Travel the Hummingbird Highway
Destination: Belize, Guatemala
Activity: Canoeing, Snorkeling, Archaeology
Duration: 15 days
How Tough? Moderate
When? January-April, October-December
For Kids? For Teenagers And Adults
This gem of a holiday takes you to the ancient Mayan ruins of Belize and Guatemala, where you see magnificent inland caves, canoe on the rivers and see the wildlife and greenery of the jungles. To top it all off you spend the final few days in the warm water playground of Belize’s barrier reef.
In Guatemala, from your base on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá you visit the mysterious lost city of Tikal, buried deep in the rain forest. You get a group lesson in Spanish and an opportunity to visit some local conservation and community development projects.
In Belize, you visit San Ignacio and explore the Mayan caves of Tunichil Muknal and other Mayan sites.
Next you travel by canoe along the Belize and Macal rivers, as your guides point out wildlife. Previous canoe experience is not required, since your guides know the river well.
Finally, your thoughts turn to relaxation at Caye Caulker, with fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities.
You travel in small groups (maximum of 12), use local transportation and stay in small family run accommodations that allow for cultural interaction. Your group leaders are Westerners who live in the country, and you have local specialist guides. This tour company specializes in South American and Latin American travel and is dedicated to conservation and sustainable tourism.
This is a fairly active trip but not overly physically demanding. You can pursue a variety of interests from visiting Mayan ruins to exploring jungles and beaches.
Tour Plan
Itinerary for Hummingbird Highway
Day 1: Arrive Belize City. Overnight.
Days 2-4: Flores, Guatemala. We cross the border into Guatemala, where you will immediately notice the different culture, with its heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. In order to gain an appreciation for this area of Guatemala we include a day excursion out to San Andris and San Josi located on the shores of lake Peten Itza. We will get a group lesson in Spanish and an opportunity to visit some local conservation and community development projects. On Day 4, we will visit the mysterious lost city of Tikal, buried deep in the rainforest. Tikal, the largest excavated Mayan ruin site, was a jungle oasis in the Mayan Empire. It boasts a dense concentration of wildlife and the highest pyramids of the Mayan Civilization.
Days 5-7: San Ignacio. We return to Belize and the town of San Ignacio, from where we can visit the Mountain Pine Ridge area, exploring its caves and swimming in its pools and rivers. Horse riding and caving trips also offer lots of fun. Those interested in natural jungle medicines may explore the Pantí Trail, and for Mayan ruins enthusiasts, there are also several Mayan ruins sites in the area, including Xunantunich — Belize’s most famous ruin. All activities here are optional so the choice is yours!
Days 8-11: Belize / Macal River. Our local crew will expertly guide you on the many turns and twists of the Belize and Macal rivers. Previous canoe experience is not required as our guides know the river well. They are also versed in the habits of the local wildlife and will share it all with you. Depending on the season we either visit Vaca Falls or paddle through the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Day Three sees us down river to spend two nights at a beautiful thatch roof-style jungle resort on the banks of the Macal River.
Days 12-14: Caye Caulker. After our jungle jaunt, we approach life in the slow lane for some serious R&R. All thoughts of the jungle will be replaced with sun, sand and fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities. Here we include a day’s snorkel trip out to the barrier reef where you may have the chance to swim with some nurse sharks and manta rays. We may spend our last night in Belize City or here on the island and transfer by boat back to Belize City in time for you to catch your homeward flight.
Day 15: Depart Belize City.
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