Discover Belize & Tikal

Head north by private vehicle to the riverside town of Carmelita, where you'll board a boat along the New River to the Lamanai archaeological site. The river journey itself is spectacular — your guide will help you spot colourful birds, iguanas, and possibly crocodiles along the forested banks. At Lamanai, explore weathered temples, royal palaces, and plazas that reveal centuries of Maya civilisation. Return by boat to the town of Orange Walk for the night.

Travel west to the town of San Ignacio, stopping at a women's cooperative run by local Maya women. Join them for a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn traditional techniques and recipes passed down through generations. Sit down together to enjoy the meal you've prepared. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this friendly border town.

Cross into Guatemala for a guided exploration of Tikal, one of the largest and most important archaeological sites of the ancient Maya world. Walk among massive stone pyramids rising above the jungle canopy, ornate ceremonial plazas, and structures dating back over a thousand years. The scale of this site is staggering. Return to San Ignacio in the afternoon.

A full day to explore the San Ignacio area at your own pace. Optional excursions include the hilltop Maya ruins of Xunantunich, a canoe trip through the caves of Barton Creek, the spectacular Actun Tunichil Muknal cave system, or a day trip into the Mountain Pine Ridge forest reserve.

Transfer to the coast and catch the ferry to Caye Caulker — a small, car-free island in the Caribbean where the local motto is 'go slow.' Settle into island life with a guided orientation walk to learn the lay of the land, then spend the rest of the day as you please: swim, snorkel, or simply watch the pelicans.

Another full day on the island. Popular options include snorkelling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, a sunset sailing trip, kayaking through the mangroves, or simply lazing in the water at the famous Split — a channel cut through the island where locals and visitors alike float the afternoon away.

Your trip concludes this morning on Caye Caulker. Depart at any time — the ferry runs regularly back to the mainland for connections to Belize City airport.