Stay : Backpacking the best of Guatemala and Belize
A holiday idea for backpackers who prefer to travel by bus, ideal for small budgets and to soak up the local culture. We start with a few days of idleness on a paradise island in Belize, then head for Guatemala, its Mayan heritage and tropical nature. An itinerary that can be part of a trip through Central America and on to Mexico.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
13 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Where to stay - Belize City ?
The map of your stay - Guatemala
Detail of the stay : Backpacking the best of Guatemala and Belize - 13 days
Day 1: Arrival in the capital of Belize
Steps: Belize City, Caye Caulker
Belize city is not really the most glamorous of cities. As soon as you arrive, head for the island of Caye Caulker (count 2 hours of travel) to rest from the jet lag in the shade of a coconut tree: Caribbean atmosphere guaranteed! No cars on the island, evenings to the rhythm of reggae-zen-relax music, delicious lobsters, cocktails with coconut milk, pineapple or lime flavours, the holidays have officially begun!
Day 2: On the island of Caye Caulker
Steps: Caye Caulker
Located off the second largest coral reef in the world, Caye Caulker will delight scuba divers, or even simply snorkelers (mask and snorkels). This small island, which is 8 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, is easily accessible by water taxi.
Day 3: Like on the postcards
Steps: Caye Caulker, Monterrico
Continue to enjoy the turquoise waters and heavenly beaches of Caye Caulker. Want to stretch your legs? Go for a walk on the south side of the island, still wild.
Day 4: Mayan sacred caves
Steps: Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, Belize City, Belmopán, San Ignacio, Caye Caulker
Leave the beautiful island of Caye Caulker to San Ignacio (via Belize City and Belmopan). Go on an excursion to the sacred Mayan caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal. On the program: walking, swimming, climbing... it is a real adventure to reach the "Cathedral", a magical place full of history: more than 1,400 Mayan relics (sculptures, pottery, bones...) have been found there.
ATM - ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL
Day 5: Arrival in Guatemala
Steps: Flores
Cross the border into Guatemala to reach the town of Flores. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of this charming colonial town, situated on a lacustrine peninsula (Lake Petén Itzá).
Day 6: The fabulous Mayan temples of Tikal
Steps: Tikal
From Flores, take a day trip to the archaeological site of Tikal. If you have time, spend the night in one of the three ecolodges located at the entrance to the national park. This allows you to opt for a guided tour at sunrise or sunset: magical hours to appreciate this mythical and imposing Mayan city, where the lights are unparalleled and the howler monkeys more active than ever. Choose a guided tour in Spanish rather than English, as groups are generally smaller and you'll feel like you're playing Indiana Jones!
SITIO ARQUEOLÓGICO DE TIKAL
Day 7: In the heart of Guatemala
Steps: Lanquín, Semuc Champey
A long day of minibuses awaits you to cross the country and reach the village of Lanquin, the gateway to the natural site of Semuc Champey and its natural pools. But keep your eyes open, the scenery is really worth it! Towards the end (and especially during the last three hours on an unpaved 4x4 path), the panorama becomes very hilly, many small hills host corn and red bean crops... here you are in the heart of Guatemala!
Day 8: Semuc Champey's natural swimming pools
Steps: Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is the result of a curious geological formation: the river flows underground for several hundred metres, leaving a series of basins above it, the water of which takes on magnificent turquoise green colours, all in the heart of a dense tropical forest. It is also possible to explore aquatic caves or to descend the Cahabon River on large buoys. The long journey is really worth it! If you have time, stay there at least one more day, many beautiful walks are possible in the surroundings.
Day 9: Antigua, historic capital
Join the "civilization", leave Lanquin and head for the former capital of Guatemala. Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Antigua is certainly one of the prettiest cities with colonial architecture in Central America. Get lost in these alleys, be curious and enter its many churches, go to lunch at the market. Antigua is also a good place to stop for a week or two and take Spanish courses, you will find many language schools there.
Day 10: Ascension of a volcano
Steps: Antigua, Volcán Pacaya
Antigua is surrounded by many volcanoes. Go on a day trip there, for example to the village of San Francisco de Sales, from where you can start walking to the top of the Pacaya Volcano (still active!). Count 1h30 of walking.
Day 11: Towards the lake of Atitlan
Steps: Antigua, San Pedro La Laguna
Situated at three hours'bus from Antigua, the beautiful lake of Atitlan is surrounded by volcanoes and small villages inhabited by the descendants of Mayan peoples. This lake formed more than 80 000 years ago following the eruption of a volcano forming a great caldeira. Choose one of these villages, such as San Pedro de La Laguna, for example, and discover the surrounding area.
Day 12: In the surrounding villages
Continue exploration and learn a few words in the beautiful Mayan descendant of the Maya.
Day 13: Quetzaltenango or Chichicastenango?
Steps: Chichicastenango, Guatemala Ciudad, Quetzaltenango
Take your exploration to the markets of Quetzaltenango or Chichicastenango (two names of cities that make you dream, don't they?). You can make your last purchases of local crafts before leaving Guatemala: for Mexico? Or to take your return flight from Guatemala City?
How to get there - Belize City
Book your activity - Belize City
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