Embark on a captivating journey through Guatemala’s rich cultural and natural landscapes before diving into the vibrant underwater world of Belize’s atolls. This unique tour offers an immersive experience combining the historical and scenic wonders of Guatemala with the exceptional marine biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea.
Exploring Guatemala
Your adventure begins in the heart of Guatemala, where you’ll explore the charming colonial city of Antigua, known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture, vibrant markets, and historical ruins. Climbing one of the nearby volcanoes, such as Pacaya or Acatenango, offers breathtaking views and a thrilling experience.
Next, you’ll visit the serene Lake Atitlán, surrounded by picturesque villages and volcanoes. Here, you’ll stay with local hosts and have the chance to dive into the lake’s mysterious underwater ruins.
Traveling to Rio Dulce, you’ll discover a lush, tropical paradise perfect for relaxation and exploration. Activities like visiting waterfalls and fishing provide a laid-back experience before heading to the ancient Maya city of Tikal. Tikal’s towering pyramids and expansive ruins are set in a vast jungle teeming with wildlife, offering a glimpse into the fascinating history of the Maya civilization.
The Beauty and Importance of Diving in Guatemala
While Guatemala is renowned for its cultural and historical treasures, its underwater landscapes are equally captivating. Lake Atitlán, a volcanic crater lake, offers unique diving experiences with its submerged ruins and volcanic formations. Diving here provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the geological and historical mysteries hidden beneath the lake’s surface.
In addition, the waters around Rio Dulce and Livingston, where the Caribbean Sea meets the river, offer diverse marine life and beautiful coral reefs. These areas are less explored, providing pristine conditions and a sense of discovery for divers.
The combination of Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage and its lesser-known but equally stunning underwater sites makes this tour a unique and enriching experience for both history enthusiasts and diving aficionados. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins above or below the water, each moment promises adventure and discovery.
Diving in Belize Atolls
Transitioning from the cultural wonders of Guatemala to the marine splendor of Belize, the tour continues with a liveaboard adventure to Belize’s famous atolls. Dive into the Great Blue Hole, a natural wonder known for its deep blue waters and abundant marine life, including reef sharks and groupers.
Explore the pristine coral reefs of Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Atoll, and Glovers Reef, where you’ll encounter giant manta rays, various shark species, and vibrant coral gardens. The remote and untouched nature of these dive sites ensures an exclusive and memorable underwater experience.
This combination of land and sea exploration offers a comprehensive and unforgettable journey through two of Central America’s most diverse and beautiful regions. Join us for an adventure that promises to enrich your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Land Itinerary in Guatemala:
Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala City and Transfer to Antigua
- Activities: Arrival in Guatemala City, transfer to Antigua.
- Inclusions: Transport, dinner, hotel accommodation.
Day 2: Explore Antigua
- Activities: Guided tour of Antigua, visiting historical sites and cultural landmarks.
- Inclusions: Guide, transport, dinner, hotel accommodation.
Day 3: Climb a Volcano
- Activities: Guided hike up a nearby volcano and s
- Inclusions: Guide, transport, dinner, camping.
- Preparation: Ensure you have the necessary gear, including warm clothing, a flashlight or headlamp, sturdy hiking boots, and plenty of water.
Viewing the Eruption:
- Night-time Spectacle: As night falls, the glowing lava and ash clouds create a mesmerizing light show against the dark sky. The eruptions are often accompanied by rumbling sounds, adding to the sensory experience.
Day 4: Visit Lake Atitlán
- Activities: Travel to Lake Atitlán.
- Inclusions: Guide, transport, dinner, hotel accommodation.
- Lake Atitlán, located in the highlands of Guatemala, is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes—Volcán Atitlán, Volcán Tolimán, and Volcán San Pedro—this stunning lake offers breathtaking scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Optional Activity: Scuba diving to explore underwater ruins in the lake.
- Mayan Villages: The shores of Lake Atitlán are dotted with several indigenous villages, each with its own unique culture and traditions. Towns like Panajachel, San Pedro La Laguna, and Santiago Atitlán are famous for their vibrant markets, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality.
- Language and Customs: The local population primarily consists of the Kaqchikel and Tz’utujil Maya, who maintain their traditional way of life, including distinctive clothing, language, and customs.
Day 5: Transfer to Rio Dulce
- Activities: Travel to Rio Dulce.
- Inclusions: Guide, transport, dinner, hotel accommodation.
Day 6: Visit Tikal
- Activities: Travel to Tikal, exploring the ancient Maya ruins.
- Inclusions: Guide, transport, dinner, hotel accommodation.
Day 7: Explore Tikal Ruins
- Activities: Continue exploring the ruins of Tikal with a guide.
- Inclusions: Guide, transport, dinner, hotel accommodation.
- Tikal is one of the most significant and well-preserved archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilization, located in the northern region of Guatemala’s Petén Basin. Dating back to around the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its peak during the Classic Period (200-900 AD), becoming a major cultural, political, and military center of the Maya world.
Day 8: Return to Rio Dulce
- Activities: Travel back to Rio Dulce, free afternoon to relax.
- Inclusions: Transport, dinner, hotel accommodation.
Tour Pricing:
- Price: $1500 USD per person
- Group Size: Minimum 4, Maximum 9
Liveaboard Itinerary in Belize Atolls:
Day 1: Departure and Check-Up Dive
- Activities: Depart from Rio Dulce and head towards Belize Atolls. Conduct a check-up dive upon arrival.
- Start a journey across Río Dulce towards the Caribbean Sea is an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and cultural encounters. This picturesque river in Guatemala flows from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea, passing through lush jungles, vibrant communities, and historical landmarks.
Days 2-7: Diving Days
- Activities: Daily dives at various sites including the Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Atoll, and Glovers Reef. Expect encounters with giant manta rays, various shark species, and vibrant coral reefs.
- During your adventure in Belize experience daily dives at world-renowned sites such as the Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Atoll, and Glovers Reef. Each location offers unique underwater landscapes and rich biodiversity, from the stalactites and reef sharks of the Great Blue Hole to the pristine coral formations and giant manta rays at Lighthouse Reef. Turneffe Atoll, with its varied ecosystems, promises encounters with eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, and diverse shark species, while Glovers Reef, a World Heritage Site, boasts vibrant coral gardens and schools of tropical fish. This journey provides unparalleled access to remote dive sites, ensuring pristine conditions and unforgettable marine encounters, making it the ultimate diving experience in the Caribbean.
Day 8: Return to Rio Dulce
- Activities: Final dives in the morning, return journey to Rio Dulce in the afternoon.
- Afternoon free
Day 9: Return to Guatemala City
- Activities: Transfer from Rio Dulce back to Guatemala City for departure.
Liveaboard Pricing:
- Price: $2,200 USD per person
- Group Size: Maximum 9
