Itinerary - Guatemala and Belize: from the Mayan world to the Caribbean Sea
Welcome to Guatemala
Check-in
Return flights are not included in the price of the trip, so you can choose your departure point, time, and airline. We do this to give you maximum freedom of choice! Check-in at the hotel in Antigua Guatemala. Get ready—today marks the start of our adventure in one of the most colourful and culturally diverse countries on the planet.
Not included: food and beverages
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Antigua Guatemala
Among ruins and markets
Previously the capital of the country, Antigua is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America. We will stroll through its streets, explore the typical markets, visit the Convent of the Capuchins, the famous Arco Street, the La Merced Church, the ruins caused by various earthquakes, and its magnificent cathedral. We will mingle with the locals to uncover city legends such as “La Llorona” or “El Cadejo.” All this under the shadow of the majestic Agua Volcano.
What better way to start getting to know each other than with Guatemalan specialties at our welcome dinner? Pepian, Jocon, and of course, many shots of rum to toast the beginning of our adventure.
Included: Welcome dinner and accommodation.
Money pot: Local transportation, guides, and entrance fees included in the common fund
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants
The Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes
Have you ever seen an eruption so up close?
This morning, we will wake up early and head towards Acatenango Volcano. To reach the base camp, which is at 3,600 meters, it will take us approximately 4 hours, but the views will be spectacular. As night falls, we will witness a unique spectacle. The nearby Fuego Volcano, just an hour's walk away, will offer lava eruptions like you've never seen before. We will sleep in tents and have dinner under the stars. What an adventure!
Included: Transport to Acatenango Volcano, local guide, tent, one lunch, one dinner, sleeping bag, and mattress
Money pot: Tips
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants
Returning to Antigua Guatemala
A spectacular sunrise!
Today, we will wake up very early to ascend to 3,976 meters to witness one of the best sunrises in the world. From here, we will have a view of a significant part of Guatemala’s volcanic chain. Fatigue will not hold us back. After a hearty breakfast, we will descend the volcano and return to Antigua Guatemala, where we can shower and rest after an incredible adventure.
Included: Transport to Antigua Guatemala, guide, breakfast, and accommodation.
Money pot: Tips.
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants.
Heading to Lake Atitlán
The lake of 3 volcanoes and 12 villages
Today, we will change cities and head to San Juan la Laguna on Lake Atitlán. This village is one of the most colourful around the lake. Upon arrival, we will take a tour through its art-filled streets and in the afternoon, visit several producer associations of honey, chocolate, medicinal plants, and clothing.
In the evening, we will have dinner with a family who will teach us how to cook their specialty: Pepián. During the meal, we will hear the legends surrounding the lake. Will they be true?
Included: Transport from Antigua Guatemala to San Juan la Laguna and accommodation
Money pot: Tour of San Juan la Laguna and visit to the associations
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants.
Santiago Atitlán, the cults of Maximón, and the largest market in Guatemala
The cult of Maximón
Today, we will take a boat to Santiago Atitlán, another of the 12 villages around the lake. You will notice how the culture in this village differs from that of San Juan la Laguna. Even the traditional costumes of its inhabitants are different. Here, there is a cult dedicated to a saint not recognised by the Church: Maximón. They venerate him through dances and aguardiente (a type of strong liquor). It’s quite a spectacle! The cult is always performed in private homes, so we must respect the space we enter.
Chichicastenango, the largest market in Guatemala
The Chichicastenango market is open only on Thursdays and Sundays. We will have the chance to explore its labyrinths of vegetables, clothing, and traditional souvenirs.
We’ll try our hand at bargaining and take many souvenirs home. In the late afternoon, we will return to Antigua Guatemala.
Included: Transport from San Juan la Laguna to Antigua Guatemala and accommodation.
Money pot: Round-trip boat to Santiago Atitlán
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants.
Río Dulce
The Guatemalan Amazon
We will leave very early in the morning to avoid the traffic from the capital. The journey to Río Dulce will take approximately 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, we can cross the largest bridge in Guatemala and visit the Castillo de San Felipe. We can also rent a boat to explore the river and see why it is considered a little Amazon. If we're lucky, we might spot pink dolphins and manatees. We will also spend time with a Garifuna community, which has Caribbean origins.
Included: Transport from Antigua Guatemala to Río Dulce and accommodation
Money pot: Boat rental and entrance to Castillo de San Felipe
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants.
La isla de Flores
Entering Mayan territory
We will leave Río Dulce behind and head into the Petén department of Guatemala. This region is known for being the largest in Guatemala and home to the greatest number of Mayan ruins in the world. We’ll arrive at Flores, an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá. Here, you can rent kayaks, swim in the lake, or stroll through the streets.
In the evening, the lively atmosphere won’t disappoint, so we can head out for dinner at one of the island’s charming restaurants and later go dancing.
Included: Transport from Río Dulce to the island of Flores and accommodation
Money pot: Group-agreed activities
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants.
Tikal
Welcome to the most spectacular Mayan complex in the world
Today, we enter the most important Mayan city in the world: Tikal. A city surrounded by jungle, wildlife, and history. It’s a setting worthy of a Star Wars film, with many pyramids. We will explore the entire city, passing through the central plaza and its main pyramid, the Great Jaguar. As we walk, we’ll spot monkeys, parrots, and countless other species of wildlife. If we're lucky, we might witness Mayan ceremonies. Climbing to the top of Temple IV will give us a breathtaking view of the pyramids emerging from the jungle. A photo at this spot is a must!
After finishing the tour, we will return to Flores, where we will spend the night again.
Included: Round-trip transport to Tikal, entrance to the national park, and accommodation
Money pot: Guide
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants.
Towards Belize
We’re changing countries
Did you know that Belize was a department of Guatemala until 1992, when it gained independence? In Belize, English is the primary language because it was a British colony. We will cross the border to reach Belize City and then take a boat to Caye Caulker. This island is small and a perfect place to relax on the beautiful Caribbean beaches. In the evening, we can go out dancing.
Included: Transfer from Flores to Belize City and accomodation
Money pot: Caves, round-trip boat to Caye Caulker.
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants.
Caye Caulker
Exploring the second-largest reef in the world
These two days will be filled with relaxation and a bit of adventure. Those who wish can
go scuba diving or snorkelling to explore the second-largest reef in the world. The underwater views will undoubtedly be spectacular. In the afternoons, enjoy the beach, the sea, and a good cocktail.
Included: Accommodation
Money pot: Activities decided collectively
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants.
Caye Caulker
Last day in Caye Caulker
On the penultimate day, we’ll prepare for our final dinner together: it will be our last chance to enjoy delicious Caribbean food and spend time together. The trip has been intense, and we return home with our backpacks full of memories, toasting to all the emotions experienced and shared!
Included: Accommodation and farewell dinner
Money pot: Activities decided collectively
Not included: Other meals and drinks are the responsibility of the participants
Time to go home
Check-out and goodbyes
We have reached the end of this adventure: we say goodbye and promise to see each other again soon for another WeRoad!
End of WeRoad services.
Note: The travel itinerary may be subject to changes from the published schedule due to unforeseen factors beyond WeRoad’s control (weather conditions, holidays, strikes, etc.).