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Itinerary

Guatemala, the land of eternal spring, is undoubtedly the most beautiful country in Central America, with its greatest cultural and natural diversity. During this trip, we will visit one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the world: Antigua Guatemala. Have you ever climbed an erupting volcano, slept at the summit, and witnessed the massive explosions up close? Well, this will be your chance to experience a magical adventure! We will visit colourful markets and villages and discover why Guatemala is culturally diverse. To do this, we will head to Lake Atitlán, a lake surrounded by 3 volcanoes and 12 villages. Here, we will learn about many traditions, hear new languages, and taste dishes that only exist in Guatemala—a true delight. We will venture into the small Guatemalan Amazon and spend time with a Garifuna community, the only

Caribbean-origin community in Guatemala. We will finish our journey through Guatemala in Tikal, the largest and most important Mayan complex in the world. Its pyramids are a marvel! We will then move on to Belize. Here, we will explore caves and float along the river in a tube. To end the trip, we will spend our last two days on Caye Caulker and visit the second-largest reef in the world. With that, we will say goodbye and return to England with countless memories and unforgettable experiences.

A map showing a tour route starting in Antigua Guatemala, traveling through Guatemala and Belize, and ending in Cayo Caulker.

Check-in

Return flights are not included in the price of the trip, so you can choose your departure point, time, and airline. We do this to give you maximum freedom of choice! Check-in at the hotel in Antigua Guatemala. Get ready—today marks the start of our adventure in one of the most colourful and culturally diverse countries on the planet.

Among ruins and markets

Previously the capital of the country, Antigua is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America. We will stroll through its streets, explore the typical markets, visit the Convent of the Capuchins, the famous Arco Street, the La Merced Church, the ruins caused by various earthquakes, and its magnificent cathedral. We will mingle with the locals to uncover city legends such as “La Llorona” or “El Cadejo.” All this under the shadow of the majestic Agua Volcano.

 What better way to start getting to know each other than with Guatemalan specialties at our welcome dinner? Pepian, Jocon, and of course, many shots of rum to toast the beginning of our adventure.

Have you ever seen an eruption so up close?

This morning, we will wake up early and head towards Acatenango Volcano. To reach the base camp, which is at 3,600 meters, it will take us approximately 4-6 hours with approximately 1200m in ascent, but the views will be spectacular. As night falls, we will witness a unique spectacle. The nearby Fuego Volcano, just an hour's walk away, will offer lava eruptions like you've never seen before. We will sleep in tents and have dinner under the stars. What an adventure!

A spectacular sunrise!

Today, we will wake up very early to ascend to 3,976 meters to witness one of the best sunrises in the world. From here, we will have a view of a significant part of Guatemala’s volcanic chain. Fatigue will not hold us back. After a hearty breakfast, we will descend the volcano and return to Antigua Guatemala, where we can shower and rest after an incredible adventure.

The lake of 3 volcanoes and 12 villages

Today, we will change cities and head to San Juan la Laguna on Lake Atitlán. This village is one of the most colourful around the lake. Upon arrival, we will take a tour through its art-filled streets and in the afternoon, visit several producer associations of honey, chocolate, medicinal plants, and clothing.

In the evening, we’ll share dinner with a local family—learning to cook their specialty, Pepián—and hear the legends of the lake. This homestay will offer a real glimpse into life here, where comforts we take for granted elsewhere—like running water—may be scarce, but the warmth and stories more than make up for it.

The cult of Maximón

Today, we will take a boat to Santiago Atitlán, another of the 12 villages around the lake. You will notice how the culture in this village differs from that of San Juan la Laguna. Even the traditional costumes of its inhabitants are different. Here, there is a cult dedicated to a saint not recognised by the Church: Maximón. They venerate him through dances and aguardiente (a type of strong liquor). It’s quite a spectacle! The cult is always performed in private homes, so we must respect the space we enter.

Chichicastenango, the largest market in Guatemala

The Chichicastenango market is open only on Thursdays and Sundays. We will have the chance to explore its labyrinths of vegetables, clothing, and traditional souvenirs.

We’ll try our hand at bargaining and take many souvenirs home. In the late afternoon, we will return to Antigua Guatemala.

The Guatemalan Amazon

We will leave very early in the morning to avoid the traffic from the capital. The journey to Río Dulce will take approximately 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, we can cross the largest bridge in Guatemala and visit the Castillo de San Felipe. We can also rent a boat to explore the river and see why it is considered a little Amazon. If we're lucky, we might spot manatees and other wildlife. We will also spend time with a Garifuna community, which has Caribbean origins.

Entering Mayan territory

We will leave Río Dulce behind and head into the Petén department of Guatemala. This region is known for being the largest in Guatemala and home to the greatest number of Mayan ruins in the world. We’ll arrive at Flores, an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá. Here, you can rent kayaks, swim in the lake, or stroll through the streets.

 In the evening, the lively atmosphere won’t disappoint, so we can head out for dinner at one of the island’s charming restaurants and later go dancing.

Welcome to the most spectacular Mayan complex in the world

Today, we enter the most important Mayan city in the world: Tikal. A city surrounded by jungle, wildlife, and history. It’s a setting worthy of a Star Wars film, with many pyramids. We will explore the entire city, passing through the central plaza and its main pyramid, the Great Jaguar. As we walk, we’ll spot monkeys, parrots, and countless other species of wildlife. If we're lucky, we might witness Mayan ceremonies. Climbing to the top of Temple IV will give us a breathtaking view of the pyramids emerging from the jungle. A photo at this spot is a must!

 After finishing the tour, we will return to Flores, where we will spend the night again.

We’re changing countries

Did you know that Belize was a department of Guatemala until 1992, when it gained independence? In Belize, English is the primary language because it was a British colony. We will cross the border to reach Belize City and then take a boat to Caye Caulker. This island is small and a perfect place to relax on the beautiful Caribbean beaches. In the evening, we can go out dancing.

Exploring the second-largest reef in the world

These two days will be filled with relaxation and a bit of adventure. Those who wish can

go scuba diving or snorkelling to explore the second-largest reef in the world. The underwater views will undoubtedly be spectacular. In the afternoons, enjoy the beach, the sea, and a good cocktail.

Last day in Caye Caulker

On the penultimate day, we’ll prepare for our final dinner together: it will be our last chance to enjoy delicious Caribbean food and spend time together. The trip has been intense, and we return home with our backpacks full of memories, toasting to all the emotions experienced and shared!

Check-out and goodbyes

We have reached the end of this adventure: we say goodbye and promise to see each other again soon for another WeRoad!

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

  • Rio Dulce Boat Trip - approx. USD34

  • Water Taxi to Caye Caulker: Fast ferry from Belize City to the island - approx. USD47

  • all the souvenirs you can fit into your backpack

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley snorkelling trip - approx. USD141

  • Pacaya Volcano Hike - approx. USD59

  • Boat on Lake Atitlán - approx. USD65

  • Traditional weaving or chocolate workshop - approx. USD47

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Transportation

    Private transportation from day 3 to day 10

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalGuatemala City (GUA)
ReturnCaye Caulker (CUK)
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WeRoadX

This is a WeRoadX

A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.

This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Guatemala

About Belize

From$ 2,632
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$ 2,400
Book with $ 0
Free trip change
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