Northern Guatemala 2025: 11-day Tour includes two nights in Belize
Updated: Jul 26
February 1 to February 11, 2025.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Petén region of Guatemala and into the heart of Belize, exploring ancient Maya sites and immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the area. This 11-day adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness the wonders of the ancient Maya civilization and the natural beauty of the region.
In April 2024, our small group of travelers journeyed into the Petén region of northern Guatemala to see some of the most important ancient Maya sites in this area. After more than a week, we had definitely seen many Maya ruins that few people in the world will ever have a chance to visit. We slept in tents, cooked our meals over wood fires, traveled for hours every day in 4WD vehicles, and hiked through many ruins that really have not been cleared for tourists. The towering structures looming over immense plazas that were once filled with thousands of ancient Maya are reminders of the powerful history that this region still retains, and much more still remains a mystery waiting to be unraveled. This was a tour of physical endurance also. Some days we walked for miles, and every one of us sooner or later became hosts to the tiny inhabitants of the forest, namely ticks and chiggers.
After considering what we accomplished, and knowing that this was a unique experience, I want to offer a tour that showcases the best reason to visit the Petén with the two most outstanding Maya sites that one should definitely visit: Nakum and Holmul. Nakum is one of the most restored and consolidated sites in this region and is a treat to walk through the cleared plazas and climb the structures. Holmul is an absolute gem! To be able to actually enter excavated tunnels and see two different friezes that go back centuries before this city collapsed is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Depending on the weather, we may be able to see both of these sites in one day. If the roads are trickier to navigate, we may spend one night camping in the Holmul archaeology camp. We can see the best that this remote region has to offer.
I have combined our trip to visit the important sites in the area that were rivals in their time before warfare, climate change, the breakdown of society, and other causes doomed their survival. We'll visit Yaxha, a great ally of Tikal, and embark on a short boat ride to the necropolis island site of Topxte. We will cross the border and enter Belize for a couple of days to visit Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol. Caracol was probably the largest ancient Maya city of well over 100,000 inhabitants. It waged war with the mighty Tikal, conquered this city for some time, before itself falling to Xunantunich, Naranjo, and other rivals. Upon our return to Guatemala, we will end our journey at the mighty Tikal. So much history in one small area of the ancient Maya world. We'll see the best that this region has to offer.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala City
Arrive in Guatemala City and settle in for the night, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead. We'll be there to greet you at the airport as you begin your journey into the heart of Guatemala's rich history and culture!
Day 2: Exploring Kaminaljuyu
Explore the fascinating Kaminaljuyu archaeological site, a unique example of adobe architecture in the tropical highlands. Delve into the rich history of the Maya civilization as you wander among elaborate buildings, reliefs, and painted surfaces. Visit the National Anthropology and Ethnology Museum for a deeper understanding of Guatemala's cultural heritage. Spend the night in Guatemala City.
Day 3: Arrival in Flores, Visit Topoxte and Yaxha
Take an early flight from Guatemala City to Flores, the access point to the Peten region. Transfer to El Sombrero, an eco-lodge on the shore of Lake Yaxha. Visit the island site of Topoxte by boat, followed by an exploration of the impressive Yaxha site. Sleep in El Sombrero.
Day 4: Holmul Exploration
Spend the day exploring Holmul and, if weather permits, Nakum. Plan to spend the night in the Holmul archaeology camp. Holmul is known for its remarkable friezes and historical significance. Sleep in Holmul.
Day 5: El Tigre and Nakum
Visit El Tigre and Nakum archaeological sites. Return to El Sombrero for the night. This day will either be an extension of Day 4, or if we have been lucky enough to accomplish our visit to Holmul and Nakum in one day, then we will have time to visit another remote site, Naranjo.
Day 6: Enter Belize, Visit Xunantunich and Cahal Pech
Cross the border into Belize. Visit Xunantunich, a majestic Maya site accessible by ferry, followed by a visit to Cahal Pech overlooking the town of San Ignacio. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Sleep at Mystic River Lodge.
Day 7: Discover Caracol
Devote the day to exploring Caracol, one of the largest cities in the ancient Maya world. It's a two-hour drive into the Maya Mountains. Our local guide will walk us through this glorious city. Return to Mystic River for the night.
Day 8: Return to Guatemala, Transport to Tikal
Return to Guatemala and transfer to Tikal. Explore the site in the afternoon. Sleep in Jungle Lodge.
Day 9: Full Day in Tikal
Spend the entire day exploring the vast site of Tikal. Visit the ceramic and stela museums or simply relax. Sleep in Jungle Lodge.
Day 10: Transport to Flores
Return to Isla Flores. Enjoy a farewell dinner. Sleep in Flores.
Day 11: Fly Home
Take an early morning flight back to Guatemala City, allowing ample time for connecting flights home.
Contact us for more information or to reserve your spot.
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