Quetzal Highway
Antigua * Rio Dulce * Flores * San Ignacio * Caye Caulker * Playa del Carmen * Cancun
A short but sweet adventure taking in the highlights of Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. Enjoy wildlife spotting in the jungle surrounding the Mayan temple complex of Tikal. Get off the beaten track down Rio Dulce to explore the traditional fishing village of Livingston, then head for picturesque Flores in the centre of Lake Peten Itzá. Adventure options await in San Ignacio, then relax the island way on Caye Caulker before heading north for Cancún, the Mayan Riviera.
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- Itinerary
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Tour Highlights
- 9 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses Tikal ruins and excursion to Caye Caulker Transport Tour leader.
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Quetzal Highway
Quote Ref: 2136107
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- Overview
- Itinerary
- Date & Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 to 1 - Arrive Antigua
Arrive Antigua. Antigua is one of the most delightful colonial towns in Central America. The locals can be seen throughout the cobbled streets and plazas of the city in their colourful costumes, selling their crafts and textiles. As the cultural centre of Guatemala, Antigua is an ideal place to experience the traditional music, architecture and art of the country.
Day 2 to 3 - Rio Dulce - Flores
We depart Antigua by mini van to the river town of Rio Dulce where we overnight in cabins right on the water. In the afternoon the boat tour along the 23 kilometre stretch of waterway to Livingston allows you to experience one of the most scenic areas of Guatemala. The lively little town of Livingston has a Caribbean atmosphere different to the rest of Guatemala and is a great place to try the delicious local specialty tapado (seafood coconut soup) and listen to the local African-style punta music.
From Rio Dulce we continue to the charming island-town of Flores, the last town to be conquered by the Spanish and situated in the centre of Lake Peten Itzá. Flores is our base for exploring the breathtaking Maya site of Tikal which is regarded as the greatest city of the Maya world and is nestled deep in the jungle. This complex is one of the biggest Maya sites discovered, and you will have most of the day to explore and learn about the flora, fauna, and amazing Mayan history with our knowledgeable local guide.
The area around Tikal has been declared as the Tikal National Park and the preserved area covers 570 square kilometres. As you wander the site, you will see several tall mounds which are temples that have not yet been excavated, and you will have the opportunity to climb some of the tallest Mayan temples.
The emphasis was on height when creating these imposing structures because the Maya believed the higher the building, the closer they were to the gods. Around Tikal there is a lot of animal life, and if you're lucky, you will have the chance to spot the noisy howler monkeys, pizotes (a racoon-like animal), exotic birds such as toucans, and much more!
Day 4 to 7 - San Ignacio - Caye Caulker
A short drive takes us to the Belize border and one of the smallest and most diverse countries in Central America. Formally known as British Honduras, the official language is still English, but most people also speak Spanish. Our first stop is San Ignacio referred to as "Cayo" by the locals, this agricultural centre is also known to be the 'adventure' and 'nature' capital of Belize. The surrounding jungle, wildlife, waterfalls, rivers and caves, have created the ideal location for the numerous optional excursions that are available, from canoeing downriver and tubing through caves, to visiting the famous caves Actun Tunichil Muknal, where they found untouched Mayan ceremonial and sacrificial remains.
Leaving San Ignacio, we take a local bus through the centre of Belize to Belize City, where we catch a water taxi out to the Cayes (mangrove islands). Belizeans know how to relax, and hopefully the locals' expertise on relaxation will be contagious during your stay on Caye Caulker.We spend a couple of very laid back nights on Caye Caulker, where you can throw away your shoes to wander the sand filled streets, spend the evenings eating seafood, drinking cocktails, and listening to reggae music in one of the bars.
Day 8 to 9 - Playa del Carmen - Cancún
Crossing into Mexico we travel up the coast to the beautiful beach resort of Playa del Carmen. Relax on a white sand beach or take advantage of one of the several interesting optional activities available in the area such as visiting the island of Cozumel or the amazingly located Maya/Toltec ruins of Tulúm.
Day 10 to 10 - Depart Cancún
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today.
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- Itinerary
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Available Dates and Adult Prices Including Taxes
Quote Ref: 2136107
| Available Dates | from |
|---|---|
| 10 Feb - 21 Dec 12 | £619 |
- Prices are per person based on a minimum of 2 adults sharing.
- All tour itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at the discretion of the tour operator.
- You will of course be advised of changes as they become available.






