Guatemala to Belize

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
Guatemala to Belize
10 Days
From AUD $2615
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(10 reviews)

Guatemala to Belize

Guatemala to Belize

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Wander the cobblestone streets of Antigua, admire ancient Mayan ruins and unwind on the laidback island of Caye Caulker on this 10-day adventure from Guatemala to Belize.

Highlights

  • See the jungle-shrouded limestone temples of Tikal – one of the most impressive Mayan sites in the whole of Central America – as howler monkeys call from the canopy.
  • Relax and recharge on the white sands of Caye Caulker – a tiny Belizean island made for beach BBQs, snorkel trips and lazy afternoons spent swinging in a hammock.
  • Explore Livingston – a one-of-a-kind riverside town where the local culture is heavily influenced by the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population.
  • Walk along cobblestone streets and shop for local handicrafts in the tiny inland island town of Flores.
  • Dig deeper into Maya history, visiting lesser-known ruins and a mystical Maya cave complex around San Ignacio – a vibrant market town near the Belize-Guatemala border.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

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

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Antigua, Belize

Finishes

Caye Caulker, Belize

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Antigua
Hola! Welcome to Antigua – a colourful World Heritage city surrounded by three volcanoes that once served as the capital of Guatemala. Today, it’s a cosmopolitan hub filled with cool coffee shops and international restaurants that are often buzzing with live music. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps experience Antigua’s great music scene with a salsa dance class or learn about the history of chocolate with a workshop at the ChocoMuseo.

Optional Activities:

  • Antigua - Salsa-dance Lesson (per hour) (150 GTQ)
  • Antigua - Chocolate-making workshop at ChocoMuseo (30 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Antigua
This morning, join your leader on a walking tour of Antigua’s historic streets. The city was greatly affected by an earthquake in 1773, but a lot of work went into restoring the buildings that date back to the time of the Spanish government. Your leader will show you the many markets and museums that make up the city, then you have the afternoon free to explore the city and its surroundings. While you’re here, don't miss the chance to taste a tamale (a local dish served in a corn leaf) or pepian (a meaty dish of chicken, beef, pork or all three, in a rich sauce). You’ll find the best value food next to the markets near the bus station.

Included Activities:

  • Antigua - Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Rio Dulce
Today, you’ll make your way to Rio Dulce by private vehicle, arriving mid-afternoon. Along the way, your leader will give you an informal Spanish lesson. Rio Dulce, which means 'Sweet River' in Spanish, refers to both the Guatemalan river that flows from Lago de Izabal (Lake Izabal) to the Caribbean Sea and the town of Fronteras, which sits at the east end of the lake. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free to rest or explore at your own pace. Maybe stretch your legs on a jungle walk, rent a kayak and get out on the water or take it easy in a hammock.

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Rio Dulce
Join your group on a boat ride down the river to Livingston – a laidback Afro-Caribbean town that offers a unique taste of Garifuna culture in a far-flung corner of Guatemala. Just 30 km (18 m) from Rio Dulce, this boat ride is spectacular, taking you through waters filled with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon full of river birds. Spend a little time here and enjoy an included lunch of local specialties like tapou (a creamy soup made with fish).

Included Activities:

  • Livingston - River boat trip to Garifuna town

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Flores
Travel to the township of Flores on Lago Peten Itza. On the way, visit Nuevo Horizonte – a ranch where 130 demobilised families settled after the signing of the Guatemalan Peace Accords in 1998. Since their arrival, the community has established fish-farming, agriculture, reforestation and eco-tourism projects. Tour their nature reserve, have lunch on the ranch and speak to the locals about the origins of the community. Continue to Flores, where you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Spend your free afternoon wandering the island’s streets or shop for local handicrafts. Around 4 pm, the lakefront starts to hum with street food vendors, making it a good place to grab a bite for dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Flores - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Santa Ana Vieja - Cooperativa Nuevo Horizonte visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: San Ignacio
Get up early for a guided exploration of Tikal National Park. Among the thick, evergreen jungle are some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation, plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys. Spend a few hours playing archaeologist before you learn the art of tortilla making at a local workshop. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch, then say goodbye to Guatemala and head across the border to Belize. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is a great place to get chatting with locals.

Included Activities:

  • Tikal - Tortilla Making Workshop
  • Tikal National Park - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: San Ignacio
Today is a free day to relax in San Ignacio or explore at your own pace. You could take on the challenge of hiking and wading through a river to visit the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM caves) – a living museum of Maya relics, home to ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved for over 1400 years. If you choose to explore the cave system (and it is highly recommended), you’ll spend most of the day here. If not, there are always more local ruins to explore above ground, including Cahal Pech, which was once the residence of a wealthy Maya family. Nature lovers may be interested in a trip to the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

Optional Activities:

  • San Ignacio - Iguana Conservation Project (entrance fee) (24 BZD)
  • San Ignacio - Xunantunich Ruins entry (20 BZD)
  • San Ignacio - Cahal Pech Ruins entry (20 BZD)
  • San Ignacio - Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (Incl. entry, guide, transport & lunch) (135 USD)
  • San Ignacio - Cave tubing (incl. entrance, guide & transport) (100 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Caye Caulker
If your idea of paradise is white sand, clear blue waters and palm trees, then you’re going to enjoy Caye Caulker. The island even has the motto ‘go slow’. Take a scenic boat ride to the island, followed by a golf cart to your hotel. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk. While the island is entirely walkable, you might like to hire a bike and cycle between beach bars, along quiet palm-lined streets. Water sports enthusiasts might enjoy a spot of stand-up paddleboarding or a sunset catamaran cruise across the Caribbean waters.

Optional Activities:

  • Caye Caulker - Sunset Sailing (126 BZD)
  • Caye Caulker - Stand-up paddleboard hire (per hour) (55 BZD)
  • Caye Caulker - Bicycle Rental (per day) (12 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Caye Caulker
Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another day here. If you’re keen to find the best snorkelling spots, opt to take a full-day boat tour. After a day of swimming and lounging in the sunshine, you’ll probably be hungry and Belize is famous for its barbequed food, with the local style of meals being cooked on the roadside. Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster (but always make sure that you respect the season, lobsters can only be caught here between June and February). If you’re out of season, a spot of grilled shrimp is a great alternative.

Optional Activities:

  • Caye Caulker - Full day Catamaran snorkeling tour in Hol Chan Marine Reserve-(gear, guide and transport included) (120 USD)
  • Caye Caulker - Full day speed boat - (gear, guide and transport included) (120 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Caye Caulker
There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time following check out. If you'd like to extend your stay in Caye Caulker, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,615
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Wander the cobblestone streets of Antigua, admire ancient Mayan ruins and unwind on the laidback island of Caye Caulker on this 10-day adventure from Guatemala to Belize.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Oct 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Hayley
Traveled, May 2025

06/12/2025

Excellent trip! Guatemala is such a lovely country. This trip far exceeded my expectations. The trip hits the right balance between culture, wildlife and activity.

4.5
Michael
Traveled, May 2025

06/13/2025

A really great tour of Belize and Guatemala. Well organised with good transport, excellent activities included and good options for extras. Particularly enjoyed the Mayan ruins at Caracol ,combined with swimming in a waterfall and a big cave. People all lovely.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989