travel route mexico belize guatemala

Counting Our Footsteps

Ultimate Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Itinerary – 3, 4 & 6 Weeks

Are you looking for help planning your Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Itinerary?

Then you have come to the right place! I have put together this Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Itinerary to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime. Just like we did.

I can understand how it can be pretty hard, if not impossible, to choose between these locations. So it only makes sense to combine them into one great big epic trip.

We started our Central America trip in Mexico and worked our way down through Belize then Guatemala. I am going to take everything we experienced and loved, plus everything we wish we had done, and plan out the ultimate itinerary for you.

So if you are ready to step back in time and explore ancient ruins, take the plunge and swim with sharks, camp next to an active volcano, wander through cobbled streets and try some of the best Tacos you’ve ever had… keep reading and I’ll explain exactly how you can do it all.

Prepare for your trip!

This Itinerary will start in Cancun, Mexico and Finish in Guatemala City. Search for your flights using SkyScanner and select their ‘ create multi-city route ‘ option to book your round-trip ticket.

✈️ Search for your flights with SkyScanner Here!

Unfortunately, you can’t get a sim card at Cancun Airport. So stay connected by grabbing an online E-Sim before you go. We like to use Airalo for this.

📞 Get your E-Sim Here!

4 Week Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Itinerary Overview

Before we dive into all of the finer details, I wanted to give you a quick day-by-day run-through of what your 30 days in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala could look like.

Day 1 – Land in Cancun and travel to Cozumel

Day 2 & 3 – cozumel, day 4 – travel from cozumel to valladolid, day 5 & 6 – valladolid, day 7 – travel from valladolid to bacalar, day 8 & 9 – bacalar.

• Day 10 – Travel from Bacalar to Caye Caulker, Belize

Day 11, 12 & 13 – Caye Caulker

Day 14 – travel from caye caulker to san ignacio, day 15 – san ignacio.

• Day 16 – Travel from san Ignacio to Flores, Guatemala
• Day 17 – Day trip to Tikal
• Day 18 – Travel from Flores to Lanquin
• Day 19 – Visit Semuc Champey

Day 20 – Travel from Lanquin to Antigua

Day 21, 22, 23 & 24 – antigua.

• Day 25 – Travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (Panjachel)
• Day 26 – Panjachel
• Day 27 – Day trip to San Marcos
• Day 28 & 29 – Move to San Pedro La Laguna (Lake Atitlan)

Day 30 – Travel back to Guatemala City and fly home

4 week mexico, belize & guatemala itinerary details.

So let’s dive into the Itinerary.

Remember, nothing is ever set in stone and that is the beauty of travel. If you want to make some tweaks to suit your personal preferences then go for it!

Although, I will add plenty of choices and options along the way so that you can decide the best way to spend your time, Including some of the best hostels in Central America .

Day one of our Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Itinerary will be a day of travelling. You will land in Cancun, Mexico and head straight to your first destination; Cozumel.

To get to Cozumel you will first need to take a bus to Playa Del Carmen which is just a short drive from Cancun. I recommend taking the bus over a taxi because taxis in this area are ridiculously expensive and just a little bit dodgy.

We travelled all around Mexico Using the ADO buses and highly recommend them. Cancun airport has an ADO bus stand outside where you can catch your bus from. Depending on the time you arrive I recommend booking a bus online for shortly after your arrival time so you know you will get a seat.

You can see all their schedules and book tickets using the website Busbud . ADO do have their own site but we found it to be very glitchy and we were never able to buy tickets directly on there.

The drive should take no longer than 1 hour and the bus will stop a short walk from the ferry terminal where you will catch a ferry to Cozumel. There are 2 companies that run the ferry service to Cozumel and there is a ferry every hour from 7 am to 10 pm.

You can buy your ticket at the terminal when you arrive and the ferry ride takes around 45 minutes. It is known to be rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, don’t forget your motion sickness pills.

Once you arrive in Cozumel, depending on where you decide to stay you should be able to walk or take a very short taxi ride to your accommodation.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In Cozumel – Bea Rooms and Studios

🍽 Best Food In Cozumel – Sol De Maple

You will then have 2 full days to enjoy Cozumel. Depending on your interests you can go diving , snorkelling, relax at a beach club, wander through the town or even hire a scooter and explore the other side of the island.

If you love diving as much as we do then Cozumel is a fabulous place to have some underwater adventures. We did our PADI open water course on Cozumel with Maple Leaf Scuba divers and can’t recommend them enough. You can see the location of their dive shop here .

If you fancy a relaxed day, sunbathing on beautiful white sand beaches, swimming in crystal clear seas and enjoying a drink or 2 by the pool then Paradise Beach is the place to be. Rated as one of the best beach clubs on the whole island. We stopped by here on one of our dive trips and it looks amazing!

⭐️ Treat yourself to an all-inclusive day pass to Paradise Beach here!

If you are on more of a tight budget or prefer natural and undeveloped beaches then I suggest getting to the opposite side of the island for the day. There is one road that goes in a loop so you can’t get lost.

The whole of the east coast of Cozumel is waiting to be explored. We found a nice little spot to watch a couple of surfers. There are a couple of small shacks and bars along the way to grab a drink and we also spotted a couple of wild crocodiles too! Not to worry though Cozumel is totally safe .

On Day 4 it is time to wave goodbye to Island life for now and head inland to Valladolid.

To do this journey, you will need to take the same ferry ride that you did to get to Cozumel. The ferries are every hour again and tickets can be bought from the terminal.

Once you are in Playa Del Carmen you will want to make your way to the ADO bus station. There are multiple buses doing this route every day so you can pick a time that works for you. It will help if you book your bus ticket online in advance so you don’t have to wait around in the queues. The journey should take around 3 hours.

If you leave Cozumel in the morning you should arrive in Valladolid early afternoon and can spend the day exploring the town.

TOP TIP*** At around 5 pm every day in the main square, there are some locals who perform a traditional dance show which is fun to watch.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In Valladolid – Hostal 230

🍽 Best Food In Valladolid – Le Kaat

Valladolid is a small town with not too much to do in the town. However, it is the absolute perfect place to base yourself for a couple of days and explore the surrounding area.

From Valladolid, the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are only a short drive away! There are also countless Cenotes in the area and Ek Balam Ruins are also not too far. So depending on what you are most keen to do on your trip you have plenty to choose from.

We have a specific Itinerary for Valladolid that you can also use if you are not sure where to start.

However, when in Mexico you really must go to see Chichen Itza, one of the 7 wonders of the world! You can either go independently or on a tour. We cover all the details for both options in our separate guide .

Our favourite cenotes to explore around Valladolid are Suytan Cenote, Cenote Secreto Maya and Cenote Xcanahaltun. We hired a scooter for a day to explore all 3 but you could also arrange for a driver for the day to take you to them.

Travelling from Valladolid to Bacalar is another fairly straightforward journey, again with ADO buses.

If you book your ticket online it will include the whole journey. This time there is no direct bus and you will need to change buses in Merida. It will take around 8-9 hours in total, so make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In Bacalar – Villa Akbal

🍽 Best Food In Bacalar – Mango and Chile

After that long travel day, you will have 2 full days to relax and enjoy the beauty that is Bacalar Lagoon . Known as the Lagoon of 7 colours and you will see why once you get there.

From here you can go swimming in the lagoon, spend time at a beach club, take a boat trip out onto the lagoon, explore even more cenotes or float down a natural lazy river.

TOP TIP*** For free access to the lagoon head to this location . Just remember that it can get pretty busy during the day so early mornings are best if you want the place to yourself.

Check out these ideas for some great day trips from Bacalar .

Day 10 – Travel from Bacalar to Caye Caulker

Ok folks, buckle up this is going to be a long day but you can do this! We did this exact route in a day and made a few mistakes along the way so I’m going to save you the hassle and explain exactly how to get from Bacalar all the way to Caye Caulker in Belize.

Steps to crossing the border;

Step 1 – Head up to the main road in Bacalar and take a Taxi from the taxi stand opposite the ADO bus stop. These will wait to fill up then take you all to Chetumal together. It will get a little cosy but it’s a fair price of 50 Mexican Pesos per person.

Step 2 – Once in Chetumal the taxi will stop in a car park and you will need to hop out and into another Taxi to take you to the border. Don’t be afraid to haggle hard and get a fair price to the border, we got massively scammed at this point but I think 400-500 Mexican pesos should be about right.

Step 3 – Once at the border you will need to pay an exit fee of around 250 Mexican pesos per person. IMPORTANT… You have to pay this in cash (Mexican Pesos ONLY) and NOT ONLINE! We had paid it online and they wouldn’t accept it and made us pay again.

They will also tell you there is no ATM at the border. Whether or not this is true I don’t know but it is best not to take the risk and have a little extra cash on you just in case.

Step 4 – You can now take a deep breath, the hard part is over. You will find a bunch of Belize taxi drivers waiting on the other side and in our experience they are much fairer and easier to work with. You will want to ask them to take you to Corozal, just a short 20-minute ride away, which cost us $25 BZE.

TOP TIP*** You can exchange cash with guys at the border, just don’t do too much because it will be for a terrible exchange rate.

Step 5 – Get your taxi driver to drop you off at the bus station and buy a ticket on the next bus down to Belize City. It is going to be a typical local chicken bus but we found it to be totally fine. Not too crowded and we felt very safe. This bus ride took several hours and only cost us $12 BZE each.

Step 6 – Once in Belize, time to grab one last short taxi ride. This time to the ferry terminal. Just tell the driver you want the ferry to Caye Caulker and he will know where to go. This ride should cost around $10 BZE.

Step 7 – At the Terminal head to the ticket office and buy your return ticket to Caye Caulker. Check your bags in and hop on the ferry when it arrives. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Paradise is only about an hour’s ride away.

When you arrive in Caye Caulker, you will see the island is a tiny tropical paradise so it is likely no matter where you are staying it will be just a short walk away.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In Caye Caulker – La Isla Resort

🍽 Best Food In Caye Caulker – Namaste Cafe

After that crazy travel day, it’s only right to have a nice amount of time on the Island to really relax and make the most of it. I think 3 days is the ideal amount of time on Caye Caulker.

From here the best things to do are to do a diving or snorkelling trip out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. This was a truly incredible experience that I hope to have again someday.

🦈 Check out this awesome snorkelling tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley with lunch included!

You can also take snorkelling trips out to search for the gentle giants of the sea; Manatees.

And of course, one of the most famous things to do in this area is to visit the mysterious blue hole. You can either take boat trips out to the hole, go on a diving trip if you are an experienced diver or do a flight to see the hole from above.

Almost halfway through our Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Itinerary and it’s time to leave the island life behind and travel to your final destination in Belize; San Ignacio.

To do this you will just need to jump back on the ferry heading to Belize city. Once at the ferry terminal in Belize City, there are multiple shops selling shuttle tickets to San Ignacio. You can buy a ticket from any of these and catch the next available shuttle bus.

The shuttle cost us $40 BZE each.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In San Ignacio – Yellow Belly Backpackers

🍽 Best Food In San Ignacio – The Spot Cafe & Lounge

San Ignacio is the perfect place to explore some more Mayan Ruins.

You can either do as we did and opt for the close and cheap option and visit Cahal Pech Ruins . This is ideal as a half-day activity and leaves you the rest of the day to perhaps visit a chocolate-making workshop, visit the local market or take a stroll along the river.

When we visited Cahal Pech we had the entire site to ourselves! It really is a true hidden gem.

Alternatively, there are the famous ATM caves that can be explored as a day trip from San Ignacio. This trip is not cheap (as with most activities in Belize) but it certainly is a one-of-a-kind experience. Swim and hike through sacred caves to see ancient Mayan ritual grounds and even human remains!

⭐️ Take a look at the ATM Caves for yourself and see if this sounds like the kind of thrill you are looking for!

Day 16 – Travel from San Ignacio to Flores

Grab yourself some breakfast before making the fairly short and easy journey across the border to Flores, Guatemala.

Ask your accommodation to call you a taxi to take you to the border. This is about a 20-minute journey that should cost around $20 BZE.

Go through the motions at the border, stamping out and then head across the bridge on foot in Guatemala. Once over the bridge turn left and you will see the bus station. Head inside and ask for the next bus to Flores.

The bus is likely to be a minibus or Collectivo and tickets should be around $5.25 per person. This bus ride should take around 1.5 hours.

Once you get to Flores, grab a Tuk Tuk to take you across to the Island where all of the hotels are located.

TOP TIP*** Book your day trip to Tikal as soon as you arrive in Flores for the next day.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In Flores – Los Amigos Hostel

🍽 Best Food In Flores – Los Amigos Hostel (yep they have an awesome restaurant)

Day 17 – Tikal

On this trip, you may well have already visited a couple of different Mayan Ruins but trust me when I say that Tikal is special.

I highly recommend booking the sunrise or early bird option to get to experience the park coming to life first thing in the morning. If you do choose to stay at Los Amigos Hostel you can book the tour directly through them.

You can also read our post specifically on visiting Tikal for more handy info.

Day 18 – Travel to Lanquin

The next destination on our 30 day Itinerary is Lanquin. This is the closest town to the natural wonder of Semuc Champey.

From any of the tour offices in Flores, you can buy a bus ticket that will take you to Lanquin. This will be a tourist shuttle bus and they depart from Flores daily at around 8 am, arriving in Lanquin around 5 pm. A ticket on the shared shuttle should cost around $45.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In Lanquin – Casa Mary

🍽 Best Food In Lanquin – Kalula Cafe y Restaurante

Day 19 – Semuc Champey

It is time to jump in one of the many 4x4s waiting in the town centre to take eager tourists to the entrance to Semuc Champey for around $2 each. The entrance fee is $6.50 and you do not need a guide to visit.

It is easy to navigate the trails by yourself and once you get to the pools feel free to jump straight in. Don’t forget to also visit the viewpoint too for some of the best views!

Time to head to one of our favourite cities in all of Central America; Antigua, Guatemala.

The best option is to take another tourist shuttle from Lanquin straight to Antigua, your hotel or hostel will be able to help you book this.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In Antigua – Central Hostel

🍽 Best Food In Antigua – Once Once

I have allowed for 4 days in Antigua for a very good reason. As easy as it would be to just spend 4 days exploring the city. Antigua is also the best place to do one of the most incredible hikes.

Acatenango Volcano is quickly becoming a very popular overnight hike among adventurous travellers. This is thanks to its close proximity to Volcano Fuego, which is super active.

You hike up Acatenango to base camp and from there spend the night watching the regular eruptions of Fuego. The darker it gets the more you can also see the bright red lava bursting out of the volcano!

It is a challenging hike but one of the best experiences you will ever have. So for this, you will need 2 full days.

For inspiration on how to spend your time during the other 2 days in Antigua, you can check out our post listing all the best things to do in and around the city.

Day 25 – Travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel)

Day 25 and it is time to head to your final destination in Guatemala; Lake Atitlan. Or more specifically Panajachel.

You will find tour shops all over Antigua selling tickets on tourist shuttles to Lake Atitlan, just make sure to specify that you want to go to Panajachel. We used NEWay Tours company for a couple of different trips in Guatemala and they were always reliable. You can find them here .

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In Panajachel – Selina Atitlan

🍽 Best Food In Panajachel – Crossroads Cafe

Day 26 – Panajachel

From Panajachel, I recommend taking a day trip to Chichicastenango Market. This is one of the largest and most famous markets in all of Central America.

On the day tour, you will get to explore the huge market as well as some local museums, and a cemetery and experience a fire ceremony.

⭐️ Take a look at the Day Tour to Chichicastenango Market here!

Day 27 – San Marcos

On your second full day at Lake Atitlan, jump on one of the small speed boats and head to San Marcos for the day for a totally different vibe.

The speed boats do loops around the lake in both directions and there are plenty of them. You shouldn’t have to wait too long before one approaches. They will be shouting the direction they are going so you know if it’s the right one or not.

For more details on how to get around Lake Atitlan you can check out our guide to the area.

This small village has a very hippie atmosphere. It is the perfect place to come for some yoga or a wonderfully relaxing massage. We also found San Marcos to be the best spot on the lake for views of the surrounding volcanos.

When you are done for the day, just jump back on a speed boat back to Panajachel.

Day 28 & 29 – San Pedro La Laguna

On Day 28 I recommend checking out, grabbing your bags and heading down on the speed boats to San Pedro for your last couple of nights in Guatemala.

From San Pedro, you can choose to do another hike such as the Indian’s Nose Summit or Volcan San Pedro . You can try paddle boarding or kayaking on the lake. Jump in for a swim or take part in an art class or visit a textile-making workshop. The possibilities are endless.

San Pedro is also the perfect place to do some souvenir shopping before you head home.

There are plenty of tour agencies around town that can help you with any of the above activities, we had good experiences with Maya Atitlan Travél Center on the main street. You can also book your shuttle here to head back to Guatemala City on Day 30.

🏠 Recommended Accommodation In San Pedro – Hospedaji Lolita

🍽 Best Food In San Pedro – The Clover

The time has come to travel back towards Guatemala City and catch your flight back home.

3 & 6 Week Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Itineraries

I know that not everyone can get the same amount of time to travel. So I also put together a couple of alternative Mexico, Belize and Guatemala itineraries for either a 3-week trip or a 6-week trip.

You can still use all of the information I have given above to plan your trip.

3 Week Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Itinerary

If you are a little short on time and only have 3 weeks to spare then this Itinerary is for you. 3 weeks may feel like rushing through all 3 countries but if you have your heart set on experiencing Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, then it is totally possible.

• Day 1 – Land in Cancun and travel to Valladolid or Tulum (Chichen Itza and Cenotes can be done from either location) Depending if you want beach vibes or not.
• Day 2 & 3 – Valladolid or Tulum
• Day 4 – Travel to Bacalar
• Day 5 & 6 – Bacalar
• Day 7 – Travel to Caye Caulker, Belize
• Day 8 & 9 – Caye Caulker
• Day 10 – Travel from Caye Caulker to Flores, Guatemala (Just combine the travel day info from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio AND San Ignacio to Flores)
• Day 11 – Day trip to Tikal
• Day 12 – Travel from Flores to Antigua (Skipping Lanquin, makes the journey even simpler, check out this post for more instructions)
• Day 13,14,15 & 16 – Antigua 
• Day 17 – Travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
• Day 18, 19 & 20 – Lake Atitlan
• Day 21 – Travel to Guatemala City and fly home

6 Week Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Itinerary

If you are lucky enough to have 6 weeks for your trip then you will have time to do perhaps a little more. For this slightly extended Itinerary, I have added an additional location to Mexico and added extra time in most places to allow you to really enjoy them.

• Day 1 – Land in Cancun and travel to Cozumel 
• Day 2, 3 & 4 – Cozumel 
• Day 4 – Travel from Cozumel to Holbox
• Day 5, 6 & 7 – Holbox
• Day 8 – Travel from Holbox to Valladolid
• Day 9, 10 & 11 – Valladolid
• Day 12 – Travel from Valladolid to Bacalar
• Day 13 & 14 – Bacalar
• Day 15 – Travel from Bacalar to Caye Caulker, Belize
• Day 16, 17 & 18 – Caye Caulker
• Day 19 – Travel from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio
• Day 20 & 21 – San ignacio
• Day 22 – Travel from San Ignacio to Flores, Guatemala
• Day 23 & 24 – Flores and Tikal
• Day 25 – Travel from Flores to Lanquin
• Day 26 – Visit Semuc Champey
• Day 27 – Travel from Lanquin to Antigua
• Day 28,29,30 31 & 32 – Antigua
• Day 33 – Travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (Panjachel)
• Day 34 & 35 – Panjachel market day
• Day 36 – San Marcos day trip
• Day 37 & 38 – Move to San Pedro La Laguna
• Day 39 – Travel to Guatemala City
• Day 40 – Guatemala City
• Day 41 – Flight home

Good To Know Before You Visit Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

Here is a little more info that you may find really useful while planning your Mexico, Belize and Guatemala trip.

Visas requirements for Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize

For all 3 countries; Mexico, Belize and Guatemala you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. This applies to all citizens of the UK, USA and EU.

When you arrive in Cancun, Mexico you will be granted up to 180 days. They will likely ask you how long you need and grant you that much time.

You will cross into Belize, they will give you an entry stamp that allows you to stay for up to 30 days.

When you cross into Guatemala they will give you an entry stamp for up to 90 days.

What to pack for Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

The majority of this trip will be warm weather no matter what time you visit. Mexico and Belize are great pretty much all year round but Antigua can be a little cooler as it is at a higher altitude.

Also, if you plan to do the Acatenango Hike (which I highly recommend you do) then this will get very, VERY cold at night. You will need sturdy boots and plenty of layers.

To help you pack your bags you can follow along on my Central America Packing list .

Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Itinerary – Final Thoughts

So there you have it, 3 different options for your Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Itinerary, depending on how long you have to spend on your trip.

We travelled a lot slower than this and spent more time than we need in most of the locations I have mentioned. This is how I can now say how much time is the minimum you need in each place.

The highlights of these countries for me were diving in Cozumel, swimming in Cenotes, swimming with sharks in Belize, Exploring Tikal and hiking up Acatenango.

Have fun travel planning! As always feel free to reach out if you would like some more help.

Callie runs this blog alongside Guido. She has been travelling for the last 10 years both as a solo traveller as well as with Guido. She has been to 46 countries and specialises in adventure travel on a budget. Callie is also an expert at creating personalised and unique travel itineraries.

Venga, Vale, Vamos

Travel blogger. Budget backpacker. Digital nomad. Serial expat.

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The Best of Belize and Guatemala: A Two-Week Travel Itinerary

by Kirstie Jeffries · Published April 11, 2017 · Updated September 15, 2022

Belize and Guatemala, two absolute gems in Central America. I’ll admit I had never given much thought to them before planning my Latin America itinerary this year. However, two weeks of traveling the region made one thing very clear: this is a part of the world you have  to see!

Flores, Guatemala

Planning a trip to Belize and Guatemala? Whether you’re dedicating a trip solely to these neighboring countries or as part of a larger Central America, Latin America, or global trip, these countries are truly un-Belize-able. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself). Here are my tried and true suggestions for how to spend two weeks in Belize and Guatemala.

My Belize and Guatemala Itinerary

Day 1 – arrival in belize city.

Begin your Central American adventure by flying into Belize City, Belize. You’ll need to take a taxi to the city center at a fixed price of $25 U.S. or $50 Belize ($1 U.S. = $2 Belize — easy enough to remember).

There aren’t a ton of budget accommodations in Belize City, so I’d recommend either finding a place through Airbnb (follow that link for $40 of free credit!) or staying at Safe Haven Hostel . Safe Haven was opened recently and is small and basic, but the owner is super friendly and helpful, it’s centrally located, and it’s probably the cheapest you’ll find in Belize City.

Welcome to Belize

Belize City isn’t a massive tourist hotspot, but use this day to catch up on rest and wander around the city a bit. Pay a visit to the colorful Belize sign pictured above and watch the sun set over the ocean.

Day 2 – Caye Caulker

It’s time to head to paradise, the gorgeous Belizean island of Caye Caulker ! Ocean Ferry Belize has water taxis leaving from their office near the Belize Swing Bridge. A round-trip ticket will set you back $14.50 U.S.

Ferries leave at 8am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm, and 5:30pm and take about 45 minutes. Or if you want to guarantee a seat on the ferry by booking in advance (especially if you’re traveling during peak season!), GuateGo  offers ferries and buses with routes all over both Belize and Guatemala, including Belize City to Caye Caulker.

Caye Caulker

Once you arrive at Caye Caulker’s port, everything on the island is fairly walkable. I recommend  Bella’s Backpackers , which is centrally located, comfortable, and social without being too noisy.

Day 3 – Explore Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island that won’t take long to explore, but their motto is “Go slow,” so spend day three doing just that. Take in the views of crystal clear water (you’ll find the bluest water at The Split on the north side of the island), relax with a beer over the sea, feast on inexpensive lobster, and enjoy paradise.

And don’t miss the sunsets!

Day 4 – Snorkeling in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is more about rest and relaxation than adventurous activities, but the one activity you can’t miss is a snorkeling trip. If you walk up and down the island’s main street, you’ll find tons of companies offering half-day and full-day snorkeling tours. Most offer similar trips and are right around the same price.

I personally recommend Caveman Tours . Their full-day tour, at $65 U.S., is the cheapest I found on the island and includes gear, lunch, fruit and water. Their half-day tour (with gear, fruit, and water) is just $35. I opted for the full day and totally recommend it, as some of the best snorkeling destinations are only reached on the longer tour. The owner, who calls himself Caveman, is an absolute delight.

Aboard the Caveman boat

I’ll admit I was hesitant to pay $65 for snorkeling when I had recently experienced shockingly inexpensive snorkeling trips in Indonesia’s Gili Islands and The Philippines’ Dumaguete, but within three minutes of jumping in the water, I knew I had made the right choice. If the stunning Caribbean Sea views weren’t enough, I had sea turtles swimming within arm’s reach and got up close and personal with sharks, stingrays, colorful fish, magnificent coral, and more.

Snorkeling friends

several people also recommended  Ragamuffin Tours  to me. Their full-day snorkeling tour is $70 U.S. but it includes unlimited rum punch on the ride home, so if you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere, they’re the way to go.

Day 5 – Caye Caulker to San Ignacio

Strap yourself in for a long travel day — but the destination will be well worth it! San Ignacio, Belize, sometimes referred to as Cayo, is a great spot from which to access fascinating ruins and a perfect stop on the way to Guatemala. To get from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio, you’ll first need to hop on a ferry back to Belize City. Ocean Ferry Belize leaves Caye Caulker at 6:30am, 8:30am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 4:30pm.

My bus from Belize City to San Ignacio

From there, you have two options: private or public bus. Private buses will pick you up directly from the Ocean Ferry terminal and will cost about $25 or $30 U.S. I personally recommend taking a public “chicken” bus.

Throughout Central America, chicken buses are converted U.S. school buses that tend to be the cheapest mode of transportation. They can be crowded and chaotic, but the bus from Belize City to San Ignacio was easy, I had plenty of space, it runs more frequently than the private bus, and it cost only $4.50 U.S. to cross the country. You’ll just need to make the 10-15 minute walk from the ferry terminal to Belize City’s bus terminal, and once there you can ask anyone for the next bus to San Ignacio (most will terminate in Benque, at the border with Guatemala).

You’ll likely arrive in San Ignacio in the afternoon, so take it easy and explore the small town a bit. Bella’s Backpackers in Caye Caulker was a hit, and their San Ignacio hostel was even better — big, clean rooms and a great rooftop common area with hammocks.

Day 6 – Xunantunich Ruins

Belize’s most popular Maya ruins date back to the sixth century AD and are located just outside of San Ignacio. Though smaller than some of Central America’s other ruins, Xunantunich wound up being my favorite because you’re free to roam around on your own, and the lack of crowds can really brings the history of the place to life.

Xunantunich

The cheapest way to get to Xunantunich is to hop on a local bus going toward Benque, cross the river on a free hand-cranked ferry, and then hike about a mile to the ruins. You can also negotiate with taxi drivers to get a fair rate directly to the site.

No need to pay extra for a return trip, as you can hail a less expensive cab from the site or the main road (the walk back is mostly downhill) or catch the bus. Alternatively, Hanna Stables  offers horseback riding tours to Xunantunich.

Day 7 – ATM Cave

Many go to San Ignacio specifically to visit Belize’s ATM Cave , and it truly can’t be missed. Tours aren’t cheap (the best price I could find was $95 U.S.), and tourists can only visit with an official guide, but don’t let the price tag stop you. This was definitely one of the coolest things I experienced in Central America.

Buried deep within the cave is an ancient Maya sacrificial burial site with loads of relics and remains that have been left where they were first found two decades ago. As interested as I was in seeing this bit of history, what I didn’t expect was the total adventure of getting to it. I took a tour with Carlos the Caveman Tours, who I would 100% recommend for the price, Carlos’ knowledge, and the overall quality.

Traveling through the ATM Cave (cameras are no longer allowed inside, so photo credit )

Exect a full write-up soon, but after traveling by van 45 minutes from San Ignacio, you’ll hike through mountainous forests, swim across rivers, and then arrive at the cave, where you’ll swim through dark crevices sometimes only inches wider than your body, scale waterfalls, and crawl around rock formations to reach the burial site. Pure adventure!

Day 8 – From Belize to Guatemala: San Ignacio to Flores

Belize is not an easy country to say goodbye to, but Guatemala is calling, and there’s oh so much to do there !

If you’re on a strict budget, to get to Flores, you can take the public bus to the border, cross the border by foot, pick up another bus to Santa Elena, and then take a tuktuk to Flores Island. Since border crossings can be complicated, I always suggest taking a shuttle that can guide you through the process. I used Mayan Heart World , which can get you from San Ignacio to Flores in a relatively comfortable shuttle for $25 U.S. (I was initially quoted $70, so be sure to insist on the $25 price.) Or to make booking even simpler and avoid bartering, I again recommend GuateGo for getting around Guatemala.

Can I please live here?

Most travelers use Flores simply as a base from which to visit the ruins of Tikal, but it’s an absolutely charming place on its own. It’s located on a tiny island within Lake Petén Itzá and its cobblestone streets lead you through colorful colonial houses and views of the surrounding lake. Exploring Flores won’t take long,  but use your afternoon to wander around and book the following days’ activities (more on where to do that in a minute).

I stayed at Hostel Yaxha , which was just fine and serves good food, although it’s not very social. If you’re looking for something more social, I’ve heard positive reviews of  Los Amigos .

Day 9 – Tikal

Notice that tourism in this region is massively Maya-centric? You can’t pass through northern Guatemala without visiting the archaeological site of Tikal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was, as long ago as 400 BC, an ancient Maya city, and its sprawling grounds and massive, restored pyramids are well worth a visit. Though you can explore the ruins on your own, I’d recommend hiring a guide, as it’s easy to get a bit lost and understanding the history of the place really enhances the experience.

Travel agencies around Flores will arrange transportation and guides for you. I recommend Tayasal . The owner, Luis, is extremely knowledgeable about the area, speaks perfect English and Spanish (he spent many years in the U.S.), and really cares about his clients. I booked several parts of my trip through him, and, each step along the way, he messaged me to make sure everything had worked out smoothly.

I’d also mention here that, though I didn’t have enough days in Guatemala to experience it, I heard wonderful things about the Yaxha ruins a few hours from Flores. Definitely check those out if you have some extra time in the area.

Day 10 – Flores to Lanquín

The upside to Guatemala is it’s a diverse country with lots to experience. The downside is it can take quite a while to traverse and transportation isn’t the best, so be patient. Chicken buses are the cheapest way to get around the country, but often getting from one place to another involves a combination of various chicken buses and taxis. Shuttles (vans or minibuses), though often cramped and hot, can make your life a lot easier.

Sunset in over Lake Petén Itzá

Lanquín is a small town in the middle of Guatemala that doesn’t have a lot to offer on its own, but it’s the main town near the popular natural pools of Semuc Champey and a good stop between Flores and Antigua. Prepare yourself to an eight or so hour shuttle ride from Flores to Lanquín, but don’t worry — the fun will start tomorrow! The shuttle can be booked at travel agencies around Flores. I booked mine in advance through Luis at Tayasal.

I stayed at El Muro Hostel for the price and proximity to the center of Lanquín, and it has a nice bar and restaurant area (social but not too loud) and beautiful views over the jungle valley. Zephyr Lodge is also popular among backpackers looking to party.

Day 11 – Semuc Champey

I almost skipped Semuc Champey during my Guatemala trip, figuring it was too far out of the way just to see some natural pools. But when I realized it broke up the trip from Flores to Antigua and that shuttles were fairly straightforward, I thought I’d give it a try.

Adventurous Kate wrote that it was her favorite day in Central America , and my expectations weren’t nearly  that high, but guess what! I think this was my favorite day in my two and a half months in Central America too.

Overlooking Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey  can be visited on its own, but to make the most of your visit, I definitely suggest booking a full day tour through your hostel. It should cost around $25 U.S., and it’s a completely action packed day. After riding, standing up, in the back of a rickety pick-up truck, you start with a steep hike to a viewpoint overlooking the pools, then you climb back down to experience the pools first-hand, wading, swimming, sliding down waterfalls, and exploring mini caves.

After lunch comes my favorite part of the day: armed with candlesticks to light the way, you head into a bigger cave, where you’ll be up to your waist in water crawling through the spooky crevices and climbing underground waterfalls. Then, to wrap it all up, you jump in innertubes and float down the river. Gotta love the crafty locals who approach you in their own tubes selling beer!

River tubing near Semuc Champey

Day 12 – Lanquín to Antigua

The two weeks are flying by, and there’s just one destination to go: Antigua. Located half an hour from Guatemala City, this is a much better option for travelers than the capital, as it’s safer and much more charming. It may feel like a massive city after the rural spots you’ve come from, but it’s all completely walkable and has a ton of small-town charm.

The easiest way to get from Lanquín to Antigua is by shuttle. These are less frequent than the ones from Flores to Lanquín, so book yours in advance. I was able to book mine back in Flores, also through Luis at Tayasal. It’s another long ride, but the 6am shuttle will skip the traffic you may hit on the later one.

Wander around Antigua this day. Visit its local market and souvenir shops, watch street performers, have a typical and inexpensive Guatemalan meal at Rincón Típico, and sample mezcal at the candlelit Café No Sé. Matiox Hostel is a bit farther from the center than some other hostels, but it’s also one of the nicest, cleanest, and most comfortable hostels I’ve ever stayed in.

