Guatemala & Belize
We will arrive in Guatemala City and immediately drive to the charming town of Antigua, the former capital. Antigua is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Central America. Nestled between three volcanoes (Agua, Fuego, and Pacaya), Antigua offers a picturesque and historic setting. On our first day in Guatemala, we’ll acclimate to the new environment and explore the city’s highlights.
The next day, we’ll start early with a hike up the 2,552-meter high Pacaya Volcano, which remains active. After descending, we’ll take a “Chicken Bus” for a thrilling ride to Guatemala’s natural wonder, Lake Atitlán. We’ll explore local villages where tradition and modernization blend, and travel across the lake. For those who enjoy hiking, there’s an option to climb Indian Nose, or shorter hikes around the lake for others. Time will also be allotted for visiting a traditional sweat lodge, shopping, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife with locals and backpackers from around the world.
From here, we head to another Guatemalan gem and MUST-SEE spot: the charming village of Lanquín, where we’ll stay in cabanas (huts with hammocks) amidst wild nature. We’ll admire the Semuc Champey National Park and its lagoons, explore the stunning Grutas de Lanquín caves, and then travel to Flores, a picturesque town on Lake Petén, which serves as a base for exploring Tikal. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization (a UNESCO site) known for its majestic Mayan pyramids set in the jungle.
Leaving Guatemala, we head to the Caribbean beaches of Belize, where we’ll enjoy coral reefs, coconuts, and relaxation. Belize, a small country with 386 km of coastline, is highly accessible and geographically and biologically diverse. We’ll indulge in marine activities, visit small islands (like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye), explore Placencia’s beautiful beach, dive, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy Belizean rhythms and cocktails.
Returning to Guatemala, we’ll visit Livingston, a unique town on the Caribbean coast, home to the Garifuna people, located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce flowing into the Caribbean Sea. From Livingston, we’ll boat along the Rio Dulce to Lake Izabal, experiencing one of the best river excursions in the region. After a night on Lake Izabal, we’ll travel south back to Antigua, making a brief stop in Guatemala City, the capital. We’ll end our journey where we started – in Antigua.
During the trip, we will use various transportation methods, including “chicken buses,” rental vans or buses, taxis, boats, and our own legs and fins. Our motto will be diverse cuisine, abundant nature, and even more fun:)
The program is active, with participants also carrying their own luggage. It’s recommended for those who enjoy an adventurous, travel-intensive, and active way of discovering the world.
Highlights on the Journey
Guatemala
Antigua: Former capital with impressive architecture, a historic city surrounded by a mountain range and three volcanoes (Agua, Fuego, Pacaya)
Pacaya Volcano: Located near Antigua, rising 2,552 meters high. The volcano is interesting due to its activity and the potential to see lava on the surface!
Lake Atitlán: An indescribable lake surrounded by diverse villages, with volcanic origins and the deepest lake in Central America.
San Pedro: Trek to the “Indian Nose” mountain and enjoy the vibrant backpacker scene.
Panajachel: Experience the charming town by the lake, shopping, and indulging in good food.
San Marcos: A larger village by Lake Atitlán known for yoga, massages, and traditional sweat lodges.
Lanquín: A charming village in lush nature, home to two natural wonders:
Semuc Champey (National Park with natural pools, pools, and waterfalls for swimming)
Grutas de Lanquín (A diverse underground world with numerous caves)
Flores: A town on Lake Petén, located on a peninsula and a gateway to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal.
Tikal: Ruins of a mighty Mayan city; pyramids set in the mysterious Guatemalan jungle (UNESCO protected).
Livingston: A town on the Caribbean coast known for its unique rhythm and Garifuna people. Livingston is a starting point for the river tour along the Rio Dulce, leading to the largest Guatemalan lake, Izabal.
Rio Dulce: A river winding through lush vegetation. We’ll travel down the river to Lake Izabal, spotting numerous birds, caves, and indigenous communities in the jungle.
Guatemala City: The capital of Guatemala, a city of contrasts and urban chaos, representing the country’s economic and transport hub, with many museums and interesting urban myths.
Guatemalan Roads: Roads often run through spectacular landscapes that can take your breath away.
