Americas
From the Mayan heart to the Caribbean Blue Hole
Guatemala and Belize combine like few destinations in Latin America.
In Guatemala, the colonial baroque of Antigua unfolds beneath the Agua Volcano, the temples of Tikal emerge through the Petén rainforest at dawn, the market at Chichicastenango paints the highland Sundays in colour, and Lake Atitlán reflects three volcanoes from 1,500 metres up. In Belize, the Mesoamerican Reef — the second largest on the planet — surrounds atolls that only private light aircraft can reach, and the Great Blue Hole opens like a perfect turquoise eye in the middle of the Caribbean. Ten days to thread together two neighbouring countries that speak different languages — Spanish and English — share a border at Tikal and offer radically different experiences: the living Maya culture of Guatemala's interior and the most exclusive Caribbean in Central America. Top-tier boutique hotels at every stage, private transfers and internal flights to make the most of every day.
Suggested itinerary
Departure from Madrid with Iberia (direct flight or via Miami/San Salvador with oneworld). Welcome at La Aurora airport with personalised assistance and private transfer to a boutique hotel in Zona 14. A single night in Guatemala City, the minimum needed to recover from the transatlantic flight before setting out on the main journey.
Private transfer to Antigua Guatemala (45 minutes) crossing the Pacific highway with views over the Fuego, Acatenango and Agua volcanoes. Check-in at Casa Santo Domingo, a former 16th-century convent turned Relais & Châteaux, or at Villa Bokeh, a boutique hotel of the Coppola Foundation on the outskirts. Free afternoon to discover the Arco de Santa Catalina, the Plaza Mayor and the colonial ruins. Luxury Atelier moment: welcome dinner in the Casa Santo Domingo cloister lit by candles.
Morning with a local historian touring the colonial landmarks: the Cathedral, La Merced, San Francisco. Mid-morning, private visit to a high-altitude coffee estate on the slopes of Agua Volcano with a tasting led by a Q-grader. Lunch at a signature restaurant with seasonal Guatemalan produce. Free afternoon for spa or shopping at the jade workshop and indigenous textile studios. Highlight of the day: the panoramic view from Cerro de la Cruz at sunset with the three volcanoes glowing gold.
Early departure in a private vehicle to Chichicastenango (if Thursday or Sunday, market day). Guided tour of the most colourful market in Central America and visit to the Santo Tomás church, where Catholic and Maya k'iche' rituals coexist. Boutique lunch and continuation to Lake Atitlán. Arrival at Casa Palopó (Relais & Châteaux) with views over the Tolimán, San Pedro and Atitlán volcanoes reflected in the lake. Luxury Atelier tip: book the Villa Palopó for maximum privacy with your own infinity pool.
A day by private boat visiting the lakeside villages: Santiago Atitlán (Tz'utujil art and textiles), San Juan La Laguna (natural-dye cooperatives) and San Marcos (spiritual retreats). Private Maya ceremony at sunset with a local shaman on the shore of the lake, burning copal and incense before the three volcanoes. Luxury Atelier moment: the sacred Maya fire ritual under the starry sky of Atitlán, an experience reserved only for guests who request it in advance.
Private transfer to Guatemala City airport and domestic flight to Flores (Petén). Arrival at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, a floating refuge on Quexil lagoon surrounded by primary rainforest. In the afternoon, private access to the Tikal ruins to watch sunset from the top of Temple IV, with the Petén rainforest unfolding to the horizon and the howler monkeys' calls as the soundtrack. Highlight of the day: the sun descending between the crowns of Temples IV, II and I while the rainforest cools.
Departure at 4:00 with a private archaeologist guide to watch dawn from Temple IV: the mist lifts slowly over the rainforest while the monkeys and birds begin the day. In-depth tour of the Great Plaza, the Temple of the Masks, the Lost World and the ceremonial plazas. Return to the hotel, breakfast, and overland transfer via the Melchor de Mencos border into Belize. Check-in at Ka'ana Resort (Cayo District), a boutique surrounded by jungle with private villas and their own pool.
Morning exploring Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), one of the most impressive Mayan caves in the world: swimming and walking through underground rivers you reach the Crystal Chamber, where the crystallised skeletons of ritual sacrifices remain. Afternoon at the Xunantunich archaeological site with panoramic views over Belize and Guatemala. Signature dinner at Ka'ana with local produce and wine pairing. Luxury Atelier tip: ATM requires good physical condition; an equally exclusive alternative is horseback riding along the Cayo with a picnic lunch on the Macal river.
