Reef and Rainforest
The perfect fortnight's escape: Caribbean beaches, cities of ancient civilisations, and colonial towns tucked away in the pine forests. Our trip begins in the party town of Playa del Carmen and runs parallel to the turquoise coastline. We speed out to the coral cayes in Belize: you can swim with sharks if you dare! Visit the plazas and temples at the Mayan city of Tikal. Then it's on to the jungle: go caving, horseriding and visit waterfalls. High up in the mountains, visit the charming, colonial town of Antigua and watch the sun set behind Lake Atitlan's volcanoes.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(MT-3314-P) |
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Fully escorted tour with Kumuka tour leader and/or local guide |
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All activities and entrance fees as per itinerary |
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breakfasts |
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Accomodation |
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Price Excludes |
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Flights, All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre and post tour accommodation. |
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Countries / Places Visited |
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Mexico, Belize, Guatemala |
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Suitability / Level |
Moderate |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Max Group Size |
16 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Days 1-4: Playa Del Carmen, Caye Caulker. What better place to start off your trip through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala! Playa del Carmen sits on the Mayan Riviera with miles of unspoiled, white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. And when you tire of sitting on the beach marvelling at the ever-changing aquamarine colours of the ocean, check out the restaurants, sidewalk cafes, handicraft stores. Night life in Playa is varied, depending on your taste: from a quiet last night out at a local Mexican restaurant to dancing the night away at one of the towns famous dance clubs, there's something for everyone! From here we have a long days journey to Belize. After an early start, a border crossing and a short bus journey through the heart of Belize, we arrive in Belize City where we will board our speedboat that will take us to the outer Cayes. Journeying to Caye Caulker, we base ourselves here to enjoy the unique ambience of this tiny caye. There is an optional boat and snorkelling trip to nearby Ambergris Caye and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Here we also have a wonderful opportunity to swim with nursing sharks and enormous stingrays! Or you have the opportunity to catch one of the famous sunset cruises!
Days 5-7: Tikal and Finca Ixobel. We travel on to Guatemala and the town of Flores, an island in Lake Peten Itza. This lovely island town is our base for exploring nearby Tikal; one of the most awesome Mayan ruins open to the public. Surrounded by miles of tropical jungle, Tikal is a spectacular site, particularly at sunrise. It is believed to have first been occupied around 330 BC; the city boasts a nature trail and some awe-inspiring temples, some of which have been cleared and restored and others that still lie covered in jungle and shrouded in mystery.Our next stop is the wonderful ecological farm of Finca Ixobel where you have the opportunity to kick back and relax, maybe enjoy a dip in their natural, spring-fed swimming hole or take an optional caving, tubing or horse riding excursion. The food is delicious and this is a fantastic opportunity to recharge your batteries and relax at this beautiful location on the edge of the rainforest.
Days 8-9: Antigua. The old Guatemalan capital is set between three volcanoes and with its cobbled streets and picturesque plazas, crumbling cathedrals and colonial architecture, it is one of the most stunning cities in the Americas. Houses are painted old rose, sherbet yellow and baby blue and the local Mayan women go about their daily activities in their colourfully embroidered huipiles or blouses. There are wonderful markets and many candlelit cafe's and hidden courtyard restaurants as well as several optional activities including a climb up Volcan Pacaya, mountain biking, salsa dancing and horse riding. An optional city tour is a great way to discover this gorgeous city.
Days 10-11: Panajachel, Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango. From here we travel through patchwork countryside and past mountain villages to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan surrounded by a spectacular backdrop of towering volcanoes. There are many interesting market stalls as well as great restaurants and bars. Enjoy a sunset drink along the lakeshore listening to local music as you relax and watch the colours of the lake fade from blue to purple and finally to black.On to Chichicastenango in the highlands, where we visit Guatemala's largest and most diverse street market, held every Thursday and Sunday. Chichi's focal point is its whitewashed church in the centre of town, around which the market is situated. All manner of goods are on offer from bunches of apricot-coloured gladioli and hand carved masks, corn-on-the-cob to freshly squeezed orange juice, colourful geometric carpets to sqealing pigs! Hunting through the plethora of stalls is more than temptation - there is a huge selection of artesania to choose from, and bargaining is the most fun part of it.
Days 12-13: Antigua. We return to Antigua for our last night and a last minute opportunity to stock up on last-minute souvenirs and gifts at those wonderful markets! The tour ends after breakfast on Day 13. |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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-Hotel (12 Nights)
We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour.
We choose our hotels, guesthouses and hostels for their location, comfort, security and hygiene standards. All are located near the city centre usually within easy walking distance of services and facilities. Most rooms are on a twin share basis with private bathrooms. Occasionally, bathrooms may be shared or larger apartments used by several members of the group.
Accommodation is not included in the city of departure or arrival (unless within the specified tour dates). You should allow US$30 to US$35 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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