“Chicken Buses”: Packed with all kinds of goods and people:)
Belize
Belize City: The capital and starting point for the islands, including our destination, Caye Caulker.
Caye Caulker: A small island once a stop for hippies traveling from Mexico to Guatemala, known for its laid-back vibe, hammocks, and relaxed atmosphere. Caye Caulker is also a hub for diving and snorkeling tours.
Coral Reef: Belize’s coral reef is the second largest in the world, offering an excellent underwater experience.
Placencia: A place discovered by pirates with a 5 km long good beach, great bars, and seafood. Ideal for relaxation, swimming, and excursions into the jungle to explore Mayan ruins like Lubaantun.
Accomodation?
Our hotels in Guatemala and Belize are thoroughly vetted. We choose hotels that are beautiful, authentic, friendly, and offer good service. We use double and triple rooms with private showers and toilets. Accommodations vary in category, but the key is that we are always in the heart of the action. The hotels are centrally located, so the main attractions in each town are accessible on foot.
Hoteli na poti:
Why travel wit us?
Why Guatemala and Belize? This mystical part of our planet is full of secrets and legends. These countries together offer the best that Central America has to offer: a wealth of Mayan history and heritage (temples and sacred cities), Mayan descendants, active volcanoes, the stunning Lake Atitlán (one of the most beautiful lakes in the Americas), colonial cities, jungles, lagoons, and, of course, Caribbean beaches. Both countries are relatively small, allowing us to explore all their best features. The roads through the wildly beautiful landscapes of Guatemala will be a special treat for the travel soul. On this journey, we will experience various modes of transportation: “private” bus, “local-chichen” bus, rickshaw, boat, tube, and more. We will stay at a range of accommodations, all charming and interesting. Our trip is designed to blend exploring the rich history of Guatemala and Belize with activities (hiking a volcano, jungle trekking, tubing down a river, snorkeling over coral reefs) and leisurely relaxation and fun by the Caribbean Sea.
You’re in for a true Central American travel delight!
About the country
The Republic of Guatemala is a coastal country in Central America, bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, located in the southern part of North America. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. Its area is 108,890 square kilometers. In Guatemala, you will find some of the highest still-active volcanoes, remnants of ancient Mayan civilizations, and beautiful national parks. Guatemala also boasts a 576-square-kilometer jungle that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The country has nearly 13 million people, with 46% of the population having Mayan roots. Urbanization is high, with 40% of the population living in cities. In many villages, travelers will find that Spanish is essential, as it is the official language of Guatemala. Guatemala is a destination for cultural-adventure travel. The currency is the quetzal (Q).
Belize is the least populated country in Central America. It is slightly larger than Slovenia, with an area of 22,966 square kilometers. It borders Guatemala to the south and west and Mexico to the north. The official language is English. Belize boasts invaluable natural beauty, a stable political environment, and the most developed tourist infrastructure in the region. With a diverse population (300,000 residents) and a dominant Caribbean atmosphere, it is also the only country in Central America where reggae is more common than salsa. Belize offers immense geographical and biological diversity on its relatively small area. Enthusiastic travelers can snorkel on one of the most famous coral reefs, explore Mayan temples, descend waterfalls surrounded by lush pine forests, visit a jaguar and monkey reserve, savor delicious lobster with a beer on an idyllic beach, and end the day swaying to reggae rhythms into the night. The currency is the Belize dollar (BZD). Belize is considered quite expensive compared to neighboring Guatemala and Mexico.
Visa and Vaccinations
Slovenian citizens do not need a visa to enter Guatemala and Belize, but a passport valid for at least six months is required. Upon entering and leaving Belize, a tourist tax must be paid..
For travel to Guatemala and Belize, we recommend vaccinations against hepatitis A and B. There is a malaria risk throughout the year in rural areas below 1,500 meters above sea level in Guatemala. Malaria is not present in Guatemala City and the central highlands. The highest malaria risk is in the lowlands along the Pacific coast, near the El Salvador border, and in the Peten region. To protect against malaria, prevent mosquito bites, and take low preventive doses of antimalarial drugs if needed.
