Today, make your own way to your home airport and board your flight to Guatemala. Your adventure begins!
Upon arrival at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City you will be met and transferred to your accommodations in Antigua - approximately a 1 hour drive.
Following breakfast this morning meet your guide and experience the beautiful Colonial city of Antigua.
Signature Experience: Antigua Streets and Eats Tour - Half Day tour
Everyday Cuisine that Locals Love
This feast for the senses combines the robust flavours of Antigua's street food with this colonial city's colourful traditions, culture, and history. Shoes and appetite ready, you will begin the walking tour along charming cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted Spanish colonial architecture, stopping to learn about the history of some of Antigua's most picturesque sights. Then it's on to some of the comedores (eateries) most loved by locals. If you like you may sample delicious, authentic Guatemalan cuisine such as chuchitos (Guatemala-style tamales), pupusas (cheese-filled corn tortillas), rellenitos (plantain dough filled with beans and then fried), and even pigs' feet (if you dare!). You will learn about the cultural background of these everyday delicacies as your guide leads you through Antigua's bustling community market to see, smell, touch, and taste the fresh ingredients used in their preparation. One of the best in Guatemala, the thriving market showcases rows of tasty and exotic fruits, vegetables, seeds, beans, grains, spices, meats, and fish. (Please note: This tour is for more adventurous eaters!)
A Viaventure Signature Experience, this enjoyable outing provides a wonderful taste of authentic Antigua cuisine whilst you learn about the city's fascinating colonial history.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before continuing to Lake Atitlan - approximately 2.5 hour drive. Upon arrival check-in at the Casa Palopo Boutique Hotel.
Private guide, entrances to Antigua cathedral, La Merced monastery, street food, use of tuc tucs.
Lunch or dinner, entrances to other monuments, use of taxis.
San Juan & Santiago Villages Visit (Private/Guided/Full Day/Boat)
Although more than a dozen fascinating towns and villages overlook majestic Lake Atitlán, Santiago and San Juan La Laguna top the must-see list. In San Juan, watch indigenous weavers mix natural dyes from locally grown plants and flowers, and then see the women use a back-strap loom to create intricate textiles, thread by colorful thread. From there, peruse a workshop of art naïf painters before boarding the boat for the cruise to Santiago. After a delicious lunch, head out with your guide to find the house of Maximón, the Maya folk saint who moves annually with the selection of his new caretaker. A shaman may be performing a ritual for a local follower or two gathered at Maximón's candle-lit altar. Afterward you can visit the church, learn about the town's vivid history and explore the thriving market. Be sure to check out more of the distinctive textiles and primitive art, both famous from the lake basin. The tour includes your morning hotel pickup and evening return.
Transfer times: Boat transfer from Casa Palopó to San Juan village – approx 30 minutes. Boat transfer from San Juan village to Santiago village – approx 20 minutes. Boat transfer from Santiago village to Casa Palopó – approx 45 minutes.
Private guide, private boat transfer, lunch & entrances
Today is at leisure, perhaps go on a hike, kayak or just relax and enjoy the view!
After breakfast meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your short flight to Flores. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel overlooking Lake Peten Itza - approximately a 1 hour drive.
Private transfers
Tikal Tour with Luxury Picnic
You'll be met at the hotel by a private guide for a tour of Tikal National Park, where some 3,000 ancient structures rise from the rainforest floor. Not only will you enjoy a fascinating tour of this impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you'll also experience the sights and sounds of tropical birds and animals, including howler and spider monkeys, that live in the jungle canopy. Once home to an estimated at 50,000 residents or more, Tikal flourished from 800 BC to 900 AD. You'll follow in the footsteps of Maya royalty and commoners as our guide leads you to such sites as the majestic Great Plaza and its Temple of the Jaguar (44 meters / 144 feet), Temple of the Masks (38m / 125ft), the Acropolis and much more. After the tour, a luxury picnic will be included in the park area. You can also explore the museum at the visitor centre before returning to your hotel.
Transfer times: From La Lancha to Tikal Park – approx 1 hour drive.
Private archaeology guide, park admission fee, luxury picnic lunch.
Morning is at leisure to relax perhaps take a swim in the lake or experience the temazcal (traditional sweat lodge).
