Central America · Belize

Hi everyone,

I’m in the middle of planning my trip for February 2027 with my family (4 adults). We’re thinking of a Guatemala-Belize combo. Could you let me know what you think of my itinerary? Should I add or remove anything? Is it too minimalist? Do you recommend renting a car or hiring a driver and guide? For the islands in Belize, is 5 days too much? The volcano hike isn’t included on purpose.

· 02/21 (Day 1) — Arrival in Guatemala Night: Antigua · 02/21 (Day 2) — Antigua, the colonial gem Half-day guided walking tour of convents, churches, and Spanish ruins. Volcanoes as a photo backdrop. Coffee plantation visit. Night: Antigua · 02/22 (Day 3) — Chichicastenango Market → Lake Atitlán Early morning drive to the big indigenous market. Guide to explain Mayan rituals in Santo Tomás Church. Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlán. Night: Lake Atitlán · 02/23 (Day 4) — The Mayan Villages of Lake Atitlán Lake crossing. Visit the villages of San Juan La Laguna (weaving cooperatives) and Santiago Atitlán. Night: Lake Atitlán · 02/24 (Day 5) — Sololá Market → Return to Antigua Leave the lake in the morning. Visit the authentic high-altitude market of Sololá with a local guide, then drive back to spend the evening in Antigua. Night: Antigua · 02/25 (Day 6) — Flight to Flores → Transfer to Tikal Domestic flight directly to Tikal National Park. Night: Tikal (in the heart of the jungle) · 02/26 (Day 7) — Exploring the City of Tikal Explore the giant Mayan city of Tikal in the middle of the jungle with your French-speaking guide. Enjoy the lodge’s pool to the sound of howler monkeys. Night: Tikal

02/27 (Day 8) — Belize Border → Xunantunich Site → San Ignacio Visit the large Mayan site of Xunantunich right after crossing the border.

Night: San Ignacio

02/28 (Day 9) — Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Full-day 4x4 tour with the lodge’s guide to explore Big Rock Falls (swimming in natural pools) and caves in the forest reserve.

Night: San Ignacio

03/01 (Days 10 to 15) — San Ignacio → Boat to Ambergris Caye

But I’m still not sure whether to go to Ambergris or Caye Caulker (what do you recommend?)

03/06 (Day 15) — Domestic Flight → International Return Flight (feasible or not?)

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out to tap into your knowledge and experiences, as my partner and I are heading to Guatemala and Belize for the entire month of February 2020, and we could really use some tips. I was thinking of spending 20 days in Guatemala and 10 days in Belize, especially since our flight arrives in Guatemala City and departs from Belize. We were considering hiring a driver-guide for part of our time in Guatemala. Which part do you think would be best? We’re choosing this country for all the culture and traditions it has to offer, so skipping a guide entirely would be a shame—but I can imagine it’d be tough to keep one for all 20 days. So maybe a week or ten days. What kind of budget should we plan for? And most importantly, do you have any contacts for reliable driver-guides? Thanks in advance for your valuable advice. Marilyne

Hi everyone!

That was about all the Spanish I could speak before we left... Luckily, Tom, 15 and in high school, gets by just fine! And Caroline did a year of Duolingo before we took off... Anyway, after 55 days in the American West three years ago, it’s Mexico’s turn for this second long adventure.

A quick intro to the crew:





- Oscar, 10, a sporty and lively little boy who loves swimming and basketball, - Tom, 15, a high schooler, sporty and tall, who loves swimming and American football, - Caroline, 47, a PE teacher, sporty , loves hiking and snorkeling, - and me, Sylvain, 50, a science teacher, sporty, loves traveling and always has a possible next trip in mind

We mostly travel by swapping our house to discover beautiful France and the world: 135 swaps over the last 13 years.....

Our itinerary is pretty classic since it’s our first time in the Yucatán, and we’ll make a little 10-day detour to Belize...

See you soon...