choose to explore the cave system (and it is highly recommended), you’ll spend most of the day here. If not, there are always more local ruins to explore above ground, including Cahal Pech, which was once the residence of a wealthy Maya family. Nature lovers may be interested in a trip to the Green Iguana Conservation Project.
Optional Activities:
- San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) (24 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry (20 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry (20 BZD)
- San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) (135 USD)
- San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) (100 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
If your idea of paradise is white sand, clear blue waters and palm trees, then you’re going to enjoy Caye Caulker. The island even has the motto ‘go slow’. Take a scenic boat ride to the island, followed by a golf cart to your hotel. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk. While the island is entirely walkable, you might like to hire a bike and cycle between beach bars, along quiet palm-lined streets. Water sports enthusiasts might enjoy a spot of stand-up paddleboarding or a sunset catamaran cruise across the Caribbean waters.
Optional Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing (126 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (55 BZD)
- Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) (12 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another day here. If you’re keen to find the best snorkelling spots, opt to take a full-day boat tour. After a day of swimming and lounging in the sunshine, you’ll probably be hungry and Belize is famous for its barbequed food, with the local style of meals being cooked on the roadside. Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster (but always make sure that you respect the season, lobsters can only be caught here between June and February). If you’re out of season, a spot of grilled shrimp is a great alternative.
Optional Activities:
- Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) (120 USD)
- Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat - (gear, guide and transport included) (120 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time following check out. If you'd like to extend your stay in Caye Caulker, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Hayley - Traveled, May 2025
Excellent trip! Guatemala is such a lovely country. This trip far exceeded my expectations. The trip hits the right balance between culture, wildlife and activity.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2025
Michael - Traveled, May 2025
A really great tour of Belize and Guatemala. Well organised with good transport, excellent activities included and good options for extras. Particularly enjoyed the Mayan ruins at Caracol ,combined with swimming in a waterfall and a big cave. People all lovely.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2025
Tamanna - Traveled, May 2025
I'd highly recommend this trip. It's a great way to experience the diversity Guatamalam and Belizean culture. Isaias was a fantastic guide. He knew a lot about the region and was incredibly friendly and approachable. He also went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed throughout the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2025
Mark & Michelle - Traveled, May 2025
Intrepid go the extra mile to make your vacation a trip of a lifetime with excellent tour guides with excellent knowledge & fantastic locations, would without exception recommend intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2025
MaryKay - Traveled, May 2025
This trip is amazing in so many different ways. It has everything, from Raiders of the lost Ark adventures to the beach and snorkeling. We trekked, we caved, we learned, we grew. The trip leader, Reyes, was absolutely incredible. He was knowledgeable about the ruins and the animals, but most importantly he was kind and patient. This was my 54th country and one of my favorite adventures!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025
Paul - Traveled, May 2025
A tour is only as good as its guide. Our guide Reyes was the best ever. He was thoughtful and professional in every aspect of the tour. He makes Intrepid shine and we will definitely go on another Intrepid tour again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025
Emily - Traveled, April 2025
Guatemala to Belize is a fantastic tour which covers so much in a short time. You really get to see such varied parts of the two countries, making it a very satisfying trip, especially for a first time to Central America. Lots of exciting optional activities too. It wasn’t too busy or active either, but still plenty to do and see, so it felt like a brilliant, relaxing holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2025
Melody - Traveled, April 2025
I absolutely enjoyed the trip from Guatemala to Belize. The itinerary was excellent and it allowed us to enjoy diverse experiences in Central America in just 10 days. Our guide Arcy was wonderful and definitely made the trip enjoyable and memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2025
Kiera - Traveled, March 2025
The trip was excellent. Gives you a little taste of both countries and what they have to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2025
Jack - Traveled, May 2025
My first ever group trip and it didn't disappoint. Two brilliant countries that offered so much variety, from the quaint streets of Antigua to the idyllic paradise of Caye Caulker. The entire trip was enhanced by the knowledge and support of our group leader, Christian. 10/10
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2025
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