Antigua – Lake Atitlan – Copan Honduras – Rio Dulce – Tikal and Belize
Guatemala the cultural heartland of the itinerary. Known for dramatic volcanic landscapes, rich Indigenous Mayan traditions, vibrant open-air markets, and well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.. Honduras, the primary attraction on this route is Copán Ruinas, a charming cobblestone town situated just past the border, famed for having the most detailed ancient Mayan stone carvings and stelae in Central America. Belize a distinct transition in atmosphere—Belize is the only English-speaking nation in Central America, blending Caribbean coastal culture with dense inland rainforests and massive cave networks.

Highlights

• 12 Day The Maya Trio: Guatemala, Belize & Honduras
• Antigua city tour Chichicastenango market Lake Atitlán (boat tour including Santiago & San Pedro)
• Copán archaeological site Quiriguá archaeological site Yaxhá archaeological site Tikal archaeological site
• Barton Creek Cave tour (guide, equipment, and lunch included) Snorkeling tour to Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley (shared) Flyover of the Great Blue Hole

• Itinerary Overview - click for more

  Day 1: Arrival in Antigua, Guatemala Upon arrival in Guatemala, transfer to the historic city of Antigua. Set against a backdrop of dramatic volcanoes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its cobblestone streets, preserved Spanish colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. Settle into your hotel and enjoy your first evening at leisure.

  Day 2: Antigua & Chichicastenango Market Start with a guided city tour through Antigua’s colonial plaza and landmarks. Afterward, journey to Chichicastenango to experience Central America’s largest indigenous market. Immerse yourself in the colorful textiles, artisan crafts, and ancient Maya spiritual traditions filling the town square.

  Day 3: Lake Atitlán Excursion to Guatemala City Depart early at 8:00 AM for a guided boat excursion across volcanic Lake Atitlán, ringed by steep crater walls. Visit the lakeside Maya villages of Santiago Atitlán and San Pedro to learn about local customs, weaving traditions, and daily life before returning toward Guatemala City.

  Day 4: Border Crossing to Copán, Honduras Depart at 8:00 AM and cross the Honduran border to the colonial village of Copán. At 2:30 PM, tour the famous Copán Archaeological Site—exploring the Acropolis, the ball court, the Hieroglyphic Stairway, and the Maya Sculpture Museum featuring a full-scale replica of the Rosalila Temple.

  Day 5: Quiriguá Stelae & Journey to Río Dulce Depart Copán and head back into Guatemala to visit Quiriguá, home to the ancient Maya world’s tallest carved stone stelae. After exploring the site’s rich history, continue traveling northeast to the lush, tropical region of Río Dulce.

  Day 6: Río Dulce River Cruise to Flores Board a riverboat for a scenic cruise along the Río Dulce, winding through a steep limestone canyon toward the Caribbean coast while spotting native birdlife and tropical flora. Afterward, take a 3-hour drive north to the island city of Flores in Petén.

  Day 7: Maya Ruins of Yaxhá & Topoxté Take an excursion from Flores into the surrounding jungle to visit Yaxhá and Topoxté. These secondary Maya sites offer peaceful exploration of ancient plazas and temples perched above Lake Yaxhá, far away from the heavy tourist crowds.

  Day 8: Tikal Archaeological Complex Spend the day immersed in Tikal, one of the grandest kingdom capitals of the ancient Maya civilization. Walk through dense jungle canopies echoing with howler monkeys as you explore massive ceremonial plazas, royal palaces, and soaring stone pyramids.

  Day 9: Cave Kayaking & Transfer to Ambergris Caye, Belize Cross the border into Belize for an inland subterranean adventure—kayaking through ancient limestone cave systems once used for Maya rituals. Afterwards, transfer to Belize City and board a scenic water taxi out to the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye.

  Day 10: Swimming with Sharks & Rays Set sail from San Pedro on a guided snorkeling excursion to Shark Ray Alley within the Belize Barrier Reef. Get up close in crystal-clear waters to swim alongside friendly nurse sharks, stingrays, and vibrant marine life.

  Day 11: Ambergris Caye (Optional Great Blue Hole Flight) Enjoy a free day to relax on the beaches of Ambergris Caye or explore San Pedro town. Optionally, book an aerial tour over the Great Blue Hole ($750 USD per person) to witness Belize’s world-famous marine sinkhole from above.

  Day 12: Departure from Belize Take a morning boat transfer from Ambergris Caye back to Belize City for your transfer to the international airport and your onward flight home.

Included

• Accommodation in the specified hotels • Daily breakfast (as per hotel plan) • Private transportation throughout Guatemala and Honduras • Private transfer from Flores to Belize City •
• Ferry transfers to and from San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) • Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and parks mentioned in the itinerary
• Guided tours: Antigua city tour • Chichicastenango market • Lake Atitlán (boat tour including Santiago & San Pedro) • Copán archaeological site • Quiriguá archaeological site • Yaxhá archaeological site • Tikal archaeological site
• Barton Creek Cave tour (guide, equipment, and lunch included) • Snorkeling tour to Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley (shared) • Flyover of the Great Blue Hole •
• Selected lunches during excursions • Hotel taxes (Belize portion)

Not Included

• International & Domestic flights ( unless specified as included in itinerary)
• Belize border fees
• Optional Activities. Arrival and Departure Taxes
• Extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service, etc.)
• Additional Meals & Beverages
• Tips for Guides, Drivers, and Hotel Staff
• Items of personal nature and Items not listed in the inclusions

Hotels or Similar

• 4* Porta Hotel Antiqua • 4* Porta Hotel Del Lago • 5* Barcelo Guatemala • 4* Marina Copan Hotel • 3* Hotel Catemaran Rio Dulce • 4* Hotel Villa Maya • 4* Ramon's Villa

2026 Dates & Rates USD

Note:

• Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking 
• The Blue Hole flyover operates Sunday to Thursday only 
• Snorkeling tour is shared; all other services are private unless stated otherwise