The Jaguar Temple, Tikal, Guatemala

The mystery and power of Mayan civilization is embodied in the jungle-draped temples of Tikal. Our journey includes an overnight at Tikal Jungle Lodge, just a 10-minute walk from the temples of this royal city, as well as nature walks in the Chan Chich rain forest.

Photo by Christian Ziegler / Danita Delimont Agency

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Belize and Tikal route-map
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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $3095   see pricing
Length: 8 days
Arrive: Belize City, Belize
Depart: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Lodging: 7 nights in wildlife lodges describe
Meals: All meals included
Activity: Wildlife & Natural History, Walking, Archaeology, Snorkeling
Trip Level: Rainforest hikes, nature walks, optional river swims
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Highlights

  • Discover the mysterious stone temples of Lamanai, the third largest archaeological site in Belize
  • Explore the forests of the Maya Mountains, where secret Mayan caves have ceremonial centers
  • View the towering pyramids of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Relax in comfort at hand-selected lodges in incredible settings
  • Optional extensions to Belize’s Barrier Reef or the Guatemala Highlands


Great trip. Loved the variety with the jungle, the reef, and the Maya ruins.Judith A.—Hillsdale, NJ

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Belize and Guatemala are chockfull of archaeological treasures and breathtaking natural beauty, from tropical rainforest to the shimmering waters of the Barrier Reef. Our fantastic new adventure explores the best of it all, beginning with an exploration of Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, an evocative “lost city” with forests full of howler monkeys and dazzling toucans. In the Maya Mountains, we explore Actun Tunichil Muknal, an incredible cave system sheltering ancient Mayan artifacts, and at spectacular Tikal, we discover steep-sided 200-foot-tall pyramids soaring out of a vast jungle reserve—a magical setting evoking a glorious past. Our extensions bring you to the aquamarine waters and amazing snorkeling of the Barrier Reef, or the celebrated highlands of Guatemala.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-2
Belize City / Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

Arriving in Belize City, we transfer to the New River and board a boat for a delightful ride upriver to Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. The remnants of a major Maya city, jungle-shrouded Lamanai is dramatically set at the edge of a lagoon. Its restored temples include the Mask Temple, adorned by a 13-foot stone mask of a venerable Maya king, and the Pre-Classic High Temple, which rises ten stories out of the forest and offers phenomenal views across the ancient Maya world. Black howler monkeys prowl the treetop canopy and tropical birds fly overhead as we explore this atmospheric place.

Days 3-5
Maya Mountains / Actun Tunichil Muknal

Heading to the rainforest of the Maya Mountains, we enjoy nature walks, swimming, and tubing on the Roaring River. At the cave system of Actun Tunichil Muknal, we venture from cavern to cavern, hiking, swimming, wading, and climbing to explore this exceptional environment of stalagmites, stalactites, and massive rock chambers that were once spiritual centers of the Maya.

Days 6-8
Tikal

Tikal is the most magnificent Mayan ruin in all Central America. In this great Mayan capital, with its dawn and dusk serenade of troops of spider and howler monkeys and red-fronted parrots, we climb the steep central stairways of the pyramids, explore the haunting ball courts and great plazas, and marvel at the sheer scale of the setting. Our lagoon-side lodge is located in a private nature reserve. Depart on Day 8, or join one of our extensions.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 2+, easy to moderate, according to our trip grading system, but for your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. We enjoy moderate nature hikes of two to three hours on several days (the exploration of Actun Tunichil Muknal on Day 4 is more challenging), and there can be extended walking at the ruin sites, often involving steep stairs and rough, uneven surfaces. Climbing certain Maya pyramids can be strenuous but is optional. On the Barrier Reef extension, both novice and experienced snorkelers will enjoy the snorkeling excursions.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures & Leaders

Dec 28, 2013-Jan 4, 2014  Philip Burns

Trip Cost

Prices are for 2013
$3095 (9-12 members)
$3295 (6-8 members)
$3495 (4-5 members)
Single supplement: $395
Forced single supplement: $295
Internal airfare: $295 (subject to change)
more on pricing

Extension Costs
Guatemala Highlands Extension
   from: $1250
Barrier Reef: Turneffe Island Extension
   from: $1790

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations as noted
  • All meals included
  • Sightseeing, tours, and airport transfers as indicated in the Full Trip Brochure

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, internal flights, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Lamanai Outpost Lodge

Lamanai Outpost Lodge

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Belize

Set on the banks of a huge spring-fed lagoon, Lamanai Outpost Lodge enjoys an exclusive location right near the ruins of this ancient Maya city (a ...
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Pook’s Hill Lodge

Pook’s Hill Lodge

Days 3 to 5 (3 nights), Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, Belize

Pook’s Hill Lodge, set on the edge of a 9th century Maya complex, is located within a private 300-acre reserve of primary rainforest bordering ...
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Villa Maya

Villa Maya

Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Flores, Guatemala

The Villa Maya is a quiet retreat located on the shores of Petenchel and Monifata lagoons in a private natural reserve just 45 minutes from Tikal. ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Philip Burns

Philip Burns graduated from college in his native Belize then decided that Trip Leading was the life for him in the beautiful country that he calls "a jewel." He entered Belize's official guide school, studying a variety of subjects from the ancient Maya to tropical ecosystems, with a special focus on ornithology and archaeology. He loves being "an ambassador" for the rich cultural and natural heritage of Belize. In the last five years, Philip has been featured in several travel shows on Belize and in 2006 he was named Guide of the Year by the Belize Tourism Board. The father of three boys, he enjoys bicycling in his free time.

Upcoming Trips:

Belize and Tikal, December 28, 2013-January 4, 2014

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

Belize

Barrier Reef: Turneffe Island Extension

Snorkeling Belize’s Barrier Reef

Snorkeling
5 days  -  Level 2

Guatemala

Guatemala Highlands Extension

Antigua, Chichicastenango, and Lake Atitlan

Cultural Adventures
5 days  -  Level 1

Client Comments

Great trip. Loved the variety with the jungle, the reef, and the Maya ruins. Judith A., Hillsdale, NJ I enjoyed the trip immensely and saw and experienced things I couldn’t had I tried to do this trip on my own. Debbi K., Eugene, OR
A wonderful trip! We were very pleased and recommend WT highly. Marcie H., Westfield, NJ