Exploring Central America: A Journey Through Guatemala and Belize
Embarking on a journey through Central America can be an exhilarating experience, offering a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Here, we share a 7-day itinerary that encapsulates the essence of Guatemala and Belize, two countries brimming with captivating attractions.
The main challenges when visiting multiple countries in a short time are transportation, time constraints, and border crossings. To navigate these hurdles, it's essential to focus on neighbouring countries, prioritise key attractions, and plan transportation and accommodations meticulously.
Guatemala and Belize, with their close proximity, make an ideal destination pair. Highlights include Tikal National Park in Guatemala, renowned for its ancient Mayan ruins, and the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO site and the second-largest coral reef system in the world.
In Guatemala, the author's itinerary began at Lake Atitlan, nestled in the Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Here, they stayed at Hotel Atitlan, and visited nearby San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan. They also had the opportunity to learn about organic cotton growing, dying, and weaving at Casa Flor Ixcaco.
The journey continued with a flight to Flores to visit Tikal National Park, home to over 4000 Mayan buildings, including six massive pyramids. Climbing the pyramids offers breathtaking views, although it can be physically demanding.
Belize was the next destination, where the author encountered a diverse marine life during a snorkeling trip. They encountered a small nurse shark, a moray eel, and half a dozen stingrays. Calico Jacks Village in San Ignacio offered an adrenaline rush with zip lining through the jungle canopy.
The author's favourite stop on the trip was Antigua, located in Guatemala. Here, they visited Cerro de la Cruz, Santa Catalina Arch, an indoor market, La Merced church, Capuchinas Convent, and a market selling various goods.
This whirlwind tour, organised by Visit Centro America, provided a glimpse into the wonders of Central America. The author plans to share more about Tikal and Xunantunich, another Mayan ruin in Belize, in a separate post. The Mayan empire once covered southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador, offering countless opportunities for future exploration.
For those considering a similar adventure, remember that flexibility and planning are key. With careful preparation, a Central American journey can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
- To make the most of a short journey through Central America, focus on neighboring countries like Guatemala and Belize, prioritize key attractions, and plan transportation and accommodations meticulously.
- In Guatemala, the author's itinerary included stays at Hotel Atitlan near Lake Atitlan, visiting San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, and learning about organic cotton production at Casa Flor Ixcaco.
- Highlights in Belize include snorkeling to encounter marine life such as nurse sharks, moray eels, and stingrays, as well as zip lining through the jungle canopy at Calico Jacks Village in San Ignacio.
- For an adventure-travel lifestyle, the author highly recommends Antigua in Guatemala, where you can visit sites like Cerro de la Cruz, Santa Catalina Arch, indoor markets, La Merced church, Capuchinas Convent, and explore various local markets.
