Guatemala & Belize In Style

Itinerary

• Guatemala

  Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. A representative democracy, its capital is Guatemala City. It has fascinating and extensive Mayan ruins. It's importance stretches back to 800BC with recently discovered pre-Colombian ruins that were unexpectedly large. El Mirador was by far the most populated city in pre-Columbian America. Both the El Tigre and Monos pyramids encompass a volume greater than 250,000 cubic meters. Mirador was the first politically organized state in America, with 26 cities all connected by Sacbeob (highways). These roads were several kilometers long, up to 40 meters wide, and two to four meters above the ground paved with stucco - clearly visible from the air. The height of the Maya civilization is represented by countless sites throughout Guatemala, although the largest concentration is in Petén. This period is characterized by heavy city-building, and the development of independent city-states. This lasted until around 900 AD, when the Classic Maya civilization collapsed.

• Antigua

  Antigua is situated southwest of Guatemala City, and was considered to be one of the most splendid cities in Central America before its partial destruction in the earthquake of 1773. The town is now a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Despite the damage of countless earthquakes, floods and fires, Antigua is a beautiful place of multi-colored, single-story buildings, tropical gardens, plazas, fountains and cobbled streets. A popular tourist center, it has several good hotels, restaurants and bookshops with a fairly lively nightlife.

• Flores

  Flores is built on an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itza. A causeway connects Flores to the mainland town of Santa Elena, where the banks and main shops are located. Buses run throughout the day from both Santa Elena and Flores to Tikal. The spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal (City of Voices) encompass vast pyramidal temples, ball courts, causeways, plazas and public buildings that extend over some 16 sq km (6 sq miles). While there are about 3000 known structures, many more lie buried under dense jungle vegetation. First occupied in about 800 BC, this great city was eventually abandoned around 1000 years later.

• Belize

  Belize (formerly British Honduras), is a country in Central America, bordered to the south and west by Guatemala, to the north by Mexico, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea.. It gained its independence from the British Empire in 1981. It is the only country in Central America where English is an official language. A combination of natural factors have made tourism a growing industry. Warm climate, excellent Mayan ruins, the Belize Barrier Reef (second longest in the world), 127 offshore Cayes (islands), excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling, numerous rivers for rafting, and kayaking, various jungle and wildlife reserves of fauna and flora, for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring, as well the largest cave system in Central America.

• Belize City

  Belize City is over 300 years old and serves as the main commercial area and seaport. It is the country’s biggest city, and is a mixture of colonial architecture, functional wooden buildings and historic cathedrals. Sights include the oldest Anglican cathedral in Latin America, St John’s, and Government House, the Belize City residence of the British Governor, built in 1814.

• Mountain Pine Ridge

  Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is located south of the Western Highway about 115km (70 miles) from Belize City. It is an area of fine views and secluded streams, and contains the Hidden Valley Falls, which plunge 500m (1600ft) into the valley. Inland from Belize City on the Belize River is the Community Baboon Sanctuary with one of the few robust black howler monkey populations in Central America.

• Placencia

  Placencia is a village situated at the tip of the 20km (12 mile) long Placencia peninsula. Its protected lagoon and sandy beaches make it an ideal place for fishing, swimming and sunbathing.

• • Antigua
  • El Convento Hotel

  Day 1: Guatemala City - Antigua

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  Transfer to Antigua by private vehicle and professional English-speaking driver.

  Accommodation: El Convento Boutique Hotel

  Situated on one of Antigua’s famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which to 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.

• • Iglesia San Francisco church

  Day 2: Antigua

  You will be met at your hotel reception by your private guide to begin your half day walking tour of Antigua. Your tour will cover the architectural & historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrances are included to the Iglesia San Francisco (church), the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church.

  Accommodation: El Convento Boutique Hotel
• • Flores
  • La Lancha, Peten

  Day 3: Antigua - Guatemala City - Flores

  You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in Guatemala city for your international or domestic flight.

  Enjoy a short flight from Guatemala City to Flores.

  Upon arrival to the airport you will be met and transferred to La Lancha.

  Accommodation: La Lancha

  A Francis Ford Coppola Property

  La Lancha is a warm, sun-soaked escape near Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala's Peten region, near the archaeological site of Tikal. The 10 rooms promise unhindered privacy, and a rustic approach to travel. Management has made it a point not to include televisions, phones, and internet, ensuring that all who visit will bask in the natural aura of La Lancha. Impeccable service and dining options make all meals an occasion, as guests tend to anticipate the fine cuisine prepared by chefs. Activities range from boat trips to hikes, so one may get in touch with both the land and the water in this stunning environment.

• • Tikal National Park

  Day 4: Flores

  Pick up from your lodge and begin your privately guided tour of Tikal National Park. Tikal was one of the major cultural and population centers of the Maya civilization. Though monumental architecture at the site dates to the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 AD to 900 AD. Some of these pyramids are over 60 meters high (200 feet). Enjoy some free time at the site and return to your hotel after lunch.

  Accommodation: La Lancha
• • Mtn Pine Ridge
  • Blancaneaux Lodge

  Day 5: Flores - Melchor Mencos (Guatemala/Belize Boarder) - Mountain Pine Ridge

  You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the Belize boarder at Melchor Mencos. Once you arrive here you will cross the boarder on foot, approximately 10 meters, (your driver will assist you but will not cross with you).

  Once you are in Belize you will meet the next driver and be transferred to Mountain Pine Ridge. The total duration of this transfer is approximately 2.5 hours (times may vary depending on boarder crossing).

  Be sure to pre-book your local excursions through us to ensure you make the most out of your time in Belize. Optional activities include: Xunantunich & Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Tour, Crooked Tree Reserve and Baboon Sanctuary, Caracol and Rio Frio, Cave Tubing and Zip Line Adventure, Barton Creek Cave and Butterfly Farm).

