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Guatemala, Honduras & Belize Tour
Wonders of Guatemala, Honduras & Belize
Private 3 Country - 15 Day / 14 Night Itinerary
Antigua - Lake Atitlan - Copan - Rio Dulce - Peten & Tikal - Belize
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This 15 day / 3 country tour focuses on the archeological and cultural wonders this amazing region has to offer... along with a bit of Belize's Caribbean island sun. Arrive in Guatemala spend a few days in the most spectacular colonial city in the Americas (Antigua), shopping, soaking up the Mayan and Guatemalan culture, or enjoy a few of the many adventure tours offered. Visit breathtaking Lake Atitlan and the nearby Indian villages. Then head to the Copan ruins in Honduras, a masterpiece of antiquity not to be missed before enjoying the lush green vegetation in Rio Dulce. Afterwards visit the Peten region and Tikal for a day and a half of Mayan archeology and jungle trekking. From there you will visit Belize for some blissful tropical sun, diving, snorkeling, island hopping, sightseeing etc. to end your trip. * Please note that all our tours are private & tailor made. Our sample tours should serve only as examples.
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Suggested Itinerary & Prices
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DAY & LOCATION
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION
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Day 1: Guatemala City - Antigua
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Arrive into Guatemala City at (time to be confirmed), where our driver will be there to greet you and transfer you directly to your lovely charm hotel in Antigua. Spend an afternoon/evening enjoying this magical colonial town, considered by some to be the most beautiful in the world. Walk its romantic cobble stone streets and enjoy fine cuisine at one of the many excellent gourmet restaurants in the area.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from Guatemala Int. Airport (time to be confirmed) for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Antigua (45 min. drive) - Please look for driver with "TROPICAL DISCOVERY" Sign at airport
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Queen Double Room with continental breakfast - Hotel Casa Encantada
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Day 2: Antigua (Free Day)
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Free day to tour the magical colonial village of La Antigua, visit its monuments, museums, shop at the various Indian markets & stroll through the cobble stone streets. Or you may opt for one of our special mountain biking, hiking, volcano, fishing, golf, horse back or culture tours. Please visit our Tours from Antigua page for more details.
RECOMMENDED TOURS:
• For our recommended culture and adventure one day tours & activities from Antigua, such as City Tours, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fishing, Horse Back Riding, etc...please click here.
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Day 3: Antigua - Chichicastenango - Lake Atitlan
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Today our private driver will pick you up at 8:00 am and take you on a panoramic 2 hour drive to visit the mystical city of Chichicastenango (Thursday & Sunday only, otherwise straight to Lake Atitlan). Located at 2500 meters above sea level, this city is famous for its market on Thursdays & Sundays, where spats of traditionally dressed villagers in a kaleidoscope of colors, come to sell their very colorful textiles, fruits, vegetables and flowers. Also worth a visit is the peaceful yet colorful cemetery. After lunch, depart for magical Lake Atitlan with direct transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon visiting the lake side village of Panajachel, enjoy a breathtaking sunset followed by a romantic dinner, or simply relax in your deluxe lake side hotel.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 8:00 am pick up from hotel in Antigua for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Chichicastenango (2h drive) then to Lake Atitlan (1h drive)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Standard Double Room - Hotel Atitlan
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Day 4: Lake Atitlan (Free Day)
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Free Day at Lake Atitlan - Here you may choose to relax at your hotel, swim in the lake, or take a boat tour to one or several of the many lake side villages - highly recommended!! You can visit for example nearby Panajachel, Santiago, San Pedro and/or St. Catarina Palopo. Or for the more adventurous, take a hike up one of the three volcanoes by foot or horse, kayak, water-ski, scuba dive, etc. There are a myriad of activities to enjoy at this amazing lake. For an idea of what this amazing lake has to offer, please click here and visit our Recommended Tours Page.
