Upon your arrival in Belize City you will continue to Ambergris Caye by Sea plane AirShuttle.
Upon your arrival on the island, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure.
San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
Diving is nothing short of phenomenal in Belize's Barrier Reef, which runs parallel to Ambergris Caye. In the crystalline Caribbean waters, octopuses, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, and even sea turtles play among beautiful corals. But that's just the beginning. On this 40-km/25-m island, you can also sail, fish, kayak, bicycle, windsurf, snorkel, or take day trips to mainland nature or archaeological sites. This laid-back island has almost no cars, but you'll have no trouble reaching the many restaurants, tiki bars, and dive shops in San Pedro Town on foot, by bicycle, or even by golf cart. Choose the north end of the island for a quieter experience.
Day at your leisure.
Caye Caulker Sail & Snorkeling Tour (Collective/Full Day/Boat)
Hop aboard a boat at San Pedro for wonderful snorkeling adventures as you spend the day cruising to and from neighbouring Caye Caulker! En route to the laid-back island, strap on your snorkeling gear (provided) for an amazing swim in the magnificent Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which thrives with coral gardens, tropical fish, sponges, sea turtles, crustaceans and more. Then complete the voyage to Caye Caulker and soak up the laid-back island vibe that permeates its shops, bars, and cafés. After enjoying a delicious lunch at our favorite restaurant, meander through its sandy streets, checking out a few of the dive shops and souvenir stands, or grabbing in ice-cold Belikin beer, the national brew. Head back to the dock for the return sail to Ambergris, with a snorkeling stop at fascinating Shark Ray Alley. Swim amongst breathtaking sea life as harmless nurse sharks and graceful southern stingrays glide by in the crystal waters. Wrap up this full day of fun, sun, and snorkeling as you finish the cruise to San Pedro.
Not Included: Lunch, $10 USD park admission fee per person, which guests must pay locally.
Important note: To reschedule this tour, a 72-hour minimum notice is required.
Day at your leisure. We Suggest you to spend the day in San Pedro.
Evening Sunset Sailing (Collective/17:00 – 19:30/Boat)
Wind down from your day while you sit back, relax and experience the beauty of a true Caribbean sunset. Enjoy Willie’s famous “jungle juice” and local snacks.
Activity Includes: boat transfers, refreshments & snacks
Not Included: pick up & drop off at hotel; dinner
The sunset Cruise departs form San Pedro, you will need to reach San Pedro by pubblic ferry from Matachica lodge. The last ferry back to the lodge is at 2100.
Full Day North to Mexico Rocks (Collective/Full Day)
Escape to the northern side of Ambergris Caye. Enjoy a full day of sailing while stopping at our preferred snorkel stops "Habaneros", "Mexico Rocks" and "Mata Grande Ship Wreck". Enjoy a visual feast of thriving marine life as you go snorkeling at Mexico Rocks. View a delightful collection of sponges, sea fans, and star, elk horn, and stag horn coral formations in this superb reef patch. Giant brain coral formations create miniature undersea habitats and islands for spiny lobster and yellow tail. As you bob about, look for angelfish, butterfly fish, flounder, green moray eels, nurse sharks, and stingrays, all of which take shelter in the coral's nooks and crannies. Its relatively calm and shallow (3.7-meter / 12-foot) waters make Mexico Rocks an ideal spot for novice snorkelers.
Mid day enjoy a feast of local barbeque prepared and cooked for you. Enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of the less inhabited side.
Activity Includes: Beach cookout, snacks, rum punch, beer, sodas, and snorkel gear.
Not Included: park admission fee (US $10 per person which must be paid locally, in cash).
Service(s) from Matachica Resort & Spa: Transfer from Matachica to San Pedro Airstrip / Operated by Matachica
Scheduled Domestic Flight to Belize Municipal Airport – Included
Barton Creek and Transfer from Airport to Barton Creek (Private)
Travel through the scenic Mountain Pine Ridge area before going off road to the mysterious Barton Creek Cave system. Along the way, pass through a traditional Mennonite community where horse and carriage rule the road. Then pick up your paddle and high-powered light for your half-day expedition into the Barton Creek Cave, used by the ancient Maya as a ceremonial centre and burial site. Gently paddle your canoe along the scenic creek and, with lights shining, venture into the dark, winding cave system known as a Mayan underworld. Stalactites hang high overhead as you float past impressive calcite crystal formations in cathedral-like chambers. Knowledgeable guides leading this tranquil, low-intensity adventure discuss the relevance of the cave to the ancient Mayan people and the archaeological significance of this 7.5-kilometre (4-mile) limestone formation. You will head to the airport in time to catch your flight.
Includes: Private transfers & guide, admission fee, equipment, lunch.
Day at your leisure.
Transfer to Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala/Belize Border) – border fees are NOT included
Transfer to Uaxactun
Signature Experience: Uaxactún & Tikal Adventure – Day 1: Uaxactun
Lunch at Uaxactun Camping
Dinner at Uaxactun Camping
Overnight at Uaxactun Camping – Standard Tent
An Amazing Overnight among Mayan Ruins
Uaxactun
Located in the department of El Petén, not far from Tikal, Uaxactun (eighth stone) was one of the longest‐occupied cities of the Maya people. Today, the area's wild jungles are home to ancient temples, a small Maya community, and one‐of‐akind and recently updated guest accommodations. The archaeological site is notable for holding the oldest known Maya astronomical complex, and is also the community where the "Chicleros" (gum collectors) have lived for over 100 years. Many of Uaxactún's residents make their living from gathering forest products such as chicle (exported to Japan), allspice and xate palm leaves (ornamental plant exported to the US and used for floral arrangements). Right alongside the archeological site, there is a specially designed camping area. Surrounded by tropical foliage, eight covered platforms each have a private deck and hold a spacious tent with real beds, bedside tables, and lanterns. Little touches include locally made soap and handmade souvenirs for guests.