Day 13 – Antigua and Pacaya Volcano

Spend your morning enjoying more of Antigua, and use the afternoon to visit Pacaya Volcano. Matiox (or most other hostels) can book this tour for you, which includes transportation and a guide. You’ll take a steep hike up an active volcano (tiring, but it will pay off! or you can pay extra to go on horseback), and at the top you can roast marshmallows right on the steaming lava rocks.

When I went, the volcano was shrouded in dense fog, but just as we reached the top, the clouds cleared and we had spectacular views of the surrounding, still-erupting volcanoes and the valleys below.

The view from Pacaya

Day 14 – Adiós, Guatemala!

All good things must come to an end. From Antigua, you can get a van transfer directly to the Guatemala City airport for about $10 U.S. Most hostels and travel agencies in Antigua should be able to book this. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time before your flight, as traffic in the capital can be nasty.

A Few General Tips for Your Belize and Guatemala Trip

• If you’re traveling during peak season (December-February is popular among backpackers), be sure to book accommodation and transportation in advance whenever possible. It fills up fast!
• See if you can check out an important celebration while you’re traveling through the region! This guide to Guatemala’s best festivals may help.
• Central America doesn’t have the best reputation in the world in terms of safety, but I felt very safe throughout both Belize and Guatemala. Nonetheless, use common sense. Don’t wander alone late at night, and keep your valuables close or leave them locked up at your hostel.
• English is the official language of Belize, although you’ll also hear Creole and Spanish. Many Guatemalans in the tourism industry speak English, but picking up some key phrases in Spanish can go a long way.

• Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially when exploring Xunantunich and Tikal! You’re likely to spot monkeys and exotic birds, and my guide at Tikal says he’s even seen a jaguar there.
• It’s tough to see all of both countries in just two weeks, but if you have extra time, I’ve heard excellent things about Lake Atitlán in Guatemala.
• Both countries are generally very hot and humid, but it can get chilly in places, especially around Antigua, so pack a jacket and a pair of jeans.

Oh “Guat” (stop cringing!) wonderful countries Belize and Guatemala are. Enjoy your travels, and be sure to share any and all suggestions you have in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, and I was partially hosted by Carlos the Caveman Tours, but all opinions are entirely my own, as always!

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I’m impressed with the relationship with the trip. Tez wants to visit, but I’m afraid to go to the other end of the world. Greetings from Poland

Don’t be afraid! I definitely encourage you to go!

This is the post I was looking for 🙂 Thanks for all your great suggestions! Were the buses brutal, or were they decent? I’m trying to decide if a plane ride would be worth it (Belize to Guatemala), but then it sounds like I’d miss out on your favorite day trip in Guatemala!

That’s great to hear! The chicken bus I took from Belize City to San Ignacio was pretty basic (just a converted school bus, no air conditioning), but it was a short ride, so I didn’t mind. There are also options for air-conditioned coaches for a little more money. Within Guatemala, the vans were pretty crowded (they’ll fill every space, including the jumpseats), which made them less comfortable. Air conditioning is rare, although open windows keep it pretty cool. Some agencies will offer “luxury” vans, but, unless you’re splurging on a private transfer, these don’t seem to be much of a step up. The vans are definitely not as nice as coaches, since you don’t get as much space and the seatbacks are usually too low to lean back, but they aren’t dreadful or anything.

The biggest thing issue is the length of the bus/van rides. If I recall correctly, Flores to Lanquín and Lanquín to Antigua were both about eight-hour trips, and there aren’t a whole lot of destinations between those to break up your travel time. So I think it really comes down to how much time you have to spend in Guatemala and how much patience you have for transportation! I personally enjoy the long rides, because, when I’ve been traveling at a hectic pace for a while, they give me a day to relax, catch up on reading, watch a few TV shows, etc., but these rides can be draining for others. I also enjoy observing the countryside and small towns.

Hope that helps a bit! Think about how much time you have, which destinations you want to prioritize, and how much tolerance you have for less-than-comfortable transportation, and that should help you decide. Let me know if I can answer any other questions, though!

So lovely post. I like it. Thanks so much for the good post.

Thank you, Sarah!

Inspiring and very informative description of your trip, It was what I was looking for. Thank you Kirstie! I’m planning a 3 -4 weeks in Guatemala and the region around (still pondering whether doing Belize or part of Mexico that I haven’t been yet), but I guess that making the same route as you did at a slower pace, and maybe add some attractions would fill my plan.

Glad you found it helpful, Amit! That sounds like an amazing trip. I would have loved to have a few extra weeks to explore. You’ll have a fantastic time!

Hi !!! I was wondering how much it cost for your trip (without the plane)??

Unfortunately I don’t have any notes about my budget during that time. I was definitely able to see both countries on a backpacker budget, though! You can find good deals for lodging and food especially.

Hope that helps!

Any downside to replicating this trip in the reverse order? We like to start our vacations with big activities and end with a few beach days in a tropical location.

Not that I know of! This direction worked well for me because I found a cheap flight to Belize City and was continuing south through Central America, but I imagine the reverse would be equally fantastic!

By far the best post I’ve seen for Belize / Guatemala itinerary. Love it.

I’m using this to plan out my trip in October (if the world has returned to normal by then).

Thank you 🙂

And Happy travels

Wonderful! Thank you for this. What month of the year did you travel? Your photos depict the perfect weather. I am hoping to go in July 2021 and hope it’s sunny and dry then.

I’m glad you enjoyed it! I was there in January, which worked out well! I’m not sure how July’s weather is, but I’m sure you’ll have a great time! Stay safe!

Spelling out your itinerary has greatly helped me with mine—thank you! Any idea if night buses are available/recommended for those eight-hour legs?

Hi, sorry I missed this earlier! I believe the buses I took were during the day, but there might be something available! Schedules may be limited during COVID, so I would check with the transportation companies.

Hi I noticed the link for Tayasal doesn’t work are there other transportation agencies you recommend. How much would you recommend budgeting for the two weeks for budget travel?

[…] Rica. My big travel adventure continued in January and February in Central America, exploring Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. While in Costa Rica, I visited the idyllic hippie beach town of […]

[…] is known for its cathedrals, monuments, ruins, and Mayan sites – people often opt to visit Belize and Guatemala in one trip. Honduras is often visited for its parks, lakes, and volcanos primed for […]

[…] region stretching from southeastern Mexico, through Belize and Guatemala, and to El Salvador and Honduras, was once home to the Maya civilization, which ruled the region as […]

[…] stop: Belize, where I spent a week visiting Belize City, the stunning island of Caye Caulker, and the inland town of San Ignacio […]

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2.5 Weeks in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala

Welcome to my new Itineraries series! I’m starting with a day-by-day 2.5 week itinerary for Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.

I’ve heard from many people that planning is what puts them off of traveling. Choosing a region, deciding on destinations, finding flight routes that work – it’s a lot. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin, let alone how to bring all of the elements together.

But here’s the thing – sometimes I feel like I have just as much fun planning a trip as I do going on it. Alright, I guess that’s a slight exaggeration. But the logistics that go into creating a trip are like a puzzle, and I love figuring out ways to make them all come together.

Show me a collection of must-sees that you can’t figure out how to fit into one trip, and I’ll show you my ideal Saturday night.

And that’s why I’m starting this new Itineraries series! I’ll share the exact day-by-day schedule of a trip I’ve recently taken, including how I got from place to place, what the flights looked like, what I’d do differently in the future, and more.

Keep reading for the first edition: A 2.5 week itinerary for Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.

Areas Visited

Mexico: tulum.

Belize: Caye Caulker

Guatemala: Flores, Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlàn

Flight Details

Since I knew we’d be covering a lot of ground, we looked for one-way flights. This isn’t always budget-friendly, but it happened to work really well for this trip.

A side note on flying from a small airport: At one hour’s drive, Syracuse is the closest “major” airport to where I live in Hamilton. This means we often have to get pretty creative with flights in order to find good deals. While this can be tricky, it’s not a total dealbreaker; you might just need to do a little extra searching. This itinerary is a good example of that: we found a one-way outgoing flight to get us to our starting point and then combined two separate one-way flights to come home, and each journey only involved one stopover. (The dream!) Don’t be afraid to try a few different combinations and routes while searching to see what works best.

Getting There:

Syracuse (SYR) — Chicago (ORD) — Cancun (CUN) on United

Getting Back:

Flight 1: Guatemala City (GUA) — Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on Spirit Air

Flight 2: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) — Syracuse (SYR) on jetBlue

Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Itinerary

Day 1: Land in Cancun and transfer to Tulum

Transportation:

After landing, we headed to the ADO Bus desk to buy tickets to Tulum. We were issued two separate tickets – one from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and one from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. The journey took a little longer than the expected ~2 hours due to a delay in our second bus, but was overall simple and inexpensive (less than $10 USD each).

Day 2: Tulum

Click here for my full guide to Tulum.

Day 3: Tulum

Day 4: Tulum to Caye Caulker

Click here for a step-by-step guide on getting from Tulum to Caye Caulker.

Day 5: Caye Caulker

Click here for my guide to Caye Caulker.

Day 6: Caye Caulker to Flores (a popular base for visitors to Tikal)

We took a ferry through Belize Water Taxi from Caye Caulker to Belize City (~45 minutes). We then headed to the Fuente del Norte bus terminal, conveniently located right by the water taxi terminal, to catch a bus to Flores (~4.5 hours). We purchased the bus tickets from a storefront while on Caye Caulker.

Day 7: Visit Tikal

Day 8: Fly Flores to Antigua

We originally booked a one-way 7:37 am flight from Flores to Guatemala City on Avianca. Before our trip, we were notified that we’d been automatically moved to a 9 pm flight instead. Luckily, Avianca agreed to refund us and we booked an 8 am trip on TAG Air.

To get from Guatemala City to Antigua, we paid about $10 USD to take a shared shuttle van. We didn’t book in advance, but we did a little searching online to get an idea of what we should expect to pay.

Day 9: Antigua

Click here for a first timer’s guide to Antigua.

Day 10: Antigua

Day 11: Antigua to Lake Atitlàn

Antigua is full of small agencies that provide shuttle van service to Lake Atitlàn. We reserved two tickets in person, paying $10-12 USD for the ~2.5 hour journey. The shuttle will drop you off near the docks in Panajachel, the main jump-off point for the other villages on the lake. If you’re not staying right in Panajachel, you’ll take a lancha , or speed boat, the rest of the way. Brace yourself for a bumpy ride and hang on to your luggage! At this point in the trip, we were relieved we packed light.

Day 12: Lake Atitlàn

Read more about our Lake Atitlàn experience here.

Day 13: Lake Atitlàn

Day 14: Lake Atitlàn

Day 15: Lake Atitlàn

Day 16: Lake Atitlàn to Antigua

We used the same method to get back to Antigua as we did to leave, but in reverse: a lancha ride from our base in San Pedro La Laguna to Panajachel, followed by a shared shuttle van ride back to Antigua. We booked the shuttle van tickets at a storefront in San Pedro during our stay.

Click here for a guide to Antigua’s cafe scene.

Day 17: Antigua to Guatemala City and fly home

Instead of taking a shared shuttle van back to the airport in Guatemala City, we reserved an Uber. The cost estimate for both options was similar, so we treated ourselves. In the end our Uber cost $24 USD, or just about $4 USD more than two shuttle bus tickets would have been.

I loved our time in Tulum and could have happily stayed a few extra days there, or potentially added a second destination within Mexico. That said, two full days gave us enough time to at least enjoy an intro to the area. If you’re short on time, you can still cover a lot of ground.

Other nearby options: Bacalar, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres 

Caye Caulker was great and I think having one full day there was perfect for us. While stunning, the island is very tiny. We had plenty of time to see most of it even while spending a lot of the day on a snorkeling tour.

Our day of travel to get from Tulum to Caye Caulker was definitely a long and tiring one, but it felt totally worth it after arriving on the island. If you’re on a short trip, I might try to avoid dedicating a day to the journey. If you’re on a longer backpacking trip, I’d definitely go for it.

Another nearby option: Ambergris Caye

Flores and Tikal

This will likely be an unpopular opinion, but I didn’t love Tikal! There’s no doubt that the site itself is impressive, but unfortunately our guided experience was just not great. If that hadn’t been an issue, I may have enjoyed the day much more. (That said, we met some really cool people in Belize who we bumped into in Guatemala and visited Tikal with. We later spent time with them on Lake Atitlàn as well!)

Considering its remote location, I wouldn’t recommend making the trek to Tikal unless it’s a destination you feel really passionate about seeing.

Have you visited Tikal? If so, let me know your thoughts in the Comments section!

I loved our time in Antigua. The ~3.5 days we had was a perfect amount of time for leisurely exploring. If you have less time than that, you’ll still be able to see a good amount of this walkable, colorful city. If you’d like to go on one of the popular volcano day or overnight trips that leave from Antigua, be sure to budget a little extra time.

Lake Atitlàn

I go into a lot of detail on Lake Atitlàn in my post here . Due to unfairly high expectations on my part, some aspects of this leg of the trip were challenging for me. In hindsight I would have stayed in a quieter area than San Pedro La Laguna. That said, there were high points as well, and there’s no doubt that the volcano-ringed lake is stunning.

Are you planning a trip to this corner of the world? Do you have feedback from your own adventures that you’d like to share? If you have any thoughts or questions, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!

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I’m sharing this post to one of my favorite blog link-ups: the Faraway Files, with  Fifi + Hop ,  Hilary Style ,  Oregon Girl Around the World , and  Suitcases and Sandcastles . Follow the links to check out their sites!

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About Caity Pfohl

Caity is a travel junkie who loves to write. She recently reached her goal of visiting thirty countries before she turned thirty and has no plans of stowing her passport anytime soon.

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I agree with you. Planning trips are part of the fun of traveling. Putting the pieces in place and having it all come together is one of my favorite parts. It really helps build up the anticipation and excitement for the trip. #farawayfiles

Corey | Fifi + Hop

Great idea for a new series! I happen to love the planning, but agree with others that its can get a little tedious and time consuming. But pouring through guide books and reading blog posts on a destination in preparation for it is one of my favorite things – hence why I’m a travel writer! I would love to visit Tulum and Belize some day. Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles

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Epic Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

29 days | mexico, belize and guatemala – meet these three amigos on this central american adventure..

Take a Central American history lesson, eat some delicious food and soak up the Caribbean sun on your 29-day epic adventure through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Taste some tacos on a street food experience in Mexico City, pick up traditional handicrafts in Oaxaca and Merida, delve into island life and the pristine underwater worlds in Belize, sleep on the shores of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan and stroll the cobbled lanes of colonial Antigua. These three colourful countries have the right amount culture, beach and spice, with some surprising extras thrown in.

Trip overview

• Head deep into the jungle and experience the lush wilderness and cultural significance of Palenque and Lacanja – a real Indiana Jones moment.
• Visit the historic site of Chichen Itza to understand why these ancient Maya ruins are one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
• Extended time in Caye Caulker and Antigua offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy laidback island vibes as well as buzzing colonial city life.
• There's nothing quite like eating with a local family to really experience a place. At San Juan La Laguna, you'll be experiencing traditional Guatemalan hospitality while improving your Spanish with the locals.
• You've never seen true colour until you've been to a Mexican market. Practice your bargaining skills, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts in Oaxaca and Merida.
• This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle and public bus with your group, including an overnight bus journey. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
• You’ll be crossing the borders between three countries on this trip and, while it is usually straightforward, you may need to be patient. Make sure you’ve got your best car game ready if there are any delays!
• Is it hot in here? Central America can get really hot and humid, so carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when you’re walking a lot.

Bienvenidos! Where better to start a Meh-i-co exploration than in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, Mexico City has plenty of museums, galleries and diverse architecture to keep you busy. Maybe check out the Chapultepec area with its many museums, hop on one of the colourfully painted boats that cruise through the canal district of Xochimilco or head to the National Palace for a look at the intricate murals of Diego Rivera. After your meeting tonight, you might want to seek out some tacos for dinner and try to place your order in Spanish! Then head out to explore the vibrant nightlife – your trip leader will have the best recommendations.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) - MXN35
• Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) - MXN600
• Mexico City - Chapultepec National History Museum - MXN90

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Maybe grab some chilaquiles (a type of breakfast nachos) this morning, then join your leader for an orientation walk around the historic centre of the city. Mexico City can feel overwhelming due to its sheer size and volume of people, but your leader will know where to go. Walking makes you hungry, so it’s time to head on an included taco crawl and sample a couple of tacos from local street food vendors. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy – if you like art, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a must-see, and for all museum lovers, there's also the Museum of Anthropology or the Palace of Fine Art. Don’t forget to snack your way around the city too, munching on tostadas, tortas, and chicharrones. Alternatively, you can take an optional day trip to the archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan, 50 km out of the city. A local guide will lead you down The Avenue of the Dead, pointing out the historic Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.

• Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
• Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
• Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN90
• Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN80
• Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN250

Due to high demand, tickets for the Frida Kahlo Museum may not be available to book locally. We recommend booking online at least one month in advance in order to secure your place. Please visit http://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx to purchase your ticket.

Take a public bus to the smaller but no less beautiful city of Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’). This colourful town in the south is full of colonial buildings, colourful arcades and busy markets. You’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings when you arrive. With two full days to come, you’ll have heaps of time to explore the narrow, cobbled streets in the city, as well as the culture and natural beauty of the surrounding area. Indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec selling colourful woven blankets and shawls populate the markets – a great place to shop for textiles, as well as margarita flavours. Here, you’ll also find some tasty regional food specialties – everything from cactus fruit to spicy baked chilli and lime grasshoppers. Make sure you pick up a tejate (a maize and cinnamon-flavoured chocolate drink served cold).

• Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

The city (and state) of Oaxaca is yours to explore on this free day. Perhaps head to the spectacular mountaintop temples of Monte Alban just outside the city. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples and is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre. The settlement's terraces, dams, canals and pyramids were carved out of the mountain. You’d better have your camera ready because up here you can get a fantastic view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Alternatively, you could take a day tour of the nearby Mitla Ruins. Mitla (the Nahuatl word for ‘underworld’) is an important Zapotec archaeological site and was the main religious centre for the Zapotec people. For something more relaxing, drop by the springs of Hierve el Agua – a series of mineral pools and calcified waterfalls dotted on top of a mountain, providing sweeping views of the Mexican countryside.

• Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN90
• Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN85
• Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN900
• Oaxaca - Tule Tree, Teotitlan weaving town, mescal distillery - USD27

Today is another full day in Oaxaca, but you will board an overnight bus later tonight to the mountain-top village of San Cristobal de las Casas. You’ve got today to bask in the colour and sights of Oaxaca, so why not test out your culinary skills at a delicious cooking class? Otherwise, check out the artisan stores in the markets and around town, or head to the historic Templo de Santo Domingo – a grand stone church with a large forecourt.

• Overnight bus (1 night)
• Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1300

Your travel time on the overnight bus will be approximately 13 hours.

Reclining seats and toilets are available on the bus. They are always air-conditioned, so take a warm layer with you, as it may get cold on board. While the bus is very comfortable, the road from Oaxaca to San Cristobal has some very winding sections. If you suffer from motion sickness, this will be a good time to have your medication ready. Travelling by bus around Mexico is the easiest and best way to get around, however, petty thefts happen from time to time, especially during overnight journeys. It is safest to carry your valuable belongings close to you at all times and out of the reach of anyone throughout the journey (not in the overhead compartments). Your group leader would have completed this journey multiple times, so take their advice, and if you have any issues, do not hesitate to ask them.

This afternoon, say ‘hola’ to San Cristobal, your pastel-hued highland home for the next two days. Your leader will point out the main things to know on a leader-led orientation walk this morning. With its winding cobblestone streets snuggled in the Chiapas highlands, San Cristobal de las Casas has an old-world feel mixed with strong pre-Hispanic roots. After your walk, you’ll head to the colourful Santo Domingo textile market with your group – one of the best spots to shop for jewellery and clothing! After, maybe wander to a local cafe and check out their baked goods or try some pox (a traditional corn-based liquor, often flavoured with other ingredients).

• San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
• San Cristobal - Santo Domingo Market Visit
• San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum - MXN65

There’s no alarm clock needed this morning as today is yours to explore San Cristobal de las Casas at your own leisure. Perhaps, take in the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, and soak up the old-world feel mixed with strong, pre-Hispanic roots. If you're in the mood for adventure, you can take a trip to Sumidero Canyon, where you can take a boat down the mighty Rio Grijalva. Or you might like to get things pumping with further exploration of the villages by mountain bike. 

• Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) - MXN565

Today, you’ll travel along a windy road by private vehicle to Lacanja River, stopping at Agua Azul (blue water) waterfall on the way (providing road conditions allow). Here, you'll have the option to swim in the cascading pools. Then, brush up on your Spanish during the drive with an informal leader-led Spanish lesson. When you arrive, the afternoon and tomorrow are free to relax or explore. A few optional activities are on offer, including a rafting experience over Lacanja River waterfalls and backwaters and to the nearby archaeological site, then travelling back through the jungle and past the waterfalls of Moctuniha. There are also some excellent guided hikes available – just ask your leader. During your time here, you’ll see another side to Mexico, staying right in the middle of the jungle in an eco-cabana, which supports the local community.

• Cabins (Multi-share) (2 nights)
• Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
• Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
• Lacanja River - Jungle Camp
• Lacanja - Half-day Rafting, Waterfalls & Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (Minimum 4 people) - MXN800

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Your accommodation in Lacanja River is rustic but sufficient, and by staying here, you are directly supporting the local Maya community. You'll be accommodated in multi-share rooms.

The local Zapatista movement in the region around San Cristobal has been quite active in recent months, occasionally holding protests or blocking roads. Our local operations team is constantly monitoring this situation to ensure the safety of our passengers and leaders. In some cases, we might need to use an alternative route from San Cristobal to Lacanja to avoid this activity – more so to bypass long traffic delays than any real danger.

This morning, drive to Palenque. When you arrive, you’ll head to the archaeological zone and visit the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you take a self-guided walk among the temples, listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and screeching parrots echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins that are still un-excavated and remain concealed in the forest. You can opt to take a guided tour of the ruins or through the surrounding jungle to a hidden waterfall (at an extra fee). The area gives you a great idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they arrived. This feels like real Tomb Raider stuff!

• Palenque - Archaeological site (Entrance fee & Transport)

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

The local Zapatista movement around Palenque has been quite active in recent months, occasionally holding protests or blocking roads. The local operations team is constantly monitoring this situation to ensure the safety of our passengers and leaders. In some cases, your leader might need to use an alternative route from Lacanja to Palenque to avoid this activity – more so to bypass long traffic delays than any real danger.

Today, head north on a local bus to the old-world Merida – founded in 1542, this city has a large indigenous population, with approximately 60% of Merida residents of Maya background. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and wander through the Old Town, checking out some museums and the city streets, alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green, shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Montejo on the other. Along the way, you’ll get to taste a marquesita (a crepe rolled like a taco and filled with cajeta, condensed milk, jam, chocolate or edam cheese). After, enjoy a free afternoon. For a taste of Merida's 19th-century glory, maybe walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. When you get hungry again, there's a bicycle cart on almost every corner selling elotes (corn on the cob) doused in salt, chilli, cheese, lemon juice or other toppings. If you haven’t noticed already, this place really likes corn!

• Merida – Marquesitas Snack
• Merida - Leader-led orientation walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Today, you’re free to explore Merida – the gateway to the Maya ruins of Uxmal. Maybe a tour of the ruins is on the cards, including a guide and shared transport. Little is known about the site’s origins, but it’s thought that the city was founded around AD500. Much of the site is decorated with masks of the rain god Chac. You can also visit a nearby bird sanctuary or hunt down one of the hidden cenotes (stunning natural sinkholes filled with water) and take a dip in the crystal-clear fresh water. If you decide to stay in the city, why not throw yourself into the dancing culture? Every Sunday, the town's streets are transformed into an open-air dance floor, with salsa and merengue bands providing the music. There are also some great local speakeasy bars to hang out in, blasting salsa music and serving good vibes.

• Merida - Celestun Bird Sanctuary (entrance and transport) - MXN1035
• Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1400

This morning, head to the Yokdzonot cenote for a refreshing swim in the blue waters and a laze in the sun. Surrounded by hanging vines and lush greenery, this is the perfect spot to cool off before your visit to an exciting bucket list destination. After your dip in the cenote, continue to the most well-known archaeological site in Mexico and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – Chichen Itza. This site is considered the most important example of the fusion of Maya and Toltec traditions in Yucatan. See the Caracol (a circular stellar observatory), the Great Ball Court (the largest field in Mesoamerica), the main sight in El Castillo (a step pyramid dominating the centre of the site) and many more historic ruins (and absolutely don’t forget your camera!). Later, you’ll continue to the resort hub of Playa del Carmen. Blessed with clear waters, powdery beaches and a European feel, you can spend your time here snorkelling among the mangroves or in underground caverns, tanning, or strolling along the white sands of the playa (beach). Your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the city when you arrive. With your free afternoon, why not lay down a towel and bask in this tropical paradise? You can also take a ferry to Cozumel – an island famous for its reef. Tonight, feast on seafood, kick back with your group and watch the waves with a margarita in hand.

• Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
• Chichen Itza - Archaeological site
• Yokdnozot Cenote – Visit and Swim

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Today is a free day for you to enjoy at leisure. Make the most of it by snorkelling in the famous cenotes, strolling along the white sands or, for an adventure further afield, take a ferry across to Cozumel – an island famous for its reef diving. Keep in mind that there is another group meeting scheduled for 6 pm tonight, where you’ll get briefed on the next stage of your adventure, plus meet some new travellers joining you! Afterwards, why not get reacquainted with a local meal along the foreshore or get in fiesta mode with a stroll down the happening Calle Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue).

• Playa del Carmen - Bicycle Rental (per day) - MXN260

As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

Today, you’ll hop on a local bus and travel along the Caribbean coast to Tulum, where it's all about that laidback life on the white sands of the Yucatan Peninsula. Head out on a leader-led orientation walk around Tulum and maybe visit one of the best-looking Maya sites – the Temple of the Frescoes. See how this pre-Columbian walled ruin city clings to a cliff-top overlooking the ocean and grab some cool photos before heading for an optional swim in the archaeological zone. Tonight, maybe kick back and watch the waves roll in at a beachside bar with a margarita.

• Tulum - Leader-led orientation walk
• Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) - MXN142
• Tulum- Bike rental - MXN250

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

With a free day to relax in Tulum, you can settle into the laidback Mexican vibe. Maybe rent a bike and cruise around the area on two wheels. The town is heaving with hip cafes and restaurants with many vegetarian and vegan options. There are also plenty of places to relax the mind and the body with yoga and meditation. Maybe you’d like to explore Dos Ojos (two eyes) – one of the area's most famous cenotes (freshwater rock pools) and an underwater world full of stalagmites and stalactites. Tonight, explore the vibrant nightlife of Tulum with your fellow travellers.

• Tulum - Cenote Adventure - USD135
• Tulum - Jungle Adventure - USD135
• Tulum - Jungle Bike tour - USD125
• Tulum - Maya Inland Expedition - USD159
• Tulum - Sian Ka'an Adventure - USD150
• Tulum - World Wonder Discovery - USD160
• Tulum - Sian Ka'an Muyil - USD180

Say adios to Mexico and hello to Belize. You’ll have a long travel day today, so make sure you grab a window seat if you can or get stuck into a good book. This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a bit better! Drive by local bus to the border, then carry on to Belize City. Let the wind and the sea wash the travel sweat away with a 1-hour speedboat ride when you arrive – to the palm-fringed island of Caye Caulker. If your idea of paradise is white sand, blue waters and palm trees, you’re going to really dig this place.

• Caye Caulker - Leader-led orientation walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.

Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy. It’s said that the pace of life is so slow here that it's almost backwards! If being underwater is your thing, maybe head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to Shark Ray Alley and the world's second-longest barrier reef. Snorkel among the colourful corals and see tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. You can also take day trips to other Cayes nearby as each island has its own Caribbean charm. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which makes chatting with locals much easier here.

• Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing - BZD120
• Caye Caulker - Full-day Guided Snorkelling Trip (gear, guide and transport included) - BZD230

Today is another free day to take up any other optional activities you like, or to simply pull up a towel and relax on the beach with a book, a cocktail or some friends. If you’ve already been snorkelling, maybe continue the marine exploration with a manatee tour. Get more active with sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards or go the other way and just chill out. The island's also great for food – famed for its lobster and super tasty meals cooked on the side of the road. How about some grilled shrimp and a rum and coke made with the local fire water?

• Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) - BZD42

Leave island paradise behind today and return to Belize City by boat, before taking a local bus to San Ignacio via Belize’s capital, Belmopan. The local buses here are a little more basic than in Mexico, but this is a great opportunity to mix with Belizeans and get a feel for local life. Arrive in San Ignacio – a lively town surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins, making it the best base for exploring the region. Your afternoon is free, so maybe visit the Chaa Creek butterfly garden, or try one of the barbeque street stalls for a char-grilled chicken leg for dinner.

• San Ignacio - Leader-led orientation walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

All guests at your hotel in San Ignacio must pay an additional charge of USD 20 per night if they choose to use the air conditioner in their room. Electricity in Belize is incredibly expensive, so most hotels charge an extra rate to use the air conditioning.

There is heaps to do in San Ignacio, so your free day has endless possibilities. The cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Maya relics and you can wade through its waters until you reach a bunch of spooky 1400-year-old crystallised skeletons. You could take a day tour to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and swimming holes or go down the Macal River in canoes or tubes. If you prefer a slower pace, maybe take a trip to Xunantunich – an impressive Maya ceremonial centre with panoramic views. Getting to the site is half the fun, as you'll need to take a hand-cranked boat down the river. Belizeans are super friendly, so tonight, maybe walk down Burns Avenue and join the locals for a chat in one of the many restaurants or streetside stalls.

• San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) - BZD250
• San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) - BZD190
• San Ignacio - Butterfly Farm (incl. transport) - BZD150
• San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry - BZD10
• San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) - BZD23
• San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry - BZD10

Today you’ll leave San Ignacio, cross the border and get dropped off at Tikal National Park – often referred to as the Maya forest. Check-in at your hotel before exploring the crazy-cool Maya ruins of Tikal. Pass through the lush jungle vegetation, and if you've got the energy, climb Temple IV to take in the epic canopy views. While here, there's also the option to check out more of the area with a guided tour or to fly through the canopies like a toucan with a memorable zipline experience.

• Hotel (Multishare) (1 night)
• Tikal National Park - Archaeological Site Tour (Entrance fee & Transport)
• Tikal National Park - Guide for Ruins (per group) - GTQ750

Multi-share accommodation typically includes triple and quadruple rooms. You may be required to share with group members of the opposite sex. Couples or people travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

Head from the jungle to the lakeside town of Flores this morning. Here, there's time to grab some lunch and quickly explore the town. Then it's back to the private vehicle to Rio Dulce. When you arrive, you’ll transfer to the hotel by boat. The easiest way to get back into town is also by boat, which can be organised through the hotel – or you can take a short walk through the jungle. Take some time to absorb the atmosphere of this laidback Caribbean town, which feels quite different from the inland communities. A highlight for many guests is the 'Casa Natural' – an open-air accommodation with screened-in rooms, shared bathrooms and a lounge looking out to the surrounding jungle.

• Lodge (Multishare) (1 night)

There is a load of kick-ass activities to choose from in Rio Dulce today. Take a scenic boat trip down the river to Livingston – a laidback town on the Caribbean coast that offers the unique experience of local Garifuna culture. Go boating on the lake, relax in the thermal hot springs or explore the nearby San Felipe fort in Livingston. You could also hike through the dense forest of the surrounding Chocon-Machacas Natural Reserve and spot the protected manatees of the area.

• Rio Dulce - Boat trip to Livingston (Price dependent on boat available & passengers) - GTQ250
• Rio Dulce - Natural Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport) - GTQ200
• Rio Dulce - San Felipe Fort (entrance fee) - GTQ85
• Rio Dulce - Quirigua Ruins (entrance fee) - GTQ90

This morning you’ll travel to Antigua, where you’ll spend the night before heading to Lake Atitlan. When you arrive, maybe stroll around the city and tuck into some tasty tamales (a local dish served in a corn leaf) or pepian (a spicy meat stew of chicken, beef and pork in a dark sauce). You'll find the best value food in the square next to the La Merced Church.

Travel by private vehicle to the famous market in Chichicastenango (nicknamed Chichi market). This is the most colourful market in the country, where on Thursdays and Sundays, locals come from the surrounding villages to sell their wares and the streets are lined with stalls where you can stock up on cool trinkets. After visiting Chichi, head to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, where you'll check in to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll join your group for dinner at a local pupuseria.

• Chichicastenango - Market Visit

This morning, make a trip to San Juan La Laguna to immerse yourself in Mayan village life. Visit a local midwife to learn about this traditional and sacred art. Then visit the village's medicinal garden before a hands-on workshop where you'll learn about Mayan textile weaving and dyeing techniques. Hungry yet? Settle in for a homestyle lunch with your hosts and chat about life in the village. This is the perfect way to really immerse yourself in local culture and get off the beaten track. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Panajachel and soak up the views of deep blue Lake Atitlan with a free evening.