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Day 5: Lake Atitlan - Antigua
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Enjoy breakfast overlooking breathtaking Lake Atitlan. Be picked up at hotel at 11:30 am for your private transfer back to Antigua. On the way, we could stop at Iximche, the late Post-Classic Maya ruins ruled by the Kaqchikel in the 15th century until its burning by the Spanish in 1526. A quick stop for lunch or coffee at the lovely café Katuk is always a nice option. Arrive in Antigua in the early afternoon and enjoy your afternoon of shopping and sight seeing, and a romantic evening nestled amongst volcanoes and colonial splendor.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 11:30 am pick up from hotel in Atitlan for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV back to Antigua (3 hour drive)
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Queen Double Room with continental breakfast - Hotel Casa Encantada
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Day 6: Antigua - Copan (Honduras)
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Pick up at your hotel at 8:00 am for transport to Honduras' border and the magical colonial town of Copan. Arrive at your beautiful hotel Marina Copan, overlooking the Central Plaza in the charming town of Copán. The hotel has been at the heart of the Copan Experience since 1945. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your deluxe hotel or walk the charming town of Copan, visit its many shops and lovely restaurants and side walk cafes. Rest up and get ready for a awe inspiring day of archeology. For more on what to do and see in this beautiful region, please click here and visit our Recommended Tours Page.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 8:00 am pick up from hotel in Antigua for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Copan Honduras (approx. 6 hr drive)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Standard Double Room - Hotel Marina Copan
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Day 7: Copan (Free Day)
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Free day to tour the magical ruins of Copan in Honduras. A taxi will take you from the hotel to the ruins for approximately $5 US. There you can hire a very trained and qualified local bilingual guide to tour this great Mayan site, which even in ruins, appeared as a masterpiece of antiquity to explorer John Lloyd Stephens in 1839. Today, its rich stone sculptures and intricate hieroglyphs make Copán one of the most extraordinary of Mayan sites in existence. Please also visit our Recommended Tours Page for details on a prearranged visit to the ruins as well as further options in this region.
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Day 8: Copan - Rio Dulce
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Pick up at 11:00 am from your hotel in Copan and depart in a private air conditioned mini bus for breathtaking Rio Dulce on the Caribbean coast (4 hr drive approx.) You can stop in rout to visit the famous Quirigua Ruins, where you will see the largest Stele in the Mayan World - a true marvel and a must visit. Make a quick stop for lunch or a snack and arrive in Rio Dulce in the early afternoon. Be transferred directly to your lake side hotel. Spend the late afternoon relaxing, sun bathing, kayaking, swimming, water biking and much more... For more on what to do in the breathtaking Caribbean coast of Rio Dulce, please click here and visit our Recommended Tours Page.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 11:00 am pick up from hotel for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Quirigua (optional) and later Rio Dulce (4hr drive approx plus stops)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Studio Suite - Hotel Banana Palms
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Day 9: Rio Dulce (Caribbean Tour)
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After a hearty breakfast, our "lanchero" (boat driver) Luis Alvarez will pick you up at 9:00 am to take you on a cruise through the Rio Dulce canals and lagoons for a closer view or this region's impressive water flora and fauna. Closer to the Caribbean coast, you will go through the amazing Rio Dulce canyon, a truly awe inspiring experience. Later arrive at the Caribbean coast of Guatemala and its celebrated town of Livingston, a lively Afro-Caribbean town populated by mostly Garifuna blacks whose origin and culture stems from escaped West African slaves. This town feels more like Jamaica than any town in Guatemala, where brightly colored houses are common and reggae melodies mixed with Latin sounds are heard throughout. Tour this charming town, have lunch at the Tucan Dugu restaurant or any of the many other side walk cafes & restaurants. Weather permitting, for an extra $50 to cover added fuel expenses, ask Luis Alfredo (our boat driver) to take you to Playa Blanca for some white sand Caribbean styled beaches and a lovely beach front bar and restaurant called Salvador Gaviota; a truly unique Caribbean experience! And should you have the energy on the way back, stop for a swim at the hot springs. Return in the late afternoon to enjoy an evening dinner, have some fun and relax under the Caribbean stars. (Tour Time: 5-7 hours approx.)
CARIBBEAN TOUR: Rio Dulce Canyons, Canals & Livingston - Pick up from hotel at 9:00 am - Price includes private boat with driver and fuel.
