Guatemala has it all, from great immense ruins to astonishing landscapes to an outstanding exceptional cultural legacy, while Belize offers wonderful lodges, outstanding beaches and some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.
Guatemala & Belize
Family Adventure Travel in Guatemala & Belize
Destination Highlights
Guatemala
Guatemala is a country of breathtaking landscapes and remarkable natural beauty. Within a relatively small area, it offers rugged mountain trails, exotic jungles, active volcanoes, white and black sand beaches, raging rivers and glorious, placid lakes.
Then there’s Antigua, colonial center of the New World, one of the Americas’ most enchanting cities, and today a haven of tranquility and a center for Spanish language schools. Add to that, the treasure trove of Mayan archeological sites, incredible market life, and a rich cultural, indigenous heritage, and you have a destination with incredible natural, historical and cultural appeal.
Highlights
- Study Spanish, stay with a local family, or just wander the streets of Antigua
- Hike incredible Volcan Pacaya and get up close with lava flows
- Explore Mayan culture in the villages surrounding beautiful Lake Atitlan
- Go bargain hunting at Solala or Chichicastenango markets
- Experience sunrise at Tikal deep in the jungle
- Take a canoe trip into a Belizean cave and see where ancient rituals were enacted.
- Snorkel or dive in the wonderland of the Great Meso – American Reef.
- Relax at pristine beach resorts after an action packed trip through both countries.
Guatemala & Belize Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua. Antigua is a very special place. Arguably the best-preserved old colonial town in Central America, it is a beautiful and relaxed way to begin your trip. Preserved buildings dating back hundreds of years, markets, gentle people, and amazing food are all found here.
Days 2
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Antigua with your guide. Later, you’ll bike to an eco-friendly coffee farm and learn how coffee is produced, from the bean all the way to the amazing cup of espresso!
Day 3
Today you’ll walk up a volcano! Pacaya is the nearest volcano to Antigua and is constantly steaming. Enjoy a walk or horseback ride to the peak, where if you are lucky you may see lava flowing. Return to Antigua overnight.
Day 9
Today is an action-packed adventure. You’ll go caving in a cave used by the ancient Mayans to store the bones of their dead! You’ll slither through tunnels and swim in underground rivers and you’ll see the fascinating areas where the Mayans practiced their ancient customs. (For the less adventurous, we have plenty of alternatives ranging from a butterfly house and a lizard sanctuary to less adventurous cave tubing).
Guatemala & Belize Trip Tips & FAQ's
What Time of Year is Best for Guatemala and Belize Family Tours?
They are good all year round. In Central America the temperatures seldom vary and the year is divided instead into the wet and dry seasons. Dry season runs from November to April and is more popular, but the wet season really only means rain at night and maybe an hour or two in the afternoons – and it’s a lot cheaper! So both are very good times to travel.
Is Traveling to Guatemala and Belize a Good Idea for a Family Vacation?
Belize is a super family friendly destination.and it’s English speaking too! It sees plenty of families from all over the world, and is extremely well set up for travel with kids. Guatemala is arguably the best country in Central America to experience local culture – local dress is extremely colorful, village markets are vibrant and the jungle-clad ancient monuments are amazing. In addition, everyone loves kids!
Guatemala and Belize Family Tours: What is There to Do?
Belize is a jungle and water adventure paradise. Jungle activities include adventures such as cave tubing and exploring ancient Mayan burial caves, while water adventures include snorkeling and diving on the second largest barrier reef in the world. Imagine snorkeling with harmless sharks and manta rays!
In Guatemala one can visit daily markets, climb smouldering volcanoes, canoe pristine lakes, enjoy artisanal coffee on a local plantation and take in the mystery of the ancient Mayans as you look over the jungle at sunset from the top of a pyramid!
Guatemala and Belize Family Tours: Where to Stay?
In Belize, accommodation ranges from simple beach hotels to upscale boutique jungle lodges and island resorts. Chains are not well represented, and one can find a very local atmosphere in most accommodations. In Guatemala, a full range of accommodation exists – including lovely colonial style boutique hotels and many accommodations with a local flavor, as well as some international chains.
Are Guatemala and Belize Family Tours Expensive?
Prices vary depending on when you visit. Belize can be expensive in high season, especially around Xmas and New Year, while prices come down dramatically in the rainy season. Guatemala tends to be well priced all year, offering very good quality accommodations at reasonable prices.
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Guatemala & Belize
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