• San Juan La Laguna - Weaving & Dyeing experience
• San Juan La Laguna - Midwife home visit
• San Juan La Laguna - Medicinal Garden
• Panajachel - Kayak rental (per hour) - GTQ100
• Panajachel - Bicycle rental (per day) - GTQ50
• Panajachel - Zipline - GTQ375

After breakfast, hit the road back to Antigua – three nearby volcanoes dominate the horizon, creating a truly unique landscape. Join your leader on a walk to orientate yourself around the World Heritage-listed city full of cobblestones, leafy town squares and ornate churches. There are hushed museums and lively Indigenous markets to explore here, or you can cycle the countryside and chase amazing views of mountain peaks and deep valleys. If you're into salsa dancing or if you'd just like to learn some moves, Antigua is the place to be! Many dancing schools offer hourly lessons, so maybe sign up and move your hips. This is a city that knows how to party, so tonight, why not bring your freshly learned dance moves, shout a round of mojitos and get down with the locals.

• Antigua - Leader-led orientation walk
• Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo - GTQ225

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

While there are no activities planned for today, Antigua has a lot to offer, from its vibrant colonial-style buildings and curved archways to the puffing volcanoes of Pacaya, Agua and Jumaytepeque. The number one stop for any chocoholic should be the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll get a history lesson and, more excitingly, participate in a chocolate-making workshop. For those more interested in the other famous Central American bean, you can go on a coffee tour, visit the plantations, do some tastings and even buy some to take home. If you’d like to spend more time in Antigua, just speak to your booking agent.

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Taxi, Shared boat, Ferry

Hotel (20 nights), Overnight public bus (1 night), Cabin (2 nights), Multishare lodge (2 nights), Multishare Hotel (3 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Overnight bus), Days 8 & 9 (Cabin), Days 23 & 24 (Rio Dulce) and Days 26 & 27 (Lake Atitlan) where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. This tour includes accommodation in multi-share rooms (triple and quad). This means travelers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single gender allocation. 3. Please be careful when booking flights from Antigua; make sure you fly out of Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights from Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

solo female and budget travel

The ultimate 2.5 weeks guatemala and belize itinerary [2024].

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Guatemala and Belize are two neighbouring countries, located in Central America , that are often visited on the same trip. In Guatemala, you can explore the ruins of Tikal, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. You can also visit the city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you’re looking for some relaxation, you can take a day trip to Lake Atitlán, a beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes. In Belize you can find archaeological sites, caves and some of the most beautiful beaches.

This blog post will outline a two and a half week itinerary that will take you to some of the best that Guatemala and Belize have to offer. Whether you’re interested in Mayan culture, natural beauty, or relaxing beach days, this itinerary has something for everyone.

This itinerary starts and ends in Guatemala City. However, if you have the chance to fly back from Belize City instead, then you can plan this out much more conveniently. Rather than make your way back by land, you could of course also fly from Belize City back to Guatemala City.

This is the exact itinerary I followed during my trip to Guatemala and Belize . And while I know there is quite a bit of travelling from place to place involved, I also know that it is totally doable.

But before we start, here is a quick summary of my Guatemala and Belize itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala City
• Day 2-4: Discover Panajachel, Lake Atitlán
• Day 4-6: Relax in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Lake Atitlán
• Day 6-10: Antigua and hiking volcano Acatenango
• Day 10: Take the night bus to Flores
• Day 11 Spend the day in Flores
• Day 12-15 Relax on Caye Caulker, Belize
• Day 16: San Ignacio, Belize
• Day 16-18 Tikal Tour and Flores
• Day 18: One last day in Guatemala City
• Day 19: Fly back home

Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City

Like you have probably heard beforehand, Guatemala City is not the safest city, and you are best off not spending more time here than necessary. However, if you are flying to Guatemala from Europe, chances are that you arrive in Guatemala City late in the evening .

And while it is certainly possible to Uber to Antigua as it is only an hour away, if you want to have a night of rest first before your next leg of travel, I’d recommend just spending one night in Guatemala City, close to the airport. You can then continue your trip in the morning.

I had stayed at Hostal Villa Toscana , just a 5-minute Uber ride away from the airport.

Of course, if you arrive earlier, then just skip this night in Guatemala City and move on to your next destination a day earlier.

Discover the beautiful Lake Atitlan

Day 2: take a shuttle to panajachel and get a first glimse of the lake.

There are 3 shuttles a day going from Guatemala City to Panajachel . They will pick you up right from your hotel, so you don’t need to worry about having to go to the bus station in Guatemala City.

If you are still jet-legged, you might as well take the first shuttle at 6am , so you can get to the beautiful lake as soon as possible. Make sure to book this beforehand to secure your spot.

The trip to Panajachel takes about 5 hours and could be that you need to switch shuttles in Antigua quickly, but there is barely any waiting time involved.

Take the rest of the day to check out Panajachel, the markets, the food and of course, the stunning views of Lake Atitlán.

Day 3: Discover the different towns around lake Atitlan

While Panajachel is the most visited, and busiest town around the lake, there are several other towns that are worth visiting, and each of them has a completely different vibe to it. This day would be the perfect day to discover some different towns, such as San Pedro, San Juan or San Marco.

Just head to the water terminal and take one of the public water taxis. If you aren’t sure which boat to take, just ask someone at the terminal and they will point you to the correct boat. You will figure out the different routes in no time.

Day 4: Nature Reserve and move to Santa Cruz La Laguna

About a 10-minute Tuk-Tuk ride from the centre of Panajachel, you can find the Nature Reserve. Here you can find some hiking trails with stunning views of the lake, a butterfly enclosure, hanging bridges, a waterfall and beautiful nature. There are also opportunities to do some ziplining. And the highlight: coatis and monkeys!

After some time in nature at the Nature Reserve, pick up your luggage and take a water taxi to Santa Cruz La Laguna and check in at the Free Cerveza Hostel .

This hostel is located right by the lake, with some incredible views, some nice areas to relax, and a communal dinner, so you can mingle and meet some other travellers.

Book your stay at the Free Cerveza Hostel now!

Day 5: Relaxing day by the lake

As tomorrow will be another travel day, take this last full day by the lake to maybe rent a SUP-board or a kayak and have some more quality time by the lake. Or if you still want to check out another town along the lake, then today would also be one of the last opportunities to do so.

The incredible city of Antigua and climbing a volcano

Day 6: travel to antigua.

When you want to travel from Santa Cruz La Laguna to Antigua , you first need to take a water taxi back to Panajachel, from there you can take an easy 3-hour shuttle to Antigua . After, you’ll still have a bit of time to discover the city.

Wondering if it is safe to travel to Guatemala as a solo female traveller ? Read all about my experience!

Day 7: Full day in Antigua

Antigua is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning landscapes, incredible architecture, and delicious cuisine, this city is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Guatemala .

Spent the day wandering around Antigua, but also make sure to take it easy as you will want some rest before the hike the next day.

Day 8: Overnight Hike to Volcano Acatenango

For many, the hike to the Acatenango volcano is the highlight of their trip to Guatemala . I have even met people saying that this was the best day in their entire life .

During the hike you will reach heights up to 3,976 m above sea level, with the highlight of overseeing the active Fuego volcano. The hike is demanding, you might have to battle some altitude sickness, and deal with freezing temperatures at night, but it most likely will also be one of the most incredible experiences.

Disclaimer: I have not actually done the hike, as I got quite sick in Antigua. I had it booked, but needed to cancel two days in a row because of being quite ill. I’m still quite upset about it, as this was what I was most excited about.

Day 9: Arrive back from the Volcano, rest

After waking up on the top of a volcano, you probably want to participate in the sunrise hike before everyone starts making their way down the volcano once again. Then you will probably arrive back at your accommodation in Antigua around noon and after a much-needed shower want to spend the rest of the day napping and resting.

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Find the cheapest flights to Guatemala with Skyscanner . Looking for accommodation? Here you can find the best hotels in Antigua ! I booked all my transportation within Guatemala through GuateGo , so check that out as well! And would you like to improve your Spanish beforehand? Sign up for italki and talk to a native speaker! Get started with $5 of italki credits for free !

Day 10: Day trip from Antigua, night bus to the North of Guatemala

Today maybe you are either still recovering from the volcano hike, want to spend another day just hanging around Antigua, or want to embark on a day trip near Antigua, such as the Hobbitenango attraction park. The choice is yours!

In the evening, start travelling to Flores. Therefore, you first need to take a shuttle to the bus stop in Guatemala City and from there the night bus will take you all the way to Flores in about 10 hours.

Day 11: One day in Flores, sort out your Tikal tour

You always think that when you arrive early in the morning at a new destination, that you will have the whole day to discover your new city, and it will be super amazing since you’ve been awake so early already. At least that is what I always think!

And then in the end you’ll just spend the entire day exhausted! When you arrive with the night bus from Guatemala City , take a 5-minute Tuk-Tuk from the bus station to your accommodation on the island of Flores.

If you have a dorm booked, they probably won’t let you check in earlier, but maybe if you book a single room you can be lucky and already enter your room earlier.

You can use this day to sort out some shuttles and tours for the upcoming days and wander around Flores. The island of Flores itself is very small and can be seen within an hour or so. But beware, it is pretty hot in Flores, so you might not feel like walking around the entire day anyway.

Relax on the beautiful island of Caye Caulker Belize

Day 12: it’s time for belize cross the border and travel to caye caulker.

Caye Caulker must be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. This Caribbean island, just an hour off Belize city, is a must-see destination in Central America .

Snorkel with sharks and sting rays, enjoy some cocktails by the sea and just enjoy the island vibes. There is no way you won’t fall in love with this island.

It isn’t the biggest island, so accommodation is limited and books out very early in advance. So, if there is one place in this Guatemala/Belize itinerary that you should book in advance, then that would be Caye Caulker.

Just as easily as you can travel with shuttles throughout Guatemala, you can travel with these shuttles between countries in Central America. If you want to travel to Caye Caulker, you will need to take an early 6am shuttle from Flores which will bring you all the way to the ferry terminal in Belize City.

From there, you will need to purchase a $21 US ferry ticket ($37 US return) and hop on the next available boat to Caye Caulker . The conversion rate between the Belize dollar and the USD is pretty simple, 2 Belize dollars equal 1USD. You can pay with both Belize dollar and USD!

Day 13-14 Relax on Caye Caulker

One of the most popular things to do in Caye Caulker is to go on a snorkelling tour. You will find plenty of tour offices in pretty much every corner of the island offering full day and half day snorkelling tours.

There are also options to go scuba diving, as near Caye Caulker you can find some of the best scuba diving spots in Belize . Or if you are willing to spend the money on it, take a helicopter ride over the famous blue hole, which is supposed to be one of the most incredible experiences.

A quick stopover in San Ignacio

Day 15: travel to san ignacio.

After some relaxing time on the beautiful island of Caye Caulker, it sadly is time to leave paradise and go back to the main land of Belize. Take the ferry back to Belize City and from there hop on a shuttle to San Ignacio.

San Ignacio is a small town close to the Guatemalan border, which is known for multiple Mayan ruins that you can visit in the area, beautiful nature, caves and the Iguana rescue centre.

Where to stay in San Ignacio? I stayed at the Old town hostel in San Ignacio which I enjoyed a lot. (They also have the cutest hostel cat and dog!)

Day 16: Go to the Iguana Rescue Centre and travel back to Flores

If you manage to get up early, there are quite some tours you can do in and around San Ignacio. Depending on, of course, also when your shuttle back to Flores is leaving. Similar to Flores, it gets incredible hot in San Ignacio, so don’t expect to be going on hour long walks.

However, if you rather do something not too time-consuming, I’d recommend going to the Iguana Rescue Center , just a couple of minutes walk from the city centre. It is located in the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, and you will just need to walk up to the reception, book the tour, which is 15USD per person, and an employee from the Rescue Center will come up and take you to the back.

Here, you will learn about Iguanas and why they are endangered, and get to ask any questions you have. I even had a tour by myself, as I was the only one that had come to the rescue centre at that time, which was also nice.

The famous Mayan Ruins of Tikal

Day 17: tikal tour and night bus back to guatemala city.

A trip to the North of Guatemala isn’t complete without a visit to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. While it might get fewer visitors than the archaeological site of Chichen Itza in Mexic o , a lot of people I met actually seem to prefer Tikal. I have visited both, and I can see why that would be the case.

The different temples are deep in the jungle, and you actually have to do a bit of hiking to get from one place to another. But it’s all worth it, as the ruins are truly impressive. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some howler monkeys, parrots or toucans in the trees.

I recommend taking the sunrise tour. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it to see the park before the crowds arrive. You’ll also get to experience the magic of waking up in the jungle, surrounded by the sounds of nature. (But be prepared to wake up at 3am for this)

Once you’ve finished exploring Tikal, you will head back to Flores. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, enjoying some delicious food, and doing some souvenir shopping, before taking the night bus back to Guatemala City in the evening.

Where to stay in Flores? I stayed at the Los Amigos Hostel , probably one of my favourite hostels!

The end of your two and a half week Guatemala and Belize itinerary

Day 18 one day in guatemala city.

The night bus is scheduled to arrive at the bus terminal in Zona 1 in Guatemala City at 8am, but it could also be the case that you already arrive at 6am. It isn’t the safest area, so best to quickly call an Uber to your accommodation.

Best to email the accommodation beforehand to see if there is the possibility to pay for an extra half a night and check in already once you arrive.

Now, if you are brave enough, you can do some sightseeing in Guatemala City during the day. But instead, I would recommend to just Uber to a safe place where you can spend some hours and hopefully get some food as well, such as Oakland mall (which is what I did) or the zoo.

If you have a flight in the evening rather than the next day, and you don’t have any accommodation booked, then it’s probably best to head straight to the airport. Maybe there is an opportunity to leave your luggage there for a bit while discovering another part of the city, otherwise you can just spend the day at the airport waiting for your flight back as well.

Day 19: Fly back home in the morning

And it’s time to say goodbye to Guatemala and fly home or to your next destination.

Now, this completed my 19-day Guatemala and Belize itinerary. Or more like 17 day-Guatemala/Belize itinerary, if we don’t count the late-arrival and early morning leaving day.

While I think it would have been nice to have a couple of days more to also see more of Belize, I believe, I managed to fit as much as possible in this Guatemala and Belize itinerary. Unfortunately, I got quite ill on my first night in Antigua, so I didn’t get to do all the activities I was planning on doing. And while you can certainly spend many more days in Guatemala alone, it is small enough to see a lot in a short amount of time. And the same is true for Belize, of course!

Are you planning a trip to Guatemala and Belize?

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Becky is a business graduate, working full-time in Marketing and trying to travel whenever possible. She has travelled to 40+ countries, most of them solo, and lived in 6 out of those countries.

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Central America travel: Guatemala, Belize and Mexico

Travel to Central America; history, Mayan culture, entertaining local markets, jungles, Caribbean vibes, splendid beaches and delicious food. Read about the best places to visit in Central Americal. Guatemala, Belize and Mexico will be visited during this 16-day tour of Central America. And we guarantee you, backpacking in Central America is fun! Find yourself in unforgettable experiences from a volcano hiking trip to sipping a cocktail on the beach!

We will cover the following topics in this Central America travel guide to make sure you do not miss out on anything:

• Transportation in Guatemala, Belize and Mexico
• Where to stay Guatemala, Belize and Mexico
• Best places to visit in Central America: our 16-day Central America itinerary

Please note that there are still other destinations along this route 100% worth a visit. Pick & Mix with our tips below to create your own dream trip!

Stay tuned for more blogs coming up in the near future. We will spoil you with information more and more! Make sure to subscribe to our blog to not miss any update.

Transportation when you travel to Central America

• Guatemala : go for the fun rides and enjoy the so-called “chicken busses”. These are old school busses as we know them from the United States. For budget travellers this is the way to get around. The drives can sometimes be a bit long, but we took the opportunity and really enjoyed the time connecting with locals! To travel from and to other countries or popular routes you will have some night busses. For more information check Guatego.
• Belize : also in Belize the (former USA school) bus will be the cheapest option. Most touristic areas will be in the network of public transport, but it is not structured with timetables like you are maybe used to. Check with locals or the bus terminals for up to date information. To go to Caye Caulker from Belize City with a ferry, take the Ocean Ferry Belize.
• Mexico : the ADO bus is your best friend here! We had clean busses with a well organized and structured network to bring you to all your favourite places! Please be aware that you need to pick up your tickets 2 hours before departure, also if you have online reservations! Might be easiest to book the tickets at a bus station already right away.

A very nice website to use is Rome2Rio . Rome2rio searches any city, town, landmark, attraction or address across the globe with thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from A to B. It works perfectly for when you travel to Central America.

Where to stay during your tour of Central America

Below a few examples of great places to stay on this Central America backpacking route, With a link to the website Hostelworld.

• Guatemala: the trip started in Antigua in a great place “ Lemon Tree hostel “. In Rio Dulce, we stayed in a real Jungle lodge Hotel Hacienda Tijax . This place has incredible huts above the water and in between all trees. Don’t worry about those noises… the jungle comes alive at night!
• Belize: In San Ignacio our rooms were ready in hotel Midas Belize. We also stayed in a hotel, Enjoy Hotel, in Caye Caulker. Another great recommendation for a hostel is Travellers Palm backpackers Hostel.
• Mexico : if there is one favourite Hostel group it is Selina! Check out all their hostels in Mexico, or around the world: Selina in Playa del Carmen .

16 day itinerary; The best places to visit in Central America

Day 1-2: antigua, guatemala.

The first and very impressive location in our Central America travel guide. After arrival in Guatemala City, we recommend you continue travelling to the nicest city in Guatemala, Antigua! A colonial city with Spanish influences. We loved it that all the buildings are low and colourful. Besides that, you are able to hike (!) and see the volcanos around from many places in the city. The city is full of cute small (trendy!) restaurants and it has pretty viewpoints. A very vibrant place is the local market where you can get lost so so easily. We walked in endless rounds seeing the most interesting and sometimes a bit shocking (compared to our Western markets).

Transport : Guatemala City airport > Antigua about 1 hour

Day 3-4: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Ready to visit one of the prettiest places in Guatemala? When you travel to Central America, you cannot miss this part. Water overload at Lake Atitlan that is surrounded by a few villages with beautiful sceneries that are all worth visiting. It is very easy to cross the lake with the boats. Panajachel is well known and has a more touristic focus. We also crossed the lake for a night to have a homestay with a family in San Juan La Laguna. They showed us around and we had the opportunity to see how they produce some very traditional handcrafts. And when the afternoon comes to an end, do not forget to enjoy the magnificent sunsets!

Transport : Antigua > Lake Atitlan about 3 hour s to Panajachel

Day 5-6: Rio Dulce, Guatemala

After a long drive we arrived in a vibe that we were much looking forward to; welcome to the jungle! The accommodation where we were staying was a jungle lodge on the Rio Dulce river. Fun fact, you could hear the animals at night! Hop on board a boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery around the river. Enjoy Lake Izabal and end up in the coastal town Livingstone. It is such a peaceful surrounding! Other exciting activities are a morning monkey kayak, visit a natural hot waterfall or going horseback riding. This will also be the place where you will find the first beaches and notice a difference compared to other places in Guatemala with many more Caribbean influences.

Transport : Lake Atitlan > Rio Dulce about 9 hours

Day 7-8: Flores & Tikal, Guatemala

Flores, the most popular place to make a stop when backpacking in Central America and before visiting the highlight of Guatemala: Tikal. Flores is a small colourful island on Lake Peten Itza. From here you have the possibility to a huge variety of activities from active hikes to nice swimming spots and the jungle! The place is much focused on the many travelers coming in and out with hotspot restaurant and bars. Enough to entertain yourself!

Don’t make it too late on this first day, the second day will be an early morning to visit the old Mayan city Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most popular ruins in Guatemala. It is a big national park where several ruins of great height and impressive stories. We were amazed by how empty this hotspot actually is, especially compared to the mass tourism in Chitzen Itza, Mexico. When you arrive early or stay later at night you can hear the birds and monkeys around. If you are in for a real adventure you are even able (with reservation and payment) to stay overnight! Do not underestimate it; witnessing sunset or sunrise in Tikal is highly recommended by many!

Transport : Rio Dulce > Flores about 4 hours & Flores > Tikal about 1,5 hours

Day 9: San Ignacio, Belize

After the visit to Tikal we moved on right away to Belize. This is the first border to cross when you travel this part of Central America. Oh, how much were we looking forward to crossing this border! Time to switch the language, money and to notice right away a difference in the costs of products and services. San Ignacio is often used as a stop between Guatemala and Belize. But it really has more to offer!

From San Ignacio, it is possible to discover more Mayan ruins in the area, but the most popular activity here is probably the caves! There are several hikes inside caves like the Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Maiden) where you will discover the deep inside in playful ways with climbing and swimming. Another option is to explore the areas by foot, horse, canoe or cave tubing. Unfortunately, we do not have any photos of our tubing activity.

Transport : Tikal > San Ignacio about 2 hours (depending on border crossing)

Day 10-13: Caye Caulker, Belize

GO SLOW! The well known Caye Caulker motto. The place for you to relax during your Central America travel tour! Hello Caribbean Reggae vibes, we were waiting for you! Hopping on a ferry in Belize City to Caye Caulker, we can slowly see the water getting prettier, more and more clear and in our imagination, the smell of fresh Lobster is coming closer and closer.

Only come here if you are interested in some tropical laid back days, eating delicious food, drink a fresh coconut, walking around (literally all distances are easy to do by foot), enjoy reggae and dance some hours in the night. Besides that Caye Caulker also has the most stunning sunsets and the ALL TIME FAVORITE underwater world!

Not only are you able to visit the Blue Hole Natural Monument that Belize is famous for, you can also discover the reefs in the closer surrounding with a dive or snorkel trip. This time we did not go for a dive but a snorkel trip and never ever did we see such a variety in the underwater paradise: tropical fishes, turtles, manta rays and NURSE SHARKS! What, really? Yes! And it really is the best experience ever!

Transport : San Ignacio > Caye Caulker about 4/5 hours (including boat to the island)

Day 14: Mahahual, Mexico

Hola! A new country to tick off your list in this beautiful tour of Central America, Mexico! To split the transportation hours over several days we made an extra stop in Mahahual before going up more north towards Playa del Carmen. Mahahual is a small village which is used as a stop for cruise ships. During the morning you will see it getting busier and in the beginning of the evening everything slows down drastically as all cruise visitors are returning back to their boat. Nevertheless, a perfect stop to enjoy the first Mexican hospitality.

So why should you visit Mahahual? It is still pretty unknown for backpackers but a real touristic touch due to the cruise ships and has a beautiful reef for a snorkel trip or dive (Banco Chinchorro). You can also enjoy some luxury of having a front-row beach cabin including a massage.

BUT , Mahahual would not be a place where we would like to return to (which to be honest is often the case with many other places we feel very hyper about)! If you do feel like a non-touristic spot we would suggest picking another stay than recommended here in our Central America travel guide; in the area, a paradise in Bacalar or to even move on to a way more vibrant place; Tulum!

Transport : Caye Caulker > Mahahual about 5 hours (including boat from the island)

Day 15-16: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Getting closer to the airport to leave this beautiful area and end a very pleasing roundtrip we are heading towards Playa del Carmen. For many people a place to visit when backpacking in Central America. From Playa del Carmen it is very convenient to travel around in Yucatan and visit Cenotes, Mayan ruins like Tulum or Chitzen Itza or other beautiful places like Valladolid.

I was happy to return to Playa del Carmen after about 8 years but I was also in shock… the beaches are only still half of the size that it was before! Mother nature and the force of the ocean slowly washes sand away. It was a very harsh moment to see the changes.

Besides that it was fun to end the trip in Playa del Carmen! The center is full of energy and vibrant as ever and the backpackers are still in full party mode and the Coco Bongo show is still going strong. The souvenir shops are present everywhere and Mexican restaurants with a very tourist focus and menu are not to miss. Playa del Carmen is for those who would like to have some fun and experience a holiday vibe, but not for the explorers of the unknown. Being close to the Cancun airport it can be preferred to end the trip here compared to, even more, touristic Cancun.

16 days of impressive destinations with a huge variety when you travel to Central America in Guatemala, Belize and Mexico! Are you convinced of doing holidays in Central America?

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3 Weeks in Mexico and Belize: Your ultimate Itinerary

Between Mayan History and Caribbean Dream Beaches…

My 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize positively surprised me in many ways: the friendly people, the tasty food, the whole culture, and the atmosphere! Especially Belize appears to be a country that is way too unknown and underrated! Even though it’s a small country, it offers a variety of nature gems – the    Belize Barrier Reef in particular .

I decided to discover the South-East tip of the Mexican country, including the provinces of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche as well as the north and some islands of Mexico’s neighboring country Belize. 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize have been the perfect combination of culture, adventure & relaxation and I wouldn’t have done it any other way!

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my  privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Quick Facts about Mexico & Belize

Route for 3 weeks in mexico and belize.

B: Valladolid

C: Pisté/ Chichén Itzá

F: Chetumal

G: Belize City

H: Caye Caulker

I: San Pedro

How to get around

Traveling on a budget, we decided to use the Bus as our only mode of transport. Did we regret it? Definitely no! The Bus provider ADO , Mexico’s leader in the bus industry, was super reliable – always on time and very convenient, offering large seats and AC. I can recommend getting around with the bus as it is not only cheap but also safe and comfortable. Even in Belize, we have chosen the bus option and have not had any negative experiences. We always booked our bus tickets online via the platform Busbud .

Itinerary for 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize

Day 1: arrival in cancún.

After almost 11 hours on the plane (coming from Frankfurt), we finally arrived in Cancún and headed straight to our hotel. Except for a dinner in the downtown area , we wanted to spare our energies for the following 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize.

Day 2-3: Valladolid

Valladolid is a rather small town, about two hours from Cancún, which is known for its beautiful cenotes. Even though the town has become increasingly popular in recent years, it still belongs to the hidden gems in Mexico ! The town itself emits a special charm, which perfectly welcomes you to Mexican life. I recommend taking a walk through the streets and letting yourself drift away together with the locals around you. If you want to learn more about this charming town, make sure to check out my post about the best things to do in Valladolid . For me, Cenote Zaci has been my highlight in Valladolid. It is a beautiful outdoor cenote, in which you can go swimming as well. Cenote Suytun (photo below), which can be found near Valladolid, is one of the best cenotes in Mexico !

Day 4: Pisté

Pisté is a tiny village that is mostly known for being located next to Chichén Itzá , one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Chichén Itzá was formerly one of the largest Maya cities. Nowadays, the ruins, including the popular temple El Castillo, are one of the most visited archaeological sites around the world. Tourists have to pay 250 Mexican Pesos for entry. As always, being early not only has the advantage of avoiding the burning sun in the middle of the day but also avoiding the tourist masses.

You can buy your tickets here: Skip the line tickets for Chichén Itzá

Day 5-6: Mérida

Old colonial architecture and historic buildings, local markets and shops, Mayan culture – a colorful hustle and bustle. This is Mérida – the beautiful capital of the Mexican state Yucatán and one of the best cities in Mexico according to many visitors. A must-see in Mérida is the city’s cathedral and the Plaza Grande in the city center as well as the impressive Jose Peon Contreras theatre and the city’s most popular market named Lucas de Galvez Market . Traveling in this city doesn’t get boring easily as there are so many options for things to do in and around Mérida . Another great thing about Mérida: your pesos are worth more compared to other popular and more tourist Mexican cities like Cancún or Tulum.

Day 7-8: Campeche

When walking through the streets of Campeche you will easily understand why this place is called the rainbow city of Mexico . All the houses are painted in different colors and give the city a cheerful and dreamy atmosphere. I especially liked the marketplace with the San Francisco church in the middle of Campeche. Other recommended activities include strolling around the waterfront or visiting Fort San Miguel .  

Day 9: Chetumal

Chetumal is located right at the border to Belize and thus serves as a transfer point for most tourists. We only stayed in Chetumal for one night to rest from the long drive from Campeche as well as to get prepared for the upcoming journey to Belize City. As far as we noticed, there are not a lot of attractions or things to do in Chetumal itself.

Day 10: Belize City

Before our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize, we read a lot on the internet about the difficulties that might occur on the Belizean border, such as long waiting times or unnecessary fines. However, the border crossing was quite an easy and uncomplicated process. We had to exit the bus twice, once a passport control on the Mexican side, followed by a second passport control and a completion of a form as we entered Belize. We didn’t see much of Belize City – however, we got the impression that it is not the prettiest and safest city. That’s why we only went to have dinner nearby and decided to return to our hotel early that night.

Day 11: Caye Caulker

The small island Caye Caulker is a short water taxi drive from Belize City. In case you are not already in the vacation mood when entering the small island Caye Caulker, you will get into the Caribbean vibes when stepping the first foot on the island. There are a few things to know before visiting Caye Caulker such as how to get to the ferry terminal in Belize City and where to stay on the island. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance, so that you do not have to care about anything when arriving. “Go slow” is the well-known motto of the tiny island paradise – and you can feel it! Grab a cocktail, relax in one of the many beach bars on Caye Caulker, and enjoy life to the fullest!

Day 12: San Pedro

San Pedro is only a one-hour water taxi drive away from Caye Caulker. However, the islands differ very much. San Pedro is much bigger than Caye Caulker – more infrastructure, more people, more opportunities – but less calm, less relaxing, and less clean. So, we decided to explore the beautiful underwater world – one of the things Belize is famous for . The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest reef in the world and home to thousands of beautiful species. The snorkeling tour was one of the highlights of the entire trip! Swimming in the crystal clear and turquoise water, there is a high chance of not only seeing colorful fishes and corals but also sea turtles or little sharks.

Day 13-15: Tulum

Tulum, a formerly small fisherman village, has undergone a drastic change into a popular tourist destination within the past 20 years. The vibrant charm of Tulum is noticeable all around the town and the opportunities in terms of what to eat and where to stay are countless. We decided to stay in a lovely apartment downtown. There are numerous beautiful boutique hotels in the Riviera Maya and Tulum has some of the best! As Tulum is a rather small town, you can easily get around by bike (they can be found for rent at every corner).

The famous archaeological ruins , located directly on the Caribbean coast, are a must-see when visiting Tulum. Again, make sure to go early and take a lot of water as well as a sun hat with you. There is almost no shadow and the sun during the daytime is burning! Once in the area make sure to not miss the opportunity to visit some of the best cenotes in Tulum ! Every single one of them is fascinating in its own way.

Day 16-18: Cozumel

Without a doubt: Cozumel is a paradise on Earth! The island has everything you can ask for. Beautiful beaches, clear water, nice bars, great restaurants , preserved nature, countless leisure activities, you name it. One of the best activities in Cozumel is renting a scooter and exploring the island on your own. Take the route leading all the way south to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park , a national reserve with white beaches, lagoons, and beautiful flora and fauna. The dreamy white lighthouse, Faro Celarain, at the island’s most southern point, is the perfect stop to explore this area. Unfortunately, compared to other places in Mexico, Cozumel is rather expensive. Make sure to book your accommodation early in advance and try to get around by scooter or bike instead of taking a taxi.

Day 19-20: Playa del Carmen

Besides all the fun things to do in Playa del Carmen , this place will always remind me to be the starting point of one of the greatest adventures I have experienced so far: swimming with whale sharks in the Caribbean Sea! If you are planning your trip to Mexico between June and September, you will have the chance to meet the so-called gentle giants in their natural habitat. During this season, they are swimming relatively close to the coast as they can find a lot of seaweed, their main nutrition, over there. There are numerous options for organizations offering the whale shark encounter. We have chosen Eco-Tours and can absolutely recommend their work. Visit their website for more detailed information about the tour.

Day 21: Back Home

After the whale shark experience and before flying back, we spent the last day of our impressive trip relaxing at the pool, seeking in all the sunshine, and reflecting on the amazing memories we have made during our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize . There’s no doubt that I want to come back to this outstanding country one day. There are so many things to do in Mexico City and the rest of the country that I can’t wait to pack my bags again and start exploring!

To wrap it up, I hope I could inspire and convince you to book a trip to Mexico and Belize! Please let me know in the comments down below if you have any further questions about our 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize or if you want to know more details .

Save this post on how to spend 3 weeks in Mexico and Belize for later!

Not the perfect fit for you? Here you can find all Destination Guides .

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• All Mexico Posts
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• Backpacking Essentials – Ultimate Packing List
• The Best Travel Quotes
• The Best Adventure Captions

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The Ultimate Belize & Guatemala Travel Itinerary

Ever heard of the expression ‘to kill two birds with one stone’? This Guatemala-Belize itinerary is a traveler’s version to just that, combining two very unique countries into a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.  Whilst neighboring countries, Guatemala and Belize couldn’t be more different. The former is steeped in native Mayan and Spanish colonial tradition. Whilst, the latter, is a truly laid-back Caribbean country. In addition, the native language in Belize is English. For those travelers, eager to experience the best of both countries, the famed Family Coppola Hideaways has created a 10 day Central American Safari . Here all the details of this ultimate Belize and Guatemala Travel Itinerary.

  This Central America Safari offers 10 days of once-in-a-lifetime local experiences.

