Sail and snorkel on Belize's colourful coral reefs. Visit fascinating Indian villages and markets. Enjoy a canopy walk and rainforest night hike. Explore the jungle-cloaked ruins of Tikal. Independent family trips available.

Experience a fantastic combination of ancient cultures and amazing wildlife on this varied and interesting trip across Guatemala and Belize. Starting off in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, we will explore the Mayan villages and markets of the volcano-studded Guatemalan highlands and cross stunning Lake Atitlan. The magical ruined city of Tikal offers a complete contrast to this mountain scenery, with steep stone pyramids poking out of the thick lowland jungle. Over the border in Belize, the lush rainforest is home to a huge variety of mammals, including jaguars, tapirs and monkeys. The trip ends with time on the beautiful beaches and reefs of the Caribbean, perfect for relaxation and snorkelling.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Antigua. Those on group flights will be met at Guatemala City airport and taken to Antigua (approx. 1 hour drive). Those on land only arrangements will meet us at the hotel from 1500 onwards.2 La Azotea. This morning we will drive to small town of Jocotenango, located on the outskirts of Antigua. After a stop to see the workshops of local artisans who specialise in woodworking, we continue to La Azotea Cultural Centre, a fascinating museum set in a coffee plantation. There are exhibits which explain the history of coffee production in Guatemala, as well as nature walks through the plantation itself, but the highlight is the Casa K'ojom Museum which has a vast collection of Mayan musical instruments dating from the Spanish conquest era to the present day. The Mayan musical traditions and the dreamy sounds of the instruments are brought to life in an interesting audio-visual presentation. In the afternoon we return to Antigua with free time to explore the cobbled streets and colonial buildings.3 Antigua. Today is left free for us to discover this beautiful city. Founded in the mid-16th century, Antigua was the country's capital for over 200 years until a series of earthquakes in 1773 forced its inhabitants to move to a safer location - the present capital of Guatemala City. Today the city is home to a thriving population of artists and is famous for its well-preserved architecture. Many of its churches still bear the scars from the 18th century earthquakes and the town is dominated by three nearby volcanoes which can be seen from most streets in the city centre. The city is compact and can be easily explored on foot, and there are many opportunities to shop or simply relax and watch the world go by at one of the numerous cafes. 4 Hike and canopy tour. This morning we drive from Antigua to the Atitlan Natural Reserve for a full day of activity. The tropical forests of the reserve are cris-crossed by nature trails, and we will have an easy hike through the trees, across gentle creeks and past enchanting waterfalls. On the way we may see some of the local wildlife, which includes raccoon-like Coatis, monkeys and a large number of bird species. If we're lucky we may catch a glimpse of the Resplendent Quetzal, Guatemala's brightly coloured but notoriously shy national bird. After the walk, those of us with a thirst for adventure can take an optional zip line tour through the forest canopy. This consists of a series of cables linking platforms in the trees, and you will fly through the trees to get amazing views of the reserve and the surrounding area. All the lines feature a double cable with a lifeline separate from the main supporting cable and the platforms all feature protective railing for extra security. There are great alternatives for those not wishing to try the zip lines - the reserve houses an enclosed butterfly preserve, an orchid collection and large "open" enclosures with observation decks which allow us to view the birds and animals in their natural settings. From the reserve we will continue to our hotel in Panajachel, close to the shore of Lake Atitlan.5 Lake Atitlan. Today we will explore the deep waters of Lake Atitlan, an ancient crater lake which is ringed by towering volcanoes. A 30-minute scenic boat ride on the lake takes us to the village of San Juan La Laguna, where we will visit the home studios of local painters and a textile cooperative where women are engaged in hand weaving and natural dyeing processes. We continue by boat to Santiago Atitlan where, after a traditional lunch in a lakeside restaurant, our guide will show us around this traditional Mayan village. Santiago is known for its pre-conquest religious practices, and we will get an insight into the local beliefs and traditions, including the cult of the Mayan god Maximon, a Mayan god who regularly receives gifts of alcohol and tobacco from the villagers in exchange for favours and