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Multi-Country Landmark Tours Holidays

Magical Mayan archaeology, Markets and the Barrier Reef

14 Night Itinerary from  £3,577

Aurora Tour

Colourful weavings and busy markets of present day Mayas, grand colonial architecture, impressive Mayan pyramids in dense rainforest. Unwind on a Caribbean Barrier Reef island resort, to sunbathe, swim and enjoy the pristine marine reserve.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Experience traditional local life and remote Mayan ruins in Guatemala and enjoy the tropical jungle and idyllic coastline of Belize
  • Explore the colonial centre of charming Antigua, backed by surrounding volcanoes
  • Browse the colourful weavings at the indigenous market at Chichicastenango
  • Travel to beguiling Lake Atitlan and take a boat trip to visit traditional communities
  • Discover the mighty Mayan ruins of Tikal, buried deep in dense jungle
  • Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of tropical Chaa Creek
  • Relax on white sandy beaches and snorkel along the barrier reef at Ambergris Caye

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

Colonial Antigua

Antigua - 2 Nights

Day 1 - Fly to Antigua

Day 2 - Guided tour of Antigua 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 28 March 2024

Fly to Antigua

Take a daytime flight to Guatemala, arriving in the evening. You will be met at the airport by our representative who will take you to your hotel in Antigua, where we stay for 2 nights. On arrival you will have an introduction to the local area which is an opportunity for our guide to provide advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have. 


Friday, 29 March 2024

Guided tour of Antigua 

Today we explore this former capital with its cobbled streets, wonderful colonial architecture, courtyards, and browse around the markets where local Indian ladies sit in brightly coloured traditional dress, selling their wares. 

El Meson de Maria

Antigua - Tourist Hotel

The hotel Mesón de María is located in the heart of La Antigua Guatemala just a few steps from the main street, La Calle Del Arco. Constructed in harmony with the old colonial style and beauty, "El Mesón de María" provides a relaxed and refined atmosphere, personalized service, inviting you to stay in a combination of luxury and hospitality in an owner-maintained establishment.

You will take delight in the long and beautiful corridors, soothing búcaros (fountains), numerous lounges and spaces to relax while admiring the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes that surround the valley. There are 20 beautiful rooms, including two Queen Suites and one King. All rooms have cable TV, telephone, safe, complimentary internet and a business centre for those who need to actually accomplish something other than relaxing and visiting a magnificent city.

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

El Meson De Maria

Casa Encantada

Antigua - First Hotel

Casa Encantada is one of the most intimate and relaxing boutique hotels in Antigua. Once you enter the hotel from the cobbled street enjoy the tranquility, calm and warmth of a private residence. Rustic but elegant architecture and charming decoration create a deep sense of tranquility and peace. 

The cozy interior patio and garden has a small pool and sun loungers. There is also an excellent restaurant and rooftop bar.

There are 3 types of room: standard, studio and rooftop suite. Each room has a private bathroom, minibar, safe flat screen TV and luxury linens.

The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis. 

Character Pool

El Convento

Antigua - Luxury Hotel

Situated in one of Antigua's famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which you can discover the city's magnificent sites.

The all-suite El Convento gracefully marries the ancient with the modern. Combining artisanal brick vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and hand-crafted doors with the simple elegance of contemporary design. Whether unwinding in the deep-set living room sofas or stopping by for a glass of wine beneath the domed cupula of the bar, staying in can be just as tempting. Fine dining is available at the hotel's restaurant.

Serene and private, each of the nineteen suites flows from a central courtyard graced by a hundred year old Tempixque tree. There are two grand suites, six suites and eleven junior suites. All offer cedar-beamed ceilings, sumptuous linens, some of them have a private garden. In each suite, the soothing décor combines eye-pleasing neutrals with vibrant accents from local, hand-woven textiles and fine pieces of art and sculpture.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Interior Courtyard
Chichicastenango market

Chichicastenango - 1 Night

Day 3 - Drive to Chichicastenango

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 30 March 2024

Drive to Chichicastenango

Morning free to further explore vibrant Antigua, before we drive to Chichicastenango, where we stay for 1 night in an elegant colonial hotel. Chichicastenango is famous for its huge market, one of the largest in the country operating twice a week. Over 98% of the population is indigenous Mayan K'iche. 