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Day 10: Rio Dulce - Peten
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Pick up at 9:00 am at hotel in private air conditioned mini van for ground transfer to the mystical region of Peten (picturesque 3 hr drive.) Be transported directly to your lake side deluxe eco lodge for relaxing afternoon lake side, swimming, sun bathing, kayaking, etc. You may also opt for an afternoon walk through the charming town of Flores, a tour of the romantic ruins of Yaxha, a hike in the jungle, or one of the many other possible Activities the Peten region has to offer. Please visit our Recommended Tours Page for more details. Spend the evening relaxing to the sounds of the teeming Peten Jungle and Lake Peten Itza. Rest up and get ready for a awe inspiring day of archeology.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 9:00 am pick up from hotel in Rio Dulce for private ground transfer to Flores in Lake Peten Itza (3 hr drive.)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Rainforest Casita with continental breakfast - La Lancha Resort
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Day 11: Peten (Tikal Tour)
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After breakfast, your private guide and transport will pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 am and take you to explore Tikal, one of the largest and most magnificent Mayan archeological cities in existence, which in its heyday (c. 700 AD,) was the capital of a vast Mayan empire. Your expert guide will share many insights on this Mayan city and provide a feel for the mysteries of this ancient culture. Have lunch in the midst of Mayan ruins and breathtaking flora and fauna; return in the late afternoon and spend the evening relaxing lake side, or opt for a visit & possibly dinner in the lovely town of Flores, the capital of the Peten region.
TIKAL TOUR: 9:00 am departure from hotel in Peten for Tikal ruins with expert guide for an all day guided tour, complete with lunch (without beverages), entrance fees and transportation.
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Day 12: Peten - San Pedro (Belize)
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Be picked up at 10:00 am for private transport via the border to Belize City airport for your Tropic Air flight #80 departing at 2:40 pm to beautiful Ambergris Caye on Belize's Caribbean Coast. From the airstrip a short 5 minute drive will take you to your 5 star resort, Victoria House, where you can spend the afternoon baking in the sun, swimming, snorkeling, visiting the small town of San Pedro, relaxing with a cocktail at one of the beach front bars, etc...
*Please note: Flying from Flores to Belize City is also an option.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 10:00 am departure from hotel for transfer to Belize City airport (3.5 hr drive approx.)
AIR TRANSPORT: Tropic Air Flight 80 leaves from Belize City International to San Pedro at 2:40 pm with arrival at 2:55 pm (Return Ticket)
GROUND TRANSPORT: Be picked up at San Pedro airport by hotel transportation for transfer to hotel (5 min. drive; $5 per couple) - Please look for driver with "Victoria House" sign upon arrival in San Pedro
LODGING: 3 nights - 1 Plantation Room - Victoria House
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Day 13: San Pedro (Free Day)
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Spend a fabulous day enjoying the many Tours & Activities offered directly at the Victoria House resort. Pristine and unspoiled beaches, islands and reefs await. Swim, dive, snorkel, fish, kayak, windsurf... the brilliant turquoise waters of the Belize. Or of course you may also choose to simply relax by the beachfront pool, swing in a hammock under the tall swaying palms and let the attentive staff cater to your needs!
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Day 14: San Pedro (Free Day)
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Another free day to enjoy the many Tours & Activities offered by the Victoria House resort or by the many dive shops and or operations in the area. You could also opt to take a water taxi to visit charming Caye Caulker or even play 18 holes at the very exclusive resort of Caye Chapel.
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Day 15: San Pedro - Belize City
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Enjoy your last morning of Caribbean sun and fun before catching your flight back to Belize City at (time to be confirmed) for your connecting flight home.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Be taken to the San Pedro airport by the hotel transporters (5 min. drive; $5 per couple. Please confirm time at the reception.)
AIR TRANSPORT: Tropic Air flight (time to be confirmed) from San Pedro to Belize City International
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2 per
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4 pers
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6 pers
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8 pers
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$US 2305
est. per person
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$US 1855
est. per person
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$US 1743
est. per person
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$US 1700
est. per person
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Price Includes:
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• Private ground transport in air-conditioned mini van or SUV • All taxes
• Return flights Belize City - San Pedro • Lodging in deluxe accommodations • Bilingual guide, transportation to and from, lunch (without beverages) and entrance fees for Tikal National Park
• Private boat tour from Rio Dulce to Livingston • Continental Breakfast at Hotel Casa Encantada, La Lancha, and Victoria House
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Price Excludes:
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• International airfare to Guatemala • Meals, beverages, tours or transportation not specifically shown as included in package • Passport and visa fees • Tips • Phone calls • Laundry Service • All items of personal nature • Travel & Cancellation Insurance (for more information please click here.
