Family Adventure Travel in Guatemala & Belize

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.

This is a destination full of contrasts, colour and adventure, a place to cross cultural frontiers and to witness an ancient indigenous culture thriving in a visible, accessible way in the heart of the Mayan world. This diverse, beautiful country is a hidden treasure waiting for you.

Belize also has Mayan ruins and jungles, and most importantly is home to the Meso-American Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world. The reef offers unparalleled snorkeling and diving, and is the perfect way to end trip to the region.

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.

Days 4
Today you’ll visit some of the great local markets of Guatemala. The largely indigenous population, descendants of the ancient Mayan people, has some of the most colorful and exciting markets in Latin America. Later, arrive at your lakeside hotel on fabulous Lake Atitlan.

Day 5
Today you’ll travel by boat along the lake visiting local lakeside communities. It’s a fascinating experience!

Day 6
Returning to Guatemala City, you will fly to Flores deep in the jungle. Stay at a jungle lodge near the ancient ruins of Tikal.

Day 7
Today you will learn all about the ancient Mayan civilization as you visit Tikal, the greatest of the Mayan cities. Later, you’ll stop at another untouristed Mayan site even deeper in the jungle, where you’ll be able to observe the sunset from the top of the highest pyramid. 

Day 8
Today depart Guatemala by land as you journey into nearby Belize. Belize feels totally different, being English speaking and with a more Caribbean atmosphere. You’ll spend 2 nights in a jungle lodge, where you can hike trails, tube in the rivers and swim under waterfalls.

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).

Day 10
Travel to Placencia on the coast or to the island of Ambergris Caye to spend 3 nights in a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. 

Day 11
Enjoy a half-day snorkel experience. Belize has the second largest tropical reef in the world and you will see many species of fantastic tropical fish.

Day 12
Another snorkel excursion in this world-class marine environment.

Day 13
Time to depart as you travel to the international airport and check-in for your flight back home.

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. 

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!

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!

Rice and beans are staples. Chicken and seafood are popular in Belize, while in Guatemala the food is a mix of Mayan and Spanish! Traditional stews reflect the Mayan tradition while chile rellenos, tostadas and tamales are local interpretations of well known Mexican dishes.

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.

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.