Santo Tomas Hotel

Chichicastenango - First Hotel

The Hotel Santo Tomas is a colonial hotel situated in the marketplace in central Chichicastenango. There are 43 well decorated rooms and also a swimming pool, sauna, bar and restaurant. The staff all wear traditional costume. Accommodation includes room and American breakfast.

Santo Tomas Hotel
Mayan weaver, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán - 2 Nights

Day 4 - Sunday market at Chichicastenango

Day 5 - Boat trip to Santiago de Atitlan

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 31 March 2024

Sunday market at Chichicastenango

Today we visit the colourful market where you can buy all sorts of textiles, handicrafts, masks, pottery, food and flowers. Next is a visit to the 400 year old church of Santo Tomás which houses a fascinating combination of Catholic and pagan symbols, before we continue our travel to Panajachel, where we will stay at our hotel overlooking the spectacular Lake Atitlán for 2 nights. 


Monday, 01 April 2024

Boat trip to Santiago de Atitlan

We take a boat across the lake to Santiago de Atitlán to discover an isolated Mayan community. We continue by boat to scenic San Antonio Palopó, famed for its beautiful church and the traditional costumes worn by the local people. 

Casa Palopo

Lake Atitlan - Tourist Hotel

Located in Santa Catarina Palopo & near to Panajachel, Casa Palopo has four suites & four standard double rooms with private outdoor terraces with incredible views to the lake & volcanoes. The villa enjoys a private 50 feet long pool, spa, indoor and outdoor living room, a dining area, and a library. By the pool there is an area of relaxation with outdoor fireplace for lounging in the evening.

The rates include breakfast.

Casa Palopo

Hotel Atitlan

Lake Atitlan - Tourist Hotel

The Hotel Atitlan is nestled within an ancient coffee plantation and has large, beautifully landscaped gardens. All 65 rooms are individually decorated and contain furniture designed and crafted in the hotels own workshops. There is a pool with spectacular views over the lake & volcanoes. One of the highlights of this hotel are the well kept gardens with plants & exotic flowers.

Hotel Atitlan
Colonial Antigua

Antigua at leisure - 2 Nights

Day 6 - Return to Antigua

Day 7 - At leisure in Antigua

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 02 April 2024

Return to Antigua

Morning at leisure to enjoy the last moments at this enchanting lake before we return to Antigua for a 2 night stay. 


Wednesday, 03 April 2024

Explore Antigua 

Full day to explore Guatemala's cultural centre, replete with museums and churches. Or browse the street markets and listen to the traditional Indian music in one of the many bars. 

El Meson de Maria

Antigua - Tourist Hotel

The hotel Mesón de María is located in the heart of La Antigua Guatemala just a few steps from the main street, La Calle Del Arco. Constructed in harmony with the old colonial style and beauty, "El Mesón de María" provides a relaxed and refined atmosphere, personalized service, inviting you to stay in a combination of luxury and hospitality in an owner-maintained establishment.

You will take delight in the long and beautiful corridors, soothing búcaros (fountains), numerous lounges and spaces to relax while admiring the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes that surround the valley. There are 20 beautiful rooms, including two Queen Suites and one King. All rooms have cable TV, telephone, safe, complimentary internet and a business centre for those who need to actually accomplish something other than relaxing and visiting a magnificent city.

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

El Meson De Maria

Casa Encantada

Antigua - First Hotel

Casa Encantada is one of the most intimate and relaxing boutique hotels in Antigua. Once you enter the hotel from the cobbled street enjoy the tranquility, calm and warmth of a private residence. Rustic but elegant architecture and charming decoration create a deep sense of tranquility and peace. 

The cozy interior patio and garden has a small pool and sun loungers. There is also an excellent restaurant and rooftop bar.

There are 3 types of room: standard, studio and rooftop suite. Each room has a private bathroom, minibar, safe flat screen TV and luxury linens.

The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis. 

Character Pool

El Convento

Antigua - Luxury Hotel

Situated in one of Antigua's famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which you can discover the city's magnificent sites.

The all-suite El Convento gracefully marries the ancient with the modern. Combining artisanal brick vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and hand-crafted doors with the simple elegance of contemporary design. Whether unwinding in the deep-set living room sofas or stopping by for a glass of wine beneath the domed cupula of the bar, staying in can be just as tempting. Fine dining is available at the hotel's restaurant.