Group and Tour Leader
The group size ranges from 12 to 20 travelers. If the group is smaller than 12, the cost of organization increases proportionally. The group will be led by Tomo or Marko. The entire trip requires 19 days.
Before the trip, we have a mandatory meeting with everyone to avoid problems and ensure everyone is informed.
When to travel?
From November to April is the dry season in Guatemala with pleasant temperatures, making it the best time to travel (it’s winter for us, but summer there). The rainy season starts in May and usually lasts until mid-October, with the most rainfall on the Caribbean coast and in the mountainous regions of the country. There is a chance of tropical storms in September and October. Belize is a tropical country with a similar dry and rainy season pattern, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C (January) to 27°C (July), higher in the interior. Particularly in the northern and central parts of the country, the period from January to May is almost rain-free. We are traveling at the best time, in February and July/August.
Price:
For current prices and departure please visit the Slovenian site (CLICK HERE)
Price Includes:
- Arrangement (organization, Slovenian tour leader, and round-trip airfare)
- All transportation during the trip (in Guatemala and Belize; at times we will have a private bus, and we will also try local chicken buses, boats, ships, tuk-tuks, and Guatemalan rickshaws)
- All accommodations during the trip (staying in charming and clean hostels and hotels…)
- All excursions on the trip (Pacaya Volcano, Semuc Champey caves and river pools, Tikal, snorkeling excursion, boat ride on the Rio Dulce, and jungle exploration)
- Entrance fees to parks
- Tourist tax for entering and leaving Belize
Payment for the trip is different, as all costs are paid locally. Since service prices and currency exchange rates in developing countries fluctuate, please note that the prices provided are approximate and may vary slightly (up to 5%) due to currency fluctuations! We guarantee only the price for organization and accompaniment, which is €350.
If there are 12 or fewer travelers, an additional fee for organization applies: €70 for 12-9 travelers, and €100 for 8-6 travelers.
Price Does Not Include:
- Transfer to the airport (from €45 to €80)
- Insurance
- Shopping and all activities not included in the program
- Food and evening entertainment (food in Central America is generally cheaper than in Slovenia, while alcohol prices vary; some places are very affordable, while others are closer to Slovenian prices)
We recommend bringing at least €350 for personal expenses.
Payment method:
Upon registration, a deposit of €100 must be paid along with a registration fee of €10. The registration fee is non-refundable. By paying the deposit, you secure your place in the group. The trip will proceed if the minimum number of participants is reached. In case of fewer registrations, the trip may be canceled or the price for organization and guiding may be adjusted. If there are 6-8 registrations, the price increases by €100; if there are 9-12 registrations, the increase is €70. This supplement also applies to extensions. If you cancel the trip, the cancellation terms as outlined in the general conditions apply.
60 days before the trip or before the issuance of the invoice, you can use the paid amount for any of our trips within one year. For more information on the general conditions, please read here. If the trip is canceled due to insufficient registrations, your deposit will be refunded.
Before departure, you will need to settle the costs for the flight, guiding services, travel preparation, insurance with assistance, and airport transfer. All other expenses are paid locally at the destination.
Since travel destinations are subject to change and prices can fluctuate, we only guarantee the price for organization and airfare. There may be minor discrepancies due to changes in prices or currency fluctuations.
PHOTO MOMENTS
The route:
Difficulty:
The route:
SHARE:
Impressions:
Impressions:
Zdravo,
Če ne potuješ ravno vsako leto in če je potovati privilegij, ki si ga lahko privoščiš vsake toliko let, je izbira destinacije lahko zelo zahtevna…v tem primeru je bila “zadetek v polno”…predolgo bi trajalo, da vsaj približno opišem, kako sem občutila deželo, ljudi in družbo, zato povzemam, da so vsi moji spomini krasni in da sem uživala v vsakem trenutku. Vodenje in organizacija na potovanju – odgovorno, zaupanja vredno – odlično! Na potovanju bi dodala še en dan v Antigui za zaključek:) – shoping oz. uživanje v barvitosti tržnic in barantanju :)))) Stroški na potovanju – če je bila ocena 300€, sem jih zapravila 500€ – res pa je, da sem uživala v hrani, pijači in tudi kar nekaj spominkov je prišlo z mano domov. V bodoče si želim potovati v južno Ameriko, Afriko, sever Evrope…
Zakaj sem se odločila za to destinacijo? – hmm, bolj kot vzhod, me privlači zahod :)))…občutek za živahnost življenja je, po mojem mnenju, izrazitejši na zahodnem delu naše poloble:))). Toplo priporočam vsakemu, ki me sprašuje, kako sem se imela.