This ten-night escape allows you to see the best of Guatemala and Belize. This includes snorkelling the world’s second largest barrier reef, stepping back into history at the ancient Mayan site of Tikal, and exploring the abundant wildlife in the lush rainforests. Even better, throughout the trip, guests get to experience three of the Coppola’s award-winning hideaways – La Lancha , Blancaneaux Lodge , and Turtle Inn .

The Central America Safari Package Includes

Photo by Duarte Dellarole

• Two nights at  La Lancha  in Guatemala, four nights at  Blancaneaux Lodge  in Belize, and four nights at  Turtle Inn in Belize. Plus receive ground transfers between each hideaway.
• At La Lancha, enjoy daily breakfast, a full tour of the legendary  Maya ruin of Tikal , and lunch on the day of your tour.
• At Blancaneaux Lodge, enjoy daily breakfast, a memorable  horseback ride  to Big Rock Falls where you can take a dip in the cascading waterfalls, enjoy a canoe tour through  Barton Creek Cave , and experience an exhilarating  zip lining tour  on the day of transfer to Turtle Inn (lunch included on all tour activities).
• At Turtle Inn, enjoy daily breakfast, a full day of  snorkeling  in the Caribbean Sea, a sunset cruise, and a visit to a  Wildlife Sanctuary  and Preserve (lunch included on all activities).

More About The Hideaways

La lancha – guatemala.

Image courtesy of La Lancha

Set in the rainforest high above the shores of Lago Petén Itzá is La Lancha. The quaint, 10-room lodge is decorated with furniture, fabrics, and carvings from Guatemala personally selected by the Coppola family. Nearby is Tikal, the epicenter of Maya spirituality. Buried deep within the rainforest, the ruins include more than 3,000 structures. Here moss clings to the steps of ancient temples and plazas. With its beautiful lakeshore setting, relaxed ambiance, and close proximity to the lost world of Maya, La Lancha is an ideal destination to both enjoy a languid pace and explore the many adventures of the Petén region.

Blancaneaux Lodge – Belize

Blancaneaux Lodge within Mountain Pine Ridge.

In the early 1980s, Francis Ford Coppola visited Belize, immediately fell in love with the location. So he purchased this abandoned lodge. For more than a decade the hideaway was used as a family retreat. Finally, Francis opened his tropical paradise to the public in 1992. Today, the lodge is a 20-room luxury hideaway. Here waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy. Its remote mountain setting allows guests to explore the ancient civilization of the Maya and to return to their own thatched roof dwelling. Each is rich with Guatemalan décor and nestled in the foliage of the Mountain Pine Ridge.

Turtle Inn – Belize

Photo via Instagram @alagreutaphotography

Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired this beachside hideaway in 2001. They created an idyllic refuge for those seeking a relaxing or adventure-filled getaway to Belize. This 25-room seafront escape delights guests with individual thatched cottages. Each is decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings, naturally cooled by the ever-present sea breezes. Just steps beyond your private deck, the white-sand beach dissolves into the clear Caribbean Sea. In addition to offering an ideal location to experience the sea, Turtle Inn is located a short bicycle ride or walk from the charming sea-front fishing village of Placencia. Here local artisan shops and dining spots can be enjoyed.

Spring and Summer 2021 rates for this package are now available. For more information or to book this Belize & Guatemala itinerary, visit the Coppola website .

Cover picture credit: Duarte Dellarole

Caribbean Lifestyle Editorial Team

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Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

22 days, playa del carmen to playa del carmen.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Leave the resorts of the Mayan Riviera behind and explore the authentic Yucatán. From sunny beaches and lush jungles to the highlands of Chiapas, journey through Belize, Guatemala, and southern Mexico on this incredible 22-day adventure. Explore the amazing ruins of Chichén Itzá, Palenque, and Tikal and walk the cobblestoned streets of colonial San Cristóbal de las Casas and Antigua. Snorkel with stingrays or just get into the reggae pace of life on a sunny Caribbean island. Experience a journey that introduces you to local culture and offers insight into the history of the Mayan heartland.

Playa del Carmen to Playa del Carmen

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Special Offers

Is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 22

More from Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

Places visited

Day 1 playa del carmen.

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 playa del carmen/mérida.

Take a guided tour of Chichén Itzá and orientation walk around Mérida.

Day 3 Mérida

Enjoy a free day to explore Merida and surroundings. Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes in the Yucatán. Take a trip to the beach or soak in the history this city has to offer.

Day 4 Mérida/Palenque

After a long day of travel from the Yucatán to the jungles of Chiapas, arrive to Palenque and settle in for 2 nights.

Day 5 Palenque

Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque. After, go for a swim in the pristine turquoise waters of Roberto Barrios waterfall.

Day 6 Palenque/San Cristóbal de Las Casas

Travel to San Cristóbal de Las Casas located in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft), via Villahermosa. Enjoy an orientation walk of the city, known for its 16th-century architecture.

Day 7 San Cristóbal de Las Casas

Opt to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages to see their unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride.

Day 8 San Cristóbal de Las Casas/Panajachel

Journey from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico to Panajachel, Guatemala. Opt to explore the town on arrival.

Day 9 Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna

Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Take part in a cultural tour of San Juan la Laguna where you can opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings from the local artisans.

Meals included:

Day 10 antigua.

Travel to Antigua and head out for an orientation walk. Opt for a final night out in town.

Day 11 Antigua Guatemala

Enjoy a free day exploring this charming colonial city.

Day 12 Antigua Guatemala/Rio Dulce

Travel to Rio Dulce and enjoy free time to explore.

Day 13 Rio Dulce/Flores

Travel to the Caribbean town of Livingston by scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce. Enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours. Continue on to Flores. Located on Lake Petén Itzá, this is an excellent home base for exploring nearby Tikal.

Day 14 Flores

Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal. In the afternoon, opt to relax on the lake or hang out at a café in town.

Day 15 Flores/San Ignacio

Cross the border to Belize. Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area, or see the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Day 16 San Ignacio

Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to check out nearby caves, some more Mayan sites or a local conservation project.

Day 17 San Ignacio/Caye Caulker

Travel to Belize City and catch a high-speed water taxi to Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on a G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour. Spend a few days enjoying this island paradise.

Day 18 Caye Caulker

Spend time enjoying this island paradise. Opt to go on a sailing trip to snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks and green turtles at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. If the boats aren't your thing, just relax, Belizean-style.

Day 19 Caye Caulker

Jump for joy that you get another full day to explore Caye Caulker! Do what you didn't get to yesterday or take the day to just lay on the beach!

Day 20 Caye Caulker/Playa del Carmen

Say farewell to Belize, and travel by boat and private vehicle from Caye Caulker to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Day 21 Playa del Carmen

Enjoy a free day to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, or visit one of the many cenotes. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.

Day 22 Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna
• Your G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", Lívingston
• Your G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker
• Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del Carmen
• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Discover Moment: Mérida
• Your Discover Moment: San Cristóbal de Las Casas
• Your Discover Moment: Antigua Guatemala
• Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio
• Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
• Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen
• Chichén Itzá guided tour
• Mérida orientation walk
• Palenque guided tour
• Roberto Barrios waterfall visit
• San Cristóbal de las Casas orientation walk
• Lake Atitlán boat tour
• Antigua orientation walk
• Scenic boat ride to Livingston
• Tikal guided tour
• G Adventures-supported bike tour of Caye Caulker
• Beach time in Playa del Carmen
• Free time in Mérida, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Antigua, San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, and Playa del Carmen
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (18 nts), jungle lodge (2 nt), homestay (1 nt).

1 lunch, 2 dinners Allow USD785-1020 for meals not included.

Transportation

Public bus, private vehicle, boat, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

Antigua cooking class - from $60.00.

Learn the tips and tricks to Guatemalan cuisine while joining a local cooking class. Try whipping up local staples before digging in to the fruits of your labour. Hope you're hungry!

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour - From $100.00

Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves. Tour Includes: snorkeling mask, fins/flippers, lunch, assortment of tropical fruit, water, and other snacks.

My Own Room - From $1019.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Best Guatemala & Belize Itinerary: Exploring Mayan Pyramids & Barrier Reef

Planning a trip to belize and guatemala.

Everything you need to have the best vacation ever with the best places to go, things to do, food to eat and places to stay in Belize and Guatemala! 

Belize and Guatemala are fun and adventurous destinations in Central America.  This itinerary includes two rainforests, a visit to one of the most famous and vast Mayan ruins, and a relaxing stay on a tropical island.

There are many fun activities and adventures in each of these destinations.  I had a fantastic time cave tubing, snorkeling on the second largest barrier reef in the world, and watching monkeys howl swing from tree branches.  The people are so friendly in both countries and the food is delicious.

Follow this Guatemala and Belize itinerary for a great vacation in Central America.

10 Day Belize and Guatemala Itinerary

♦lonely planet named belize as a top travel destination :, one of the top 10 countries to visit♦.

From the top of a pyramid, looking out over the rainforest canopy – Star Wars filming site

Guatemala Vacation

3 days santa elena, guatemala- tikal  itinerary.

• Fly into Mundo Maya Airport in Flores, Guatemala
• Drive 50 minutes (safety alert: drive in the daytime only!) or book transportation through your hotel

Click here to see the best prices for car rentals

Pack carry on only for your trip to Guatemala & Belize!  Get the Ultimate Carry On Packing List

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The Pool with a view of the lake at La Lancha.

There’s no need to search for where to stay when visiting northern Guatemala…

Stay at one of my favorite hotels in the world, Francis Ford Coppola’s   La Lancha Lodge –  This is the ideal place for a Guatemala vacation.

I loved everything about this authentic and beautiful lodge set in the rainforest overlooking a vast lake, Lago Petén Itzá.  Swim in the pool, relax in a hammock, and eat at the delicious restaurant.  Tortillas are freshly made over the fire next to the outdoor seating.

What to do in Guatemala

• Take a day trip to the incredible ancient Mayan Citadel, Tikal.

Click here to book a good tour of Tikal now

Guatemala Travel Tip :  Have La Lancha pack you one of their fantastic gourmet picnics

• Visit the small town of Flores
• Relax by the pool, looking and listening to the howler monkeys, toucan, and other wildlife on the property, walk down to the lake and take a swim (check with the hotel for conditions)
• Enjoy local Guatemalan food for breakfast (included) and dinner at the hotel

Don’t leave home without the Best Travel Apps !

Belize Itinerary

3 days san ignacio, belize itinerary.

• Drive (or hire a shuttle) less than 2 hours to San Ignacio, Belize

***It is not safe to do this drive at night, so drive during daylight hours only.

Looking for the best place to stay in San Ignacio ? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here

•  The Lodge at Chaa Creek We had a fantastic stay at this eco-lodge! They offer spacious bungalows and treetop suites, lots of activities and adventures on-site, a great pool, and there’s a half-board option (highly recommended!)    Click here for the latest prices
• Table Rock Jungle Lodge – Another great option with comfortable cabanas in the jungle, a nice pool, great service, and food  Click here for the latest prices

Click here to read reviews and see prices on  Booking.com or Agoda.com

• Take the adventure tour of tubing through the caves, book through the hotel
• Visit the butterfly farm and canoe on the river
• At the Inn, tour the medicinal garden, relax by the pool, enjoy the resort grounds

Click here to book a good tour or activity

Beach on Ambergris Caye

4 DAYS Ambergris Caye itinerary

• Drive to Belize City, then drop your car and ask the rental agency get you transport to the airport (if flying) or ferry dock (if boating) to Ambergris Caye

Click here to search for the lowest flight prices 

Looking for the best place to stay in Ambergris Caye ? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here

• Xanadu Island Resort   Click here for the latest prices
• Pelican Reef Villas   Click here for the latest prices
• Athens Gate Hotel (condos)  Click here for the latest prices
• Take a boat tour to snorkel on the incredible barrier reef

Click here to book a good tour, activity or get tickets now

• Fly back to Belize City and connect with your flight home

Fly to Costa Rica and use my Costa Rica Itinerary

Fly to Panama and use my Panama Itinerary

Map of Belize and Northern Guatemala

Book your trip to Belize and Guatemala

• Save time and money by using the best companies!  For a list of all of my favorite travel-related companies, check out Top Travel Resources
• Book your flight with Skyscanner or read 8 Ways to Find a Cheap Flight
• Book your accommodations with Booking.com  
• Take carry on bags only! Get my ultimate Carry On Packing List , and learn how and what to pack for your trip!
• Get inspired by 66 Quotes About Travel

Happy Travels!

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3 Weeks In Guatemala Itinerary: Epic Route From North To South

Planning a trip to the incredible country of Guatemala, but not sure where to go? Then come check out my 3 weeks in Guatemala itinerary where we will explore the whole country from North to South.

Let’s talk about the best route, things to do, transportation, accommodation, and more during your time in Guatemala!

If you are looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical legacy, look no further than Guatemala . This Central American country is a treasure trove of attractions and experiences that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

No doubt you will have an epic time exploring the 3 weeks in Guatemala itinerary!

Guatemala is the heart of the Maya civilization, and you can witness its ancient glory in the numerous archaeological sites that dot the country. You can also learn about the contemporary Maya culture and traditions in the colorful villages and markets.

Enjoy the varied landscapes with volcanoes, lakes, rainforests, and beaches, where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and scenery. Guatemala is also a place of contrasts, where modern cities coexist with colonial towns and indigenous communities.

In this itinerary, you will discover the best of Guatemala in 3 weeks on the main tourist trail. You will visit some of the most popular and iconic destinations, such as Antigua and Flores , as well as some beautiful spots surrounded by nature like Semuc Champey and Lake Atitlan.

Oh, and we can’t forget to finish off this 3 weeks in Guatemala itinerary with some beach time in El Paredon. You will have a balance of guided tours and free time, so you can explore at your own pace, as well as have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their culture and way of life.

If you are looking at getting off the beaten track and away from other travelers, then I will say it now; this is not the itinerary for you. This is assuming you are visiting Guatemala for the first time and want to see some of the best places it has to offer.

We will keep you on the well-trodden backpacking Guatemala route. Though with a few extra tips and tricks are thrown in to take your adventure to the next level.

This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to experience the essence of Guatemala in a comprehensive and enjoyable way. You will be amazed by the diversity and richness of this country, and you will leave with unforgettable memories and stories to tell.

Now, let’s get into this 3 weeks in Guatemala itinerary with all the information you need to know to have the ultimate adventure.

3 Weeks In Guatemala: The Perfect Guatemala Itinerary For First Timers

Flores (day 1 – 3), semuc champey (day 3 – 6), antigua (day 6 – 12), lake atitlan (day 12 – 17), el paredon (day 17 – 20), antigua (day 20 – 21), extend your 3 weeks in guatemala itinerary.

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Guatemala: GuateGo

Flores is a small town in northern Guatemala that occupies a tiny island on Lake Petén Itzá. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway that leads to the city of Santa Elena. Flores is known as the gateway to Tikal, one of the most impressive ancient Maya cities in the world.

But Flores is more than just a base for exploring Tikal. It is also a charming place to visit on its own, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the lake. No doubt this is a great way to ease into your 3 weeks in Guatemala itinerary.

Flores has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century when it was founded by the Maya Itzá people who had returned from Chichen Itza in Mexico. They built temples, pyramids, and works of art on the island, and resisted the Spanish conquest for more than 150 years.

The island was finally captured by the Spaniards in 1697 and renamed Flores after the Spanish governor. The original Maya structures were destroyed and replaced by colonial buildings.

Today, Flores is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions. Some of the things to do in Flores include :

Tikal: No doubt the top thing to do in Flores is to visit the famous Tikal Temple Complex . It is a bit of a drive away from the city center so unless you have your own transport, the majority of travelers visit on a tour.

I decided to do the morning tour, which allowed us slightly more sleep than the sunrise tour, but it was still too early for me. Honestly if you aren’t a morning person, screw it and book the later tour so you can have the most enjoyable experience.

Jorge’s Rope Swing : This is the perfect place for backpackers and adventurous travelers to relax and get to know one another. With music playing, affordable drinks on offer, the hot Guatemalan sun beating down, and the inviting waters, you can’t really say no.

Swim: There are lots of cool spots around the lake to go for a swim. You can either stick somewhere local, like at the dock on Flores which is a lovely spot to relax. Alternatively, if you are looking for something different and away from the crowds head to one of the nearby beaches.

Talk to any boat driver and they will be able to take you there.

Wander The Streets: Seriously this place is freaking beautiful and the perfect showcase of the gorgeous buildings in Guatemala. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, incredibly painted murals, and delicious eateries seem to be around every corner.

Go for a walk and simply get lost, this isn’t a large town, so you can never go far. Why start in Flores? I chose to start the 3 weeks in Guatemala tour in Flores because it has a domestic airport, so if you arrive in Guatemala City you can take another flight there. Also, you will be able to do this itinerary back to front, starting in Antigua and finishing in Flores.

Where To Stay In Flores

Honestly, Flores is a super small island, and as long as you are staying on the island itself you will be fine in terms of a good location. There is a bridge that connects it to the mainland, but basically, the tourist area is on the island of Flores itself.

I did end up on the other side a couple of times though, the first was arriving there at the bus station, and having to take a taxi the rest of the way, and the second was to visit the supermarket and buy some food for dinner since my hostel had a kitchen.

However, if you want to stay close to Tikal there are four hotels located right outside the entrance to the National Park. Here you will be surrounded by nature, right in the middle of the jungle, and it will be quite a different experience to staying in Flores.

These hotels offer comfortable rooms, restaurants, pools, and tours of the ruins. You can also watch the sunrise or sunset from the top of the pyramids and see wildlife such as monkeys and toucans.

I had an excellent time staying at Los Amigos , though it did kind of lack a social atmosphere if you aren’t into the party scene. There is a cute little hangout area with hammocks, but most people just seemed to sit there listening to music rather than talking to others.

Luckily for me, they had a few bunny rabbits hopping around and they became my friends. Personally, I found that booking my Tikal Tour through them allowed me to meet some friends who were staying there.

I stayed in the air-conditioned dorm, and this was freakin amazing, but the air conditioning is only turned on at night. They have an excellent onsite restaurant which was perfect for me since as a solo female traveler I don’t go out after dark by myself.

How To Get To Flores

As I said you can either start or end your itinerary in Flores, depending on which way you decide to do this itinerary.

If you are traveling from your home country straight to Guatemala one of your best options will likely be to catch a flight from either Guatemala City or Cancun in Mexico since both these locations have direct flights into Flores.

These airports are international hubs connecting to many regions around the world.

You could also have just finished your Belize itinerary and be making your way to Guatemala. The border town of San Ignacio in Belize, and Flores in Guatemala are only a couple of hours apart.

This makes it a super easy journey to travel from Belize to Guatemala and a great way to start off your 3 weeks in Guatemala itinerary.

Doing this is exactly the route I took and it was straightforward to get a taxi from San Ignacio to the border, exchange any USD I was using in Belize , cross over, and watch a collective to the town of Flores.

Semuc Champey is a natural wonder in Guatemala that attracts many travelers who want to experience the beauty and adventure of the country’s nature. It is located in the department of Alta Verapaz, about 11 kilometers from the town of Lanquín, which is inhabited by the Q’eqchi’ Maya people.

Semuc Champey consists of a natural limestone bridge that spans 300 meters over the Cahabón River , creating a series of turquoise pools on top of it. The name Semuc Champey means “where the river hides under the earth” in the Q’eqchi’ language because the river disappears under the bridge and reappears several meters later.

Semuc Champey offers a variety of activities and attractions for every traveler’s taste and preference. Some of the most popular things to do at Semuc Champey are:

Hiking to El Mirador: This is the viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of the limestone bridge and the pools. The hike takes about 45 minutes and goes through the jungle, where you can see different plants and animals.

The trail is steep and slippery in some parts, so you need to wear good shoes and bring water. Once you reach El Mirador, you can enjoy the stunning scenery and take photos of the natural wonders.

Swimming: At Semuc Champey you can go swimming and sliding in the pools, which have different depths and temperatures. The water is clear and refreshing, and you can see fish and plants in it.

Some of the pools have natural slides that you can use to go from one to another, or you can jump from rocks into deeper ones. The pools are also connected by small waterfalls that create a relaxing sound.

You can spend hours swimming and sliding in the pools or just relaxing on the rocks or in the shade.

Caving : Exploring the water cave, which is a dark and wet cave that you can enter with a candle and a guide. You need to wear a helmet, a life jacket, and shoes. You also need to be prepared to get wet, as you will walk, swim, and crawl through the cave. Inside the cave, you can see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and waterfalls.

You can also jump into a deep pool at the end of the cave, or climb up a rope ladder to exit. The water cave is an adventurous and thrilling experience that you will never forget.

Tubing: Tubing on the Cahabón River, is a relaxing and fun way to enjoy the river and the surrounding nature. You can rent a tube and float down the river for about one kilometer, passing by rapids, rocks, and trees.

You can also see local people fishing or washing clothes on the river banks. The tubing is safe and easy, as you will be accompanied by guides who will help you if needed. You can also stop at some places along the river to swim or rest.

Where To Stay In Semuc Champey

You will be spoilt for choice here in Semuc Champey in terms of accommodation . Though the first decision you need to make is whether you want to stay in the town of Lanquin or close to Semuc Champey.

In Semuc Champey a lot of the accommodations are set up like resorts, even hostels. Basically, there is minimal reason to leave the grounds except for tours, which you no doubt booked through your accommodation.

I know this can sound a bit daunting, especially if you are a chill backpacker who likes to explore and plan things last minute. Though I loved staying closer to Semuc Champey as you were right in nature and it honestly felt so peaceful.

Though air conditioning was nonexistent, and we only had power and wifi for certain times of the day.

If you want to experience more of the local side of life 100% it is recommended you stay in Lanquin. Here you will be able to try an assortment of restaurants and have a bit more freedom. You are more likely to be able to find rooms with air conditioning, 24/7 power, and wifi.

Personally, I stayed at Greengos Hostel and had an incredible stay. It is an excellent choice for budget travelers with an included transfer from the shuttle drop off, two pools, onsite restaurant, tours, and in the most beautiful location just a 10-minute walk from the entry of Semuc Champey.

How To Get To Semuc Champey From Flores

Now once you are done exploring the highlights in the North it is time to make your way from Flores to Semuc Champey . Though honestly, this journey is not for the faint-hearted. Luckily it is worth it thanks to the beauty to be found around every corner at Semuc Champey.

Now prepare to spend an entire day traveling from Flores to Semuc Champey. Keep things simple and don’t make any morning or afternoon plans, things always seem to take a little bit longer than expected here in Guatemala, so just enjoy the journey.

Be aware there is no option here to fly between these two destinations. Therefore you will need to take the road and there is no shortcut. The overall journey is basically split into three sections.

The first is from Flores to Coban, and second from Coban to Lanquin, and lastly from Lanquin to Semuc Champey which is usually organized directly with your accommodation.

Tourist Shuttle: Using a tourist shuttle all the hard work is done for you. There is no need to worry about transfers in different cities, and instead, you can just enjoy the pretty damn good views and sleep as much as you would like.

These tourist shuttles are super easy to book! You can either do so in advance online or instead wait until you are in Flores. If you have a set itinerary in Guatemala and know your dates it is best to book these tickets in advance online with GuateGo .

Chicken Bus: Starting from Flores you will need to head to the bus station on the mainland. This is located on the same road as the bridge if you continue following it, otherwise, any tuk-tuk driver will be able to take you there.

Once here you will need to board a bus going to the town of Coban. This will be the longest part of the journey so get comfortable as you will be here for a while. When you have arrived in Coban you will need to go from the long-distance bus station to the local bus station.

From here you will easily be able to get a bus to Lanquin. Though once arriving in Lanquin you will need to get a taxi to take you the remaining distance to Semuc Champey if you are staying close to the waterfalls.

Taxi: This is no doubt your quickest way to travel from Flores to Semuc Champey, though be aware it is pricey. If you can afford this I want to be your friend! If you want to just do a taxi, make sure you go through a reliable company.

Antigua Guatemala is a city that captivates visitors with its charm, beauty, and heritage. Located in the central highlands of Guatemala, Antigua was once the capital of the Spanish colony of Guatemala, which spanned most of Central America and parts of Mexico.

Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the legacy of its colonial past.

There are many things to do in Antigua Guatemala, a city that combines history, culture, and nature. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Learn Spanish: There are so many places in Guatemala you can learn Spanish, though I chose Antigua and found it was perfect. You can choose from different types of courses such as intensive, regular, private, or group classes, and customize your schedule according to your needs and preferences.

Acatenango Volcano Hike: One of the most popular and rewarding activities in Antigua is hiking the Acatenango volcano, which is the third-highest peak in Central America at 3976 meters above sea level.

The hike is challenging but rewarding, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, especially the active Fuego volcano that erupts frequently and creates an amazing spectacle of lava and smoke.

Pacaya Volcano Hike: Another option for volcano lovers is hiking the Pacaya volcano. The hike is easier than Acatenango but still exciting, as you will feel the heat and smell of sulfur. Though this volcano is nowhere as active so don’t expect rushing lava rivers.

Though you can eat a pizza cooked on the hot rocks or even roast marshmallows.

Shopping: Antigua is a great place to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products that reflect the culture and diversity of Guatemala. You can find many shops, markets, and stalls that sell items such as textiles, jewelry, ceramics, wooden carvings, leather goods, coffee, chocolate, spices, and more.

Hobbitenango : Hobbitenango is a unique and fun attraction in Antigua that will make you feel like you are in Middle Earth. It is a hobbit-themed eco-park that features hobbit houses, gardens, trails, views, and activities such as archery, horseback riding, ziplining, and more.

Being from New Zealand I thought the idea of Hobbitenango was kind of strange, and it is, but still, it’s worth a visit

Explore The Ruins: Antigua is a charming town that boasts some of the most impressive ruins in Central America. The city was once the capital of the Spanish Kingdom of Guatemala until a series of devastating earthquakes in 1773 left many of its churches and convents in ruins.

Today, these monuments offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture and a stunning contrast with the surrounding volcanoes. My personal favorites are Convento la Recoleccion and Convento Capuchinas.

Where To Stay In Antigua

I absolutely love Antigua , no doubt it was one of my favorite spots in Guatemala, and I would happily move here to live among the Volcanos. You commonly will find hotels and restaurants with the most incredible views of the valley, where you can even see the Acatenago Volcano erupting on a clear night.

There is an excellent hostel scene here in Antigua , and they are also very high-quality hostels. You will be able to find pod-style dorm rooms, cool common rooms playing Netflix, onsite bars, kitchens to cook in, and some even have pools.

Personally, I stayed at Maya Papaya hostel in Antigua, I even loved it so much that I booked 4 separate stays there over my month in the country. The staff are lovely, the beds are comfortable, and there’s a super clean fully equipped kitchen, awesome location, and chill hangout areas.

Be aware that the nicer hostels here can be on the pricey side where you will easily be paying upwards of $20.00 per night. My partner actually joined me partway through my adventures in Guatemala and we often found it was cheaper to book a nice guesthouse, rather than two hostel beds.

How To Get To Antigua From Semuc Champey

Once you have finished exploring the incredibly beautiful Semuc Champey, it’s time to continue with your adventures to Antigua. Though before you get too excited about the journey you should know it is a full travel day.

Therefore best to keep things simple and not make any morning or afternoon plans, things always seem to take a little bit longer than expected here in Guatemala, so just enjoy the journey.

Now there is no option here to fly between these two destinations. Therefore you will need to take the road and there is no shortcut.

The overall journey is basically split into three sections. The first is from Semuc Champey to Lanquin (1 hour), the second from Lanquin to Coban (1 – 2 hours), and lastly from Coban to Antigua (9+ hours).

Tourist Shuttle: Now the easiest and most straightforward way, though still on a budget, then definitely look at booking a shuttle. Using a tourist shuttle all the hard work is done for you. One thing to be aware of is that your driver may only speak a little bit of English, or literally nothing at all.

However, don’t worry as generally at least one person onboard will know enough Spanish to translate for everyone else.

Taxi: This is no doubt your quickest way to travel from Semuc Champey To Antigua , though be aware it is pricey. It is a good option if you are traveling as part of a larger group where splitting the price would work out to be similar to the price for a tourist shuttle.

Alternatively, if you are traveling at an awkward time of day when the shuttles aren’t running this also makes for a good choice.

Chicken Bus: The price will come out around Q100 / $12.60 but be aware this can change depending on how long it takes to fill the bus as it doesn’t leave until someone is in each seat. The total journey will be somewhere around 14+ hours.

This basically depends on how long you need to wait for the bus to depart. Starting from Semuc Champey you will need to head to the main town called Lanquin and make your way to the crossroads in the town center. Once here you will need to board a bus going to the town of Coban.

This will cost Q30 / $3.85 and take around 3 hours. When you have arrived in Coban you will need to go from the local bus station to the long-distance bus station. Once here you will easily be able to get a bus to Guatemala City.

It’s a pretty common route and buses typically leave on the hour throughout the day. Once in Guatemala City, it is time for your final bus to Antigua. These typically take just over an hour and can be found at the bus terminal.

Lake Atitlan is a lake in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in Guatemala, attracting visitors with its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and adventurous activities.

Lake Atitlan was formed by a volcanic eruption about 84,000 years ago, creating a huge caldera that filled with water over time. The lake is surrounded by three volcanoes: Atitlan, Toliman, and San Pedro, which add to its dramatic beauty.

The lake is also the deepest in Central America, reaching a depth of about 340 meters which attracts many scuba divers wanting to dive at altitude.

Seeing as Lake Atitlan is such a popular spot to visit in Guatemala you can be sure there is plenty of things to do here. Though many people simply enjoy relaxing here and exploring the different villages by boat.

I recommend picking three different locations around the lake and staying a night or two in each one.

Where To Stay In Lake Atitlan

There are plenty of lovely villages around Lake Atitlan where you can stay. I recommend choosing a couple you would like to visit and then checking out accommodation options.

Panajachel: Let’s start with the main city around Lake Atitlan called Panajachel. There always seems to be a constant stream of shuttles arriving and departing, with travelers walking on down to the docks.

I would say it is worth spending a couple of days here. It is an easy place to book tours and organize transport. There is some awesome shopping to be done down the main street called Calla Santander.

San Marcos la Laguna: Now if you are more of a free-spirited type of person or quite into the yoga scene you may want to think about basing yourself in San Marcos. There are so many accommodation options here, and truly some are incredibly beautiful with amazing views out to the volcanos.

This is also an excellent spot for some delicious vegan and vegetarian food.

San Pedro La Laguna: This is another popular town worth checking out. It is no doubt quite a backpacker hub with plenty of hostels and affordable cafes and restaurants.

This is the perfect town to position yourself in if you are planning to hike the San Pedro volcano or if you are perhaps looking for an easier hike you will also find plenty of tour agencies offering the popular Indian Nose Hike.

San Juan La Laguna: Undoubtedly this is the place to experience the arts of the area and is also a great place to do some shopping and buy some authentic souvenirs.

There are definitely fewer tourists here than in other villages around the lake, so it can be nice to get away from all the crazy and come here for a breather.

Santa Cruz la Laguna: Another popular spot is Santa Cruz la Laguna. This has grown quickly in popularity with backpackers over the last couple of years thanks to the affordable hostels on offer. You can find the popular Free Cerveza which gives summer camp vibes, and it is pretty cool you get to sleep in a teepee.

Secondly, there is La Iguana Perdida which was the first hostel in the area and has a really homely feel. One thing Santa Cruz is known for is its incredible views, from the lake, the volcanos, and the picturesque village, it is a feast for your eyes.

How To Get To Lake Atitlan From Antigua

Once you are done exploring one of my favorite cities in Central America of Antigua, it is time to head to the next spot on your Guatemala itinerary which is Lake Atitlan. Here you will find a beautiful lake, surrounded by 3 incredible volcanos, plenty of culture, and an excellent backpacker scene.

Luckily enough there are also plenty of transport options when it comes to traveling from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.

Tourist Shuttle: You have the choice here to book your tourist shuttle from Antigua to either Panajachel or San Pedro la Laguna. These both have multiple departures each day, and these are separate services, you won’t all be in one van and need to stop at the other town along the way.

Your journey will take between 2 to 2 and a half hours depending on how long the driver decides to stop for.

Chicken Bus: The price will come out around Q50 / $6.00 but be aware this can change depending on how many transfers you need to take. The total journey will be somewhere between two and a half to three and a half hours. Starting from Antigua you will need to make your way to the Antigua bus stop.

You can find this just behind the market and is pretty hard to miss thanks to the constant stream of buses entering and exiting. Take a chicken bus heading to Chimaltenango. This is a relatively short journey and should take around 35 minutes, though you may need to wait for the bus to leave.

Next up you will need to get another chicken bus from Chimaltenango to Los Encuentros. This is the longest part of the journey taking around 1 hour to travel this distance. Once you have arrived in Los Encuentros you will need to take another chicken bus 25 minutes to Solalà.

Finally, once in Solalà, you will take your last chicken bus to Panajachel which typically is a 25-minute or so drive.

Taxi: You can either choose to book a typical taxi or simply an Uber. If you want to just do a taxi, make sure you go through a reliable company such as Mariscal Taxis or Amarillo Taxis. Nevertheless, rates should be around $100.00 to $125.00, and you must remember to negotiate a price beforehand.

GuateGo offers private taxis that can be booked online, so you don’t need to stress about getting a decent price.

El Paredon is a small fishing village that has become one of the most popular surf destinations in Guatemala.

