Reef and Rainforest Explorer: Guatemala and Belize

Antigua, Flores, the Pine Ridge Mountains and Placencia

Our Reef and Rainforest Explorer combines true outdoor adventure in the jungles and forested mountains of Belize and Guatemala with a cultural immersion in the quaint colonial city of Antigua on the picturesque shores of Lake Atitlan and a well-deserved island escape on the white sand beaches of Placencia. Keeping this very active itinerary to only two weeks took a lot of work as there is so much to see and do in this corner of the world: incredible local culture and art in Antigua, ancient Mayan ruins and endless exploration in the jungles around Tikal and the reef-lovers paradise that is Belize's coastal island environment.

Although there are multiple areas visited on this incredible itinerary the pace is slow and you'll have a real chance to immerse yourself in the local environments. Each night's accommodation is at locally owned boutique hotels and lodges and transportation between destinations is by private vehicle and small aircraft. Although we've amped up the adventuring on this trip we've also put in plenty of time for relaxation and just enjoying the tranquility of these two different but equally alluring countries.

This incredible itinerary is just a sample trip to get your imagination flowing. Call us now at (866) 577 2462 or submit the form and let one of our international travel specialists custom design the perfect trip for you today!

Why Travel with Global Basecamps

Reef and Rainforest Explorer Itinerary

Day 1: Antigua

Upon arrival at the Guatemala City Airport you’ll be met and transferred by private vehicle to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, just 90 miles outside of Guatemala City but worlds away in terms of pace and flavor. Antigua was considered to be one of the cultural capitals of Central America before its partial destruction in the earthquake of 1773. The town is now a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and despite the damage of countless earthquakes, floods and fires the city has managed to retain the charm of its multi-colored single-story buildings, tropical gardens, plazas, fountains and cobble-stone streets. Upon arrival in Antigua you’ll be taken to a charming boutique hotel for a three night stay.

Day 2: Antigua

Today is free to explore this amazing city or take a day trip to Lake Atitlan.

Day 3: Antigua

Global Basecamps is very proud to work with the residents of Santiago Zamorra, a small village about thirty minutes outside of Antigua to provide small-scale economic alternatives to women and girls in the region and today after breakfast you’ll be met at the hotel and taken to the village to see their incredible weavings. This is a short but very special experience that will directly benefit the local communities and give you the opportunity to purchase some amazing and very traditional textiles. The afternoon is free to continue exploring the city on your own.

Day 4: Antigua – Flores

Your morning is free and after lunch you’ll be met at the hotel and transferred back to the Guatemala City Airport for your short flight to Flores in the heart of the Guatemalan lowland rainforest. Upon arrival you will be transferred by private vehicle to a charmingly rustic small eco-lodge set in a private nature reserve on the banks of Lake Peten Itza. You’ll arrive in time to settle in and have a fantastic dinner before getting accustomed to the sounds of the rainforest at night.

Day 5: Flores

Today you’ll be taken on a full day exploration of the incredibly diverse environment of Flores with guided hikes through the jungle and canopy explorations. Your hosts are native Guatemalans who have chosen to devote their lives to preserving the incredible cultural and natural diversity of the area and know it better than almost anyone. Every day spent in the rainforest is a true adventure and you’ll appreciate the fact that they take food and drink as seriously as they do the natural world.

Day 6: Flores – Tikal – Flores

This morning after breakfast you’ll be taken to the incredible Mayan ruins of Tikal and when approached through the rainforest it’s easy to see how the ruins of this magical city are considered among the best in the world. Your guide is a trained archeologist with intimate first-hand knowledge of the history of the Maya and this tour will be like none you’ve ever taken before. After a day spent wandering among the ruins you will return to the lodge for the evening.

Day 7: Flores

Today is a free day to pick your adventure…there are endless possibilities from exploring the lake by boat to searching for jaguar on the banks of the area’s many rivers.

Day 8: Flores – Pine Ridge Mountains, Belize

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred by mini-van through the incredible countryside of the Mayan Mountains and over the border into Belize. Upon arrival at the Pine Ridge Mountains you’ll check-in to a stylish riverfront lodge overlooking the spectacular falls and pools of Privassion Creek. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Days 9-10: Pine Ridge Mountains

Spend two full days enjoying this magical part of the country with daily excursions that are as adventurous as you want them to be, every night returning to the warm hospitality and incredible food of your lodge.

Day 11: Pine Ridge Mountains – Placencia

This afternoon you’ll be transferred along the Hummingbird Highway to the coastal village of Placencia and a stunning coastal resort. With sixteen miles of natural sandy beach, a virgin mangrove-fringed lagoon, a wonderland of coral-studded cayes, nearby jungle rivers, pristine rainforest and a mix of Garifuna, Creole and Mayan cultures, Placencia is the ideal location for the adventure traveler.

Days 12-14: Placencia

Each day brings further exploration of either the jungle or the beautiful blue ocean.

Day 15: Placencia – Onward

This afternoon you’ll be transferred back to Belize City by mini-van to connect to your international flight.

Reef and Rainforest Explorer Information

• Prices start at $3485 per person
• Prices include expertly guided touring in private vehicle, all meals in Flores, lodging in local guesthouses, boutique hotels and jungle lodges, domestic transportation by private vehicle and small plane and all conservation and national park fees
• Prices do not include international airfare, taxes, international visas or gratuities for guides and camp staff.
• This incredible overland journey is just one option for exploring Guatemala and Belize and the rest of Central America. Fill out the Custom Trip Form and let one of our international travel specialists custom design the perfect trip for you today!