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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.
B Breakfast | L Lunch | D Dinner | BL Box Lunch | OV Overnight
Day & Location | Transportation, Highlights & Accommodation | Meals |
---|---|---|
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 |
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
2025 | ||
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Price per adult sharing double occupancy | $6,235 |
This is a preliminary costing; hotels may vary according to availability at time of booking.
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.
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