Located about two hours from Antigua and three and a half hours from the capital, El Paredon offers a laidback and off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers who want to enjoy the beach, the waves and the local culture.

Some of the best things to do in El Paredon, worth checking out are:

Surfing Lessons: You do need to be aware that this isn’t really the best learning beach for trying to surf, especially so if you are just planning to go out by yourself and wing it.

Though this is where a lesson or hiring an instructor comes in. You can expect to pay around Q200 / $25.00 per hour for a lesson. If you are an experienced surfer you will find many places along the beach hiring out boards.

La Choza Chula: Now if you want a bit more of a unique experience in El Paredon and are wanting to support the local community then booking a tour through la Choza Chula is the perfect option.

They are a nonprofit that works on improving the education and environment in and around El Paredon Guatemala. They offer a wide range of tours which will make you feel good to know your money is going back to uplifting the local community.

Check Out The Turtle Hatchery: Now unfortunately this activity isn’t available year-round, though that is mother nature. If you happen to be in El Paredon from September to December it is definitely worth checking out the turtle hatchery and watching a release.

This is run by the Driftwood Conservation Project and the 3 owners of the hostel are extremely passionate about the conservation of turtles here in Playa El Paredon.

Day Pass To Hostels & Hotels: Now if you are choosing to travel El Paredon on a budget you may find yourself staying in more basic accommodation. Luckily a lot of hotels, and hostels, offer day passes to use their facilities.

The hostel I stayed at Mellow Hostel , offers day passes to people who would like to come in and use their facilities. The price is Q150 / $19.12 which includes a Q100 / $12.75 bar tab that you can spend on drinks and food.

Sunset At The Beach: Now there is no better way to finish off your day in El Paredon than watching the sunset at the beach. Because the sand is black venturing onto the beach during the day is a risky venture, though once the temperature cools and the sun begins to drop the sand becomes a whole lot more bearable.

Where To Stay In El Paredon

El Paredon definitely surprised me with the large assortments of accommodation on offer. You can easily find gorgeous hostels, luxe hotels, and small bungalows.

Everything is actually really cute here, it reminds me of a mixture of old-school Sihanoukville in Cambodia, mixed with the aesthetic of Bali thanks to the bamboo used in the majority of buildings. Super aesthetic.

I stayed in Mellow Hostel which is located at the very start of El Paredon . It was an excellent place to stay, set slightly off the beach, and was the only accommodation that I could find at the time that offered air-conditioned dorm rooms (though seems like Cocori Lodge now have female air-conditioned dorms).

They have a huge pool with a nice shaded area so you don’t get too burnt while hanging out. They also accept credit cards which is great as there is no ATM in El Paredon, so if you overspend you will be in a pretty awkward position.

How To Get To El Paredon From Antigua

After you are done exploring the incredible colonial buildings of Antigua it is time to hit the road to your next destination in Guatemala . If you were like me and looking to get back to the sun and find a nice beach to enjoy, there is no better place than El Paredon.

This is a quaint coastal town that has very quickly popped up on the backpacking Guatemala trail.

Tourist Shuttle: This is the easiest option and the most popular is simply to take the tourist shuttle from Antigua to El Paredon. Your journey will take between 2 to 2 and a half hours depending on how long the driver decides to stop for.

You can check out the travel route Antigua to El Paredon on GuateGo ,  buy your tickets through them, and then they will email you a copy! Super easy!

Chicken Bus: Starting from Antigua you will need to make your way to the Antigua bus stop. You can find this just behind the market and is pretty hard to miss thanks to the constant stream of buses entering and exiting. Take a chicken bus heading to Escuintla.

This is a relatively short journey of just 36 kilometers. Next up you will need to get another chicken bus from Escuintla to Sipacate. This is a 90-kilometer journey though sometimes there are no direct buses so you may find yourself needing to transfer again to get to Sipacate.

Though once there you simply need to head to the tuk-tuk stand opposite the petrol station. From here you can easily catch a ride to El Paredon which should cost you Q20 / $2.55.

Taxi: You can either choose to book a typical taxi or simply an Uber. If you want to just do a taxi, make sure you go through a reliable company such as Mariscal Taxis or Amarillo Taxis. Nevertheless, rates should be around $80.00 to $100.00, and you must remember to negotiate a price beforehand.

I know, I know, you already went to Antigua so what gives! Well, since this is your last night on your 3 weeks in Guatemala itinerary you are best off to head to a central location where there are plenty of international connections.

I will explain exactly where you can go after the Guatemala itinerary, though this will be your best option whether heading home by plane or catching a tourist shuttle to another country.

How To Travel To Antigua From El Paredon

Luckily enough it is super easy to travel from El Paredon to Antigua. The journey is relatively straightforward taking approximately 3 hours.

The best way to get to Antigua from El Paredon is by tourist shuttles. There are numerous departure times daily so you should have no issues finding one to suit your plans.

I can recommend booking this journey with GuateGo . On their site, you will see all the companies available and be able to check out other travelers’ reviews so you know exactly what to expect.

Why not stay a little longer while you are here in the country? Make the most out of that CA-4 agreement where you have 90 days in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and do some more exploring!

Domestic Options:

Xela: This is the second-largest city in Guatemala and a cultural and historical hub in the western highlands. It is one of the best places in Guatemala to learn Spanish thanks to its affordability.

You will find many language schools that offer affordable and quality courses. Also, Xela is close to several volcanoes that offer amazing hiking opportunities, including the highest peak in Central America, and a must-do for those interested in hiking.

Rio Dulce: Rio Dulce is a river and a national park in eastern Guatemala, connecting Lake Izabal with the Caribbean Sea. It is a place of natural beauty, wildlife, and culture, where you can enjoy the scenery, the adventure, and the history of this region.

The best way to explore Rio Dulce is by boat, as you can see the impressive canyon, the mangroves, the islands, and the villages along the river. You can also see many animals, such as manatees , crocodiles, monkeys, turtles, and birds.

International Options Include:

Nicaragua: Now this is a long journey so I would actually recommend stopping in Honduras or El Salvador to break up the trip. Nevertheless, some travelers decide to completely skip these and head straight to Nicaragua due to safety concerns.

If you are interested in exploring this incredible country find out more by reading these interesting facts about Nicaragua .

El Salvador: If this is your choice then it’s easy enough to continue your adventures on the Pacific from El Paredon where you can get a transfer straight to El Salvador without having to go back to Antigua. Enjoy some more time at the beach and check out some more volcanos in this underrated gem.

Belize: Doing this itinerary backward will be your best bet if you are wanting to do 3 weeks in Guatemala and Belize where you will end in Flores. This is a couple of hours from the border and you can easily grab a collective heading that way.

Enjoy pristine jungles, Mayan ruins, and more beach time, though this time in the Caribbean as you backpack Belize.

Honduras: This is actually where I went after my backpacking Guatemala journey had come to an end. I booked a bus to Copan Ruinas which is a popular tourist town near the border of Guatemala and Honduras.

In the country, you can experience wild nature, the best ruins I have seen, magical macaws, and the pristine waters of the Caribbean.

Mexico: Lastly we have Mexico, though be prepared for a pretty long journey, but this is a popular travel route. San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas state is your best bet if you want to travel overland is a 12-hour shuttle journey.

If you want to head to the Maya Rivera in Mexico then it will be best to fly to Cancun from Guatemala City.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tasha Amy | NZ Travel Blogger (@backpackerswanderlust)

Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Want more Guatemala Inspiration? Check out….

• ACATENANGO VOLCANO HIKE: TOP TIPS TO SUCCEED
• BEST HOSTELS IN EL PAREDON
• ANTIGUA TO EL PAREDON TRANSPORT GUIDE
• CAN YOU SWIM IN LAKE ATITLAN?
• EL PAREDON BACKPACKING GUIDE
• BEST HOSTELS IN LAKE ATITLAN
• PANAJACHEL TO SAN PEDRO & THE TOWNS BETWEEN: WATER TAXI LAKE ATITLAN
• ANTIGUA TO LAKE ATITLAN

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

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Cultures & Coastlines – Mexico, Guatemala and Belize

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• Itinerary: Playa del Carmen - Chichen Itza - Merida - Campeche - Palenque - San Cristobal - Panajachel/Lake Atitlan - Antigua - Flores/Tikal - Caye Caulker - Lake Bacalar - Tulum
• Duration: 24 days / 23 nights
• Price: from £2,825 per person (excluding flights)
• Accommodation: Price based on 2 people sharing
• Excursions: Excursions as described
• Transport: Transfers to/from airports, transport by bus
• Meals: Breakfasts throughout (except Flores)

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Days 1-3 – Welcome to the Mexican riviera

As you descend into Cancun’s airport you’ll see the long stretches of golden sands spread out below you. You’ll be transferred to nearby Playa del Carmen where you’ll spend two nights in a cosy, central hotel with a pool perfect for a refreshing dip. It may not be ‘authentic Mexico’ but it’s a good place to acclimatise to the tropical heat, and to meet our local partners to run through the adventure ahead. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants here, and miles of soft sandy beaches to relax on.

Days 3-7 – The Mayan route to Chichen Itza

You’ll then make your way to the bus station in Playa del Carmen where you’ll then board the bus to Chichen Itza. The journey takes about 3 hours. Over the next few days, you’ll journey from the Caribbean coast across the Yucatan peninsula to Campeche, on the Gulf of Mexico. Your first stop is the ancient city of Chichen Itza – a spellbinding look back into the past, and a peek into the life of Mayan civilisation. Your hotel is a pleasant hacienda not far from the site, where you can while away the afternoon beside the pool, before getting up early the next morning to visit these amazing ruins before the crowds or the heat gets too intense.

Next, you’ll travel by bus to the city of Merida, around 3 hours away. You’ll be spending 2 nights in this charming colonial gem, with its host of great eateries, bars, markets and live music. On your second day in the city, you’ll be picked up after breakfast for a trip to explore one of Yucatan’s natural wonders, cenotes. These are natural pits or sinkholes which have appeared, creating an underground grotto which provides an unforgettable spot for swimming.

The next morning, you’ll take the bus for around 3 hours to Campeche – a former pirate city on the Gulf of Mexico, with a UNESCO listed walled centre packed with colonial buildings and narrow streets. Your hotel is within the old centre, close to the major historical sites, as well as some great bars and restaurants. There’s nothing planned for your time here, so you can explore at will and enjoy this final stop on your journey across the Yucatan.

Days 7-9 – Passage to Palenque

Today you’ll make your way to the bus station in Campeche where you’ll then board the bus to Palenque. The journey will take about 6 hours. Arriving in Palenque, you’ll check into your comfy hotel, with a pool to escape the jungle heat. The town itself is fairly unremarkable, but it’s within reach of something which is really quite remarkable. The following morning you’ll be taken to the nearby Palenque Mayan ruins, surrounded by thick jungle, widely considered some of the best in Mexico. You’ll have time to explore these spectacular ruins at your own pace, before you head to the nearby Roberto Barrios waterfall where you can cool off before heading back to relax at your hotel.

Days 9-11 – Colourful markets & Indian villages – San Cristobal

Next up you’ll head to the bus station and travel from Palenque to San Cristobal. The journey today will take around 5.5 hours. San Cristobal is the capital of Mexican Indian culture, nestled in a gorgeous highland valley surrounded by pine forests. You’ll stay in a colourful posada with beautifully decorated rooms located in the winding streets of the old town. The following day you’ll meet a local guide to head to the mountain village of San Juan Chamula. The Chamulans are a fiercely independent Tzotzil group and together with a local guide, you’ll learn about the rituals and inhabitants and really get to understand the culture of the Tzotzil Indians.

Days 11-13 – Volcanic peaks of Lake Atitlan – Guatemala

Today, after making your way to the bus station, you’ll take the bus from San Cristobal to the border where you’ll switch to a minivan for the scenic journey to Lake Atitlan. Brace yourself for a long journey today, usually around 9 hours in total, but you’ll make a couple of stops and there’s plenty to look at along the way!

You’ll arrive in Panajachel, a town in the Guatemalan Highlands and the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world: Lake Atitlan. You’ll be here for a couple of nights so will have plenty of time to explore, and on your second day you’ll have a local guide to show you around – you can choose to take a boat trip over the lake, hike through the volcano trails or visit nearby villages. In the evenings, the sky turns over Lake Atitlan and makes the water shine in beautiful colours. We recommend sitting somewhere with a drink in your hand, watching the beautiful views over Lake Atitlan… pure bliss!

Days 13-15 – Amble through Antigua – Guatemala

Next, you’ll take the bus to the charming town of Antigua. Today’s journey will take around 3 hours. Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most beautiful cities, and you’ll spend two nights in a colonial posada where you’ll have beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes from the roof terrace. You can wander through the cobblestone streets, explore the churches, monasteries and museums or perhaps climb the volcano. The time here is yours to explore the city, and if you want to cycle, ride a horse or walk to villages in the highlands then we can extend your time here.

Days 15-17 – Temples of Tikal – Guatemala

Today you’ll take the bus from Antigua to nearby Guatemala City airport to board a short flight to Flores, located on an island in Lake Peten. You’ll spend two nights in a hotel by the water, with a terrace on the top floor overlooking the lake. It’s a perfect base for your visit to the largest Mayan ruin of Latin America, Tikal. There’s a bit of admin to do locally, and it’s a steep, early climb, but the view from the top of the temple step, looking out over the rainforest and ruins with the jungle as your soundtrack, makes it all worth it.

Days 17-20 – Chill out on Caye Caulker – Belize

Next you’ll take a bus from Flores to Belize City pier where you’ll catch the boat over to the beautiful Caye Caulker. The journey today will take around 5 hours. Belize brings a completely different vibe to Mexico, with a more Caribbean atmosphere. They also speak English here as a national language. You’ll be staying in a simple hotel in Caye Caulker, a lush island with small hotels, snorkel shops and a relaxed feel to it. This is a wonderful place to do nothing more than relax on the beach with a good book, take a dip in the water and get used to a little Caribbean island life.

On your second day, you’ll head out on a snorkelling trip to see the underwater life. You’ll swim between rays and sister sharks, and spot turtles amongst the coral as you visit some of the best spots in the area. Afterwards, you’ll crawl back on deck where local snacks are prepared for you. With a rum punch in your hand, you’ll sail back to your tropical island during sunset.

Days 20-21 – The lagoon of seven colours

After waving goodbye to the paradise beaches of Caye Caulker you’ll hop on the boat to Chetumal where you’ll catch the bus to Bacalar. Today’s journey will take around 2 hours. You’ll settle down for an evening by the shores of Laguna Bacalar – an idyllic, bright blue freshwater lake surrounded by lush forest. You’ll be staying in a small, eco-friendly hotel just a short stroll from the water, where you can relax with the sounds of nature around you, explore the grounds or take a dip in the lake. The next morning you’ll be up before dawn, and a local guide will take you out onto the water by kayak. As the sun comes up, you’ll paddle across the crystal-clear water and through the mangrove forest, spotting wildlife as it wakes up around the shores of the lake.

Days 21-24 – Tulum: Mayan ruins on palm beach

Next up you’ll take a bus from Bacalar to Tulum. This journey takes around 2.5 hours. Soft sandy beaches, turquoise waters and coastline dotted with Mayan ruins await in Tulum. This is the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing before heading to the airport to fly home. You’ll stay in a boutique hotel in the town of Tulum Pueblo, close to a variety of restaurants, shops and bars. The white sand beach is a short taxi ride away, or about 20 mins by bike, which you can rent locally. Explore the Tulum ruins perched on top of the cliffs or go further north to discover one of the oldest Maya cities, Cobá, hidden deep in the jungle.

P.S. beachfront hotels are more expensive of course, but if you’d rather spend a little extra to finish your trip closer to the sea, then have a chat to your Travel Specialist about an upgrade!

After your stay in Tulum you’ll be collected by your driver and transferred around 2 hours to the airport in Cancun for your flight home.

• Cultures & Coastlines – Mexico, Guatemala and Belize

• Guatemala & Belize bite-sized trips

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The Complete Guide to the Maya Route in Central America

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

La Ruta Maya, or the Maya Route, is one of the most popular itineraries followed by travelers in Central America. The route offers the chance to explore several countries, unspoiled ancient Maya sites, and some of the most picturesque scenery in the world. It's best to start in Mexico before you continue along the majority of the route that takes you through Central America. Guatemala boasts the best shopping as well, and that way you don't have to lug your purchases around the entire trip.

La Ruta Maya: Cancun and Chichen Itza

Fly into Cancun, the resort supercenter on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula . If you arrive early enough, bus into Valladolid, the perfect place to spend the night for an early-morning viewing of the most-visited ancient Maya site, Chichen Itza.

La Ruta Maya: Tulum, Coba, and the Caribbean

Next, the journey to Tulum via Coba, a ruin deep in the butterfly-strewn tropical forest. Tulum itself is the most picturesque of all Maya sites, set atop a tree-tangled cliff overlooking brilliant Caribbean waters and white sands. Spend some time at the area's beautiful beaches - you'll be inland for the rest of your journey. From Tulum, bus to the Mexico / Belize border crossing at Chetumal.

La Ruta Maya: Into Belize

Belize's tiny tropics are home to two main Maya sites, Lamanai and Altun Ha. Bus from Chetumal to Orange Walk, and book a room at the Lamanai Riverside Retreat. The Lamanai ruins are only accessible through a jungle river cruise, an adventure in its own right and a birdwatcher's dream. The boat will pick you up right at the hotel.

La Ruta Maya: Altun Ha and Tempting Detours

Next, bus into Belize City and book a tour to Altun Ha, Belize's largest Maya site. If you have the time, visit the Belizean Cayes, Caye Caulker , and Ambergris Caye - extremely worthwhile detours.

La Ruta Maya: Northern Guatemala and Tikal

From Belize City, venture east to Guatemala through adventure sports mecca San Ignacio, in Belize's Cayo District. From the border, it's a quick journey to Flores and Santa Elena, jumping-off points for the unparalleled Maya ruins of Tikal. At least two days are necessary to do this magnificent site justice. The dense jungle setting, echoing with the calls of howler monkeys, is worth the trek all by itself.

From Tikal, fly or take a night bus to Guatemala City.

Southern Guatemala and the Highlands

Depending on how much time you have left, you may decide to visit the busy colonial city of Antigua, the vibrant Maya market at Chichicastenango, or Lake Atitlan, often lauded as the most beautiful lake in the world and bordered by real Maya villages.

La Ruta Maya: The Journey's End

A side trip to the Maya ruin of Copan in nearby Honduras is also easily arranged. Wherever you travel, you'll end up back in Guatemala City for your flight home.

The Best Places to Visit in Belize

Belize Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip

22 Best Things to Do in Belize

Ancient Maya Sites of the Yucatan Peninsula

Tulum Travel Guide - Budget and Tulum Travel FAQ

48 Hours in Belize: The Ultimate Itinerary

Mayan Ruins in Central America

The Most Popular Destinations on the Gringo Trail

Mexico's Riviera Maya: Planning Your Trip

Mayan Riviera Highlights and Resorts

Top 10 Backpacker Destinations in Central America

The Top 15 Mayan Sites in Central America

Your Trip to Cancun: The Complete Guide

Valentin Imperial Maya

The Top 10 Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico

Know Before You Go: Guatemala Travel Guide

Two weeks in Guatemala: the ultimate Belize and Guatemala itinerary

Written by Maartje

Two weeks in Guatemala is just perfect to explore its volcanoes, Maya cities, colonial villages, hippie villages, historic ruins, blue lakes and lush jungle. Guatemala is a one-of-a-kind bucketlist destination. Two – or maybe even three weeks – will give you enough time to explore this magical country and even include some of the best Caribbean beaches in Belize.

This blog will give you the perfect travel itinerary for two weeks in Guatemala, including both well-known highlights and more off-the-beaten-track destinations. Continue reading to learn about the ultimate Belize and Guatemala itinerary!

How much travel time do you need for Guatemala?

You can explore Guatemala in one week . We spoke with travelers who travel throughout South and Central America in six months, while only visiting Guatemala for a week.

A week will give you enough time to explore the famous Mayan temples in Tikal, Lake Atitlan and Antigua, which are the three best places to visit in Guatemala . But Guatemala has much more to offer and if you’re traveling for three or two weeks in Guatemala, you can see more sides of this versatile country.

When planning, it is important to realize how close and how far apart the destinations in Guatemala are. The destinations in the southwest of the country are close together, so you can easily travel between them without spending a lot of time on travel days. But the famous Mayan site Tikal is in the far north of the country, so it takes quite some time to get there from other Guatemala destinations.

In addition, we highly recommend completing your Guatemala trip with some relaxing beach days. The relatively small neighboring country of Belize is easy to combine with Guatemala and has beautiful Caribbean beaches and islands. If you want to add some days in Belize to your itinerary, we recommend that you set aside at least three weeks for your Guatemala trip.

How to travel around Guatemala

Guatemala has many forms of transportation for travelers. For the longer distances, we recommend the comfortable tour buses . For smaller distances you have the choice between taxis, minibuses, Uber and the local chicken bus.

A rental car is an option as well and we personally always love the freedom of having our own car. But Guatemala has so many great and affordable options for public transport, we actually never heard of someone choosing a rental car for their Guatemala trip.

We combined all types of transport to get around in Guatemala. We especially loved using the Uber . We noticed that a private ride with an Uber is not expensive at all in Guatemala. For three or more people it can even be cheaper for some journeys than other forms of public transport and much cheaper than a taxi. If you don’t have an Uber account yet, you can easily register via our  link  and receive a discount on your first ride.

We also traveled with minibuses for tourists. You can find them in all tourist destinations and they usually take you directly from A to B. The chicken bus, on the other hand, is less comfortable and easy, but it is cheaper and it offers a much more authentic way of getting around. These buses are a great option for short distances, as they travel very slowly and you often have to change buses several times for longer distances.

Read more : do you want to know more about the costs of transport in Guatemala? And of volcano bikes, Maya temples, places to stayand food? We wrote this blog about the cost of traveling in Guatemala .

The best time to visit Guatemala

Guatemala is great to visit all year round. The country is close to the equator, so there are no major seasonal differences. The rainy season is a possible factor that you want to take into account. That runs roughly from April to September.

For some travelers, experiencing a sunrise or sunset at a Mayan temple is also an important highlight. Then take into account the times for sunset and sunrise, so check the daylight times.

In June, the sunrise is already around 5:30 am and around that time (before the regular opening time of 6:00 am) you can only visit the Mayan city of Tikal with a fairly expensive sunrise ticket (150 quetzal). The sun also sets at 6.30 pm, so half an hour after the closing time of the Yaxha temples, for example. During our December trip, sunrise was around 6:20 am and sunset was around 5:40 pm. This allowed us to see the sunrise in Tikal within normal opening hours and a beautiful sunset from the sunset temple in Yaxha, making the winter a great season to visit Guatemala.

Read more: visiting Mayan city Yaxha , including the best place for sunset.

The perfect itinerary for 2-3 weeks in Guatemala

We already mentioned that 2 to 3 weeks in Guatemala allows you to visit not only the famous highlights, but also some more hidden gems. We put together the ultimate itinerary, which will bring you to majestic volcanoes, Mayan temples, colorful villages and the largest river in the country. We also give you tips to expand your itinerary to tropical Belize and some more off-the-beaten-track destinations.

#1 Guatemala City (1 day)

As travelers usually arrive at the airport near capital of Guatemala, we welcome you first to Guatemala City. Most Guatemala itineraries will immediately lead away from this raw gem and send you straight to beautiful Antigua. We chose to spend a day and night in Guatemala City and can wholeheartedly recommend that. We discovered cool street art, historic buildings and hip hotspots in this underrated destination in Guatemala.

Read more: best things to do in Guatemala City .

Guatemala City is built in a grid with multiple zones. For you as a traveler, Zona 1, 4, 10 and 13 are the most interesting places to visit in Guatemala City. Zona 1 has the most historic buildings, squares and the Guatemala City cathedral .

Another attraction is the indoor local market. Are you visiting the capital to learn more about Guatemala? Then Zona 10 and 13 offer the most important museums and are also the more luxurious areas of the city.

Our favorite place to visit in Guatemala City was Zona 4 . The district is often referred to as the Brooklyn of Guatemala because of its urban, industrial, artistic and upcoming vibe.

It is filled with street art and it has the highest concentration in Guatemala of trendy hotspots and restaurants. Our favorite places in Zona 4 are food court La Esquina, coffee and murals at 4 Grados Norte and coffee near Coffee District.

#2 Antigua (2-4 days)

Antigua is one of the most popular and beautiful  places to visit in Guatemala . The colonial town is known for its small-town atmosphere, pastel-colored buildings, great restaurants and beautiful surroundings with some of the most famous volcanoes in Guatemala.

Read more:   best things to do in Antigua .

The  picture-perfect streets of Antigua  are characterized by low-rise buildings, pastel-colored facades, cozy squares, ancient monastery ruins and small streets. Well-known and not to be missed are the much-photographed Santa Catalina Arch and the richly decorated, yellow Iglesia de la Merced.

Although the colorful city is one of the most visited highlights of Guatemala, you hardly notice this popularity in the streetscape. Although every street has at least one trendy restaurant and great hotel and many facilities are aimed at tourists, the town does not seem to be overrun by travelers.

One of the best things to do in Antigua is a day trip or multi-day excursion to the  volcanoes of Antigua . The most famous volcanoes in the area are the Acatenango and Pacaya, two of Guatemala’s three active volcanoes. We recommend visiting at least one of them during your days in Antigua for an unforgettable travel experience.

Read more: the overnight hikes to the Acatenango volcano and the Pacaya volcano .

#3 Lake Atitlán (2 days)

Lake Atitlan is one of the most popular  places to visit in Guatemala  because of the clear blue lake, surrounded by volcanoes, mountains and charming villages. This beautiful landscape offers fun activities on the lake, unique and beautiful hotels and hostels, and great places to relax by the water.

Read more:   hippie village San Marcos La Laguna  and  the best things to do at Lake Atitlan .

As Atitlan is extremely popular with travelers, it offers many great restaurants, fun excursions on the lake and beautiful places to stay. The  best things to do at Lake Atitlan  include exploring the villages, hiking to beautiful viewpoints, shopping at local markets, kayaking on the lake and enjoying the great restaurant scene. The easiest and most fun way to get around is by the boat that connects most Atitlan villages like a bus would do.

#4 Optional: Quetzaltenango (1-2 days)

The city of Quetzaltenango – also called Xela – will probably rarely be included in itineraries for Guatemala. The second city of the country may not be a bustling metropolis and certainly not a tourist destination, but that is precisely why we would recommend you to visit Xela. At this off-the-beaten-track town, you can experience the more authentic city life of Guatemala, while being surrounded by beautiful landscapes for great day trips.

Read more:   best things to do in Quetzaltenango .

The best thing to do in Quetzaltenango is visiting the  volcanoes  in the area. To us, the volcanoes are the main reason to visit Xela. The city is a great base for lovers of nature and hikes, with climbing one of Guatemala’s impressive volcanoes being the absolute highlight.

You can go on a multi-day hike to the Tujimal, the highest volcano in the country, or go camping at the top of Santa Maria. We also highly recommend the half-day trip to Santiaguito, one of Guatemala’s three still active volcanoes.

Others  highlights of Quetzaltenango  are the authentic city center, the volcanic hot springs, the hip hotspots, the impressive cemetery and the fun day trips in the area.

#5 Optional: Semuc Champey (1-2 days)

From both Lake Atitlan and Xela it is quite a long bus ride to Tikal in the north. Champey is right in the middle of the country, making this the perfect place to visit in between if you have the time. But even without that practical location, this nature destination is one of the most beautiful sights in Guatemala because of its green surroundings with naturally formed water basins with clear blue water.

A visit to Semuc Champey revolves around the natural park where a beautiful river with clear blue water runs through. One of the literal highlights is a – fairly short, but quite steep – climb to the  viewpoint  over the river.

It offers that famous view over the limestone water basins of the river filled with turquoise water. The view is surrounded by lush nature, which makes this a magically beautiful picture. Be sure to descend to the limestone baths themselves as well. You can take a swim and enjoy the beautiful nature park.

#6 Flores and Tikal (3 days)

Pastel-colored facades, coble-stoned streets, dazzling sunsets and famous Mayan temples draw all travelers in Guatemala eventually to the Flores peninsula.

Isla de Flores is a well-known base from which to explore northern Guatemala, with the Mayan ruins of Tikal being the best-known and most popular day trip. Another more off-the-beaten-path Mayan site is also near Flores and we definitely recommend you to visit these temples of Yaxha .

Read more:   best things to do in Isla de Flores .

Even though Flores is extremely popular with travelers, it is quite small and there is not that much to do on the island. But that is actually the biggest charm of this destination! There is a relaxed vibe around the peninsula and you don’t have much to do other than relax.

The  best things to do in Flores  – besides visiting the famous Mayan temples of Tikal of course – are wandering through the colorful streets, walking on the promenade along the water, enjoying the great restaurant scene, taking a boat trip to the viewpoint over the lake, kayaking and relaxing on the beach. Flores has the most beautiful sunsets and the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. It is one of those places where many travelers linger a bit longer than originally planned and you will understand that immediately after spending a few days in Flores.

#7 Optional: Belize’s bounty beaches (2-7 days)

From Flores (or Tikal or Yaxha) you can easily travel to neighboring Belize, so this is the perfect moment in your travel itinerary to add some days in tropical Belize!

You can choose to visit one Caribbean beach destination in Belize, which would most likely be the island of Caye Caulker or the bounty beach of Hopkins. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the Caribbean beaches and the impressive Great Belizean Reef where you can snorkel and dive.

Do you have more time and would you like to see more of Belize? Then plan for at least a week to explore the country.

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Belize .

There are direct buses from Guatemala to the border with Belize and you can even book a direct bus from Flores to Belize City, where you could take the ferry to Caye Caulker or the bus to any other Belize destination.

If you want to see more of the country, the jungle city of San Ignacio is a logical first stop. The town is just across the border and is known for its Mayan temples, waterfalls, lush jungle and bucketlist jungle lodges .

Then add one of Belize’s Caribbean beaches to your itinerary – Caye Caulker or Hopkins – and head south via the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve to the jungle destination of Punta Gorda . From Punta Gorda you can cross the border with Guatemala by boat, ending up in Livingston in the Rio Dulce area.

#8 Rio Dulce (2-3 days)

The beautiful area of jungle, lakes and the Rio Dulce River is a totally different side of Guatemala. Forget the colonial villages and volcanoes and spend a few days in a beautiful jungle paradise full of tropical birds and noisy howler monkeys. The tropical atmosphere and beautiful nature make this area one not to miss on your trip.

Read more:  best things to do at Rio Dulce .

The highlight of the Rio Dulce region is the river of the same name. You can visit the San Felipe Castle, the Finca El Paraiso waterfalls, the Seven Altars, the hot springs Agua Caliente and Playa Blanca in the area, but in the end it’s all about the  Rio Dulce River .

The best way to explore the area – and therefore also the main attractions in the region – is from the water. You can book a boat tour or arrange a private boat, but it is best to go out on the water yourself or with a guide in a kayak or canoe. We paddled through the jungle via tributaries without a guide and loved every second of it. We even spotted a pod of howler monkeys high up in the trees!

Scattered through the jungle and along the water of the river you will also find some extraordinary  places to stay at Rio Dulce . Think of charming wooden cabins with thatched roofs, cabanas hidden in the lush jungle or ecolodges surrounded by howler monkeys. Some of the best places to stay are  Boatique Hotel & Marina ,  Dreamcatcher Ecolodge  and  Hotellito Perdido .

#9 Guatemala City

After three or two weeks in Guatemala and Belize, this itinerary comes to an end. You fly back home from the international airport in Guatemala City.

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Guatemala, Belize and Mexico Tours & Trips

Find the right adventure for you through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. We've got 46 tours going to Guatemala, Belize and Mexico, starting from just 8 days in length, and the longest tour is 47 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the highest number of tour departures.

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46 guatemala, belize and mexico tour packages with 359 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins

A great opportunity to see some of the highlights of central America - should include more of Mexico though

Mayan Encounter

Very good discovery of Guatemala and Belize. High variety of activities

Maya Encounter

• Walking Adventure

Real Central America (12 destinations)

Start in Antigua end in Cancun (A)

Hello all, I really enjoyed the tour overall. There a few points here and there which could/should be improved but generally speaking this is a great adventure/tour. Olivia from the customer service and Daniel were both really supportive and helpful. I recommend this tour to those who are looking for challenges !

• Coach / Bus

Contrasts of Mexico

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Mayan Heart Trip

A great tour around the Yukon region taking in many of the Mayan sites, I had excellent instructions & guidance from Marvellous travel all requests met & questions answered helpful & flexible very enjoyable experience, recommended.

Caribbean Encounter (10 Days)

Sol Seeker (13 Days)

Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Adventure 14D/13N (from Cancun)

Some transport & accommodation issues, but the Bamba Travel team responded & actioned quickly.

Cancun to Antigua Express Travel Pass

Mayan Discovery

Overall a very good trip but lots of travel to get to each destination

Mayan Adventure: Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

Great trip! Pity about the private transport as it broke down twice but hey, you go with the flow when you're in Latin America. We had an experienced guide who looked after everyone. Everyone had a great time. Do many activities. I try to help other travellers on wateringhole website of G Adventure.

• Kayak & Canoe

Central America Encompassed (16 destinations)

What people love about guatemala, belize and mexico tours.