Uaxactun Camping
Nestled between the sprawling, jungle‐shrouded temples of the Uaxactún archaeological park and a small, present‐day Mayan village lies a unique lodging experience for those who appreciate the road less travelled. Eight ample tents, raised off the ground on solid, covered platforms, surround you with the sights and sounds of the jungle while keeping you comfortable. Each tent feels like its own bungalow, with two cozy twin beds, a night table, a rug, reading lamps, and even a small porch and garden. Stone‐paved paths lead to shared bathrooms with unheated showers just a few steps away. Nearby, you can explore Uaxactún, one of the longest‐inhabited cities in the pre‐Columbian Mayan world; enjoy a traditional lunch in the local village; and take a 45‐minute drive to see Guatemala?s archaeological crown jewels, Tikal National Park. At night, you can close your eyes, listen to the exotic serenade of the Petén rainforest, and imagine the lives of the ancient peoples who made these lands their home.
Facilities: 8 tents on covered, raised platforms, each with twin beds, shared bathrooms (no hot water). Please note that due to the remoteness of the location, there is no WiFi.
Location: 22km (45‐minute ride) north of Tikal National Park
Breakfast at Uaxactun Camping
Signature Experience: Uaxactún & Tikal Adventure (1N/2D) (Private/Guided/2‐Days/Minibus)
The day starts with breakfast and a last look around Uaxactún. A 45‐minute ride through the deep jungle will take you to Tikal National Park, where some 3,000 ancient structures rise from the rainforest floor. You will enter Tikal through the forest, an area most visitors never get to see. Not only will you enjoy a fascinating tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you'll also experience the sights and sounds of tropical birds and animals, including howler and spider monkeys. Following in the footsteps of Maya royalty and commoners, you will visit the majestic Great Plaza and its Temple of the
Jaguar (44 metres / 144 feet), Temple of the Masks (38m / 125ft), Acropolis, and much more. You will end your tour with lunch at a local restaurant.
Includes: private guide, private transfers, admission fees to Tikal & museum, lunch in a local restaurant
After lunch you will continue to Flores.
Evening at your leisure in Flores.
Day at your leisure.
Private Minibus Transfer to Flores Airport – Unguided
Scheduled Domestic Flight to Guatemala City Airport: Departs 13:00 / Arrives 14:00 - Included
Private Minibus Transfer from the airport to Lake Atitlan (3.5 hour)
Free afternoon (Unguided)
San Juan & Santiago Lake Tour (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 colourful 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.
Includes: Private guide, private boat transfer, lunch & entrances
Chichi Market & Transfer to Antigua (Private/Guided/Half Day/Minibus)
You'll be met at the hotel by your private driver and guide for the 1.5hrs drive to the highland town of Chichicastenango. Along the way you will pass through the central highland region and see the local Maya people in their traditional dress going about their daily lives working in the fields, collecting firewood, traveling between markets and selling their wares. Upon arrival at Chichicastenango, your guide will take you to explore this expansive, world-famous market. You'll visit the fruit and vegetable markets where locals buy produce and household goods, and spend time in the artisan craft area where countless stalls overflow with an endless variety of handmade textiles, carved wood, and ceramic crafts. You can also visit the famous St Tomas Church, where both Maya and Catholic rituals are performed in the sanctuary, reflecting the intertwining of these two diverse faiths in this region. If you wish, you can also hike up the hill to the Pascual Abaj, where you may see local shamans performing their rituals, or you can visit the cemetery on the outskirts of town, where the mausoleums are painted in vivid colours. You will have time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Antigua.
Includes: Private Guide, Private Transfer in Minibus, Lunch.
Posada del Angel
Posada del Ángel was one of the original boutique hotels in Antigua and is still one of the best, offering a private ambiance with excellent personal service. There are 6 standard rooms on the main floor and the master (Rose) Suite on the upper terrace that has a stunning view of the three surrounding volcanoes. Each room is beautifully decorated with colorful textiles, carved hardwood furniture, and spacious bathrooms. Some feature ornate fireplaces and comfy armchairs, while the Rose Suite boasts a Jacuzzi and its own private terrace. All the rooms on the ground floor surround a cozy library and a relaxing lap pool to read a good book by. This small, intimate bed and breakfast is only a short walk from the central square.
Facilities: Seven rooms (6 std. rooms & 1 master suite), lap pool, outdoor lounge, dining room, roof terrace.
Location: Four blocks from central park.
Antigua Walking Tour (Private/Guided/Half Day/No Vehicle)
You will be met at your hotel by your private guide to begin your half day walking tour of Antigua. This tour explores this colonial city's cultural, architectural, and social history with a behind-the-scenes look at some of Antigua's ornately decorated churches, Spanish colonial-era ruins, and the tomb of the first Guatemalan saint. Entrance fees for the Cathedral of San Jose and the San Francisco el Grande and La Merced churches are included; however, with just a word to the guide, this flexible tour can also be tailored to individual interests (you may need to pay additional entrance fees). At the end of the tour, the guide will accompany you back to your hotel or take you to a place of your choosing.
Includes: Entrances to the Antigua Cathedral, the Merced Monastery & the San Francisco Monastery, Private Guide, use of tuc tucs
Not Included: Entrances to other monuments, lunch, use of taxis
Day at your leisure.
At 10.30AM you are met and transferred to Guatemala city airport on time for your flight back to Canada.
Suggested flight:
18 NOV United #1903 Depart Guatemala City at 1330 - Arrive Houston at 1629
18 NOV United #1780 Depart Houston at 1850 - Arrive Calgary at 2219