Serene and private, each of the nineteen suites flows from a central courtyard graced by a hundred year old Tempixque tree. There are two grand suites, six suites and eleven junior suites. All offer cedar-beamed ceilings, sumptuous linens, some of them have a private garden. In each suite, the soothing décor combines eye-pleasing neutrals with vibrant accents from local, hand-woven textiles and fine pieces of art and sculpture.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Interior Courtyard
Tikal Site

Tikal - 1 Night

Day 8 - Fly to Flores and visit Tikal 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 04 April 2024

Discover the hidden temples of Tikal 

Transfer to Guatemala City airport and fly to Flores, where we transfer to the comfortable Jungle Lodge in Tikal for a 1 night stay. In the afternoon, accompanied by expert guides, we follow the jungle trails which lead to the mighty, hidden temples of Tikal. 

Jungle Lodge

Tikal - Tourist Lodge

The family run Jungle lodge is ideally situated within the Tikal National Park, offering the closest accommodation to the temples & pyramids. The lodge has a rich history in providing accommodation for archeologists and explorers over many years.

The public areas include a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, games room and bonfires at night.

The spacious rooms have private bathrooms with hot water (limited) electricity. High ceilings keep the rooms cool and each bungalow has its own small porch.

The main activity is guided tours of nearby Tikal and other impressive Mayan sites. 

The rates are on a full board basis and include one guided shared excursion of Tikal.

Jungle Lodge, Tikal

Camino Real Tikal Hotel

Tikal - First Hotel

In the lush Peten jungle, the Camino Real Tikal provides guests with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites and relax in an unspoiled natural paradise.

Public areas include the Ceibal Restaurant, bar, a Mayan sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool, shop travel agency, jacuzzi and lounge. 

All rooms at the Camino Real Tikal are housed in thatched-roof bungalows and offer modern comforts including air-conditioning, private bathrooms, direct-dial phones, cable TV and private balconies. Every balcony enjoys magnificent views of Lake Petén Itzá. 

There are many activities on offer including kayaking on Lake Peten Itza, excursions to Tikal National Park and Yaxha and Topoxte National Parks, zip wire adventures and catamaran boat ride on the lake.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Camino Real Tikal Hotel

Chimino's Island Lodge

Tikal - Luxury Lodge

The Chimino's Island Lodge is located on the beautiful Petexbatun Lagoon, in Guatemala's jungle region 45 minutes from Flores. It is a more remote alternative to stay if visiting Tikal, but you will be rewarded with a unique island experience with all meals included.

Public areas include a restaurant and bar.

The 5 attractive bungalows are perfectly nestled in the jungle and several hundred feet away from each other, so you enjoy your own private rainforest and the impressive views of the lagoon. Each bungalow at the Chimino's Island Lodge has its own private bathroom, hot water and the rooms are completely protected from insects and other animals.

There is much to do here, including nature hikes, canoeing on the lake, birdwatching, visiting the incredible archeological sites of Aguateca (by boat), Ceibal, Dos Pilas and many more.

Accommodation includes room and all meals.

Bungalow
1736 Chaa Creek

Chaa Creek - 3 Nights

Day 9 - Fly to Belize

Day 10-11 - At leisure in Chaa Creek

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 05 April 2024

Travel to Belize

Today we leave Guatemala behind and travel to Belize for a three night stay at Chaa Creek, an award-winning luxury resort surrounded by jungle. Well decorated cottages set among spectacular tropical gardens, located high on the banks of the meandering Macal River. There are many optional activities on offer at the resort, including hiking, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, bird-watching, guided nature walks and river trips. 


Saturday, 06 April 2024

At leisure in Chaa Creek 

Spend two full days at Chaa Creek Cottages. You are free to explore the natural history centre, butterfly farm and Maya medicinal trail, swim in the infinity pool, boat in the river, or take excursions to the Mountain Pine Ridge, Rio Hondo and Jaguar Reserve. 

 


Sunday, 07 April 2024

At leisure

Enjoy the wonderful facilities and activities at Chaa Creek.

Lodge At Chaa Creek

Chaa Creek - Luxury Lodge

The Lodge At Chaa Creek Adventure Centre, Rainforest Reserve and Spa is located on the banks of the Macal River, a short drive from San Ignacio Town. 

Chaa Creek Cottages are set in lush tropical gardens along the banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains of Western Belize. The cottage compound, within the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve, provides a perfect compromise between comfort and a true wilderness experience. Each palm-thatched cottage has Mexican tiled floors, large mahogany beds, original artwork and private bathrooms with hot showers. Spacious sundeck verandahs allow guests to view wildlife and interact with nature. 