Great trip with memorable moments.

3 countries in 10 days. Full of culture, history and a fun group

The organization, communication and information are very good. There would have been a good choice of accommodation, even for a surcharge. The last one is particularly substandard. It was a great experience.

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Backpacking Central America | A Perfect Itinerary for Guatemala, Belize & Mexico

Backpacking Central America is something that we have dreamed of for a while. Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico are completely different countries, yet they are located in close proximity on the Yucatan Peninsula, on the border between Central and North America. It makes total sense to visit these 3 countries together during a round trip. At least Belize and Guatemala are small enough to see the main highlights in a relatively short time. And from Mexico you will only visit the tourist highlights in the north of Yucatan on the central america itinerary presented here.

You can thus, in a short time, see three countries that have strong cultural similarities (including the Mayan culture ), but are actually completely different. We traveled to these three countries as part of our trip of Central America and were extremely excited about this part of the world. On our tour of Guatemala, Belize and Mexico, we saw beautiful colonial cities, climbed active volcanoes, walked around ancient Mayan sites, dove with sharks and swam in underground cenotes.

In short, on a itinerary through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico you will experience so many different things in a short time that you won’t want to leave.

We are Sabrina and Andreas, two adventurous travelers who never miss an opportunity to discover the world. Whether by plane to distant countries or with our campervan Bruno, we just love to travel. We hope to give you helpful tips for your next trip on our blog.

Sabrina & Andreas Globetrotters, Travelers, Adventurers

Backpacking Central America – Itinerary Guatemala, Belize & Mexico

It sounds like a lot to visit three countries during a single backpacking trip, but we think it is very doable if you have about 4 weeks . We did this itinerary in just under 5 weeks, but were also stuck in Antigua, Guatemala for over a week due to an intestinal parasite that struck us down. Within 3 weeks this route would be doable in our opinion, but only if you cut out some points. Otherwise you would have too much stress.

Isn’t a round trip on your own with a backpack through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico totally dangerous? No, we don’t think so!

You can travel through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico from south to north or the other way around. You can choose the cheapest flights you can find. With this Central America itinerary, an open jaw flight (e.g. outbound to Guatemala, return from Cancun, Mexico) definitely makes sense, since a round trip, that would take you back to your starting point is not so easily possible here.

However, if that is your wish, then you could extend the route so that you start from Valladolid and travel south through Mexico (via Merida, Palenque & San Cristóbal de las Casas) to arrive back in Guatemala.

Destinations of our Central America itinerary through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico:

• Antigua ↓ Guatemala
• Semuc Champey
• San Ignacio ↓ Belize
• Caye Caulker
• Ambergris Caye
• Bacalar ↓ Mexico
• Isla Mujeres

On Google Maps we have marked the individual route points. On this map you can see our exact route through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico.

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Our individual stops are described in detail in the following chapters.

The adventure will start in Guatemala. If you arrive by plane like us you will arrive in Guatemala City. We choose to drive right away to Antigua from the airport. But if you like to explore the capital city there are a lot of things to do in Guatemala City .

#1 Antigua | Dreamlike Colonial Town

The first stop on our itinerary through Guatemala led us to the small colonial town of Antigua . We felt right at home there. We spent a few more days here than planned due to illness, but we didn’t regret it at all. Antigua really has a charm that we have not seen in any other city in Central America. And that although the city is very touristy. Both backpackers and families vacation in Antigua. There are many tour operators, McDonalds, Taco Bell and souvenir vendors. But the good thing is, you don’t notice it that much.

The souvenir sellers are not so pushy and all the fast food stores don’t have blatant advertising on the facades, but all pretty uniform looking store signs. This is to maintain the style of the city and it works pretty well. In addition, the stores are mostly totally stylishly decorated in colonial style from the inside. We have never sat in such a beautiful McDonalds.

In the courtyard, there is even a beautiful fountain next to the obligatory Ronald McDonald figure. We think Antigua is worth spending a few days there, no city in Guatemala we found so relaxed and almost picturesque. You can read what our highlights in Antigua were in our separate trip report.

Hotel Recommendation in Antigua

If you want to stay in a charming and unique Hotel we can highly recommend the Meson Panza Verde *.

• Luxurious and Comfortable Rooms
• Amazing Pool
• Beautiful Backyard
• Excellent Restaurant
• Delicious Breakfast

Meson Panza Verde | Check Prices*

Hiking on the Acatenango Volcano

The hike up Acatenango Volcano was definitely our highlight during our backpacking trip in Guatemala. The hike almost took us to our physical limits, but it was worth every drop of sweat and the sore muscles afterwards. Not only do you spend the night on an active volcano *, you also have a continuous view of the opposite volcano, Fuego, which spews ash, smoke and lava at regular intervals . At sunrise, it then goes up to 4000 meters on the summit of the volcano to see the sunrise above the clouds.

Book a Tour to Hike the Acatenango Volcano | Check Prices*

If that’s not enough to make the hike palatable to you, here are all the details again in our trip report:

A Complete Guide On Hiking Acatenango Volcano Guatemala

Transportation from Antigua to Semuc Champey Travel by bus takes about 9 hours in a minibus to Lanquin. ➤ Cost : approx. 15 € per person

#2 Semuc Champey | Natural Pools and Caving in the Jungle

Semuc Champey was truly one of the scenic highlights of our Guatemala itinerary. We had seen some pictures and read articles about it beforehand, but they just don’t do this beautiful corner of the world justice. Even though it was relatively crowded during our visit, the atmosphere here is great. The natural water pools of Semuc Champey look beautiful and are great to splash around in.

Semuc Champey was created by channeling the raging Rio Cahabon through a limestone cave system . This has created wonderfully calm pools above the caves. In these turquoise-blue pools you can swim and relax and just enjoy the day. Besides, the whole thing also looks beautiful.

Right next to Semuc Champey there is also the Kan’ba Cave *, where we did a hike of about one hour. The only light in the cave, which is flooded with water, came from candles that we carried with us. A mad experience, which we have never experienced anywhere in the world.

Guided Tour to Semuc Champey and Kan´ba Cave | Check Prices*

Hotel Recommendation in Semuc Champey

If you want to stay in a beautiful hotel surrounded by nature and in walking distance to Semuc Champey we can highly recommend the Greengos Hotel *.

Greengos Hotel

• Great Location surrounded by nature
• Lots of hammocks to relax in the garden
• Amazing food

Greengos Hotel in Semuc Champey | Check Prices*

#3 Flores | Peninsula in Lake Petén-Itzá

Flores was much more to us than just a place to stay or to visit the Mayan temples of Tikal. In the end, we were glad that we didn’t choose the much more expensive option of staying directly in Tikal. Because then we would have missed a lot.

Flores is a very small island in Lake Petén-Itzá and is only connected to the mainland and its sister city of Santa Elena by a long land bridge or causeway. Because the island is so small and surrounded by water, almost every hotel is also on the waterfront and offers great views of the lake.

Flores is really nice to look at with its cobblestone streets and nice little houses and it is worth to explore the island in 1-2 hours. Especially the center of the island with its church perched on the hill is much quieter than the outskirts with the many restaurants and bars. While strolling you can explore the numerous souvenir stores of the island and pay a visit to the only larger supermarket (which also has an ATM).

Rent a Kayak

You can rent a kayak for free at one of the many hotels or restaurants on the island. You have circumnavigated the island very quickly and can also go to the beach (Playa San Miguel) on the opposite side or to one of our highlights of Flores: The Rope Swing of Jorge.

Ride by cab boat to Jorge’s Rope Swing

We discovered this activity on Flores just by chance. Jorge’s Rope Swing is a small bar on the opposite side of the lake. You can get a water cab to take you over for small money and it’s best to make a time for the pickup right away. At the bar you have to pay an entrance fee of 10 quetzales, but then you are allowed to use the ropes that are attached to the trees there to swing into the water.

Not only does this sound like a to of fun, it is. When we were there, there were only two other girls on site, so we had everything almost to ourselves. Not only is it a great place to swim. Jorge also offers delicious food and tortilla chips with guacamole. We spent a great afternoon there. Learn more about Jorge’s Rope Swing here Tripadvisor

Hotel Recommendation in Flores

Hotel Casona de La Isla

• Great Location with lake view
• Offers Daytrips to Tikal
• Good Air Conditioning

Hotel Casona de la Isla in Flores | Check Prices*

#4 The Mayan Site of Tikal

Tikal is one of the most important Maya sites in northern Guatemala and was inhabited by the Maya since 1000 BC. At the same time, it is also one of the best explored Maya sites and has been considered abandoned since the 10th century. Tikal is very well developed and can be easily reached by bus from nearby Flores.

Unfortunately for us, Tikal did not have the mystical jungle atmosphere we had imagined. Nevertheless, the numerous temples are very beautiful to look at. But it only takes a little imagination to imagine how an advanced civilization ruled here hundreds or almost thousands of years ago, and produced this wonderful architecture.

Many of the temples in Tikal have not even been uncovered , but have lain dormant for centuries under a dense dress of bushes and trees. If you didn’t know that one of the most important Mayan sites is located here and you just happened to walk through this forest, you wouldn’t even recognize these green hills as temples. This is probably one of the reasons that Tikal remained undiscovered for so long.

All in all, we were of course impressed by the architectural masterpiece of the ancient Maya and also by the importance and history of Tikal. But, anyone who has been to Angkor in Cambodia , as I have, has probably seen more impressive temples. In Angkor I found the atmosphere much more intense and mystical. Maybe one reason was that on the day of our stay the Guatemala Triathlon passed through Tikal. Or the Mayan culture is just not for us. But that should not stop you from visiting this unique site .

Tour to Tikal in Guatemala | Check Prices*

Learn more about our Tikal visit in our travelogue :

Tikal Guatemala | A Complete Guide To Explore The Maya Ruins

#5 san ignacio | relaxed small town.

San Ignacio is the first major town in Belize when crossing the border from Guatemala. And it is a wonderful and easy introduction to the Caribbean country. The clocks really tick differently here and although San Ignacio doesn’t really have any major attractions, we felt very comfortable here. But San Ignacio is also a good place to go hiking in Belize .

Although San Ignacio has only 10,000 inhabitants, it is still the second largest city in Belize. Crazy! After the exhausting journey from Flores in Guatemala , we allowed ourselves a few days of rest and relaxation here.

The only major sight in San Ignacio is the Mayan site of Cahal Pech. You can even reach it by foot from the city center, but we would not recommend it from our own experience. It goes steeply uphill all the time. You can get a cab for 5 Belize dollars (about 2.50 €). Cahal Pech includes over 30 buildings in a total of 7 squares and was inhabited until 850 AD. The entrance fee is 10 BZD (5€) and once you are inside, you are almost alone with yourself and the Mayas.

The special thing about this site is not its size – the Mayan site is not really big – but its isolation. During our visit to Cahal Pech, we were completely alone and that conjures up a completely different atmosphere than, for example, in Tikal , even if the temples there are of course much larger. We found it great to walk around, take pictures and explore the secret passages, paths and temples.

Branch Mouth Park

We also walked from our hotel in San Ignacio, although the distance was actually much too far in the blazing midday sun. In addition, the path is also not so appealing. But the park, which is not a park in the real sense, is very beautiful and invites to splash around.

At this point, the Mopan River and the Macal River meet and together form the Belize River. In addition, there is a magnificent play of colors of the two differently colored rivers, which is most beautiful to see from my drone.

There’s no lawn or other amenities here, but you can lay your blanket by the river and stew in the sun for a bit. If you’re feeling quite adventurous, you can also jump into the water from the small suspension bridge that crosses the river.

From San Ignacio to Placencia By several buses in about 6 hours to Placencia. Read more about bus travel in Belize here . ➤ Cost : approx. 8 € per person

#6 Placencia | Family Idyll on the Caribbean Coast

Placencia is a very relaxed village on a small peninsula in the south of Belize. We had been thinking for a while if we should go to Placencia at all. We didn’t know if it would be worth it. Also, our first look at the beach in Placencia rather shocked us a bit, as the beach was full of washed up seaweed piled up in heaps all over the beach.

However, our initial negative opinion quickly turned into the opposite and we felt very comfortable in Placencia after all. Of course, this may have been due to the fabulous weather and our really cozy accommodation near the beach* . The village of Placencia stretches over a few kilometers at the tip of a 25 kilometer long peninsula and has on one side actually continuous sandy beach and on the other side mangrove forests and marinas.

Hotel Recommendation in Placencia

The Hotel Azure Del Mar* is a great place to stay in Placencia if you want to be right at the beach . You are rights at the lake and everything is well organized.

Hotel Azure Del Mar

• Directly at the beach and sea
• Amazing Pool area
• Perfect for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking

Hotel Azure Del Mar in Placencia | Check Prices*

The Beach Sidewalk

Placencia’s visitors tend to be older (and families with children) and there are many fancy and also rather expensive beach hotels . The special thing about the hotels in Placencia is that most of them are not located directly on the street, but a bit off the road.

The hotels are connected by a so-called sidewalk , a small asphalt path that is reserved for pedestrians. On this sidewalk you can stroll from beach section to beach section and from one souvenir shop to the next. And all this without street noise or the fear of being run over.

The Beach in Placencia

The sandy beach in Placencia has, like many beaches in Belize (e.g. on Caye Caulker), to fight with sea grass. This does not only look unattractive, but also spoils the bathing fun. But something is being done about it. The sea grass is regularly swept up and cleared from the beach by tractor. Otherwise, the beach is very beautiful and is completely public.

Although almost every hotel has a private beach section, but this is always located a little further back on the beach, so that you can walk the entire beach without stepping on private property. The sand in Placencia is not as fine as on other beaches and also the waves are a bit rougher . The water is turquoise blue and wonderfully clear. If you want calm water without waves, but with more people, you have to walk to the small harbor at the end of the peninsula.

There is hardly any swell and during our visit only a few more tourists than at the other sections. Alternatively, you can also book an excursion with a catamaran. You have the opportunity to discover small, paradisiacal islands off Placencia, as well as the spectacular underwater world while snorkeling.

Read our detailed travel report about Placencia  here:

Belize Placencia | All You Need To Know

#7 caye caulker | backpacker island without a beach.

If you are a backpacker in Belize, you will almost inevitably end up on the island of Caye Caulker, which is located in the Caribbean Sea off Belize. Caye Caulker is considered the backpacker’s paradise and has some highlights and sights to offer on land and also on water. We were there for a few days and were really surprised at first that Caye Caulker really has no beach.

Is there a Real Beach on Caye Caulker?

No. Unfortunately there is not. Caye Caulker is not the typical Caribbean island with palm trees on a soft sandy beach. If you are looking for something like that, then you should rather go to Caye Ambergris, because there you will find the most beautiful beach of Belize in our opinion.

There is sand on the island, of course. Actually, everywhere. All the roads are full of it. This also leads to the nice fact that when it rains, the puddles on the island are not dirty brown, but rather beige. Just because of the sand.

But the beaches that exist on the island are either:

• full of seaweed
• not safe due to heavy boat traffic
• too small to really call them a beach
• or they have no direct access to the water (like at The Split)

Therefore, you should not go to Caye Caulker if you want to spend a typical beach vacation. You won’t have that. But there is one kind of beach.

This is probably the most famous… well, what actually? It is not a beach . There is sand, but it is not a typical beach that leads shallowly into the water. To get into the water you always have to climb down a ladder or stairs. Nevertheless, it is totally cool there.

Where To Stay In Caye Caulker + 5 Travel Tips

The split is located at the north end of (the tourist part of) Caye Caulker and separates the island from the northern part, which is not developed for tourism. The split between the two parts of the island is said to have been created by a hurricane in the sixties. Theoretically you can swim through this split, but you should be careful. On the one hand because of the strong current and on the other hand because of the many boats that pass through this gap between the islands.

The area around the split actually belongs to a bar, the Lady Lizard. So if you want to use the many loungers, tables and the big diving tower, you would actually have to buy something at the Lady Lizard. But nobody really cares about that. We were able to lay there in the sun all day without having to buy anything.

Explore the Underwater World

The best thing to do on Caye Caulker is definitely exploring the underwater world. Around the island are several reefs that you can explore as well as places where are a lot of sharks. You should go a book a snorkel tour at Caye Caulker * to visit the best snorkel spots.

Go on a Snorkel Tour around Caye Caulker | Check Prices*

Accommodation on Caye Caulker

The Sea Dreams Hotel*  is a small oasis directly on the Split on Caye Caulker. Here you can expect your own dock, a great terrace, really good breakfast and just a totally cozy atmosphere.

Sea Dreams Hotel

• Great location with sea view
• bikes, kayaks and SUPs for rent
• Comfortable rooms
• Delicious food
• Good air condition

Sea Dreams Hotel auf Caye Caulker | Preise prüfen*

From Caye Caulker to Ambergris Caye Belize Watertaxi took us to Ambergris Caye in about 30 minutes. ➤ Cost : approx. 9 € per person

#8 Ambergris Caye | Caribbean Island with Dream Beach

Caye Ambergris in Belize has, on the one hand, a beautiful side with the Secret Beach and the offshore coral reefs. On the other hand, the main town of Ambergris, San Pedro, is less beautiful. It stinks of exhaust fumes, everywhere you can hear the rattle of golf carts and it feels like everything is even more expensive than in the rest of Belize.

Nevertheless, we find the island very worth seeing and do not regret having been there. San Pedro is the bustling center of Caye Ambergris. In fact, it is a small town where many cars and especially golf carts drive through the area. Accordingly, the main streets in the town are crowded, noisy and stuffy .

If you want to stay in a central but quiet location in San Pedro, we recommend you to stay on the side of the lagoon. From here you are in a few minutes in the middle of the action between stores, supermarkets and restaurants and at the same time it is quiet and relaxed on the lagoon side.

We had read before that Caye Ambergris is  much louder and busier than Caye Caulker and that there are much more parties here than on the sister island. We can’t really confirm that. Also on Caye Caulker we have seen many party-seeking young people and found it not much less bustling. Sure, on Caye Ambergris there are real streets and many cars . You don’t have that on Caye Caulker. But if you live on the right side of the island or are outside the town center, we found it almost as relaxing and laid back as Caye Caulker.

The Secret Beach on Caye Ambergris

But our biggest highlight of Caye Ambergris was a very special beach, the Secret Beach. From what we read in advance, we were not that impressed by Secret Beach. Quite far away from San Pedro and also quite crowded it should be. But when we went there the first time we were totally flashed! This was really the most beautiful beach we had seen in Belize so far.

The Secret Beach is not really long or wide. But the water is so turquoise blue and crystal clear that you can’t even see on photos that there really is water there. You can see right down to the bottom. We also saw many fish under the jetties and also corals there while snorkeling.

It was totally amazing. Right when you go into the water you see many small garfish (needle fish) and other fish. And under the jetties leading into the water you see thousands and thousands of other fish of all sizes and colors. We never thought we would see so many cool things right on the beach. But also the beach itself and the atmosphere was totally beautiful. Of course, it is quietest if you are there early in the morning.

We were there at 9am and had the beach almost to ourselves. Around 10 o’clock, the beach slowly fills up and becomes quite crowded around lunchtime. But the atmosphere still remains totally relaxed and serene. We felt super comfortable there and didn’t want to leave. We would even say that the Secret Beach on Caye Ambergris was the most beautiful beach on our whole trip through Central America!

Hotel Recommendation on Caye Ambergris

The Ambergris Sunset Hotel*  is a small hotel at the lagoon of San Pedro. You stay in a quiet area of San Pedro and can still walk into the center. An as the name of the hotel says you can see beautiful sunsets from the rooftop terrace.

Ambergris SunsetHotel

• Rooftop terrace with lagoon view and amazing sunsets
• comfortable rooms
• Nice, little pool area

Ambergris Sunset Hotel | Check Availability*

Read more about Caye Ambergris and the Secret Beach in our travel report :

The Best Things To Do In Ambergris Caye Belize 2023

#9 bacalar | the lagoon of the seven colors.

Bacalar was the first stop on our itinerary through the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and was more due to the fact that we didn’t want to drive that far after crossing the border from Belize. Most other tourists in Mexico immediately continue to Tulum , Playa del Carmen or Cancun. But we didn’t feel like sitting in the bus for that long, so we chose Bacalar, a small town with a big sight: the Seven Colors Lagoon of Bacalar .

We found Bacalar on our trip to be a super introduction to a round trip of southern Mexico, as the town is quite quiet and relaxed and yet has a huge highlight to offer. A beautiful lagoon that shimmers in the most dazzling shades of blue and invites you to swim and take a boat ride.

The Lagoon of Seven Colors

The Bacalar Lagoon was formed by the union of a total of 7 cenotes and is actually a lake and not a lagoon at all. The lagoon is one of the few bodies of water on the Yucatan Peninsula and is also called Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors ) because it is said to shimmer in a total of 7 shades of blue. You can’t quite make out the 7 different shades of blue, of course, but in any case they are great colors and you can definitely make out 2-3 shades of blue. The water has a really nice turquoise blue and is crystal clear.

One of the best things to do in Bacalar is a boat trip. To sail along the beautiful blue waters * is just amazing and was one of the highlights we did in Bacalar. You should definitely not miss this adventure.

Bacalar Lagoon is connected to Mariscal Lagoon by a small channel  (El Canal De Los Piratas Bacalar ). At the point where the pirate canal meets the lagoon of Bacalar, the turquoise blue color play looks particularly beautiful. We can definitely recommend Bacalar. Considering all the loud and crowded tourist hotspots on the Yucatan Peninsula, Bacalar is a welcome change. The town is super laid back and the lagoon is just impressive and beautiful.

If you want to read more about Bacalar, check out our separate trip report :

Guide To Visiting Bacalar Lagoon In Mexico

From Bacalar to Tulum By ADO bus we went to Tulum in about 2.5 hours. ➤ Cost : about 10-15 € per person

#10 Tulum | Tourist Metropolis at the Riviera Maya

Tulum is a relatively small and touristy town on Mexico’s Rivera Maya. The town is just under 2 hours from its big brother Cancun and about an hour from Playa del Carmen. Tulum is located on the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea and has many great beaches to offer, but they all suffer from the massive algae plague (Sargassum) that has been going on for over a year almost everywhere in the Caribbean. This makes the beaches in Tulum unswimmable at the moment.

There are tons of algae on the beaches and also the sea is covered with a wide carpet of algae on the shore. Relaxed swimming or sunbathing on the beach is actually out of the question. This is a pity, because the beaches in Tulum are otherwise really fantastic.

The Mayan Ruins

Another highlight and perhaps the biggest sight in Tulum are the Mayan ruins. These are located directly on the sea and are visited daily by thousands of tourists. We did not visit the ruins, but just flew over them with our drone . We found the ruins not so exhilarating during our research and therefore limited ourselves to a few aerial photos. You don’t always have to go in everywhere.

Gran Cenote in Tulum

The many cenotes are one of the special features of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Gran Cenote near Tulum is not completely inside a cave, like many cenotes in Valladolid . It is relatively open and also very crowded if you are not here early in the morning. The tourist buses start arriving at about 10:30 am. Before that time it is quiet and you can use this time well to explore the cenote and take photos. But the special feature here is that there are two entrances to the cenote and they are connected by an underground cave. In addition, turtles swim around everywhere and this partly directly between the tourists.

So you can swim or snorkel through the crystal clear water of the cenote next to numerous turtles. A wonderful experience. You should therefore take your snorkel mask with you or rent one on site. The Gran Cenote also has its own sunbathing area .

So far, no other cenote we visited in Mexico had this. So you can’t just swim in the cenote, take a few pictures and then have to drive back. You can spend the whole day there , soaking in the sun, and if you sweat too much, hop back into the cenote for a quick cool down.

Read more about Tulum and the Gran Cenote in our separate trip report  here:

Grand Cenote Tulum | All You Need To Know

From Tulum to Isla Mujeres By ADO bus we went to Cancun in about 2 hours. From there by bus to the ferry terminal and by ferry (20 min.) to the island Isla Mujeres. ➤ Cost : approx. 8 € per person

#11 Isla Mujeres | Overcrowded Island off Cancun

The fact that Isla Mujeres is only 15 minutes by boat from famous resort Cancun * is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing, because it’s a snap to get from crowded Cancun to Isla Mujeres and hope for your island dream. Curse, because Isla Mujeres is no longer an insider tip, but every Cancun vacationer takes at least a day trip to the island. The island of the women is really very beautiful and has paradisiacal beaches, but due to the sheer crowds we did  not really feel comfortable  on Isla Mujeres .

Round Trip to Isla Mujeres | Check Prices*

Playa Norte

Playa Norte is the main beach on Isla Mujeres. The beach covers the entire northern part of the island and is within walking distance of downtown  (the city center ). The sand is super fine and the water is crystal clear. Palm trees line the beach and everything could be so paradise-like. Could be… if it weren’t for all the other people.

It is really crowded on the beach and especially in front of the hotels one sunbed follows the next. Directly in front of the coast hundreds of sailing and sport boats anchor and spoil the view. Just because of the crowds we really could not feel comfortable there. We found it simply much too crowded.

This is the southernmost point of the island and costs 30 Pesos entrance fee (about 1.50 Euro). For just under 100 Pesos (about 4.50 Euro) you can take a cab from downtown. Punta Sur is the most southeastern point of Mexico and with its 20 meters above sea level also the highest point of the whole Yucatan .

You will find rugged cliffs and endless views of the sea to the horizon. You can also find a small Mayan site there, but it is not worth mentioning. But what we found coolest were the cliffs and the waves that constantly crash against them. The sea here has a wonderful turquoise blue and you can hike around the cliffs on several paths above or just above sea level.

Read more about Isla Mujeres in our separate trip report :

A Complete Guide To Isla Mujeres

From Isla Mujeres to Valladolid By ferry we went back to Cancun. Then by local bus to the bus terminal and by ADO bus to Valladolid. Takes a total of about 3.5 hours. ➤ Cost : approx. 20 € per person

#12 Valladolid | A City full of Cenotes

Valladolid was our favorite city on our Yucatan round trip. This is how we imagined a small Mexican town. Colorful houses, colonial buildings, relaxed atmosphere and a green main square in the center of town. After our negative experience on the supposedly quiet Isla Mujeres the days before, we could relax in Valladolid and enjoy strolling through the beautiful city.

However, most people will come to the city not only because of the beautiful atmosphere, but on the one hand because of the Mayan site Chichen Itza and on the other hand because of the many beautiful cenotes that exist in and around Valladolid. We imagined Valladolid as a typical Mexican small town and found it exactly the same. The atmosphere of the city reminded us a bit of Bacalar , in the south of Mexico. No comparison to the chaos, traffic and tourists we found in Cancun or Isla Mujeres.

Valladolid is just under 150 km from Cancun and yet it is a completely different world. Sure, it is touristy and there are many souvenir stores in the city center, but this is in a very bearable extent and so that it is fun to explore the city. There are many beautiful cenotes very close to Valladolid and it is probably not possible to visit all of them even during a stay of several days in Valladolid.

But we think you don’t have to. We have researched most of the cenotes nearby and many look quite similar. Again, some are not that spectacular, so the entrance fee, which is usually around 100 MXN (5€) per person, is not worth it in our opinion.

Which cenotes we recommend and how to get there, you can read in our own travelogue to Valladolid :

Valladolid Mexico | A Complete Travel Guide

From Valladolid to Cancun By bus we went back to Cancun. From there we flew to our next destination: Colombia . ➤ Cost : about 12 € per person for the bus. The flight is of course extra 😉

Backpacking Central America: Conclusion & Tips

Travel tips & conclusion about guatemala.

Before our trip through Central America we hardly knew anything about Guatemala. All the more surprised we were, which sights and highlights beautiful Guatemala would give us on our backpacking trip through the country. Colorful colonial cities, dense jungle, ancient Mayan temples and lots of volcanoes to discover. In addition, Guatemala is still damn cheap to travel. The prices are much lower than in the surrounding countries of Central America (e.g. Costa Rica ) and you can travel with the tourist shuttles very easily and cheaply through the country.

Scenically, the country also has a lot to offer and accordingly we were thrilled by Guatemala. Here everything is somehow more pristine and natural. And the Mayan culture comes into its own here. We felt very comfortable and were simply fascinated by the nature and landscapes. If we had to recommend only one country from the three presented, then it would probably be Guatemala.

The most important information about Guatemala in short

• How to get from A to B?
• Entry & Visa
• Travel time

Travel Tips & Conclusion about Belize

We really liked the caribbean vibe of Belize. Very different from Mexico and Guatemala. The “easy vibe” and openness to mind-altering substances (“Don’t be shy to get high”) create quite a pleasant atmosphere here. You can get along great with English and the sea is of course incredibly clear and beautiful. You can’t usually enjoy it from great beaches, but diving and snorkeling are a dream here.

The most important information about Belize in brief

Travel tips & conclusion mexico (yucatan).

We found the state of Yucatan in Mexico mostly too touristy. Of course there were also quiet and original places, like Valladolid, but the area around Cancun was really too much for us.

The most important info about Mexico in a nutshell

• Travel Time

Did you like our Central America Backpacking post or have any questions about our Guatemala, Belize and Mexico travelogue? Then feel free to write us a comment!

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Discover Guatemala and Belize

Map & expenses

Similar trips

Discover Guatemala and Belize, two remarkable gems you must visit in Central America; since they are wildly different travel destinations, this trip certainly promises many unforgettable experiences.

Guatemala is an excellent melting of Mayan and natural treasures. An exceptional historical heritage and rich biodiversity offer travelers an authentic and unique experience. The varied colors of Mayan markets and the fine needlework of their local clothing are the perfect setting for the breathtaking background of the volcanoes, lakes, and endless mountain ranges. In Belize, explore caves and forests and snorkel in the fascinating Barrier Reef Reserve System, the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere.

Lake Atitlan

Living Mayan Culture

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Antigua Guatemala

Caye Caulker

Caribbean Ocean

A perfect vacation package to enjoy the beauty of colonial cities, discover one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, explore jungles, impressive Mayan Ruins, hike active volcanoes, and visit indigenous villages. In Belize, swim in the Great Barrier Reef, and relax on its beautiful white sandy beaches. To sum up, Guatemala and Belize are a part of the world you cannot miss.

Upon your arrival, a guide will welcome you in the international airport of Guatemala City. You will drive today to Lake Atitlan. Three volcanoes and rolling mountains paint an unforgettable landscape of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

No trip to Guatemala is perfect without time to experience Lake Atitlan, proclaimed by Lonely Planet as “the closest thing to Eden on Earth.” Your driver will take you to Panajachel, where you will take a boat transfer across the lake to your hotel, located in a small town bordering Lake Atitlan.

Today, you will take a boat tour to explore Lake Atitlan and the indigenous towns along its shores. These towns are beautiful for their colorful streets and crafts but also for their breathtaking views. While you enjoy the unparalleled views of this natural wonder, you can also have a closer look at the living Mayan culture, exploring some of the many beautiful little villages on the lake basin.

Even when its inhabitants have had to adapt to modern life, these towns preserve their traditional costumes, ancestral traditions, and culture. Their friendly people, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine will make this experience unforgettable.

To put the cherry on the cake, the experience today will culminate with an authentic Mayan cooking class. A local Mayan instructor will take you on an exciting journey through traditional Mayan cuisine, from the ingredients to the final plate. Learn how to make a Guatemalan dish and enjoy delicious food made with your own hands.

Today, we will drive to Chichicatenango. Every Thursday and Sunday, the largest market in Central America takes place. In the Chichicastenango market, its streets are packed with color and variety. This traditional market offers the most extensive variety of Guatemalan handmade goods, sold directly from the hands of its producer, from crafts to medicinal plants or even chickens. Later we will drive to Antigua Guatemala, where you will have a free evening.

To begin the day, you’ll go on an exciting tour of a coffee farm and taste the best organic coffee in the world. You’ll hike through coffee fields, learn to process and roast your favorite beverage, and finally, make your fresh cup of coffee.

You’ll discover Antigua Guatemala, a jewel of colonial and modern urban architecture that maintains all the characteristics of a magnificent colonial city stopped in time. Antigua is famous for its well-preserved Spanish architecture and many stunning ruins of colonial convents and churches that will amaze your senses.

Its churches, ruins, cobblestone streets, and the city’s famous cathedral will make you feel like you are in another era. Besides the beautiful architecture, its three volcanoes form a majestic background to this unique city.

To conclude this exciting and varied day, you will have a Chocolate mini-workshop. Chocolate is very special to the Mayan culture because it was a ceremonial drink reserved for the kings, and you will learn today how to make your handmade chocolates, a delicious way to end the day.

You’ll explore colonial towns surrounding Antigua and experience these small towns and their colorful streets and friendly locals. Besides offering an exciting look at Guatemala’s traditions and unique culture, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful textiles and woodwork. Their unique handicrafts made by Mayan hands, especially women who inherit their techniques from generation to generation, make them special.

After a delicious traditional lunch, we will drive to Guatemala City, where you will take a one-hour domestic flight to Flores Island.

Today we will discover the hidden ruins of Yaxha, the third-largest known Mayan city in the lowlands of Guatemala and one of the oldest. Located north of the Yaxha Lagoon, the park combines biodiversity and pre-Hispanic cultural heritage.

Its lagoons are the most important water bodies of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, and its wetlands are essential for their global importance as a refuge for several migratory birds.