Lp, Valerija.
Živijo,
Vauuu tolko vtisov da ne morem izbirat med najlepšim, je pa blo vsaj zame čudovito potovanje. Turi ne bi ničesar dodajal, Tomo je odličen vodič in organizator. Za celotno potovanje sem porabil nekje do 2200 eur. Če pa gledam samo na hrano, pijačo in spominke nekje 400 – 500 eur. Potovanje priporočam vsem, saj se potuje po čudoviti deželi. Zakaj pa ravno tja, hmmm preprosto, kr še tam nisem bil in kr sem si že dolgo želel lenuharjenja v viseči mreži 😉
Za v prihodnje še nisem razmišljal kam me bo peljala pot ampak morda v nasprotno smer, se pravi kam v Azijo.
1. Kako se ti je zdelo potovanje nasploh in kaj ti je ostalo v najlepšem spominu?
Potovanje do in po Gvatemali je bilo v redu, v skladu s pričakovanji in informacijami, ki smo jih dobili na informativnih sestankih. Vtise še zlagamo po predalčkih, na splošno pa je Gvatemala ponudila več od pričakovanj, Belize malo manj.
2. Je bilo vodenje in organizacija v redu ali bi kaj lahko dodali?
Odlično – Tomu povečajte plačo.
3. Koliko denarja si cca porabil/a na potovanju?
Nisem računal in tudi ne bom, ocena pa je cca 300,00 € več od vaših predvidevanj, ampak v glavnem vse na račun ” saj sem vendar na dopustu, ne bom šparal in šopinga”
4. Kam bi v prihodnje najraje potoval/-a?
Čile, Bolivija, Peru
5. Zakaj si se odločil/a za to potovanje in ali bi to potovanje priporočal/-a še komu?
Tole potovanje je bilo darilo, glede na končni rezultat pa ga v pogovorih s prijatelji in znanci tišim naprej.
ANDREJA
1. Potovanje bo zame ostalo nepozabno. Gvatemala me je popolnoma navdušila, Belize malo manj. Program je zelo zanimiv in razgiban. Doživiš in vidiš marsikaj: od prečudovite narave do eksotičnih živalskih vrst (tarantele, opice, morski psi in skati, tukani, pelikani, ….), pristne potomce Majev, ki še vedno živijo tradicionalno življenje, in njihove prečudovite otročke, ki se jim zaiskrijo očke ob naših drobnih darilcih, preizkusili smo tudi vožnjo z lokalnimi avtobusi – chicken busi, ki zna bit zelo zanimiva, na otoku Caye Caulker gre vse na slow in na prehitro hojo si kaj hitro opozorjen (da dol padeš), brez besed pa ostaneš, ko ti en starejši domačin z dredi reče, da je Slovenija bila pod Habsburžani in celo zna naštet vse republike bivše Jugoslavije …. In ne nazadnje mi bo to potovanje ostalo v lepem spominu tudi zaradi dobre družbe, super vodiča & šoferja ter gospoda Botrana J
2. Naš Tomo je odličen vodnik, odgovoren, zaupanja vreden, zna delat z ljudmi …. čista desetka zanj …. Kar se organizacije tiče, je vse štimalo.
3. Gvatemala je presegla moja pričakovanja, Belize malo manj.
4. V prihodnje me še vedno vleče na zahod: nacionalni parki ZDA, Venezuela, Čile, Bolivija; pa tudi Azija: Tajska, Laos, Japonska … Želja je pač neizmerno ….
5. Za to potovanje me je navdušila sodelavka, ki je z vami potovala leto prej. Tako kot ona bi tudi jaz to potovanje priporočila vsakomur, ki si želi izkusit vse to, kar sem napisala pod točko 1.