good fortune.6 Chichicastenango market and Flores. A real highlight today as we drive an hour from Panajachel to visit the town of Chichicastenango, famous for its large market. On market days the town is awash with colour as the local communities arrive in traditional dress, and there is an amazing variety of handicrafts and textiles on sale, as well as food, religious items and livestock. The town is also well known for its mix of Catholicism and Mayan religion, and in the church of Santo Tomas, which is built on the base of a Mayan temple, the local people perform rituals which demonstrate how the two beliefs have been combined since the arrival of the Spanish. After lunch in the town, we then drive to Guatemala City for a short flight to the town of Flores, where we will be met and transferred to our peaceful hotel set in tropical gardens of the edge of a lagoon. There will be free time to relax by the pool or walk on the nature trails in the hotel grounds.7 Tikal. Today we set off to explore the jungle-cloaked Mayan ruins of Tikal, about 45 minutes from our hotel. Once the biggest Mayan city and covering an area of over 20 square miles, the site was largely untouched until excavation began in 1956. Children will love the Indiana Jones moments as they discover the ancient pyramids poking out of the forest canopy. We will take a tour of the city, visiting the Q complex, Main Plaza, North and Central Acropolis, Seven Temples and Mundo Perdido (Lost World). Although the site is most famous for the ruins themselves, it also provides a natural habitat for Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, toucans and coatis, which can regularly be seen in the national park. We will have lunch near the park before we return to our hotel in Flores for a free afternoon.8 San Ignacio This morning we will drive for around 3 hours to San Ignacio in Belize. We will make straight for our lodge which is set in a large riverside reserve of primary rainforest. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax in the grounds, swim in the river or walk the trails and discover the flora and fauna. In the evening we will take a guided hike through the forest, looking out for nocturnal wildlife - if we're lucky we may catch a glimpse of the Jaguars which inhabit the area.9 San Ignacio Today has been left free for us to enjoy a range of optional local excursions. The lodge offers everything from high-adrenaline zip lines and abseiling to cave tours, rainforest walks, horseback riding and visits to local Maya sites.10 Ambergris Caye Today we will drive to Belize City (approx. 2.5 hours) and board a small plane for the short flight to San Pedro on the laid-back Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye. Our hotel is a short walk along the beach from the town centre, and there is the opportunity to relax by the pool or on the beach for the rest of the day.11 Caye Caulker We will be picked up this morning for a full day trip on a catamaran to the small coral island of Caye Caulker. The first stop is at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve which incorporates three distinct habitats - coral reef, seagrass beds and mangroves. Our guides will snorkel with us as we discover the spectacular reef and thousands of colourful fish, as well as turtles, lobster and molluscs. We then sail on to Shark Ray Alley where fishermen used to clean their catch, attracting large numbers of Nurse Sharks and Southern Sting Rays. There will be time to snorkel here before we continue to Caye Caulker. Once on the island, we will have a few free hours for lunch and exploration. The main town is a sleepy place with small restaurants and shops, but the real attractions of the island are the warm waters, beautiful white beaches, abundant marine life and the forest reserve which is home to several rare bird species. In the late afternoon, we will have a leisurely sail back to Ambergris Caye.12 Ambergris Caye Today has been left free for relaxation on the beach at Ambergris Caye. The island is very easy to explore - there are complimentary guest bicycles at our hotel and golf cart rental is offered at the front desk. Birdwatching is a popular activity, and there is a reserve on the island which is also home to Saltwater Crocodiles. Water sports and boat trips can also be arranged easily through the hotel, and no advance booking is necessary.13 Those not flying back with the group leave us on arrival in Belize City.

Mode of travel: Flights via Houston with Continental. Transport minibus, boat and 3 internal flights.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 16, plus guide and driver(s).
Accommodation: 10 nights hotel, 2 nights jungle lodge.
Food: All breakfasts and 2 lunches included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $610.00
Trip Reference: FNB
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an "R" in the dates and prices table below.