Belize

Private Belize and Guatemala Cultural Adventure | Tikal, Rainforest & Reef

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Best Season

Year Round

Price

From US $6,235 pp including local flights

How Long

9 Days / 8 Nights

San Ignacio, Cayo District and Hopkins in Belize and Tikal, Peten in Guatemala

Begin your private Belize and Guatemala cultural adventure in the lush rainforests and rivers of Belize’s Cayo District. Journey through sacred Mayan caves, vibrant ecosystems, and remote ruins. Then, cross briefly into Guatemala for a magical encounter with Tikal’s ancient temples. Finally, return to Belize’s Caribbean coast to connect with the rich Garifuna heritage and explore the Belize Barrier Reef. This immersive experience offers the perfect blend of adventure, cultural discovery, and coastal relaxation.

Quick Summary

B Breakfast | L Lunch | D Dinner | BL Box Lunch | OV Overnight

Day & LocationTransportation, Highlights & AccommodationMeals
Day 1 | Arrive to Belize – San Ignacio, Cayo District

Arrival, transfer to San Ignacio, Cayo District 2.5 hrs 

OV: Black Rock Lodge 

D
Day 2 | San Ignacio

Tortilla Making, Barton Creek Cave and Canopy Adventure 

OV:  Black Rock Lodge 

B, L, D
Day 3 | San Ignacio

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave 

OV:  Black Rock Lodge 

B, L, D
Day 4 | San Ignacio – Peten, Guatemala

Transfer to Tikal, Sunset Yaxha Ruins site exploration 

OV:  Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

B, L, D
Day 5 | Peten, Guatemala

Tikal National Park 

OV:  Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

B, L, D
Day 6 | Peten, Guatemala – Hopkins Beach and town, Belize

Ixpanpajul Hanging Bridges, land transfer to Hopkins 

OV:  The Lodge at Jaguar Reef 

B, L
Day 7 | Hopkins Beach and town

Half-day snorkeling at South Water Caye, drumming workshop 

OV:  The Lodge at Jaguar Reef  

B, L
Day 8 | Hopkins Beach and town

Garifuna Culinary Adventure 

OV:  The Lodge at Jaguar Reef 

B, L
Day 9 | Hopkins – Belize International Airport

Transfer to airstrip, flight to Belize International Airport (included) for departure flight back home.  

B

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1 | Arrival in Belize & Scenic Transfer to San Ignacio

Arrive at Belize International Airport and enjoy a scenic two-hour drive into the Cayo District. Check in at Black Rock Lodge, perched above the Macal River in the rainforest. Spend your afternoon exploring nature trails or simply relaxing on your veranda. Conclude the day with a warm welcome dinner served by the lodge’s local staff.

Overnight at Black Rock Lodge

Day 2 | Mayan Culture, Cave Canoeing & Zipline Canopy

Begin the morning with a cultural visit to a Mayan family home. Learn about traditional practices, including tortilla-making with freshly ground masa. Next, canoe into the mystical Barton Creek Cave, once used for sacred Maya rituals. Later, soar through the jungle on a zipline canopy adventure offering thrilling views.

Overnight at Black Rock Lodge

Day 3 | ATM Cave Expedition & Nocturnal Jungle Walk

Venture into the iconic Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave—one of Belize’s most adventurous sites. Trek through rainforest and wade through subterranean rivers to uncover Maya ceremonial artifacts and the famed ‘Crystal Maiden.’ After dinner, set out on a night walk to discover owls, bats, and other nocturnal creatures.

Overnight at Black Rock Lodge

Day 4 | Birdwatching & Sunset at Yaxha, Guatemala

Start your day with early birding around the lodge, spotting toucans, motmots, and parakeets. Afterwards, cross the border into Guatemala and travel to the Yaxha archaeological site. Roam the jungle-fringed ruins and climb the Temple of the Bats for panoramic sunset views.

Overnight at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Day 5 | Discover Tikal's Ancient Maya Kingdom

Explore the legendary city of Tikal, once home to over 100,000 Maya. With your expert guide, uncover ceremonial temples, plazas, and royal tombs. Be on the lookout for monkeys, coatis, and tropical bird species. After your jungle adventure, relax with lakeside comfort at your hotel.

Overnight at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Day 6 | Rainforest Trails & Coastal Arrival in Belize

Fuel up with a hearty Guatemalan breakfast before walking the hanging bridges at Ixpanpajul Nature Park. Cross back into Belize and journey to Hopkins, a coastal village known for its vibrant Garifuna culture. Settle into your beachfront accommodation and enjoy dinner with views of the Caribbean Sea.

Overnight at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

Day 7 | Reef Snorkeling & Garifuna Drumming

Board a boat in the morning and head to a nearby caye for snorkeling along the Belize Barrier Reef. Swim among vibrant coral and marine life. Return in the afternoon to Hopkins and take part in a Garifuna drumming workshop—an interactive experience that connects rhythm with culture.

Overnight at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

Day 8 | Culinary Traditions & Coastal Leisure

Spend the morning at Palmento Grove, where you’ll engage in Garifuna cooking, storytelling, and musical traditions. The afternoon is yours to enjoy—whether you kayak, bike, or unwind with a cold drink on the beach.