  Accommodation: Blancaneaux Lodge

  A Francis Ford Coppola Property. A marvelous taste of nature awaits those who visit Blancaneaux Lodge, in the Mountain Pine Ridge nature reserve near San Ignacio. The dreamchild of famed director Francis Ford Coppola, the lodge is broken up into deluxe villas and cabanas, each possessing a rustic air accompanied by rich furnishings and fabrics. The use of natural building materials aids in this effect. Villas promise a personal attendant to pamper guests, and private pool for tranquility. Cuisine is an array of sumptuous specialties, with fresh textures and quality that is hard to find outside the jungle. Take advantage of the adventure possibilities and bathe in the river. Visit the Mayan ruins or simply explore the rainforest and all its creatures. Great for bird lovers!

• • Caracol

  Day 6: Mountain Pine Ridge

  Transfer to Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a 106,000 acre protected national park. In the 1950's, 60's, and 70's, many Belizeans were employed as timber cutters in this area and on our tour we will see testament to that history. Later visit Chiquibul Forest Reserve. About 1 hour drive from the Pine Ridge we arrive at the beautiful Maya site of Caracol (which means The Snail), named by archeologists because they found numerous snails on site. The original name is Oxwitza which means the sky place. Caracol is the largest archeological site in Belize, covering 30 square miles in thick, high canopy jungle, and includes five plazas, an astronomic observatory and over 35,000 buildings that have been identified. The loftiest among them, a massive pyramid (Caana) capped by 3 temples and rises over 140 feet above the jungle floor. Later you will return back to hotel. Tour includes entrance fees and lunch.

  Accommodation: Blancaneaux Lodge
• • Placencia
  • Turtle Inn

  Day 7: Mountain Pine Ridge - Placencia

  Transfer to Placencia by private vehicle and professional driver.

  Accommodation: Turtle Inn

  A Francis Ford Coppola Property.Turtle Inn is sandwiched between the Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight and the Creole fishing village of Placencia at the tip of a narrow 26-mile long sandy peninsula. To the east, the Caribbean Sea is studded by a patchwork of coral cayes and the Belize Barrier Reef UNESCO World Heritage site. Directly behind Turtle Inn to the west lie the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon and spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak. South of the Placencia Peninsula is the Monkey River formed from the Swasey and Bladen rivers that flow from the jungle clad peaks of the Maya Mountains across the coastal savanna out into the extensive mangrove flats and barrier islands that hug the coastline.

• • River Tour

  Day 8: Placencia

  You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the dock where you will board a boat. Here, you will take a river cruise up a lush jungle river keeping an eye out for crocodiles, green iguanas, a menagerie of birds. This will follow with an enjoyable moderate 40 min jungle hike in which you can look for howler monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Lunch is included in this tour at a restaurant in the local village where you can get a traditional meal (including vegetarian options). After lunch you can enjoy a tour of the village itself before heading back to Placencia. On the way back to Placencia, the captain will move slowly along the lagoon and mangroves to give you a chance to spot Manatees.

  Accommodation: Turtle Inn
• • Snorkeling

  Day 9: Placencia

  Enjoy some leisure time on the tranquil shores at Placencia. Optional activities are available at your resort (scuba diving, watersports, snorkelling, kayaking).

  Accommodation: Turtle Inn
• • Belizean Courthouse

  Day 10: Placencia - Belize City

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.

  Enjoy a direct flight from Placencia to the Belize City International Airport.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • El Convento Hotel

  El Convento Boutique Hotel

  Situated on one of Antigua’s famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which to 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.

  • More information
• • La Lancha, Peten

  La Lancha

  A Francis Ford Coppola Property

  La Lancha is a warm, sun-soaked escape near Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala's Peten region, near the archaeological site of Tikal. The 10 rooms promise unhindered privacy, and a rustic approach to travel. Management has made it a point not to include televisions, phones, and internet, ensuring that all who visit will bask in the natural aura of La Lancha. Impeccable service and dining options make all meals an occasion, as guests tend to anticipate the fine cuisine prepared by chefs. Activities range from boat trips to hikes, so one may get in touch with both the land and the water in this stunning environment.

  • More information
• • Blancaneaux Lodge
  • Riverfront Cabana Room

  Blancaneaux Lodge

  A Francis Ford Coppola Property. A marvelous taste of nature awaits those who visit Blancaneaux Lodge, in the Mountain Pine Ridge nature reserve near San Ignacio. The dreamchild of famed director Francis Ford Coppola, the lodge is broken up into deluxe villas and cabanas, each possessing a rustic air accompanied by rich furnishings and fabrics. The use of natural building materials aids in this effect. Villas promise a personal attendant to pamper guests, and private pool for tranquility. Cuisine is an array of sumptuous specialties, with fresh textures and quality that is hard to find outside the jungle. Take advantage of the adventure possibilities and bathe in the river. Visit the Mayan ruins or simply explore the rainforest and all its creatures. Great for bird lovers!

  • More information
• • Turtle Inn

  Turtle Inn

  A Francis Ford Coppola Property.Turtle Inn is sandwiched between the Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight and the Creole fishing village of Placencia at the tip of a narrow 26-mile long sandy peninsula. To the east, the Caribbean Sea is studded by a patchwork of coral cayes and the Belize Barrier Reef UNESCO World Heritage site. Directly behind Turtle Inn to the west lie the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon and spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak. South of the Placencia Peninsula is the Monkey River formed from the Swasey and Bladen rivers that flow from the jungle clad peaks of the Maya Mountains across the coastal savanna out into the extensive mangrove flats and barrier islands that hug the coastline.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon Holidays (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon Holidays
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-holidays.com
  Web: www.horizon-holidays.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-holidays.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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