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Options Available Upon Request:
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• Transportation in private plane or helicopter
• Hotel & room type upgrades
• Optional Tours from Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Copan, Rio Dulce, Peten or San Pedro
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Payment Terms:
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• Prices nor availability guaranteed until payment is received
• Payments accepted via Wire Transfer, Bank Check or Credit Card
• A deposit of 50% is required at the time of booking. The balance is due 45 days before departure.
• Please Note: By payment of invoice you agree to our Travel Terms & Conditions. To view a copy, please click here.
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Please Note:
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• Prices based on low season hotel 2009 rates. Final pricing details provided upon booking.
• All our tours are private and a la carte meaning you choose where to stay, what to visit, when to go and what to do. We simply provide expert advise and do all the booking for you, charging cost (or less, never more guaranteed) + a 10% service charge (+/- 5% depending on group size.) Tour may be as deluxe or economical as your budget permits.
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Regional & Hotel Information
Please find below extensive information on the areas you will be visiting on this tour and the proposed accommodations. By clicking on each of the links or the images, you will arrive at a new page with loads of additional information to help you familiarize yourself with the area, its amenities and the proposed accommodations.
DAY 1, 2 & 5 - LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA
Here you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most magnificent colonial cities in all the Americas. Simply relax at side walk cafés, shop at Indian markets, enjoy the city's many historical ruins and monuments, visit its museums, enjoy fabulous cuisine & experience Mayan culture. The more adventurous may opt to take a day to deep sea fish the nearby Pacific, hike a local active volcano, mountain bike or others.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
DAY 3 & 4 - LAKE ATITLAN & ITS VILLAGES
In Lake Atitlan, a deep-blue volcanic crater lake surrounded by three picture perfect volcanoes and the colorful Maya villages resting on its shores, you will experience a magic felt in no other place. Relax, get a massage, meditate, shop, enjoy nature, or for the more adventurous, hike one of the volcanoes, scuba dive, swim, kayak, mountain bike... and much more. Please see below information on what to do and see.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 6 & 7 - COPAN, HONDURAS
The Copán valley offers a blend of cultural and natural activities that is hard to match in Central America. Spend your days visiting archaeological wonders, parks & museums or take part in some of the many natural activities offered including agrotourism, birding, horseback riding, hot springs etc.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 8 & 9 - RIO DULCE & CARIBBEAN COAST
Be prepared to experience blissful nature and adventure, where water sports, river canyon tours, hot springs, Caribbean towns and air, local cuisine, and many fun activities await. You of course may simply opt for plenty of relaxion under the hot Caribbean sun. Better yet, why not a bit of both…
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
DAY 10 & 11 - TIKAL RUINS & LAKE PETEN ITZA
Here you will experience the greatest of Mayan archeological wonders at the Tikal National Park, nestled deep in the Peten jungles. This region also boasts the largest protected tropical forest area in Central America, whose area's stunning fauna and flora, lakes, rivers, lagoons and caves, will absolutely amaze you.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
DAY 12, 13 & 14 - AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE
Here imagine yourself swimming, diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing... the brilliant turquoise waters of the Belize archipelago, made up of over 200 deserted tropical islands and coral atolls, where more than 70 types of coral and over 400 species of fish call these waters home. Couple this with an exotic region overflowing with divine natural beauty, and you have the ultimate tropical getaway.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
What to Bring
Antigua & Lake Atitlan Region:
They call it the "land of eternal spring", at 1700 meters above sea level, the temperature is just right. The days remain in the mid to upper 70's (mid 20's Celsius) with evenings becoming cooler dropping into the 60's (15 Celsius.) Bring a sweater or jacket for the evenings.
Peten Region, Rio Dulce, Copan & Belize:
Tropical fauna and flora at its best, but this also means warm and humid, so dress accordingly. Please make sure to bring the following: Mosquito repellent - Sunscreen - Hiking boots or good pair of tennis shoes - Bathing Suites - Rash guard for the water-sports people - Sun glasses
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