Yaxha contains massive clusters with pyramidal temples, more than 500 structures at its center, 40 steles, commemorative altars, several temples, ball courts, palaces, and domestic residential complexes.

A guide will pick you up from the hotel in the morning and take you to Tikal National Park to explore the largest excavated site on the American continent. The ruins at Tikal are known for the numerous structures that still stand firm, a quality that visitors to the Plaza of the Seven Temples will genuinely appreciate. This high degree of preservation is a credit to the builders of Tikal.

The tree-covered temples and palaces frequently encountered at Tikal have been preserved this way for almost a millennium. Located in the nucleus zone of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve and containing some of the fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Mayan civilization, Tikal is undoubtedly captivating for anyone.

The sight of its impressive temples in the middle of a tree sea has fascinated characters like George Lucas, who even used the Tikal landscape as one of the settings for the movie “Star Wars, Episode IV.” After Tikal, you may choose to return to Flores Island or visit the National Park Ixpanpajul. This park offers several activities, such as horseback riding or a canopy tour.

The Mountain Pine Ridge reserve has streaming rivers and mysterious limestone cave systems. First, we’ll drive to Belize, after we’ll take a two-and-a-half-hour ride from San Ignacio up harsh dirt roads, passing through small Mayan settlements and dramatic surroundings, we will enter the reserve.

This reserve is undoubtedly the most stunning landscape in the Cayo District, if not Belize. The route will take you through pine woods, cascading water pools over granite stones, and the distant Maya mountains.

Explore scenic waterfalls and immaculate woods, visit the mystic river Frio, and swim in a series of natural pools. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch before going to Big Rock Falls, a 150-foot (46-meter) waterfall that gives a refreshing spray of mist as it goes down into a bright, deep swimming hole. At the end of this expedition, your driver will take you back to your jungle lodge.

This incredible experience will take you on a journey into the Mayan underworld into a geologically beautiful cave with crystal clear waters, a natural museum of Mayan artifacts, and a sacred burial place.

After a short hike through the jungle, you will find the cave entrance; you will swim to the other side before continuing. Once across, you will see several Mayan treasures and the bones of sacrifices in a ceremony by the Mayans; this cave tour promises to be one of the most epic and unique experiences of your life.

Today, you will have an early birdwatching tour in your jungle lodge. Later, you’ll go to Belize City, where you will take a domestic flight to one of the dazzling Cayes of Belize.

There are more than 400 little islands in the Barrier Reef of Belize, the world’s second-longest reef. The islands are known as Cayes; you can include the lively Ambergris Caye or the laid-back and smaller Caye Caulker in your itinerary.

Today you will take a sailing and snorkeling tour. This fantastic tour includes a few different stops and an excellent opportunity to see waving corals, brightly colored tropical fish, and aquatic plants. You will have the chance to look for over 350 species of fish.

These all lie along the most significant barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. Swimming near friendly sharks and feeding rays in the clear blue tropical waters of the Caribbean will undoubtedly be an experience you will not forget.

The Cayes of Belize offer great locations for snorkeling and diving trips. If you have a diving certification, you can take a dive tour to venture into Belize’s best deep-sea diving.

You’ll take a domestic flight to the international airport of Belize for your international flight back home. Today marks the final day of your journey to discover Guatemala and Belize, but it doesn’t have to end just yet. Perhaps you would like to try Spanish language lessons or continue north to explore the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Contact one of our knowledgeable agents to begin customizing your tour vacation package today.

map, expenses & price

Discover Guatemala and Belize.

Expenses included: -Ground transportation and domestic flights -Thirteen nights of hotel accommodations. -Local professional guides. -All park entrance fees. -Tours and excursions as listed. -Daily breakfast (except in Caye Caulker).

The overnight hike to Volcano Acatenango is the best plan to experience the volcano as it allows climbers to take in astonishing nightfall views of flowing lava. Although challenging for even the most seasoned hiker, search no further than this hike to have the best that Guatemala offers adventure-seekers. Hiking Volcano Acatenango to watch a nearby Volcano de Fuego erupt through the night is an epic experience and a must-do when traveling to Guatemala.

The Great Blue Hole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is nearly altogether circular; it measures 300 meters (984 feet) across and 108 meters (354 feet) deep; it is in the Lighthouse Reef – a magnificent coral atoll. It is the most fantastic sea hole in the world. Recognized divers have described the Blue Hoel as one of their preferred dive sites. In 2012 the Discovery Channel ranked the Blue Hole as the number one most incredible place on the planet.

This is an unprecedented adventure to explore the most isolated parts of the Belize barrier reef to experience some of the best snorkeling areas. This fantastic expedition is an island-hopping adventure for all who want to explore this unoccupied Caribbean heaven.

22 days & 21 nights

14 days & 13 nights

7 days & 6 nights

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The Perfect Two Week Mexico and Belize Travel Itinerary

• Last Updated On: September 20, 2022

Mexico and Belize are the perfect countries to pair for those looking to experience the Caribbean and ancient Mayan architecture. Along the way, you’ll stop by quaint seaside towns and islands, eating some of the most delicious food known to man, diving in some of the world’s best locations, and soaking up ruins all along the way. You can easily spend two weeks in Mexico itself, but if only we all had that time!

Note that this itinerary will have a lot of scuba diving because that is one of my favorite things to do , but there’s no need to do exactly what I did either! I have also added a second itinerary without much emphasis on diving.

Where I went in Mexico and Belize

I have visited Mexico numerous times and Belize once. This itinerary is how I would combine the two into one trip. These places are hot year round but July to November is hurricane season and weather can get volatile during this period.

In total, this itinerary is for anyone that has 14-16 days  to spend in Mexico and Belize. At the end of this post, I have also included how I would craft a trip with around three weeks as Guatemala is next door and also very worthy of your time.  The highlights of this trip are:

• Caye Caulker , Belize
• San Ignacio and surrounding ruins & caves

If these places ring a bell and sound like the places you want to visit, this is the perfect itinerary for you! Also, Mexico and Belize are the very common starting points for those looking to do the entire Central American route. I met loads of travelers spending months to travel all of Central America. These countries are small, well connected by bus transport, and safe to travel through.

Detailed Posts

• Ultimate Guide to Cozumel, Mexico
• Caye Caulker to Chetumal and Vice Versa Ferry
• Travel and Diving in Caye Caulker, Belize
• The Ultimate Guide To Diving the Blue Hole, Belize

Full Itinerary

This itinerary starts in Cancun as numerous international airlines fly into this airport, and ends in Belize City . Those with more time, Guatemala is the logical next destination before continuing on to Honduras, El Savador and so forth! There are numerous airlines that fly to Cancun from North America and Europe.

Cancun itself is primarily a resort town for all inclusive vacationers and Spring breakers. In fact, the town of Cancun was actually created by the Mexican Government with the sole purpose of attracting tourists from America. I’m not a fan of the place at all so I would recommend just skipping it altogether and taking a bus straight to Playa Del Carmen.

Day 1-4: Cancun to Cozumel

The trip begins in Cancun. Upon arrival, the first thing to do is take the ADO bus to Playa Del Carmen. Taxis in Cancun are extremely expensive and will rip off tourists without hesitation. A cab fare from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen is $60-70 USD one way.  There is no Uber here either which is frustrating so the only option is to take a charter bus.

Thankfully, ADO is a highly reputable and reliable Mexican bus company that will take you everywhere you want to go in the country. The cost on the ADO bus is around 200 pesos for a one way transfer.

Buses to Playa Del Carmen pick up right past the Margaritaville kiosk once you exit the airport at Terminal 3 and leave every 30 min. For the most part, I would recommend taking the ADO bus from Cancun down to Chetumal near the Mexico-Belize border. Depending on your guesthouse, they may also offer you group van transfers for a slightly higher price between towns so it’s up to you and your budget.

Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel

From Playa Del Carmen, there are two ferry companies that make the 45 minutes journey to Cozumel. The ferry costs around 150 pesos for a one way journey and runs every hour. I would opt for the yellow Ultramar tourist ferry as it is more comfortable. It is slightly more expensive but worth it for the views. Alternatively, the local ferry is totally fine too and their departure schedules alternate normally.

Spending time in Cozumel

The diving around Cozumel is some of the best in the Caribbean. Home to the Mesoamerican barrier reef, Cozumel is a divers paradise with many species of fish, coral, sharks, and crustaceans. Cozumel itself is a laid back island with tons of great bars and delicious food to offer. Avoid all the touristy chains, and venture straight to the many local taquerias. This is where the best food is at and at the absolute cheapest prices. Tacos can be had for 12-15 pesos each and the Al Pastor is absolutely on point here.

The diving here is also fantastic. It is the perfect place to get certified as the waters are warm, and the conditions are perhaps some of the most effortless in the world. Cozumel is known for its drift diving and I’ve not been anywhere else in the world where the dives are so effortless, as you’re literally drifting the entire dive site.

Day 4: Cozumel to Chitzen Itza to Tulum

From Cozumel, organize a day trip to Chitzen Itza, perhaps Mexico’s most famous and most impressive Mayan ruin. Similar to that of Tikal in Guatemala , Chitzen Itza also features a huge pyramid like temple representative of the Mayan people. Compared to Tikal , the main temple in Chichen Itza is smaller but visually I found it to be more interesting.

From Cozumel, take the ferry back towards Playa Del Carmen with all your belongings. The best way to do this trip with the time constraints is to book a tour. That way you can keep your stuff in their vans without having to lug it around with you. Tours will pick you up from the ferry station and drive you the 2.5 hours to Chitzen Itza.

Once you arrive, you’re usually free to explore on your own. There isn’t a whole lot else to do around the temple besides witness the massive temple. Expect to see a lot of tourists here but I still think it is well worth doing, and is architecturally much more impressive the the Mayan ruins in Tulum.

When you get back from the day trip, take a ride to Tulum.

Getting from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum

The first option is the trusty ADO bus. The bus station is located on 5th Ave. and Benito Juarez. The buses to Tulum depart from Playa del Carmen every day all throughout the day. If you miss one bus, the next one is always less than an hour away. The cost for this ride is roughly 80 pesos and takes 1 hour.

Alternatively, the taxi collectivos used by the locals are even cheaper but it’s likely they’ll deny you entry if you have luggage or make you pay for an extra seat. I would just stick with the ADO bus for this trip.

Finally, a private taxi can also be hired for this journey for the price of 600-800 pesos depending on your bargaining skills.

Day 5-8: Tulum and the Cenotes

The town of Tulum is my favorite town in the Yucatan region. It’s filled with local culture, delicious food, ruins, fantastic beaches, and less all inclusive resort madness of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. If you have to choose only one place to visit in the region, it would be Tulum in my opinion. It has everything.

There are a number of amazing guesthouses and Airbnbs to choose from. The options are much better than Playa in my opinion as it focuses more on rustic, back to nature type accommodations vs the concrete jungle near the beach of Playa. I would recommend something closer to the town center as accommodation near the beach can be far away from all the bars and restaurants of the town. Biking is my preferred method to get around town and many of the guesthouses will have bikes for use.

Cenotes In and Around Tulum

A cenote is a naturally formed sinkhole in the Earth’s surface made up of limestone. Millions of years of rainfalls ate away the limestone, creating underground cave pools. The water that fills the cenotes can be either fresh water, salt water or both. These naturally forming cave pools vary in structure. They can be completely open, similar to a lake, almost completely close with just a small opening at the top or somewhere in between.

No matter where you go during your trip to Tulum, it is an absolute must to visit at least one cenote while in Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has about 7,000 cenotes. So, there is no reason why you shouldn’t visit at least one. Trust me, after going to a cenote, you will never be able to look at beaches or pools the same way again.

Along the way to Tulum from Cancun or Playa del Carmen you will find a large amount of cenotes. Below is a list of the  best cenotes  along the way that we believe are worth the price.

• Cenote Azul   (Entrance fee: $70 pesos)
• Chaak Tun  (Entrance fee: $240 pesos)
• Dos Ojos  (Entrance fee: $150 pesos )
• Gran Cenote  (Entrance fee: $120 pesos)

Tulum Ruins

The Tulum Ruins are considered one of the most preserved ruins in Mexico, though not as impressive as Tikal, Chichen Itza or other popular ruins, they are worth a visit. There is also a beautiful beach right by the ruins, so don’t forget your bathing suit. I found the Tulum ruins to be a bit of a let down. Perhaps it’s because it’s completely swarmed by tourists, but I just wasn’t as impressed by the architecture. I will say that the views of the beach are absolutely stunning however!

You can also choose to hire a guide here for 500 pesos or so but I didn’t find it necessary.

Admission fee: $59 pesos

Day 8-9: Bacalar

Continuing south towards Belize, the next stop after Tulum is the town of Bacalar. The lagoon is the village’s main attraction. It is referred to as the Lagoon of the Seven Colors due to the contrasts in its ground soils, its varying depths and intensity with which it absorbs the sun’s rays, all of which cause its waters to reflect seven different shades of blue.

Enjoy the incomparable landscape by boat, kayak, sailboat or jet ski. Admire the contrast of the lush vegetation surrounding the waters and let yourself be lulled by the singing of the birds, making this a magical experience. Bacalar has some of the bluest waters of anywhere I’ve seen in the world. It is incredible that it is actually a lake but has more shades of blue and turquoise than even the Maldives.

I stayed at the Green Monkey Backpackers near the lagoon for a very cheap price. From Tulum, it is a three hour bus ride on the ADO and these buses run all throughout the day.

Bacalar Lagoon is the place to go if you just want to chill out and relax. Rather than write at length, I think these photos should sum up all the fun things to do there – most of which revolve around the lake – be it swimming, snorkelling, boat trips, cliff jumping, kayaking, lazying in hammocks, camping or stand up paddle boarding at sunrise. Perhaps the best move to see a little bit of everything is to take the guided boat tour around the lagoon.

Day 9-12: Caye Caulker, Belize

After Bacalar, make your way down to the southern most port town of the Yucatan in Chetumal. From Chetumal, there is a once a day ferry that goes to Belize, stopping at the islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Both options are fantastic. San Pedro is much bigger, more developed, and has all the resorts and restaurants you can think of. Caye Caulker is the much smaller, laid back cousin. Its motto is “Go Slow” after all. I spent 5 days in Caye Caulker and absolutely loved it.

It’s famous for the Great Blue Hole which is the largest cavernous ocean formation in the world. The diving in the area is fantastic, and perhaps the best in the Caribbean after Little Cayman.  A visit to the Blue Hole is a must as this is perhaps Belize’s most famous attraction. One thing to note is that the Blue Hole day trip is not offered every day so make sure to check this beforehand.

The diving in Caye Caulker is not cheap however as there aren’t many shops. The dive trip to the Blue Hole is especially expensive cost around $300 USD.

Aside from the fantastic diving, I absolutely just loved the vibe in Caye Caulker. It was so chilled and relaxing. Many backpackers either start or end their journeys around Caye Caulker and everyone is down to have a good time. There are only a few bars here and it seems like the entire island is visiting certain bars at certain times making it a great place to meet new people and grab a cold one. I actively particited in this and the amount of rum punches I drank at the Split was bordering on alcoholism.

Ferry to Caye Caulker

The ferry ride from Chetumal to Caye Caulker is quite a mission . There is a lot to know about this ferry ride including entry/exit taxes and immigration. The boat ride itself is about 2.5 hours with a stop in San Pedro to drop off passengers and clear immigration. The ferry is on the pricier side costing roughly $55-60 USD one way. Nevertheless, this is the best way to get to the islands of Belize without having to cross the land border between Mexico and Belize, and driving towards Belize City.

Day 13-15: San Ignacio and ATM Caves

From Caye Caulker, I took the ferry to the capital of Belize City via the Belize Water Taxi. This is the same company that does the ferry from Chetumal, Mexico to Caye caulker. This ferry rruns multiple times a day but because of the tight schedule, I would take this ferry in the morning.

From the ferry station, there are multiple buses that will drive towards the town of San Ignacio on the Guatemala-Belize border. This drive is just over 2 hours. The town of San Ignacio is actually very interesting but due to time constraints, this trip is primarily to see the ATM Caves.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Tour

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is one of the most famous archaeological sites containing skeletal remains of Maya human sacrifices. Many of these skeletons are still in tact and they literally sparkle. Yes you heard me right. Something to do with science and aging of the bones but it’s true.

I wouldn’t call myself a cave connoseur but any means, but this is probably the most amazing cave I’ve ever visited. It’s immense size and natural beauty make this a must visit for anyone coming to Belize. It is  not  easy by any means. There is plenty of hiking, swimming, walking in darkness, and everything in between. However, once you’ve overcome your basic fears, this place will for sure go down as one of the more epic things you’ve done. Certainly is for me!

One downside is that you cannot take ANY cameras inside the cave. A few years back, some idiot tourist dropped his camera ON an ancient skeleton and destroyed the remains. It’s always that one person that ruins it for everyone!

This is a day tour and lasts for roughly 8-9 hours leaving from San Ignacio. It’s possible to take the bus back to Belize City when you return into the city around 5pm. Otherwise, I would spend a second night in this town and return to Belize City the following morning. San Ignacio is much cooler than Belize City.

Day by Day breakdown

Day 1: Land in Cancun, transfer to Playa Del Carmen, and ferry to Cozumel Day 2: Diving in Cozumel Day 3: Diving in Cozumel Day 4:  Cozumel to Chitzen Itza Day 5: Tulum Day 6: Tulum Day 7: Tulum Day 8: Bacalar Day 9: Bacalar to Chetumal to Caye Caulker Day 10: Caye Caulker Day 11:   Caye Caulker Day 12: Caye Caulker Day 13: Caye Caulker to Belize City to San Ignacio Day 14: ATM Cave tour Day 15:  Return to Belize City

Mexico and Belize Itinerary for Non-Divers

Obviously this itinerary has a lot of diving because I’m an avid diver, and well? The area has some fantastic diving. However, I know many people are not divers so if you’re not, this is how I would change the itinerary with more focus on Mayan ruins, and replacing a lot of diving with just a bit of snorkeling. You have to go to the cenotes after all even if you’re just snorkeling!

For non-divers, I would completely skip Cozumel. The island is cool, but if you’re not diving, I think there are better places to go in the area. Caye Caulker will more than provide for the rustic small island experience. For most of Mexico, I will use Tulum as the main hub as I prefer it to Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.

Day 1: Land in Cancun, transfer to Tulum Day 2: Tulum – Explore the ruins Day 3: Tulum – Chichen Itza Day Trip Day 4:  Tulum – Cenotes Snorkeling Day 5: Tulum – Free day to explore Day 6:  Bacalar Day 7: Bacalar Day 8: Bacalar to Chetumal to Caye Caulker Day 9: Caye Caulker Day 10: Caye Caulker Day 11:   Caye Caulker Day 12: Caye Caulker to Belize City to San Ignacio Day 13 : Explore the Xunantunich Mayan ruins Day 14: ATM Cave tour Day 15:  Return to Belize City

Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala

Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala make an even better travel itinerary if you can swing the time. Guatemala is the capital of the ancient Mayan civilizations and its picturesque cities and lakes make it a must visit. Belize and Guatemala border each other and is very easy to get from San Ignacio to Tikal via bus.

This is the perfect way to start off a Central America tour. After Guatemala, head to Honduras, El Savador, etc.

Continue Reading:

• How To Get From Caye Caulker, Belize to Chetumal, Mexico And Vice Versa
• The Ultimate Mexico, Belize, Guatemala Travel Itinerary
• The Perfect Mexico Travel Itinerary: Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, And Mazunte
• The Ultimate Travel And Diving Guide For Caye Caulker, Belize
• The Ultimate Guide To Diving The Blue Hole In Belize
• The Ultimate One To Two Week Travel Itinerary For Guatemala
• The Ultimate Puebla City, Mexico Travel Guide
• The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Malta and Gozo
• The Perfect One Week And Two Weeks Travel Itinerary For Albania
• The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Mozambique
• The Perfect Two Week Itinerary For The Balkan Countries
• The Ultimate Little Cayman Travel And Diving Guide
• What I’ve Learned After Traveling To 50 Countries

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Hi, I am thinking about doing your exact trip in July, this blog has helped me so much. I was just wondering if you could tell me a bit about how you travelled around between each place? I guess on the mainland it is easy to use busses between the towns, but how did you travel between islands, was it easy/difficult/cheap/expensive, did you have to book in advance or just turn up on the day and get on the ferry? Also, what was the crossing into Belize like? How did you do it and was it expensive? I am thinking to start in Cancun, go down to Belize and then return to Cancun again to fly out but I hear the border crossing can be expensive. Any information you could give me about travelling between islands/mainland/border crossings would be so appreciated. Thanks so much for all the info in this blog, it is perfect for me to plan my trip!!

Hi Charlotte, it’s quite easy to travel around Mexico as it is well connected with buses and such. Ferries to places like Cozumel are easy and cheap. Just go to the port at Playa and buy a ticket when you’re ready. The ferries are generally pretty big so I’ve never had issues with tickets. Of course, if you’re traveling during a busy time of the year, maybe book it before hand. Hope that helps!

Hi! Loved your post! How much money did you spend for the whole trip?

Hi Joana, it’s tough to say as I did a lot of extra activities like diving, and copious amounts of drinking on Caye Caulker. I’d say without the flights, I paid about $2,000 or so. Diving was probably half of that. But the buses, accommodations and food were all quite cheap.

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A Perfect Guatemala Itinerary In 10 Days, 2 Weeks Or 3 Weeks

So you’ve decided to go to Guatemala? Congratulations, great choice! It’s a beautiful and fascinating country, and you’re going to have an amazing time.

Contents (click to view)

Of course, now comes the hard part – planning your Guatemala itinerary, and deciding where to go, how long to spend in each place, and what to do there.

Well fortunately I have good news!

First, Guatemala is a relatively small country with loads to see and do. That means that even in a short amount of time, you can still cover a lot of ground and see most of Guatemala’s highlights.

Of course, if you don’t have much time that does mean it can be a bit overwhelming deciding where to go and what to leave out.

And as you may have already discovered, there are many blogs and guides online offering confusing information. People who claim to have written ‘The Ultimate Guatemala Itinerary in 10 days’ or ‘The ONLY Guatemala 2 week Itinerary you will ever need’ when in reality they were only there for a few days, or in some cases, not at all!

But don’t worry, because that’s not the case with this Guatemala guide.

About this Guatemala travel itinerary

I spent three months travelling and living in Guatemala. I’m an overthinker and a champion planner, so I did masses of research, read all the guides, studied other 10-day, 2-week, and 3-week Guatemala itineraries, and talked to a lot of fellow travellers.

I also leaned on my years of independent travel experience, taking into consideration important things like when the buses actually leave, and practical tips for backpacking in Guatemala .

So this guide is not only comprehensive, it’s also realistic!

During my travels around Guatemala, I learned a lot, made a few mistakes, and now I’m here to share my conclusions with you. This is not the exact route or timetable that I did – instead, I’ve used my experience and research to create what I think is probably the perfect Guatemala itinerary, whether you have 10 days, two weeks, or longer.

But just to be sure – and because everyone has different preferences, I’ve also offered alternatives so you can customise this Guatemala travel itinerary to suit you.

So read on to begin planning your Guatemala trip, and let the adventures begin!

Why visit Guatemala?

Guatemala is a beautiful country with plenty of attractions crammed into a relatively small area, and whether you’re into sightseeing, hiking, culture, or just relaxing, there’s something for everyone.

From the gorgeous colonial city of Antigua , to tropical jungle crammed with towering ancient temples, from the picturesque Lake Atitlán, to the highlands with dozens of volcanoes and hiking trails, to the colourful Maya culture and friendly people, Guatemala is a rich and varied country with plenty to keep you occupied on a two or three week trip.

And what’s more, not only is it one of cheapest places to travel in Central America, it’s also much less touristy than neighbouring countries like Mexico or Costa Rica. What’s not to love?!

The best time to do this Guatemala itinerary

Guatemala has two seasons, wet and dry. The dry season falls between November and April, and the rainy season is between May and October. I highly recommend trying to plan your visit during the dry season, when you’re likely to be treated to blue skies and good weather. However, since this is the more popular time to visit, you’ll find prices are higher and things book up more quickly, so be sure to plan ahead. If you visit around Easter, you’ll get to see the colourful Holy Week processions , but Antigua will be particularly busy.

During rainy season you’ll have more freedom to leave things to the last minute and prices will be lower, so there are advantages to travelling at this time! And don’t worry, although the weather is not as good, mornings are usually bright and dry, so you’ll still be able to get out and enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer.

How long to spend in Guatemala

To answer the question, ‘How many days in Guatemala’ rather depends on how much time and money you have. I was there for three months, after all! However if you want to see all the highlights as quickly as possible, without having a mental itinerary that leaves you no room for enjoyment, I’d say 2-3 weeks is optimal.

You can see the real highlights in 10 days, or even squeeze your trip into 9 days in Guatemala if you’re really pushed for time. But you’ll be a bit rushed, so if you can extend your trip up to two weeks, I’d recommend it.

Some people want to spend just a week in Guatemala. If that’s you, then I’d recommend just visiting Antigua and Lake Atitlan. You’ll have an amazing time without being too rushed, and you’ll just have to come back to see some of the other highlights another time!

Getting around in Guatemala

There’s no passenger rail service in Guatemala, so the only way to get around is by road. It is possible to rent a car, but the driving can be a bit mental, many of the roads are badly maintained, and it’s not considered safe to drive at night. So unless you’re confident driving in Central America, it’s not really recommended.

It’s much better to travel either by public bus, or by tourist shuttle.

Public transport in Guatemala

There are three kinds of public buses: micros, colectivos (known as ‘chicken buses’) and Pullmans.

• Micros are small minibuses seating up to about 15 passengers (though they will squeeze in as many as they can possibly fit!). These are for short journeys within towns and cities and usually cost no more than about Q2.5-5 (about 25-50p / 30-65c) per journey.
• However for short journeys it’s usually easier, safer, and not much more expensive to get an Uber or a taxi .
• Chicken buses (colectivos) are former US school buses that have been shipped over to Guatemala and customised with bright colours and flashing lights. They cover rural areas and towns, of journeys usually up to about an hour, and cost between Q10-25 (£1-2.50 or US$1.30-3.25) per person. For longer distances, you will probably need to change buses a few times. They are part of the Guatemala experience and worth a try at least once, but they’re not very safe or comfortable, so my recommendation is that for most of your Guatemala trip, you travel by tourist shuttle.
• Pullmans are the long-distance buses. They travel between cities and large towns like Guatemala City, Xela , Rio Dulce and Flores , as well as internationally to Belize, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras. They’re usually a lot more reliable and comfortable than the chicken buses and a bit more expensive (the 4.5-hour trip from Xela to Guatemala City cost me Q90 (£9 or US$12). But they are not door-to-door so you will have to get yourself to the bus terminal (usually easy enough by taxi).

Read more: Is Guatemala Safe? 60+ Practical Tips For Safe Travel In Guatemala

Tourist shuttles in Guatemala

Tourist shuttles are most people’s preferred way to travel around Guatemala. They are easily organised through your hotel or local travel agency, can be booked online, and will pick you up and drop you off door-to-door. They do cost a fair bit more than the public buses (typically about Q175-300 (£17-30 / US$23-40) depending on the distance), but for speed, convenience, safety and reliability, they’re the best way to travel. They’re also great for meeting fellow travellers going to the same destination as you.

For this Guatemala travel route I’ve assumed you’ll be taking tourist shuttles. That means that all journeys are planned for the morning, when most of the shuttles leave (though in high season there is usually an afternoon departure as well).

If you decide to travel by public transport, you may have a bit more flexibility with your timetable, but your journeys will take longer.

How expensive is Guatemala?

Compared to many other countries, Guatemala is cheap! Even a tourist shuttle journey of 8 hours will only cost you about Q300 (£30 or US$40) and a meal in a nice restaurant typically costs no more than Q100 (£10 or US$13) including a main course and a drink.

A private room in a basic hotel will set you back about Q300-500 (£30-50 or US$40-65). Hostel dorm beds can be as little as Q80-100 (£8-10 or US$11-13) a night!

That means that you can travel around Guatemala for 10 days or even two or three weeks, travelling by tourist shuttle and staying in fairly decent hotels, and not break the bank!

My 10 day, 2 week or 3 week Guatemala itinerary: the route

All versions of this itinerary follow more or less the same route – just with a bit more time and a couple of extra places added in for the longer versions.

As you’ll notice, this route skips out the far north, northwest and southwest of Guatemala, but it does take in all the major highlights, including the fabulous colonial city of Antigua , the beautiful Lake Atitlán, and the Maya ruins at Tikal. The 2- and 3-week itineraries give you a few extra days in these places and also add in Guatemala’s second city, Quetzaltenango (Xela) and the Caribbean coast areas of Rio Dulce and Livingston .

Guatemala 10 day Itinerary: Antigua – Lake Atitlan – Semuc Champey – Flores

This is the most compact version of my itinerary, allowing you to tick off all of Guatemala’s major highlights and strike a good balance between culture and adventure in a short amount of time. There are a few long bus rides, but you have time to recover in between, and it’s worth making the effort to see the very best Guatemala has to offer!

10 days in Guatemala: In detail

Day 1 – arrival.

Unless you’re coming overland from one of Guatemala’s neighbouring countries, your point of arrival will be La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

Guatemala City has little to recommend it: it’s dirty, dangerous, and most tourists do not venture here for good reason. On a short 10-day or 2-week trip to Guatemala there are better places to spend your time, so as soon as you arrive, hop in a taxi or shuttle and go straight to Antigua, just 1-2 hours’ drive from the city.

After your long journey it’s time to relax in your hotel, grab dinner at one of Antigua’s many cool restaurants, or if you feel like stretching your legs, hike the 25 minutes up to the viewpoint at Cerro de la Cruz to watch the sun set on your first day in Guatemala.

Where to stay in Antigua

• Budget: Yellow House. A cute and central hostel with small but nicely-decorated private rooms and shared bathrooms. Yellow House has a friendly vibe, is spotlessly clean, and has a pretty roof terrace with space to work, read, or chat to your fellow guests.
• Mid-range: Ojala. A hostel-slash-hotel with very affordable dorm rooms, and charming private rooms that are much nicer but also more expensive. Ojala is just a couple of blocks from the Parque Central and has its own courtyard café.
• Luxury: Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo. Located in a grand and historic former convent, Casa Santo Domingo is an Antigua icon, with a huge complex including courtyards, a pool, restaurant, spa and gym, art gallery, archaeological museum and more.
• Retreat: Villa Bokéh. Villa Bokéh is about 10 minutes’ taxi ride outside central Antigua, but the journey is worth it for a chance to stay in this exquisite designer mansion set in 6 acres of parkland, with huge rooms decorated with local art and a celebrated on-site restaurant.

Read more: A Review Of Villa Bokeh, A Luxury Hotel In Antigua Guatemala

Day 2 – Explore Antigua

Antigua is the jewel in Guatemala’s crown: a gorgeous and colourful colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with masses to see and do. Today is your chance to explore.

Visit some of the many historic buildings, from the iconic Santa Catalina arch and the ruined Las Capuchinas Convent, to the historic cathedral, devastated by earthquakes. Pick up beautiful woven textiles or handcrafted wooden toys in the many shops, visit the jade museum or the art and history museums at Casa Santo Domingo, or just explore Antigua’s celebrated coffee scene in the many cafés.

Read more: 28 Tried And Tested Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala

If you’re into hiking, you could also do a morning or afternoon half-day tour to hike up Volcan Pacaya . Tours leave at 6 am or 2 pm and last about four hours, only about an hour of which is actually hiking up the volcano, so don’t worry, it’s not far!

If you’re on Instagram, check out my Hiking Volcan Pacaya reel for more information.

However, if hiking is really your thing, I’d recommend staying in Antigua a couple of extra days to climb Acatenango instead. Jump down to my two- or three-week itineraries to find out more about this epic adventure.

You can also get more inspiration on what to do in Antigua from my Things to Do In Antigua reel.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bella 📸 Passport & Pixels (@passportandpixels)

Day 3 – Antigua to Lake Atitlán

Plenty of companies offer shared shuttles from Antigua to Panajachel (aka ‘Pana’), the gateway to Lake Atitlán. The journey only takes a couple of hours, so if you leave at 8 am you’ll be at the Lake by mid-morning. Check into your hotel in Pana and then you’ll have the rest of the day to begin exploring.  

Some options for your first afternoon include:

• Take a tuktuk or a pickup to Santa Catarina Palopó , the colourful painted town with Instagrammable houses everywhere you look.
• Continue your journey beyond Santa Catarina to San Antonio Palopó, famed for its handcrafted ceramics and where all the women wear the traditional blue and purple handwoven ‘traje’ (costume).
• Take a ‘lancha’ (public boat) to San Marcos to explore the Lake’s ‘spiritual town’ and do a yoga class or get a massage.
• Head to Santa Cruz La Laguna for a 3-hour Maya cookery class and learn how to make authentic Maya dishes.

Getting about on Lake Atitlán

Moving about on the Lake can bit a bit unpredictable: the public boats don’t run to any kind of reliable schedule so sometimes you can get lucky and grab a quick departure; other times you may be waiting up to an hour for the boat to fill up and leave. In addition, if you have a lot of stuff, you’ll soon get tired of lugging it between towns and on and off boats. Since you don’t have much time, I think it’s far better to just base yourself in one place (probably Panajachel as it’s the best connected town on the Lake), and then do day trips from there.