Lep pozdrav, Mojca
1. Kako se ti je zdelo potovanje in kaj ti je ostalo v najboljšem spominu?
Glede na to, da sva šla brez posebnih pričakovanj, je bilo potovanje zelo zanimivo, včasih malce naporno. Pozitivnih stvari je veliko:
Tical-veličastno
Pacaya – čeprav je bila megla, je bilo enkratno
Atitlan – vasice okoli in njeni prebivalci
Belize in Monterico – pravi dopust – vroče in morje
Rio Dulce -plovba po reki
Zelo veliko pa je k enkratnemu vzdušju pripomogla celotna skupina.
2. Kako bi ocenili delo vodnika in organizacijo stvari na poti?
Tomo je bil enkraten in si zasluži čisto desetko, potovanje je potekalo brez problemov.
3. Sta Gvatemala in Belize potešila tvoje popotniške apetite oz. pričakovanja?
Tikal je presegel vsa pričakovanja, spoznati novo kulturo je tisto, za kar se odločamo in gremo na taka potovanja.
4. Kam bi v prihodnje najraje potoval/-a?
Krajev je veliko, odločiitev še ni padla.
5. Zakaj si se odločil/-a za to potovanje in ali bi to potovanje priporočal/-a še komu?
Planirala sva nekam v Srednjo ali Južno Ameriko, točnega cilja nisva imela, veliko je pripomogel datum.
Seveda bi priporočila to potovanje še prijateljem.
Goran in Patricija
1.) Potovanje je bilo enkratno, tako zaradi dežele same, dobre družbe, zabave, vodstva, klime, hrane,… V najlepšem spominu mi je ostalo snorklanje na Caye Coulkerju in njihov slow moution way of life. Poleg tega moram izpostaviti tudi vožnjo po Rio Dulce in Tikal.
2.) Tomo si za svoje delo zasluži petico. Ves čas je namreč bdel nad nami in skrbel, da so stvari tekle nemoteno, tako glede prevozov, nastanitev, ogledov, prehodov meje; poleg tega pa tudi skrbel za dobro voljo in povezanost celotne skupine.
3.) Izbrana destinacija je vsekakor izpolnila pričakovanja, sploh glede na relativno kratkotrajen obisk. Res pa bi se pred koncem potovanja prileglo še kaka dva dni zabušavanja ob obali in namakanja v morju.
4.) V prihodnje me vleče v Indonezijo, Sumatra, Sulavezi, v Novo Zelandijo, J Ameriko, Bolivija, Čile, pa še in še:))
5.) Za to potovanje sem se odločila zaradi termina, programa, narave,.. in ja, vsekakor bi ga in ga že:) priporočam vsem, ki jih to zanima.
lep pozdrav, Tina
1. Potovanje je bilo lepo, sproščeno, zame, ki sem bil v Venezueli, tudi ne tako zelo novo – v marsičem precej podobno. Termin je primeren, ker so temperature zmerne in nismo zmrzovali niti se cvrli (meni osebno je 25-30°C idealno). Meni, ki potujem večinoma zaradi narave, so se najbolj dopadli (1) plavanje s skati v Caye Caulkerju, (2) divjina in mistika Tikala, in (3) džungelski Monkey River, ter (4) jame Semuc Champey.
2. Delo vodnika zagotovo ni bilo slabo, koliko se je sam angažiral in potrudil, pa najbolje ve sam. Namreč, logistično in nasploh so – po mojem mnenju – zadeve tekle odlično, kar pomeni, da je vodnik opravil delo z najvišjo možno oceno, poleg tega pa je izkazal tudi precej potrpljenja. Kar zadeva organizacijo na poti, imam nekaj prigovorov.
3. Da.
4. V vodeni skupini so v nekem meglenem načrtu (1) Indonezija, Kambodža, Malezija v prvem sklopu, in (2) Tanzanija, Kenija v drugem. Ampak zaenkrat nič fiksnega.
4. Zaradi (1) naravnih danosti v teh geografskih širinah, (2) razpoložljivosti potovalnega programa, ker brez agencije tja ne bi potoval, (3) vsebine programa, ki je raznolik in ima ugodno razmerje naravoslovja proti družboslovju, ter razmerje cene proti številu dni. Potovanje bi priporočil tudi drugim.
Duško