Overnight at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

Day 9 | Departure from Hopkins

Take in one last morning by the sea before transferring to Placencia. From there, catch your short domestic flight back to Belize International Airport. Reflect on a journey filled with nature, history, and meaningful cultural exchange.

Pricing

2025
Price per adult sharing double occupancy$6,235

This is a preliminary costing; hotels may vary according to availability at time of booking.

Included

  • All guided tours and excursions  
  • Private naturalist guide days 1-6 
  • Shared snorkeling trip
  • Internal airfare Placencia to Belize City  
  • Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation  
  • Tikal National Park entrance fees  
  • 8 nights hotel accommodation as indicated  
  • Safety gear (helmets, headlamps, life vests, snorkeling equipment) will be provided. 
  • Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]  
  • Green Planet Expeditions travel consultation and pre-departure services  

Not Included

  • International airfare  
  • Tips and gratuities   
  • Airport departure taxes (when applied) 
  • Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than those listed above
  • Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control  
  • Mandatory Travel Insurance: To ensure a smooth travel experience, all participants are required to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy. This policy should include trip cancellation, medical services, and coverage for active adventures or evacuations. “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage is highly recommended to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances
  • Any other items not mentioned above 

 

Accommodation

Eco-lodge room with jungle views and balcony at Black Rock Lodge

Black Rock Lodge, San Ignacio Cayo District, Belize

Nestled in the Maya Mountains above the Macal River, Black Rock Lodge offers a serene rainforest escape in Belize’s Cayo District. This off-the-grid ecolodge is ideal for adventure seekers, with access to hiking, caving, tubing, and Mayan archaeological sites like Caracol and Tikal. The 14 rustic cabanas feature canyon views, Nestled in the Maya Mountains above the Macal River, Black Rock Lodge offers a serene rainforest escape in Belize’s Cayo District. This off-the-grid ecolodge is ideal for adventure seekers, with access to hiking, caving, tubing, and Mayan archaeological sites like Caracol and Tikal. The 14 rustic cabanas feature canyon views, artisan décor, and hammocks for birdwatching—over 200 bird species live in the surrounding reserve, including all three toucan species. The on-site restaurant serves fresh Creole and international cuisine using organic produce grown at the lodge. Powered by solar and hydropower, Black Rock blends comfort with sustainability. read more view less
Interior of a lakeside suite with balcony at Las Lagunas

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Peten, Guatemala

Set beside the peaceful Quexil Lagoon and surrounded by 200 acres of pristine jungle, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is just an hour from Tikal, Yaxha, and Uaxactun. This luxury eco-retreat features 19 elegant waterfront suites, each with a private deck and outdoor Jacuzzi. Inside, guests enjoy air conditioning, satellite TV, Set beside the peaceful Quexil Lagoon and surrounded by 200 acres of pristine jungle, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is just an hour from Tikal, Yaxha, and Uaxactun. This luxury eco-retreat features 19 elegant waterfront suites, each with a private deck and outdoor Jacuzzi. Inside, guests enjoy air conditioning, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and spa-style bathrooms. The property emphasizes conservation while delivering five-star service. Enjoy refined Guatemalan cuisine at the lakeside restaurant and unwind in natural beauty with modern comforts. read more view less
Beachfront bungalow with hammock and ocean view in Hopkins

The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, Hopkins Beach and Town, Belize

Located on a sandy stretch of Belize’s Caribbean coast, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef offers beachfront luxury with a relaxed island vibe. Choose from casitas, veranda rooms, honeymoon cabanas, or spacious two-bedroom suites—each decorated with tropical flair and equipped with modern amenities. Guests enjoy access to two swimming pools, a Located on a sandy stretch of Belize’s Caribbean coast, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef offers beachfront luxury with a relaxed island vibe. Choose from casitas, veranda rooms, honeymoon cabanas, or spacious two-bedroom suites—each decorated with tropical flair and equipped with modern amenities. Guests enjoy access to two swimming pools, a spa, a beachfront restaurant, and shared facilities with the neighboring Almond Beach Resort. Complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes invite you to explore at your own pace. read more view less

At Green Planet Expeditions, we craft strategically curated journeys that immerse travelers in the finest of nature, culture, and local traditions, always seeking out opportunities for exceptional dining experiences. Our expertise lies in tailor-made trips to destinations where we maintain close relationships with local partners, ensuring flawless execution with the assistance of passionate guides deeply connected to their heritage and committed to its preservation.

We believe that tourism, when harnessed thoughtfully, becomes a powerful catalyst for conservation and community upliftment in the destinations we visit.

As with any Good Recipe, Our Trips are infused with the following Flavors:

  • Positive impact on the areas you choose to visit, directly or indirectly.
  • Amazing private local guides.
  • Lovely small boutique hotels according to your budget.
  • Good food, no matter how remote the destination is, we strive to offer good cuisine.
  • Our trips frequently include surprises, which often turn out to be the highlight of the journey.
  • When open to it, visits to less-known destinations, reserved for the daring few, and engages in intimate and meaningful encounters with locals—a cherished treasure highly valued by discerning travelers, as we have discovered through our years of experience in the industry.

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

We offer a wide range of amazing trips that may not all be listed on our website. Plus, we can custom-build pretty much whatever your heart desires, so let us know what we can do for you. If you have any questions about our expedition cruises, private trips, or just want to talk travel, give us a call at 800-430-9498 or contact us via email at travel@greenplanetexpeditions.com

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