The only exception to this is if you have any pre-dawn starts, as the boats don’t run at night. For the sunrise ‘El Rostro Maya’ (Indian Nose) hike or San Pedro Volcano you’ll need to stay the night before in San Pedro, and if you want to do a dawn birdwatching tour to see a Guatemalan quetzal bird you’ll need to stay the night in Santiago Atitlán.

The first boat is usually around 6 am, and the last boat somewhere between 4.30 and 7 depending on the destination. Make sure you check and keep an eye on the time or you may end up stranded on the wrong side of the lake.

Read more: How To See The Resplendent Quetzal Bird In Guatemala

Where to stay in Panajachel

• Budget: Hospedaje El Viajero. This is where I stayed for several nights in Pana. With a dozen private rooms arranged around a central courtyard right on the main street and a short walk from the pier, El Viajero is astoundingly cheap and the best-value place in town. There’s even a talking parrot!
• Mid-range: Regis Hotel Spa. Just off the main street and a short walk from the lake, Regis Hotel Spa has spacious and clean rooms with a pretty garden, a hot tub, and on-site massages.
• Luxury: Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo. The four-star Don Rodrigo hotel overlooks the lake and has spacious rooms, a pool, gardens and an on-site restaurant.
• Retreat: Casa Palopó. For a taste of genuine luxury on the lake, splash out and head to the stunning boutique hotel Casa Palopó at Santa Caterina Palopó, about a 15 minute taxi or tuktuk ride outside Panajachel.

Day 4 – Explore Lake Atitlan

Today you have a full day to explore the stunning Lake Atitlan. With vivid blue waters, and surrounded by rolling green hillsides and three volcanos, it’s not surprising it’s been described as the most beautiful lake in the world.

The water tends to be calmer in the mornings, so if you’re into kayaking, do that first. Later, take a lancha to one of the towns you haven’t seen yet, such as:

• San Juan La Laguna. Probably my favourite of the Lake towns, with a prettily-decorated main street, plenty of art and craft shops, and masses of colourful street art . If you have time, hike up to the mirador (viewpoint) for stunning lake views, or take this comprehensive 5-hour walking tour that includes visits to art galleries, local family homes, and a women’s weaving cooperative.
• Santiago Atitlán. The largest town on the Lake with a very traditional feel. Visit the market, the main church, the mirador over the Lake, and the many shops selling beautiful embroidery and woodwork. If you’re into birdwatching, you can also take a tour from Santiago Atitlán to try to spot Guatemala’s national bird, the resplendent quetzal . Birding tours leave at dawn, so if you want to do this, it’s better not to stay in Panajachel but instead take the last boat to Santiago Atitlan at 4 pm the day before and stay the night there.
• San Pedro La Laguna. More touristy, and more of a party town, with plenty of hostels, bars and restaurants. If that’s not your scene, San Pedro does get quieter the further away you stay from the main jetty.

In general, and to allow for boat delays, I’d say you have enough time to see one town in the morning and one in the afternoon, except for where you can travel more quickly between towns by tuktuk or pickup, such as San Juan to San Pedro, and Santa Catarina/San Antonio to Panajachel.

Where you stay on night four will depend on what you want to do the next day. If you’d like to go hiking, it’s better to base yourself in San Pedro; if not, head back to Panajachel.

Read more: Guatemala People: 30 Portraits Of Guatemalans That Show Their Rich Culture

Where to stay in San Pedro

• Budget: AmiGos Hostel. The popular backpackers’ choice, AmiGos is a friendly place with cheap dorm rooms and clean, good value privates. Some of the rooms have lake views.
• Mid-range: Mikaso Hotel. Located on the quiet side of town away from the noise of the party bars, Mikaso is a beautiful old property right on the water’s edge. Staff are friendly and helpful and some of the rooms have patios overlooking the lake. Be warned that their hot water is pumped by electricity, so during rainy season power cuts you may not be able to have a hot shower.
• Luxury: Sababa Resort. The four-star Sababa Resort overlooks the Lake and also has a restaurant, swimming pool, garden and bar. Rooms are modern and clean and breakfast is included.

Day 5 – Hiking or Markets around Lake Atitlan

If you’re into hiking, today’s the day for you! San Pedro is the gateway to two popular hikes, the relatively easy but early 1-hour climb up to the Indian Nose viewpoint (El Rostro Maya) for sunrise, or the harder 6-hour morning hike up to the top of Volcan San Pedro and back again.

If you’re extra keen, you can book a private tour and do both in one day, starting at around 4 am for El Rostro Maya, returning for a quick breakfast at about 7.30, and then summiting San Pedro volcano at about midday. Be aware that the clouds can often roll in over the volcano mid-morning, so if the views are important to you, it’s better to skip Indian Nose and leave earlier.

Read more: Backpacking in Guatemala: All You Need To Know Before You Go

If you’re not a hiker, head to one of the region’s most famous and colourful markets. The biggest and most famous is Chichicastenango, which takes place on Thursdays and Sundays; shuttles will pick you up from your hostel first thing in the morning an bring you back at 2 pm.  

Chichicastenango market is vividly chaotic, a buzzing extravaganza of buying and selling that will take your breath away, and if you can arrange to be there on a Thursday or Sunday, I highly recommend a visit.

If this doesn’t fit your schedule, an alternative is the colourful Friday market at Sololá , just 20 minutes away from Panajachel. Travel there by chicken bus, or take a tour with a local Maya guide which also includes a visit to another Maya village and the chance to witness a Maya ceremony.

Whatever you end up doing, you’ll need to head back to Panajachel for the night, ready for your bus the next day.

Day 6 – Travel to Lanquín / Semuc Champey

Book a morning shuttle from Panajachel to Lanquín, the gateway to Semuc Champey . This takes 8-10 hours, so make sure you’ve got your headphones and music handy and watch the Guatemalan countryside roll by. The bus will drop you on the edge of Lanquín, from where your hotel will pick you up – don’t forget to book ahead and tell them you’re coming!

Note that this drive will be shorter if you start from Antigua. Depending on the time you arrive on Day 1, you could consider swapping the Lake Atitlán and Antigua legs of this Guatemala travel itinerary around, so you go to the Lake first. This would make your first day longer, but cut down the journey time to Semuc Champey.

Or you could hop back to Antigua for one night after you’ve been to the Lake, ready to head to Semuc Champey in the morning.

Read more: 30 Beautiful Pictures Of Guatemala And The Stories Behind Them

Where to stay at Semuc Champey

• Party Hostel: Greengos. I didn’t stay here myself but I heard good things from people who had. Greengos is just a short walk from Semuc Champey itself, with large dorms, private rooms, a bar and a pool. It’s famously a party hostel though, so don’t stay here if that’s not your vibe.
• Chilled out: Utopia Eco Hotel. Utopia has rustic cabins nestled in the jungle, a friendly communal area and a yoga studio. Morning yoga is free, and dinners are vegetarian and eaten together, family-style. I spent two nights here and really liked the friendly atmosphere; I enjoyed the bugs and mosquitoes a little less, but that’s the jungle for you!

Day 7 – Semuc Champey

One of the greatest natural wonders of Guatemala, Semuc Champey is a 300m-long limestone bridge over the rushing river Cahabón, topped with clear turquoise pools that are great for swimming. There’s a 30-minute hike up to a mirador for stunning views, and the surrounding jungle is home to wildlife including howler monkeys and toucans.

Arrange a drop off and pickup with your hostel, or you can book a full day tour that also includes an underground candlelit adventure to some nearby caves.

Check out my Semuc Champey Reel on Instagram for more inspiration.

Read more: Semuc Champey Guatemala: All You Need To Know Before You Go

Day 8 – Travel to Flores

Another big journey I’m afraid, but it’s worth it to get to Flores ! Book the morning shuttle through your hostel, which will also drop you back into Lanquín town to meet it. The shuttle costs about Q300 (US$40) and takes 6-8 hours depending on the roads.

You should arrive in plenty of time to wander the tiny and colourful Isla de Flores before enjoying dinner and a drink while watching the sun set over Lake Peten Itzá.

Where to stay in Flores

• Budget: Los Amigos Hostel. With colourfully-decorated dorms, spacious private rooms, an excellent bar and restaurant, an in-house travel agency, and some of the nicest staff I met in my entire time in Guatemala, Los Amigos really does deserve all its glowing reviews.  It’s a bit of a party hostel, but private rooms are tucked away on the upper floors and the main bar shuts at 10, so it wasn’t a problem for me.
• Mid Range: Ramada by Wyndham Tikal Isla de Flores. A modern chain hotel right on the waterfront, the Ramada Flores is a reliable stalwart with an outdoor pool and spa.  
• Luxury: Hotel Isla de Flores. A beautiful and central boutique hotel with large and stylish rooms and a swimming pool, the Isla de Flores is the sister hotel to the atmospheric Jungle Lodge at Tikal and staff can arrange airport pickups and transfers between the two.

For more inspiration, check out my Things To Do In Flores reel on Instagram.

Day 9 – Tikal

Tikal was one of the most powerful cities in the Maya civilisation and is one of the highlights on any itinerary for Guatemala. Today it’s a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where towering ancient temples loom mysteriously out of the thick tropical jungle, while spider monkeys jump through the trees above your head.

You can get a public bus there and pay the standard Q100 (£10 or US$13) day entry fee to walk around by yourself, but I highly recommend taking a guided tour from Flores so you know what you’re looking at and can learn more about the magnificent Ancient Maya.

There are sunrise, early morning, daytime and sunset tours, but be aware that as well as paying for the park entry fee and the cost of the tour/guide, if you choose to do sunset or sunrise you will have to buy an additional Q150 ticket to be allowed into the park after hours.

I’d recommend either doing the morning tour for maximum time in the park, or if the forecast is good, the afternoon and sunset tour. Depending on your itinerary for the next day, you could also spend a night in the park, for the chance to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

For more inspiration, here’s my Visiting Tikal reel on Instagram.

Where to stay at Tikal

• Budget: Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostel. Private rooms with shared bathrooms which are attached to the hotel of the same name (see below). Rooms are smaller and darker than the posh hotel ones, but other than that the Jungle Lodge Hostel is the same place, so you get access to all the facilities including the restaurant and pool. A great option for a chance to stay inside the park without breaking the bank.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Tikal Inn. One of only three hotels inside the park, this is the best one that’s not Jungle Lodge. Tikal Inn also has rustic cabins in the jungle, with a pool; it’s not quite as posh as Jungle Lodge, but it’s also a fair bit cheaper.
• Luxury: Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal. The priciest and probably the fanciest of the three hotels at Tikal, Jungle Lodge has private bungalows tucked away down shady jungle paths, though having stayed here I’m not convinced that you get much extra luxury or service for your money. Note that the wifi doesn’t reach to the rooms and there’s no phone signal either.

Read more: A Colourful Guide To Flores Guatemala: Gateway To The Maya World

Day 10 – Departure and onward connections

If you’re heading back to Guatemala City, you can either take an internal flight from Flores airport (several a day, takes about 45 minutes), or get your hostel to book you a shuttle (which takes a very tedious 10 hours). Note that shuttles leave early so if you want to do this, you won’t be able to stay at Tikal the night before.

From Flores you can also get buses to Belize or, if you’re doing my 14-day itinerary, head to Rio Dulce instead.

And that’s the end of your 10-day tour of Guatemala! As you can see, it’s pretty jam-packed with a few long bus rides, so my recommendation, if you can possibly spare the time, is to squeeze in a few extra days and spend 2 weeks in Guatemala instead.

Keep reading to find out more.

A Guatemala 2 week itinerary: Antigua – Xela – Lake Atitlán – Semuc Champey – Flores

If you’re planning to spend 2 weeks in Guatemala, this version of the itinerary follows a similar route, but adds in one of the country’s top highlights, Volcan Acatenango , as well as the second city, Xela and ideally an extra day in Flores .

With 4-5 extra days you get a chance to see more of the highlights, and a bit more time to recover between long bus journeys.

My Guatemala Itinerary in 2 weeks: the detail

Days 1 and 2 – arrival and antigua.

These are the same as for the 10-day itinerary above.

Day 3 – Hike Volcán de Acatenango

Today is your chance to experience one of the highlights not only of Guatemala, but all of Central America. Volcan de Fuego is one of the most active volcanos in the world, and it’s very close to Antigua Guatemala. To see it, you need to hike up the next-door volcano, Acatenango, from where you get a front row seat to the action. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable campsite with views of Fuego erupting late into the night, before descending the next day .

Read more: The Thrilling Volcan De Acatenango Hike In Antigua Guatemala

Since this is a two-day commitment, it’s a stretch to fit it into a 10-day trip unless you miss something else spectacular, but it’s absolutely worth trying to fit this incredible experience into your Guatemala itinerary if you can. Click here to book your Acatenango overnight tour right now!

Or get a sense of what it’s like via my Hiking Acatenango Instagram reel .

Day 4 – Acatenango descent and relax

You’ll descend Acatenango the next morning and be back at your hostel by lunchtime. Have a shower and a nap, and then spend the afternoon relaxing at the Casa Santo Domingo spa or chilling out in a café or bar.

Day 5 – To Quetzaltenango (Xela)

Time to wave goodbye to Antigua and head to Guatemala’s second city, Quetzaltenango, known locally as Xela (pronounced Shella). Xela is very different from Antigua and much less touristy: it’s a traditional, hardworking city, friendly but conservative, and the heartland of the Maya culture.

The journey from Antigua to Xela only takes around three hours. Have lunch at one of the restaurants in near the Parque Central and then spend the afternoon exploring the city.

Read more: The Complete Guide To Xela Guatemala: Things To See And Do

Where to stay in Xela

• Budget: Casa Kiwi. Xela’s popular party hostel, Casa Kiwi attracts a more energetic crowd, thanks to its rooftop bar and dorm rooms. They also have a travel agency to help you organise your excursions and shuttles.
• Mid-range:   Muchá Arte Hostal. The best place to stay in Xela, and not even that mid-range as it’s actually pretty cheap. Muchá has six huge and comfortable rooms arranged round two sunny central courtyards. There’s a kitchen guests can use, a delicious breakfast is included, the staff are incredibly friendly and it’s spotlessly clean. I ended up staying for two months. Book early to avoid disappointment (you can always cancel later).
• Luxury: LATAM hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango. Located a little way outside the city centre, Plaza Pradera has clean and modern rooms, a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and a restaurant on site.

Day 6 – Explore around Xela

One of the main reasons people come to Xela is for the hiking opportunities, and today’s your chance to take advantage. Tackle one of the big volcanoes like Santa Maria or, if it’s safe to do so, Tajumulco, the highest peak in Central America. Or for something a little less strenuous but still rewarding, head for the spiritual crater lake Laguna Chicabal, or the Maya religious site of Cerro Quemado .

Read more: A Sunrise Hike Up Volcan Santa Maria In Xela, Guatemala

If you’re not a big hiker, an alternative option would be to take a day trip to one of Xela’s many nearby attractions, such as the colourful town of San Andres Xecul, the Friday market at San Francisco El Alto, or the hot springs at Fuentes Georginas.

Read more: Visiting San Andres Xecul, Guatemala: Home Of The Famous Yellow Church

Days 7-13: Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, Flores and Tikal

These days are the same as for the 10-day itinerary.

Day 14 – Around Flores

On your return from Tikal, I highly recommend heading back to Flores and spending another day exploring the area. If you haven’t had enough of Maya ruins, head to Yaxhá which, while not as big as Tikal, is still magnificent. You can either do a morning tour with lunch , or an afternoon tour to watch the sun set over the ruins with almost no one else around.

Other options include a trip to swim in the crystal-clear Blue Crater , walking on bridges through the jungle canopy at Skyway Ixpanpajúl, or exploring the nearby town of El Remate or the Isla de Flores viewpoint.

There are reels on Instagram for more inspiration.

• Things To Do In Flores
• Visiting the Ruins of Yaxha
• Visiting the Crater Azul

Day 15 – Back to Guatemala City or on to Belize

As with the 10-day itinerary, this is just a travel day as you sadly say farewell to Guatemala.

3 week Guatemala itinerary: Antigua – Xela – Lake Atitlán – Semuc Champey – Flores – Rio Dulce

So you’ve read this far and still want more? Good for you!

Here’s my suggested itinerary if you have three weeks to spare in Guatemala. As before, it’s pretty much the same as the 10-day and two week itineraries, but with bonus features!

Guatemala 3 week itinerary: the detail

As you can see from the outline above, this Guatemala 3 week itinerary is pretty similar to the 2 week one, just with more time to relax and enjoy places, and a few extra things added in:

• I’ve added an extra day in Antigua on Day 5. It’s a beautiful city, and it really is very easy to just chill out here and enjoy the vibe.
• I also added an extra day in Xela on Day 8 so you don’t have to choose between hiking and a cultural day trip, you can do both!
• Similarly, there’s now an extra day at the Lake, so you can visit Chichicastenango , do a hike, or go quetzal spotting without having to miss anything. Since you’ll have a bit more time, you should be able to shuffle your schedule around so one of your lake days coincides with Chichi’s Thursday or Sunday market days.

• If birdwatching is really your thing, another option would be to add in a day in Coban instead. Coban is close to Lanquín, and home to the Biotopo del Quetzal, a nature reserve where you stand a good chance of spotting Guatemala’s national bird. If you want to do this, get a shuttle from Panajachel to Coban and stay the night there; in the morning you can do a sunrise birdwatching tour, before carrying on to your Semuc Champey accommodation at the end of the day.
• After Flores , I’ve added in a new destination to break up your journey back to Guatemala City: Rio Dulce. Rio Dulce town is gritty and unimpressive, but the river that flows from the town to Guatemala’s Caribbean coast is famed for its beautiful scenery, bird life, and tranquil backwaters dotted with relaxing eco lodges that are only accessible by boat. Stay a couple of nights at one of them, relax and go kayaking on the river, or take a day trip to the coastal town of Livingston and check out the Caribbean vibe.

Read more: Rio Dulce Guatemala: Is The ‘Sweet River’ Worth It?

Where to stay in Rio Dulce

• Budget: Hotel Kangaroo Rio Dulce. Just a short boat hop from where the bus gets in, Hotel Kangaroo has cheap dorms and private rooms set in lush tropical jungle, a hot tub, and a boat shuttle pickup from Rio Dulce.
• Mid-range: El Hotelito Perdido. This is where I stayed for three nights. Hotelito Perdido is a charming eco-retreat that garners rave reviews, with shady jungle gardens, a dock for swimming in the river, paddleboards and kayaks to rent, cute jungle cabins (there’s a dorm too) and enormous breakfasts. Note that everything is solar powered so the wifi is rubbish and the fans are weak – when I was there it was almost unbearably hot and humid but the place itself is delightful.
• Luxury: Boatique Hotel and Marina. Boasting charming eco-cabins in the jungle just 10-minutes by boat from Rio Dulce town, Boatique Hotel has everything the other places have but with the addition of a swimming pool and air-conditioning!

A Guatemala itinerary coming from Mexico

If you’re entering Guatemala from Mexico , the easiest way to get here is by tourist shuttle from San Cristobal de las Casa to Xela. In that case just amend this itinerary so you start in Xela, then go to Lake Atitlán, then Antigua, and carry on from there.

A Guatemala itinerary coming from El Salvador or Honduras

If you’re coming from the south, your arrival point will likely be either Guatemala City or Antigua, so you can follow this itinerary as written.

A Guatemala trip itinerary coming from Belize

If you’re coming from Belize your point of entry to Guatemala will be Flores. In that case you’ll need to do this itinerary in reverse: Flores first, then Semuc Champey, then Rio Dulce if you have time, Antigua, Xela, Lake Atillán, and back to the city.

Getting from Semuc Champey to Rio Dulce

Note that if you want to travel from Semuc Champey to Rio Dulce (or vice versa if you prefer), the road between the two is bad! Unsealed, bumpy, and potholey. Shuttles don’t run every day, only when there are enough people, so if you’re travelling alone you may have to wait a day or two. And during rainy season the road may be impassable.

That said, it is doable (I did it!), and although the road was bumpy, the journey only took about 5 hours and we made the boat in time, so it was ok. Just note that the road is very dusty, so if the vehicle is a pickup with an open back, try to sit inside the cab if you can or you’ll end up orange!

I made a reel about this one too.

And that’s it! Three options for a Guatemala itinerary in ten days, two weeks or three weeks. Hopefully they will help you plan your perfect Guatemala adventure.

New posts on most of these destinations, and much more practical advice for travelling Guatemala will be added to the blog over the coming weeks and months, so check back soon, or subscribe for updates .

Where to next?

If you liked this, here are some more Guatemala posts you might enjoy:

• The Complete Guide To Xela Guatemala: Things To See And Do
• Visiting San Andres Xecul, Guatemala: Home Of The Famous Yellow Church
• The Colourful Market In Solola Guatemala: A Photo Guide
• A Sunrise Hike Up Volcan Santa Maria In Xela, Guatemala
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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

Further Reading...

The Thrilling Volcan De Acatenango Hike In Antigua Guatemala

Chobe Safari Lodge In Botswana: A Complete Review With Photos

Leroo La Tau In Botswana: See The Incredible Zebra Migration

The expert guide to xela guatemala: things to see and do, chichicastenango market in guatemala: a photo guide.

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Backpacking Guatemala and Belize – 14 Day Itinerary with Map (2023)

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2 countries, 1 trip. Spend 10 days backpacking Guatemala and 4 days backpacking Belize on this roundtrip. See the highlights of both countries like the Acatenango volcano, Tikal, and Lake Atitlan in Guatemala as well as the ATM Cave and the Caribbean beaches of Belize.

When planning a Guatemala backpacking trip, you should consider adding backpacking in Belize to your Guatemala itinerary!

If you’re planning a trip to Belize and Guatemala you can see the highlights of two countries. Let’s be honest: Guatemala does a lot of things great. The Acatenango volcano is truly the highlight of any Central America trip and the Tikal ruins are amongst the most impressive we’ve visited. Other things it does not do that great. The Caribbean beaches of Livingston and co pale against their Belizean counterparts. So why not combine both countries in one itinerary to get the best of both worlds?

This two week Guatemala and Belize itinerary provides you with the bare minimum of time you’ll need to explore the two countries. In places like Hopkins, Belize, or Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala, you might be very much tempted to prolong your stay - and we encourage you to do so if you have the time!

• How to get around in Guatemala

Like so many travellers, we resorted to shuttles in Guatemala. They are easy to book, frequent in between the major tourist destinations, and relatively cheap. Most of the time, you can just walk into a local travel agency and book your shuttle for the next leg of the trip - it’s also much more affordable than booking online.

• How to get around in Belize

Unlike in Guatemala, there is no well-established shuttle infrastructure in Belize. You’ll mostly find private shuttles for some steep prices. But also unlike in Guatemala, the public buses are easy to navigate and hence an affordable alternative. There are two main routes: the NorthSouth route and the East-West route which meet in the capital Belmopan. The Belize bus schedule can be found here.

• Budget Guatemala

Depending on your style of travel, you need to budget around 50 USD per person and day for this trip - both for Guatemala and Belize. Admittedly, we haven’t done Guatemala on a super tight budget (especially avoiding the local buses) but it’s still not a super budget-friendly destination as many other travellers confirmed. Having a transfer or tour almost every second day adds up but you also get to see a lot.

The majority of this cost for Guatemala will be:

• Accommodation: 15 USD
• Food: 10 USD
• Transfers or tours: 25 USD, tours are cheaper than in Belize but of course, transfers are more expensive than public buses
• Budget Belize
• Transfers or tours: 25 USD, tours are much more expensive than in Guatemala but you can save a lot of money by using public buses.

How to get from Guatemala Airport to Antigua

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Antigua is a great first stop to arrive in Guatemala. It offers great food and drinks - from craft beer and artisanal coffee to traditional cuisine and street food. Wonder the streets, if you have time take a walking tour, settle in and relax after a potentially long travel day.

Here are some of our favourite food and drinks options:

• Best coffee: Fat Cat
• Best local food: The market
• Best bar: Antigua Brewing Company

The easiest answer is Uber. It costs around 20$ and takes around 2 hours depending on the time of day - allow some extra time for heavy traffic.

Day 2 and 3 - Hike Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes

This will be one of the highlights of your trip! The hike up takes around 6 hours (depending on your fitness) with an extra 5-hour hike to Fuego (only go there if you’re incredibly fit). It’s a 1500 m (1 mi) elevation gain on very gravelly, slippery ground. The reward of your struggles? An amazing view from Acatenango to Fuego, which normally erupts around every 15 minutes. At night, you can see lava flowing if you’re lucky.

Easy. Take a tour.

Travel Guides

6 Best Guatemala Acatenango Tours (2023)

Planning to go on a Acatenango hike tour? We present the 6 best options for your Guatemala Acatenango hike!

As the hike to the volcano is super tough, we would recommend an extra day to relax in Antigua. We also found that the sleep at 3.7 km (2.3 mi) elevation is not as restful as one might think after such a strenuous hike... You can just continue your food tour or book a relaxing massage.

Day 5 and 6 - Guatemala to Belize - Antigua to Hopkins

This will be the longest travel of your entire trip but it will be very straightforward and you can interrupt it in a beautiful place like Rio Dulce. If you have more time, this is another great place to stay a day or two longer.

Easy and straightforward: Take a shuttle 😉

It depends on when the shuttle arrives in Rio Dulce. Currently, three boats a day (9:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:00 pm) leave from Rio Dulce to Livingston. The early shuttles should drop you off in time for the last boat. If not, you can easily spend a night in Rio Dulce which we found to be quite charming.

Warning: If you spend the night in Rio Dulce, you’ll either have to spend another night in Livingston as currently, the only boat from Livingston to Punta Gorda leaves at 7:00 am. You can also rent a private boat which will be much more expensive.

The boat from Livingston to Punta Gorda currently does not leave every day so you might catch the boat from Puerto Barrios as an alternative.

As the boat leaves at 7 am and takes around an hour, you can easily catch a northbound bus from Punta Gorda to Dangriga. Jump out at Hopkins section and take a shared taxi (10 BZD) into town.

Hopkins is our favourite place in all of Belize . The beach is long, clean and beautiful. You can also experience Garifuna culture - how about a drum circle or a cooking class? For us, it’s the better alternative to just visiting Livingston in Guatemala. In our opinion, it’s also the better alternative to Caye Caulker as the beach is actually sandy and there are more things to do - how about an off-the-beaten-path bioluminescent lagoon or the world’s only jaguar reserve ?

The food options here are delightful as well. From Garifuna dishes at Queen Bean to Western cuisine at Peer’s Place, there’s everything your stomach could desire - including coconuts on the beach.

Day 8 - Way to San Ignacio

San Ignacio is the adventure hub in western Belize. Here, you can visit waterfalls, Belize’s biggest Mayan ruin Caracol, and caves. If you ask us, the ATM cave is a must on your Belize trip!

San Ignacio is also the town in Belize where we found the cheapest and most abundant street food. If you’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss the market! Burns Avenue offers a lot of nice bars and restaurants.

Hop back on the northbound bus to Dangriga and further to the capital Belmopan. Here, change to a westbound bus to San Ignacio. You might have to wait a bit if the next bus is already fully booked.

Day 9 - Day trip from San Ignacio to the ATM Cave

This might be controversial but we recommend going to San Ignacio / the ATM cave instead of Semuc Champey and the Kanba Caves, Guatemala. The way to Semuc Champey is very long and windy. Although in another country, San Ignacio can be much easier reached from Flores.

Additionally, we have learned that walking through the Kanba Caves in Guatemala with candles is really detrimental to the ecosystem. In contrast, the tours in Belize are very environmentally conscious. They can only enter with socks so you don’t contaminate the cave floor. You’ll get all the same adventure but with some additional Mayan artefacts as a bonus.

If you are also craving the pools of Semuc Champey, San Ignacio has the Rio On Pools to offer. You can bathe and slide in picturesque pools with small waterfalls - completely without the crowds! On our visit, we were the only tourists - almost unheard of in Semuc Champey. You just have to budget another day, but in San Ignacio, that’s easily possible.

You need a guide to enter the cave so it’s easiest to book a tour. The experience is totally worth it. We loved our guide JC from Mayawalk Tours.

17 Amazing San Ignacio Belize Tours (2023)

The best tours in San Ignacio Belize from caves to Mayan ruins and so much more!

Day 10 - Belize Guatemala border - from San Ignacio to Flores

If you leave early in the morning, you’ll have half a day enjoying Flores. You can swim in Lake Peten, take a lancha out, or feast in one of the amazing restaurants.

Take a taxi to the border. We took Silent Lion Shuttle for 15 USD and were really happy with the service. After you have completed all the border formalities, you can easily walk to the colectivo station (we marked it on the map) - don’t let tours tell you otherwise.

Day 11 - Day trip from Flores to Tikal

The Tikal Mayan ruins are amazing. You can easily spend a whole day or even more there. The city covered an area greater than 16 square kilometres (6.2 sq mi) and included about 3,000 structures. Even if You’re not the biggest history buff, the Great Plaza with its two great pyramids as well as the North and Central Acropolis will impress you. Don’t miss the Star Wars Temple: Temple IV was featured in (you guessed it) Star Wars Episode IV. And the view is impressive even if you’re not a Star Wars nerd. Our second favourite viewpoint is the pyramid in the Mundo Perdido. This is also the second area we recommend you not to miss.

The easiest way is taking a shuttle or a tour.

The Best Tikal Tours from Flores (2023)

Tours to Tikal Guatemala combine transfers and guides to make your experience hassle free and convenient.

Flores and its surroundings are easily beautiful enough to spend a day. You can do a lot of things.

• Rent a kayak
• Take a lancha to Museo Santa Barbara, Jorge’s Swing Rope, or Playa Chechenal
• Walk around the island (this should only take you 30 minutes)

Day 13 - Way to Lake Atitlan

Even when you leave super early, you’ll lose a whole day in the shuttle. Most shuttles will drop you off in Panajachel which is easily nice enough to spend one night. The morning views of the lake are spectacular here.

We recommend a shuttle again. The trip takes at least 15 hours (also depending on where you want to go on the lake) so it will not be possible to do it in one go during the daylight hours.

Day 14 - Relax at Lake Atitlan

If you’re not seriously into shopping, Panajachel is not the place for you. We have personally explored several towns and can recommend:

• San Pedro for a backpacker scene, parties, and language schools
• San Marcos for spirituality, yoga, vegan food, and rock climbing
• Santa Cruz for great views, nice hostels, and scuba diving

Other places that have been recommended to us:

• Tzununa for a more low key version of San Marcos
• San Juan for a local feel with loads of arts and crafts (outdoors and in shops)

Easy - you move around Laka Atitlan by boat or Lancha. Just go to the dock we marked on our map in Panajachel and hop on the next boat to the destination of your choice. They leave very frequently during the daylight hours.

More backpacking Central America resources:

Belize Backpacking – Belize 2 Week Itinerary (2023)

Our itinerary for Belize features Orange Walk Town, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Dangriga, Tobacco Caye, and San Ignacio. This Backpacking in Belize guide includes the highlights and hidden gems: from the beaches of the atolls in Belize to the waterfalls and caves of the mainland.

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7 Best things to do in Orange Walk, Belize (2023)

Our bucketlist2life comprehensive Orange Walk, Belize travel guide gives you all the information you need for backpacking Orange Walk town with public transport. From the highlight Lamanai to lesser known Mayan ruins like Nohmul, from the best food to local sightseeing - our travel blog has got you covered.

Efficient Central America Itinerary (8 Countries, 1-3 Months)

We compiled a comprehensive backpacking Central America route – 8 countries, 1-3 months, 28 stops, no flying (just public transport).

10 Cheap Mexican beach towns (2023)

It is still possible to spend less than 30$ a day in beach towns in Mexico! Travelbloggers share the cheapest Mexican beach towns with saving tips.

EASY 1 week El Salvador itinerary - Why you should not skip it!

There are a lot of beautiful places in El Salvador so you should definitely include it in your Central America itinerary. Backpacking El Salvador rewards you with lovely people and good infrastructure. From the beaches of El Tunco to the volcano in Santa Ana and the mountain villages of the Ruta de las Flores - we show you the best places to visit in El Salvador.

Honduras Backpacking Guide and Itinerary with Map

Wondering if you should go backpacking in Honduras? We say yes, don’t skip it! We have got you covered for your backpacking trip to Honduras: This blog post will inform you how to get around Honduras, what to do in Honduras, and showcase the best Honduras backpacking routes.

How to Travel the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua on a Budget (2023)

If you’re backpacking Nicaragua, the Caribbean coast belongs to the best places in Nicaragua you can visit. Our complete travel guide to the Nicaragua Caribbean coast gives you travel tips for the best beaches, the best places, and the best Caribbean islands in Nicaragua - all on a budget and mostly with public transport.

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11 Best Hostels in Costa Rica (real travellers recommend)

Backpacking Costa Rica and looking for a hostel? Real travellers share the best hostel Costa Rica has to offer in their opinion.

Complete Panama itinerary - 14 - 21 days, 5 - 8 stops

Most Panama itineraries that you find online will only include the Panama highlights like Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Panama City, or Boquete. In our Panama itinerary, we feature some off-the-beaten path destinations like Boca Chica, Santa Catalina or Valle de Anton to include in your Panama backpacking trip.

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