Guatemala & Belize Highlights
9 Days
from
$3349*
Highlights:
Guatemala
(Antigua, Flores)
,
Cayo District
(San Ignacio)
,
Belize Cayes
(Ambergris Caye)
Trip Start/End:
Guatemala City
/
Belize City
Learn about Mayan culture and dance in the Colonial gem of Antigua - declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Take a domestic flight to Flores and enjoy a tour of the Tikal ruins, set in the heart of the Guatemalan Jungle! Listen to the Howler Monkeys roar in the distance as you climb to the top of these ancient ruins. Tikal was an important Mayan settlement for over 1500 years, starting about 700 BC. Travel by private car to Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize. This 300 square mile forest reserve features Caribbean Pine and bracken ferns instead of the typical tropical forests and lianas which cover most of the rest of Belize. Experience the thrill of a lifetime during your scenic journey down the Jaguar Paw River, floating on inner tubes and enjoying the views of the surrounding rainforest and cave formations. Further adventure awaits as you climb into the rainforest canopy to take part in the exhilarating zip lines from where you can get a bird's eye view of the lush vegetation and tropical wildlife of the area. Conclude the tour in Ambergris Caye, a tropical paradise containing some of the world's best beaches.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Guatemala City - Antigua
| - Meet and Greet
- Transfer - Guatemala City - Antigua - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Posada de Don Rodrigo
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Villa Colonial (Standard)
|
- Day 2
- Antigua
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - 1/2 d Walking tour - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Posada de Don Rodrigo
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Villa Colonial (Standard)
|
- Day 3
- Antigua - Guatemala City - Flores
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Guatemala City - Flores [Direct (0.5 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport/Villa Maya - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - Yaxha and Topoxte Day Tour (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Villa Maya
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Casona del Lago (Standard)
|
- Day 4
- Flores
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - 3/4 d Tikal Tour (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Villa Maya
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Casona del Lago (Standard)
|
- Day 5
- Flores - Melchor Mencos (Guatemala/Belize Boarder) - San Ignacio
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Flores - Melchor Mencos (Guatemala/Belize Boarder) - Vehicle/Driver
- Transfer - Private - Melchor Mencos (Guatemala/Belize Boarder) - San Ignacio - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - Xunantunich, Cahal Pech & San Ignacio (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| San Ignacio Resort
Balcony Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Windy Hill Resort (deluxe a/c)
|
- Day 6
- San Ignacio
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - Actun Tunichil Mucknal Tour (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| San Ignacio Resort
Balcony Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
Alt: Windy Hill Resort (deluxe a/c)
|
- Day 7
- San Ignacio - Belize City - Ambergris Caye
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Private - San Ignacio - Belize City [(1.5 hrs)] - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Belize City - Ambergris Caye [Belize City Int'l Airport Direct (0.25 hr)] - Economy
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| SunBreeze Hotel
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Ambergris Caye
| - Breakfast (included)
- Shared - 1/2 d Hol Chan Marine Park & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel - Boat/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| SunBreeze Hotel
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Ambergris Caye - Belize City
| - Breakfast (included)
- Air - Ambergris Caye - Belize City [Direct Belize City Int'l Airport (0.5 hr)] - Economy
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Antigua
Posada de Don Rodrigo, Antigua
Day 1: Guatemala City - Antigua
Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.
Transfer to Antigua by private vehicle and professional English-speaking driver.
Accommodation: Posada de Don Rodrigo Posada de Don Rodrigo is a magical little colonial-style inn situated in the heart of Antigua Guatemala, near all the shops and dining spots in the city. The 315 year old property has been well-maintained and renovated, promising clean, comfortable rooms. With a light wreath of flowers encircling this enchanting 34-room abode, guests are privy to genuinely friendly and caring staff. Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast of meats, eggs, baked goods and the freshest of offerings. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area, as the central plaza is just a block away. If you prefer staying at the hotel, take a drink while watching the Marimba band perform, or perhaps spend some time in the picturesque courtyard.
Iglesia San Francisco church
Day 2: Antigua
You will be met at your hotel reception by your private guide to begin your half day walking tour of Antigua. Your tour will cover the architectural & historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrances are included to the Iglesia San Francisco (church), the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church.
Accommodation: Posada de Don Rodrigo 
Flores
Villa Maya, Flores
Day 3: Antigua - Guatemala City - Flores
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in Guatemala city for your international or domestic flight.
Enjoy a short flight from Guatemala City to Flores.
Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.
Pick up from your hotel and transfer with your driver and guide to Yaxha National Park.The tour begins with with a short boat ride on Lake Yaxha to the small island site at Topoxte. Next, explore the Mayan ceremonial site of Yaxha. Set atop a hill overlooking two scenic lakes, this is a picturesque site. Enjoy the sites and sounds of the howler and spider monkeys as well as many colorful tropical birds and other mammals in this wildlife area. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beautiful shores of Lake Yaxha. Afterwards, you will head back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Villa Maya A haven of wildlife and nature's secrets, the Villa Maya sits on the shores of Petenchel and Monifata about 45 minutes from the Tikal National Park. The huge private reserve plays host to the villa's 56 rooms, which are designed to offer the most modern living conditions while still keeping to the rustic, pleasant side of adventure getaways. This means there are no televisions or phones in the rooms. Friendly service goes hand in hand with tasty local and international dishes utilizing ingredients from the region. This beautiful environment features monkeys, deer, birds and insects of all sorts, for guests are practically left to play in the jungle. Roam the lagoons, swim in the pool, and simply discover Villa Maya.