Yaxha Sunset Tour
Yaxhá, the third-largest Mesoamerican archaeological site in Guatemala, contains more than 500 structures, including nine temples and one of the few twin pyramid complexes outside of Tikal. Your 3-4 hour adventure features a climb up Temple 216, which towers 37 metres / 121 feet above the forested site. Your lofty perch offers a spectacular 360-degree view of jungle canopy, neighbouring pyramids, and the shimmering Yaxhá Lagoon. The ceremonial centre of the pre-Columbian Maya era, the city extended over 230 sq. km / 90 sq. mi., with more than 40,000 residents at its peak. Teeming with wildlife, Yaxhá derived its name derived from the Mayan word for "blue-green water," as seen in its two scenic lakes. Your visit concludes at sunset with wine and snacks at the edge of Lake Yaxhá and a farewell cruise aboard a small boat before returning to your hotel.
Recommended: Good walking shoes, sunscreen, flashlight
Transfer times: From La Lancha to Yaxhá site – approx 1.5 hours drive. Please note this visit will involve some backtracking on the same road to the border with Belize.
Private archaeology guide, private transfers, park admission fees, boat ride, sunset snacks and wine.
This morning your driver/guide will transfer you to the Guatemala/Belize border; here you will meet your Belize driver/guide and begin your Belizean experience.
Cahal Pech & Xunantunich Maya Sites
Satisfy your Maya musings by touring two ancient cities in one day – the ceremonial centre of Cahal Pech, "Place of the Ticks," perched atop a steep hill overlooking the Macal River. From the centre acropolis, about 274 metres (900 feet) above sea level enjoy a commanding view of the Maya Mountains and fertile river valleys. A guided tour leads you among seven plazas and the most notable of 30 temples, residential buildings, ball courts, and other structures. The Maya established the city around 1000 B.C. and abandoned it by 800 A.D. Afterwards continue to the famous, riverfront ruins of Xunantunich. The Mayan word for "stone woman," Xunantunich flourished near the end of the Classic Period, 300-900 A.D. Follow the footsteps of Maya rulers as you trek through six major plazas, surrounded by more than 25 palaces and temples. Marvel at the amazing scope of the El Castillo temple, soaring 40 metres (130 feet) over the verdant landscape. As your eyes scan El Castillo, note its well-known frieze, or band of stucco decoration, that at one time extended around the entire temple. After touring these two Maya sites, continue to the border, and cross into Guatemala to your final destination.
Transfer times: From La Lancha/El Remate Area to the Border - Unguided, Approx 2 hours drive. From border to Xunantunich – approx 15 minutes drive. From Xunantunich to Cahal Pech site - approx 25 minutes drive. From Cahal Pech site to Blancaneaux Lodge – approx 45 minutes drive.
This morning is at leisure.
Optional Tour: Hike to Ride - Big Rock Falls
Begin your adventure following a trail overlooking the creek and waterfalls. Admire the abundant brightly colored orchids adorning granite rock outcroppings and relax at one of the many streams crisscrossing the trail. Dip into the creek to be energized by the cool mountain water and receive an invigorating massage provided by the massive waterfall.
Departs: Anytime before 5:00 pm
Length: 2.5 hours roundtrip
Level of difficulty: High
Activity includes: Guide
Please note this activity is collective, and operated by Blancaneaux Lodge
Transfer times: From Blancaneaux Lodge to Big Rock Falls – approx 45 minute hike
Chiquibul Night Expedition (Departs 3:30pm/Duration 3-4 hours)
Departing the property before sunset, arriving at the Chiquibul Forest, where you can hike to an amazing birding tower. Here one can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the thick luscious rainforest. This is the perfect time as it is a relaxing experience to watch the sunset along with different species of birds making their way back to their nests. As darkness covers the rainforest, the predators start to roam their kingdom in search of prey. As most of Belize’s large mammals are nocturnal this is your best chance to actually see them in their natural habitat. Driving from the pine forest to the rainforest at a slow and quiet pace, we stealthily search the forest for gibnut, armadillos, peccaries and other wildlife. Although seldom seen, the elusive jaguar leaves enough tracks behind for us to understand that this is his realm. Keep an open eye for our national animal the Tapir, who forages on trail-side vegetation. After a couple hours silently exploring the jungle, we have a snack by the creek under the forest canopy. On our way back, we keep vigilant for signs of a white tailed deer or the arboreal Mexican porcupine. As we slowly drive back to the lodge, there is time to marvel at the magnificent clarity of the night sky.
