Today we visit and explore the secret Maya ceremonial place Actun Tunichil Muknal. Hidden in the jungle is ATM certainly one of the main attractions, if not the very attraction in the west of Belize.
We swim into the entrance of the cave system. After about 1 mile river walk and climbs over rock formations we arrive in the main hall. Centuries old handicrafts, skulls and skeletons convey impressions of old Maya ceremonial practices.

We have breakfast at the market in San Ignacio. Every Saturday is market. The wide variety of ethnic groups in Belize meet here, offer their goods and products and enjoy this morning as a social event.
Afterwards we explore the ruins of Xunantunich – one of the most important ceremonial sites of the Maya classical period.
After a swim in the Macal River, a stroll through San Ignacio and a cold drink in town, we head back to the lodge.

Breakfast; afterwards we drive on an adventurous road to the famous Mountain Pine Ridge. The first adventure – the Calico Jacks zip line – awaits you after about 45 minutes. We glide through the tree tops of the jungle, fastened to two steel ropes. The tour consists of 15 platforms and we have about 90 minutes to enjoy this adventure.

Afterwards we visit the Green Hill butterfly farm. You can see beautiful butterflies of Belize and learn about their live cycle from egg to different caterpillar stages, then pupa and finally butterfly.

In the early afternoon we reach Big Rock waterfall. You can climb the rocks and bathe in the crystal clear water. Overnight stay in The Green Valley Inn.

Tikal speaks for itself. What should I add? Tikal is the only place in the world that has been declared a natural and cultural heritage.

The ruins are within an area of 225 square kilometers and include 5 temples. 3 of them are accessible.

We leave Belize around 7am. Crossing the border to Guatemala and reaching the Tikal national park consumes about 2.5 hours. Overnight stay in Flores.

In the morning we fly to Guatemala City. There we will board our shuttle to Antigua, the old spectacular capital of Guatemala. In the evening we do the ascent of the volcano Pacaja. Overnight stay in Antigua.

We leave Antigua early direction Lake Atitlan. In Panajachel we board a boat for a day trip on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. We stop in different villages and get to know the life of the Mayas around Lake Atitlan. Overnight stay in Panajachel.

Today you will visit the world famous market of Chichicastenango. An estimated 1,000 traders and a multiple of buyers and visitors attend the market of Chichi.

The stalls are built in long rows, some are covered and many are protected by plastic tarps against the rain and the sun. Practically everything what is produced in Guatemala can be found here. Agricultural products as cereals, fruits and meat are only a small part of the market. Many stands offer handicraft products, in particular weavings such as blankets and garments with beautiful embroidery. Ceramics and wood carvings are to be mentioned also … and much more …

This market is held every week on Thursday and Sunday. If we have luck today is Sunday …

At 2 pm transfer to our hotel in Guatemala City.

Looking back we see it is amazing what we have already experienced. It is time for a break; let us call it Travel Day. Remember the first days or take a book or recover from a sleepless night. Here is the schedule for today:

5pm Pick up service from our hotel in Guatemala City.

6pm We board the 1st class express to Puerto Barrios.

2pm The Water taxi leaves Guatemala for Punta Gorda (to Belize).

4pm Arrival in Punta Gorda, drive to the hotel, rest, drink beer, relax.

Overnight in Punta Gorda

After breakfast we head for Rio Blanco Waterfall. A short hike through the jungle brings us to a nice swimming spot underneath the fall. In the afternoon, we drive to Lubantuun, the ancient Mayan settlement where the famous and legendary crystal scull has been discovered. In the afternoon we take the plane for Placencia.

Now the Caribbean nuance of this journey starts. We check into our accommodation and relax, shop for gifts, go swimming from the unique sandy beach or snorkeling …. and relax again and so on and so on … Overnight at the beach hotel in Placencia.

beach, relax, water sports, do nothing – whatever, we call this 2 days beach holiday. The activities are left to you, but if you want to plan ahead, we will help you.

Unfortunately the adventure is over. As always, the time is far too fast … but no chance: After breakfast, the transfer starts to the international airport or to the connecting program.