Tikal National Park
Day 4: Flores
Pick up from your lodge and begin your privately guided tour of Tikal National Park. Tikal was one of the major cultural and population centers of the Maya civilization. Though monumental architecture at the site dates to the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 AD to 900 AD. Some of these pyramids are over 60 meters high (200 feet). Enjoy some free time at the site and return to your hotel after lunch at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Villa Maya 
San Ignacio
Xunantunich
San Ignacio Resort
Day 5: Flores - Melchor Mencos (Guatemala/Belize Boarder) - San Ignacio
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the Belize boarder at Melchor Mencos. Once you arrive here you will cross the boarder on foot, approximately 10 meters, (your driver will assist you but will not cross with you).
Meet your driver for a private transfer to San Ignacio area
Your tour begins with a visit to the famous sites of Xunantunich – situated on the banks of the Mopan River with private guide and driver. Xunantunich means "stone woman" in Mayan. Xunantunich was a thriving city near the end of the Classic Period (300-900 A.D.) with large plazas ringed with pyramids. After lunch you will continue to the site at Cahal Pech "Place of the Ticks", just outside the town of San Ignacio. The site center sits on the crest of a steep hill on the west bank of the Macal River and the central acropolis, approximately 900 feet above sea level, provides a commanding view of the Maya Mountains to the south and the fertile valleys of the Belize River to the northeast. This ceremonial center includes pyramid temples, palaces, and a ball court as well as five stelae and an altar (plain). The site shows a gradual architectural growth and indicates occupation probably running through the entire Classic Period. After a private tour you will return to your hotel.
Accommodation: San Ignacio Resort San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a private resort that shines elegantly in the Cayo sunlight, in Belize. Newly renovated, the 25 rooms are welcoming, with widespan views of the surroundings and exceptionally comfortable beds. Cable TV and air conditioning are relaxing following a day of activities. Dine at the hotel’s steakhouse, for succulent grilled meats and mouthwatering spices. Have a few drinks at the Stork Club and enjoy the live entertainment. The hotel organizes a range of activities, including walks and hikes around the property. Make use of facilities such as the tennis court and swimming pool. Otherwise, check out the nearby archaeological sites and take a trip to Tikal.
Actun Tunichil Cave Entrance
Day 6: San Ignacio
Actun Tunichil Muknal "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher" is one of the most impressive caves in the Maya Lowland. Located in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest, this cave was a sacred place to the prehistoric Maya of Belize, who first began to use the entrance during the early classic period (300-600AD). The cave system consists of a series of chambers, ending in a 300mx50m cathedral where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. Visitors to this cave have the opportunity to travel into the Maya past and witness a living museum where the human sacrifices and artifacts can be viewed in their original context. After an exciting drive to the trailhead, guests will trek for 45 minutes through dense jungle in the Tapir.
Mountain Nature Reserve and wade across3 streams, and learn about the plants and animals of the jungle. At the entrance of the cave guests are outfitted in the necessary equipment preparing you for the Caving Adventure ahead. Some swimming will be required and also climbing and caving activity. This is a 1st class Caving and Archaeological experience. Time in the cave is 3 hours before returning back to the vehicle and to the hotel.
Accommodation: San Ignacio Resort 
Belize Sunrise
Sunbreeze Hotel, Belize
Day 7: San Ignacio - Belize City - Ambergris Caye
Transfer to Belize City by private vehicle.
A direct flight from Belize City International airport will take you to San Pedro, Amergris Caye.
Accommodation: SunBreeze Hotel SunBreeze Hotel is the optimum hotel from which to explore the wonders of Belize. At the SunBreeze Hotel, their professional team can assist you in coordinating all your activities. SunBreeze Hotel is a U Shaped Spanish Architectural design with a touch of the Caribbean surrounded by tropical gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea. They are centrally located at the immediate south side of the heart of the town with easy access to every means of entertainment and water sport activity; yet out of the hustle of the town.
Snorkeling at Hol Chan Reserve
Day 8: Ambergris Caye
Hol Chan means Little Channel in Mayan and is a natural break on the barrier reef where ocean depth ranges from 3 to 30 feet. Here guests will enjoy seeing the breath taking myriad of marine life and huge coral garden, among which are flourishing stag horn corals and sea fans. Shark Ray Alley is a shallow water snorkel where guests will enjoy swimming with harmless nurse sharks and southern stingrays - this trip is a famous snorkel trip and a "must do" for Belize. Note: This is a shared tour, not private. Park fee of $10 per person not included.
