Mexico – Belize – Guatemala

Central American Impressions

09 March - 24 March 2027

Between Maya temples, Central American rainforests and the colourful traditions of today, this journey captivates with its cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes. From Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula through Belize to Guatemala, you follow in the footsteps of one of the most fascinating civilisations in human history. Impressive pyramids rise from the jungle, mysterious ruins tell stories of ancient times, while today’s Maya communities continue to preserve their ancestral traditions. You will listen to the diverse sounds of tropical birds and howler monkeys, admire colourful butterflies and gain authentic insights into coffee cultivation on a highland plantation. Boat trips through peaceful nature reserves, walks through colonial old towns and visits to vibrant markets will also leave lasting impressions.

You will stay in carefully selected accommodations full of character, including historic buildings in colonial towns, a jungle lodge surrounded by rainforest and a nature-inspired design hotel on the shores of a lagoon.

Travel itinerary

Day 1: To Mexico

• Flight Luxembourg-Amsterdam (KLM, 06:05-07:15)
• Connecting flight Amsterdam-Cancún (KLM, 09:50-15:05)
• Transfer to Valladolid
• Walk through the old town
• Dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight stay at the boutique hotel Mesón del Marques**** in Valladolid

Day 2: Cobá and Choo-Ha

• Visit of the extensive Maya site of Cobá
• Refreshing break at the Choo-Ha cenote
• Overnight stay at Hotel Kaab**** in Tulum

Day 3: Tulum and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

• Visit of the Maya ruins of Tulum
• Boat excursion in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO Natural Heritage Site)
• Insights into community-based conservation efforts
• Overnight stay at Hotel Our Habitas**** in Bacalar

Day 4: Howler monkeys in Belize

• Border crossing from Mexico to Belize
• Visit of a howler monkey conservation project
• Walk through the city centre
• Overnight stay at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge**** in San Ignacio

Day 5: Caracol, natural pools and butterflies

• Visit of the Maya site of Caracol, hidden deep in the jungle
• Refreshing swim in the natural pools of “Rio On Pools”
• Visit of a butterfly farm
• Overnight stay at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge**** in San Ignacio

Day 6: Maya sites in the jungle: Xunantunich and Yaxha

• River crossing by traditional ferry
• Visit of the Maya site of Xunantunich
• Border crossing into Guatemala
• Visit of the Maya site of Yaxha
• Overnight stay at Hotel Casona del Lago*** in Flores

Day 7: Tikal

• Visit of the Maya site of Tikal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Overnight stay at the boutique hotel Casona del Lago*** in Flores

Day 8: Via Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán

• Flight Flores-Guatemala City (Avianca, 07:45-08:30)
• Visit of the National Museum (archaeology/ethnology)
• Drive to Lake Atitlán
• Overnight stay at the boutique hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo*** in Panajachel

Day 9: Maya villages around Lake Atitlán

• Boat excursion on Lake Atitlán
• Visit of the Maya village of San Juan de la Laguna (textile art, natural dyes)
• Santiago Atitlán and San Marcos
• Overnight stay at the boutique hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo***

Day 10: Chichicastenango Market

• Drive to the highlands
• Visit of the traditional market in Chichicastenango
• Overnight stay at the boutique hotel El Convento**** in Antigua

Day 11: Antigua

• Guided tour and walk through the colonial old town
• Excursion in the surrounding area with panoramic views
• Overnight stay at the boutique hotel El Convento****

Day 12: Coffee plantation & leisure time

• Visit of a coffee plantation (tasting included)
• Free time in Antigua
• Dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight stay at the boutique hotel El Convento****

Day 13: A change of scenery: Caribbean beaches

• Transfer to Guatemala City airport
• Flight Guatemala City-Cancún (Avianca, 10:00-13:00)
• Transfer to the hotel
• Leisure time
• Overnight stay at Hotel Soho Playa*** in Playa del Carmen

Day 14: Leisure time in Playa del Carmen

• Free day
• Overnight stay at Hotel Soho Playa***

Day 15: Return flight to Europe

• Leisure time
• Transfer to Cancún airport
• Flight Cancún-Amsterdam (KLM, departure at 16:55)

Day 16: Back home

• Arrival in Amsterdam at 08:30
• Connecting flight Amsterdam-Luxembourg (KLM, 09:30-10:30)