San Pedro - on the southern coast of Ambergris Caye, Belize - was the inspiration for Madonna’s chart-topping hit, La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island) and it is easy to see why. The days pass by here in a blissful haze of sea and sunshine - relaxing on idyllic beaches, taking boat trips, or exploring the region’s rich marine environment on a snorkelling or scuba diving trip. Stellar dive sites include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, with its exquisite corals, brightly coloured fish, sea turtles and nurse sharks, and Mexico Rocks - an excellent snorkelling spot where you may see exotic species such as moray eels, lionfish and sting rays.
Resting on the western bank of the Macal River, in the heart of Western Belize’s Cayo District, the town of San Ignacio is a bustling traveller’s hub. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore Guatemala. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of amazing attractions including the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech, San Ignacio’s most visited tourist attraction; the Mayan caves at Actun Tunichil Mukna, a famous archaeological site that includes skeletons, stoneware, and ceramics; and the town's bustling open-air market, where local farmers sell locally produced goods. Stroll through the pedestrianized Burns Avenue, San Ignacio's main thoroughfare; soak up stunning views from the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, and hike along numerous ancient jungle trails.
Making up roughly a third of Guatemala, the Peten Department, in the north of the country, is a paradise of jungle, Mayan mysteries and gorgeous lakeside vistas. Awe-inspiring, green forests inhabited by macaws, bright butterflies, monkeys, agoutis, foxes and ocellated turkeys offer a wonderland to explore. A prolific number of ancient Mayan ruins are the area’s main drawcard, the pinnacle of these being the remote, Late Preclassic metropolis at El Mirador, once a sprawling city home to tens of thousands of people and boasting the biggest pyramid in the Mayan world. While El Mirador takes some planning and significant hiking to reach, several other sites such as the towering Tikal collection of temples are more accessible. The stunning Petexbatun Lake is also a must-see, as is the Azul Crater, a spring-fed tributary with crystal clear waters, offering opportunities for breathtaking underwater photography.
Conveniently located only an hour from Tikal, the lovely island village of Flores is a peaceful base from which to tour the area’s surrounding Mayan treasures. The town proper is an island in Lake Peten Itza and is connected by a causeway to the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Benito. All three are commonly referred to as Flores. Most travellers visit Flores in order to marvel at Guatemala’s most famous Mayan ruins, or as a starting point for trips around Petén. However, the town itself has plenty to offer. The charming and often cobblestone streets of Flores are lined with colonial, red-roofed buildings, a historic church, a Spanish plaza, and some wonderful restaurants, cafes, hotels, guesthouses, and handicraft stores. Those who take the time to explore the town are likely to discover that Flores is brimming with hidden treasures and is more than merely a springboard destination, but a memorable attraction in itself.
Fondly known by locals as simply ‘Pana’, the quiet Cakchiquel village of Panajachel has been popular with tourists since the 1960s. The town rests on the northern shore of the crystalline Lake Atitlan and it serves as the main transport hub for travellers eager to explore this spectacularly scenic natural area featuring three dramatic volcanoes. The main street hosts a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops as well as vendors selling a variety of handicrafts such as weaving products, wood carvings, and clothing. Popular activities include kayaking, bike tours, climbing volcanoes, bar-hopping, and visits to nearby villages. Don’t miss the nearby Atitlan Nature Reserve and butterfly sanctuary where you can catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, walk on hanging bridges towards the waterfall or the private beach, or whizz across the valley on eight zip lines offering incredible views of the lake and the volcanoes.
Situated in the central highlands of Southern Guatemala, Antigua is a small city surrounded by numerous lush coffee plantations and majestic volcanoes. It’s renowned for its is vibrant traditions, well -preserved Spanish colonial buildings, unique beauty and historical significance. It once served as the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala and today, it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can look forward to exploring the impressive architecture of the Baroque La Merced Church, wander down pastel-facades lining character-filled streets, browse a bustling local market and people-watch in one of many plazas. Don’t miss the annual famous holy week of Semana Santa Festival featuring colourful parades and sacred rituals.
