Mexico - Belize - Guatemala
Central American Impressions
Between Maya temples, the rainforests of Central America and the colourful traditions of today, this journey offers a fascinating blend of cultural and natural highlights. From Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula through Belize to Guatemala, you will follow in the footsteps of one of the most fascinating civilizations in human history. Imposing pyramids rise from the jungle, mysterious ruins tell stories of bygone eras, while today’s Maya communities keep ancient traditions alive. Listen to the many voices 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, each with its own distinctive charm, including historic buildings in colonial old towns, a jungle lodge surrounded by rainforest and a nature-inspired design hotel on the shores of a lagoon.
Itinerary
Day 1: To Mexico
- Flight Luxembourg-Amsterdam (KLM, 06:05-07:15)
- Connecting flight Amsterdam-Cancún (KLM, 09:50-15:05)
- Journey to Valladolid
- Walk through the old town
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight at Mesón del Marques**** boutique hotel in Valladolid
Day 2: Cobá and Choo-Ha
- Visit the extensive Maya site of Cobá
- Refreshing break at Choo-Ha Cenote
- Overnight at Hotel Kaab**** in Tulum
Day 3: Tulum and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Visit the Maya ruins of Tulum
- Boat trip through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO Natural Heritage Site)
- Insights into community-based conservation
- Overnight at Our Habitas**** in Bacalar
Day 4: Howler Monkeys in Belize
- Border crossing from Mexico into Belize
- Visit a howler monkey conservation project
- Walk through the town centre
- Overnight at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge**** in San Ignacio
Day 5: Caracol, Natural Pools and Butterflies
- Visit the Maya site of Caracol, deep in the jungle
- Refreshing swim in the natural pools of Rio on Pools
- Visit a butterfly ranch
- Overnight at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge**** in San Ignacio
Day 6: Maya Sites in the Jungle: Xunantunich and Yaxha
- River crossing by traditional ferry
- Visit the Maya site of Xunantunich
- Border crossing into Guatemala
- Visit the Maya site of Yaxha
- Overnight at Hotel Casona del Lago*** in Flores
Day 7: Tikal
- Visit the Maya site of Tikal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Overnight at Casona del Lago*** boutique hotel in Flores
Day 8: Via Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán
- Flight Flores-Guatemala City (Avianca, 07:45-08:30)
- Visit the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
- Journey to Lake Atitlán
- Overnight at Posada de Don Rodrigo*** boutique hotel in Panajachel
Day 9: Maya Villages around Lake Atitlán
- Boat excursion on Lake Atitlán
- Visit the Maya village of San Juan La Laguna (textile art, natural dyes)
- Santiago Atitlán and San Marcos
- Overnight at Posada de Don Rodrigo*** boutique hotel
Day 10: Chichicastenango Market
- Journey into the highlands
- Visit the traditional market in Chichicastenango
- Overnight at El Convento**** boutique hotel in Antigua
Day 11: Antigua
- Walking tour of the colonial old town
- Excursion into the surrounding area with panoramic views
- Overnight at El Convento**** boutique hotel
Day 12: Coffee Plantation & Free Time
- Visit a coffee plantation, including a tasting
- Free time in Antigua
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight at El Convento**** boutique hotel
Day 13: A Change of Scenery: The Caribbean Coast
- Transfer to Guatemala City Airport
- Flight Guatemala City-Cancún (Avianca, 10:00-13:00)
- Transfer to the hotel
- Free time
- Overnight at Hotel Soho Playa*** in Playa del Carmen
Day 14: Free Time in Playa del Carmen
- Day at leisure
- Overnight at Hotel Soho Playa***
Day 15: Return to Europe
- Free time
- Transfer to Cancún Airport
- Flight Cancún-Amsterdam (KLM, departing at 16:55)
Day 16: Back Home
- Arrival in Amsterdam at 08:30
- Connecting flight Amsterdam-Luxembourg (KLM, 09:30-10:30)