Accommodation: SunBreeze Hotel 
Belizean Courthouse
Day 9: Ambergris Caye - Belize City
Enjoy a direct flight from Pan Pedro, Ambergris Caye to the Belize City International Airport.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Posada de Don Rodrigo, Antigua
Posada de Don Rodrigo - Antigua
Posada de Don Rodrigo is a magical little colonial-style inn situated in the heart of Antigua Guatemala, near all the shops and dining spots in the city. The 315 year old property has been well-maintained and renovated, promising clean, comfortable rooms. With a light wreath of flowers encircling this enchanting 34-room abode, guests are privy to genuinely friendly and caring staff. Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast of meats, eggs, baked goods and the freshest of offerings. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area, as the central plaza is just a block away. If you prefer staying at the hotel, take a drink while watching the Marimba band perform, or perhaps spend some time in the picturesque courtyard.
- Villa Maya, Flores
Villa Maya - Flores
A haven of wildlife and nature's secrets, the Villa Maya sits on the shores of Petenchel and Monifata about 45 minutes from the Tikal National Park. The huge private reserve plays host to the villa's 56 rooms, which are designed to offer the most modern living conditions while still keeping to the rustic, pleasant side of adventure getaways. This means there are no televisions or phones in the rooms. Friendly service goes hand in hand with tasty local and international dishes utilizing ingredients from the region. This beautiful environment features monkeys, deer, birds and insects of all sorts, for guests are practically left to play in the jungle. Roam the lagoons, swim in the pool, and simply discover Villa Maya.
- San Ignacio Resort
San Ignacio Resort - San Ignacio
San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a private resort that shines elegantly in the Cayo sunlight, in Belize. Newly renovated, the 25 rooms are welcoming, with widespan views of the surroundings and exceptionally comfortable beds. Cable TV and air conditioning are relaxing following a day of activities. Dine at the hotel’s steakhouse, for succulent grilled meats and mouthwatering spices. Have a few drinks at the Stork Club and enjoy the live entertainment. The hotel organizes a range of activities, including walks and hikes around the property. Make use of facilities such as the tennis court and swimming pool. Otherwise, check out the nearby archaeological sites and take a trip to Tikal.
- Sunbreeze Hotel, Belize
SunBreeze Hotel - Ambergris Caye
SunBreeze Hotel is the optimum hotel from which to explore the wonders of Belize. At the SunBreeze Hotel, their professional team can assist you in coordinating all your activities. SunBreeze Hotel is a U Shaped Spanish Architectural design with a touch of the Caribbean surrounded by tropical gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea. They are centrally located at the immediate south side of the heart of the town with easy access to every means of entertainment and water sport activity; yet out of the hustle of the town.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Belize
VISA/PASSPORT
All citizens must have a passport valid for the duration of their visit to Belize. U.S. citizens do not need visas for tourist visits of up to thirty days, but they must have onward or return air tickets and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves while in Belize. Visas are not normally required of Canadian citizens travelling to Belize.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Belize for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are poor quality and not widespread. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/belize.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Belmopan City.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1981.
Language: English is the official language, but Spanish is spoken to some extent by over half the population. Garifuna (Carib), Maya and Creole are also spoken as well as a German dialect (by the Mennonites).
Religion: The people of Belize are mainly Roman Catholic (approximately 60% of the population). Other small groups practice Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bahai, as well as other Christian denominations.
Time: GMT - 6.
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Telephone: Country code +501.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good along most of the coast and along the main routes to Mexico and Guatemala. Handsets can be hired from Belize Telecommunications Ltd at the international airport.
Internet: There are Internet cafes in urban centers and popular tourist centers.
Travel tips of Guatemala
VISA/PASSPORT
A valid U.S. passport is required for all U.S. and Canadian citizens, regardless of age, to enter Guatemala and to depart Guatemala. Even if dual nationals are permitted to enter Guatemala on a second nationality passport, U.S. citizens returning to the United States from Guatemala are not allowed to board their flights without a valid U.S. passport. An exit tax must be paid when departing Guatemala by air. The exit tax (currently $30) is generally included in an airline ticket price, but may be charged separately. There is an additional airport security fee (20 Quetzales, approximately $2.50) that all travelers must pay at the airport. Canadian citizens using Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter Guatemala for stays under ninety days. In June 2006, Guatemala entered a “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Under the terms of the agreement, citizens of the four countries may travel freely across land borders from one of the countries to any of the others without completing entry and exit formalities at immigration checkpoints. U.S. citizens and other eligible foreign nationals, who legally enter any of the four countries, may similarly travel among the four without obtaining additional visas or tourist entry permits for the other three countries. Immigration officials at the first port of entry determine the length of stay, up to a maximum period of 90 days.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Guatemala for the most up to date information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are poor quality and not widespread. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/guatemala.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Guatemala City.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1821.
Language: The official language is Spanish. There are also 22 indigenous languages.
Religion: About 60% of the population are Catholic. Most of the remaining population are Protestant. Some indigenous communities hold services combining Catholicism with pre-Columbian rites.
Time: GMT - 6.
Electricity: 115-125 volts AC, 60Hz. There are some regional variations. Plugs are the flat two-pin American type.
Telephone: Country code: 502. Most public phone booths accept phone cards.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is increasing.
Internet: Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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