Transfer to the light aircraft that will take you to the reef: flying over the Great Blue Hole from 1,500 feet (the best way to see the perfect blue circle in its entirety). Landing in San Pedro or Placencia and speedboat transfer to the private atoll. Check-in at Cayo Espanto (private island with 7 over-water villas) or Turneffe Island Resort (exclusive atoll with direct access to the Blue Hole). Free afternoon at your private villa. Luxury Atelier moment: the Blue Hole flyover by private Cessna light aircraft, with the door open for photography. It is the star excursion of the trip.
Free morning for water activities: diving at the Blue Hole (advanced+ certified divers only), snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve or simply enjoying the private atoll. Speedboat transfer to Belize City, international flight back to Madrid via Miami or Atlanta with our oneworld partners. Indicative price from €9,850 per person on double occupancy. Our journey includes: international flights Spain-Guatemala/Belize-Spain with Iberia or oneworld in economy (Business Class upgrade available on request); domestic flight Guatemala City-Flores and light-aircraft transfer to the Belize reef; all transfers in private service with driver; top-tier selected hotels (Casa Santo Domingo/Villa Bokeh, Casa Palopó, Las Lagunas, Ka'ana, Cayo Espanto/Turneffe); board basis of bed and breakfast, plus the meals indicated in the itinerary; private excursions with specialist guides (archaeologist in Tikal, historian in Antigua, Maya shaman at Atitlán, caving guide in ATM); Great Blue Hole flyover by private light aircraft; private Maya ceremony at Lake Atitlán; meet & greet and cancellation insurance with wide cover; 24-hour telephone assistance throughout the trip.
Suggested hotels
Guatemala and Belize in pictures
FAQ
Bespoke luxury journeys to Guatemala and Belize designed by Luxury Atelier by Presstour start from €9,850 per person (indicative price, luxury-category accommodation, private services and exclusive experiences including the Blue Hole flyover and the Maya ceremony). The final price varies based on dates, season, hotel category chosen (Casa Palopó vs. Villa Bokeh vs. private atoll) and added experiences. Request a proposal and within 48-72 business hours you will receive a closed quote.
The best time from November to April, dry season in both countries. December-January is high season (book with a lot of advance notice). July-August offers good wildlife viewing but more crowds in South African parks. Our specialists advise on the optimal dates based on the type of experience you seek (wildlife, culture, climate or fewer crowds) and your personal calendar."faq-item" style="padding:22px 28px; background:#FAF6EE; border-left:3px solid var(--gold); cursor:pointer;">
Which hotel partners do you work with in Guatemala and Belize?
In Guatemala we work with Casa Santo Domingo (Relais & Châteaux) and Villa Bokeh in Antigua, Casa Palopó (Relais & Châteaux) on Lake Atitlán, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel and La Lancha Lodge (Coppola) in Petén. In Belize, with Ka'ana Resort, Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn (all three from the Coppola Foundation), and with the private atolls Cayo Espanto and Turneffe Island Resort. With most of them we have preferred partnerships that secure operational upgrades, late check-out and exclusive benefits.
The signature itinerary is 10 days combining Guatemala (Antigua, Atitlán, Tikal) and Belize (Cayo and reef). With 12 days you can add Copán in Honduras (spectacular Mayan ruins) or more days on the atoll. With only 7 days you can do Antigua-Tikal-Blue Hole, skipping Lake Atitlán, though you would miss one of the most impactful parts of the journey.
The Great Blue Hole flyover by private Cessna light aircraft with the door open for photography. The private Maya ceremony at sunset on Lake Atitlán with a K'iche' shaman burning copal before the three volcanoes. Tikal at dawn with an archaeologist before opening to the public. The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave with a caving guide and picnic lunch on the Macal river. High-altitude coffee tasting on the slopes of the Agua Volcano with a Q-grader. And for those who dare: diving at the Blue Hole (advanced+ certified only) or snorkelling at Hol Chan.
Let's talk about Guatemala and Belize
Every journey is unique. Tell us your dates, interests and how many of you there are. Within 48-72 business hours you will have a personalised proposal with no commitment.