Please note this activity is collective, and operated by Blancaneaux Lodge
Transfer times: From Blancaneaux Lodge to the site – approx 1 hour drive. Please note this visit will involve some backtracking on the same road to Caracol Maya site.
Transfers, guide.
Actun Tunichil Muknal
Actun Tunichil Muknal "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher" is one of the most impressive caves in the Maya lowland. Located in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest, this cave was a sacred place to the pre-hispanic Mayas of Belize, who first began to use the entrance during the early classic period (300-600AD.) The cave system consists of a series of chambers, ending in a 300 by 50 meter Cathedral where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. Visitors to this cave have the opportunity to travel into the Maya past and witness a living museum where the human sacrifices and artifacts can be viewed in their original context. On the tour, you will drive to the trailhead and trek for 45 minutes through dense Jungle in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, wading across three streams and learning about the flora and fauna of the Jungle. At the entrance of the Cave you will be outfitted in the necessary equipment. Some swimming will be required and also climbing and caving activity. This is a first class caving and archaeological experience.
Please note: For this intense tour, guests must have a good level of physical fitness, including swimming ability, and be comfortable in small spaces. Children must be a mature 8 years or older and taller than 102 cm (40"). Guests must wear comfortable, light-weight long pants or shorts and shirt that allow for easy movement and can get wet, and bring a full change of clothes. (Swimsuits are acceptable but you may get cold). Well-treaded sneakers, hiking boots, or high-quality river shoes with covered toes, and socks are required footwear. Mosquito repellent is prohibited because it washes off immediately when you get into the water to enter the cave. Cameras are strictly prohibited inside.
Transfer times: From Blancaneaux Lodge to the site – approx 2.5 hours drive. Please note this visit will involve some backtracking on the same road to Belmopan & Belize City.
Private transfers, guide, admission fees, flashlights, hard hats & picnic lunch.
Caracol & Rio Frio Cave & Pools
Experience two ecosystems in a long but fascinating day of exploring the largest known Maya site in Belize followed by a refreshing dip in pristine pools formed by waterfalls. The 2.5- to 3-hour drive starts out on paved road from San Ignacio in western Belize and continues off-road through the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a sprawling national park featuring dramatic falls and pristine rivers and pools. Notice the change from pine forest to tropical rainforest as you enter the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, which surrounds the stunning Caracol ruins. Covering 78 square kilometres (30 square miles) of thick jungle, Caracol contains five plazas, a cosmic observatory and thousands of structures. Follow the footsteps of Maya rulers by climbing up the steps of the massive Caana pyramid and browsing the three temples sharing its lofty peak. Enjoy a panoramic view of rainforest canopy as you look out from 43 metres (140 feet) above the jungle floor. Because the ruins lie within the Chiquibul reserve, you may encounter exotic birds and wildlife as you meander through the ruins. On the way back to town, stop at the alluring Rio Frio Cave and take a refreshing dip in the Rio On Pools. Although the tour may take 10 hours, you'll enjoy lunch, snacks, cold beer and soft drinks, along with cold, moist washcloths to wipe your face and hands. The route threads along national borderlines, so don't be surprised with a military escort, a precautionary measure arranged for portions of the drive.
Transfer times: From Blancaneaux Lodge to Caracol Maya site – approx 2 hours.
Private transfers & guide, picnic lunch, admission fees.
This morning meet your driver and depart for Placencia Airport - approximate 3 hour drive. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by the Gladden representative and transferred to the pier for your transfer to your private island via speedboat.
Your hosts will greet you on arrival, settle you in, answer any questions you may have and leave you to relax and enjoy your time on the island. Don't worry though, they are near by on the small island just across the little bay - only an intercom call away!
During your days on the island you can just relax or perhaps go kayaking, snorkeling, diving, or enjoy a massage. It's up to you!
All inclusive: All meals prepared by a gourmet chef, all beverages including alcoholic beverages*, all island based activities including snorkeling, one full day of scuba diving, massages, various mainland excursions, transfers from and to Belize City.
Today depart your island paradise by speedboat. You will then be transferred to the Placencia airport and board your flight to Belize City where you connect with your flight home with a lifetime of wonderful memories!