The cuisine features a mixture of Caribbean, Mexican and Belizean dishes. The dining room, bar and cottages are all constructed from local hardwoods and thatched with bay leaf palm. For relaxation after an active day, guests can visit the Spa at Chaa Creek and select from a wide range of exotic treatments by our highly trained staff. There is also a wonderful infinity swimming pool.

A range of activities including hiking, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, bird-watching, guided nature walks and river trips are available, and the Reserve's Natural History Centre and Butterfly Farm are within easy walking distance of the cottages.

The rates include full board and a number of included activities.

Chaa Creek Resort Aerial View
Belize beach

Ambergris Caye - 3 Nights

Day 12 - Travel to Ambergris Caye Island

Days 13-14 At Leisure at Ambergris Caye Island

Day 15 - Return to Belize City and fly home

Day 16 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 08 April 2024

Travel to Ambergris Caye Island

Transfer to Belize City, where we take a short flight over crystal clear waters and patch reef to the beautiful Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye. On arrival, transfer to our beachfront resort, set amongst lush tropical gardens, close to the spectacular Hol Chan Marine Park. Here, we stay 3 nights to relax in a hammock under shady palms, snorkel along the magnificent barrier reef, or enjoy a wide range of water sports. 

 


Tuesday, 09 April 2024

At leisure

Relax and enjoy the warm sea, beaches and superb service of your resort. 


Wednesday, 10 April 2024

At leisure


Thursday, 11 April 2024

Departure

Transfer to Belize City for the overnight flight home. 


Friday, 12 April 2024

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Ramon Village Resort

Ambergris Caye - Tourist Hotel

Ramon’s Village is a sanctuary nestled in a tropical garden of royal palms, bougainvillea, lilies, hibiscus and dozens of other types of tropical flora. Surrounded by the plant life are Mayan sculptures that provide a glimpse of the ancient civilisation in this Caribbean paradise.

The resort is particularly popular with scuba diving enthusiasts, with several dive boats available for options diving trips exploring the coral reefs. The public areas include a beautiful swimming pool, lovely gardens, delightful pier, bar and restaurant.

The cabanas are inspired by the Tahitian cottages on the Polynesian island of Bora Bora. Each is air-conditioned with a private bathroom and either sea, beachfront or jungle facing views.

There are many activities on offer, including scuba diving, cave tubing, sea kayaking, snorkelling and fishing.

The rates are on a room only basis.

 

 

View Of The Pier

Victoria House Resort & Spa

Ambergris Caye - First Hotel

Victoria House Resort & Spa is a place of casual elegance situated on the idyllic azure shores of Belize's magnificent barrier reef.

The resort has a beautiful swimming pool, restaurant, lounge, bar, delightful gardens and a spa. The little village of San Pedro is walking distance away and an alternative choice of restaurants, bars and shops.

Accommodation is in air-conditioned plantation style hotel rooms, thatch-roofed cabanas with ceiling fans and three private villas, all with private facilities. 

The ambiance is one of relaxation and privacy but there are a number of activities to also take up including snorkelling, yoga, scuba diving, sea kayaking and a number of tours and excursions.

The rates are on a room only basis.

Victoria House & Spa

MataChica Beach Resort

Ambergris Caye - First Resort

Matachica Resort and Spa is a sophisticated and elegant adults only resort directly on its own white sandy beach in Ambergris Caye.

Public areas include a stunning swimming pool, the Mambo restaurant, lounge area, bar, spa, pier and glorious white sandy beach with many activities on offer.

The accommodation is either a luxury villa, luxury suite, beachfront bungalow or beachfront casita. Each is air-conditioned with private bathroom, luxury amenities and bed linens. The beachfront bungalows and casitas are specially recommended as they are moments from the sea offering a wonderful relaxed space to enjoy. 

The activities on offer include scuba diving, snorkelling, cave tubing, sea kayaking, free use of bicycles, fishing excursions, zip lining and tours and excursions to attractions in the Belize mainland.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis and round trip transfers from San Pedro Airstrip to the resort.

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Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 25 Dec-21 Jun, 17 Aug-12 Dec 22 Jun-16 Aug, 13 Dec-24 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Tourist First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £3,577 £4,175 £3,885 £4,450
Single Traveller - Own Room £5,870 £7,701 £6,944 £8,518

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 16 Days / 14 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday 
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request

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