Private Tour Highlights
- Touring the ancient Maya Ruins of Copan, taking in the towering Hieroglyphic Stairways, expert stone masonry, manicured lawns and much more!
- Strolling through the cobblestone colonial town of Antigua, with its many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals rubbing shoulders with brightly-colored facades.
- Crossing the shimmering Lake Atitlan by boat, gazing up at the imposing volcanoes of Toliman, San Pedro and Atitlan.
- Climbing to the summit of the Two-headed Serpent, a temple at Tikal which is 70m high and offers sublime views above the jungle canopy.
- Keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife at Tikal, which is home to over 300 species of bird, as well as Howler Monkeys, Ocelots and even Jaguars.
- Reveling in the majesty of Xunantunich, an important Maya ceremonial center with spellbinding views from the El Castillo complex.
- Swimming to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and snorkeling the famous ‘Shark Ray Alley’.
Tour Overview
Explore the lands where Old Meets New in Central America: Maya Ruins and Beautiful Bays! This combined tour includes a visit to Copán, where we will spend 2 nights before crossing to Guatemala by car for an enriching stay in Antigua Guatemala. From here, we will explore Lake Atitlán and the nearby Maya towns. Yampu travelers will then fly to Flores to visit the mystical Maya city of Tikal, staying a night in Flores. We will be able to see more Maya ruins in Belize, especially around the town of San Ignacio. Last stop: San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, known for its turquoise waters and barrier reef.
Inclusions
Package Price: From £$ 6837
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
San Pedro Sula
Upon arrival in San Pedro Sula, transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival in San Pedro Sula, transfer to the hotel.
Copan Ruins
Transfer to Copan, an artistic city of the Mayan World. Visit the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (the social center of the Mayan city); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars; and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copan.
Transfer to Copan, an artistic city of the Mayan World. Visit the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (the social center of the Mayan city); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars; and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copan.
Copan Museum
In the morning, visit the Copan Museum. In the afternoon, visit the Hacienda San Lucas, with a magnificent view of the valley. Enjoy a delightful and unique dinner with typical Copan flavor
(included). Overnight in Copán.
In the morning, visit the Copan Museum. In the afternoon, visit the Hacienda San Lucas, with a magnificent view of the valley. Enjoy a delightful and unique dinner with typical Copan flavor
(included). Overnight in Copán.
Transfer to Antigua Guatemala
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Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, private tour of Antigua Guatemala—known commonly as La Antigua or just Antigua. It was the Spaniards’ military capital of Central America for more than two centuries. Be met at the hotel by a private guide to begin a half-day walking tour of Antigua. This tour will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrance fees are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park, and La Merced Church. This tour is flexible, and if one has specific sites that they wish to see please let a Yampu Travel Consultant know. ...read less
Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlan
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Be picked up from the hotel for a scenic boat ride across the lake, passing by the three impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Upon arrival in Santiago, walk with the guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God, so his location changes. Once with Maximon, Travelers may see a local shaman performing rituals for local people. If one so wishes, travelers can ask the guide to help hire a shaman to perform a personal ceremony. After visiting Maximon, visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town. See the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art for which the area is famous. Take a ride in a local “flete” (a pickup truck in which the passengers stand in the bed) to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, private transfer to Antigua for overnight. ...read less
Guatemala City- Flores
Transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Full-day visit to the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, travelers can perceive the sounds of the rain forest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.
Transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Full-day visit to the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, travelers can perceive the sounds of the rain forest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.
San Ignacio, Belize
Morning of leisure. Private transfer to San Ignacio in Belize. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Morning of leisure. Private transfer to San Ignacio in Belize. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Xunantunich Maya Site- belize Zoo
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Morning visit to the Xunantunich Maya site. Arrive at the village of San Josa Succotz where a hand-cranked ferry carries vehicles and passengers to the other side of the Mopan River. One more mile will bring the visitor to Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock). A major Maya ceremonial center, and one of the countries larger excavated sites, the view from the largest pyramid El Castillo is remarkable.
Trip continues with a visit to the Belize Zoo, a 40-minute drive from Belize City. Only indigenous species are housed at the Zoo, all of which have been either rescued or donated from owners who could not take care of the animals properly. The “guests” (birds, cats, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.) are housed in large compounds containing what would be their natural habitats. Transfer to Belize City, and transfer to the hotel.
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Altun Ha Maya site
Morning tour of Altun Ha Maya site. Located 35 miles from Belize City on the Old Northern Highway, Altun Ha (Rock Stone Water) is a great example of a Maya ceremonial and trading site. Here, in 1968 Dr. David Pendergast uncovered one of the most precious of all Mayan artifacts, the Jade Head representing the Sun God, Kinich Ahau. Air transfer from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Morning tour of Altun Ha Maya site. Located 35 miles from Belize City on the Old Northern Highway, Altun Ha (Rock Stone Water) is a great example of a Maya ceremonial and trading site. Here, in 1968 Dr. David Pendergast uncovered one of the most precious of all Mayan artifacts, the Jade Head representing the Sun God, Kinich Ahau. Air transfer from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Afternoon of leisure. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Afternoon of leisure. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Day of Leisure
Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.
Flight Home
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize and connect with international flight back home.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize and connect with international flight back home.
San Pedro Sula, Cortés, Honduras
Copan Ruinas, Copan, Honduras
Antigua
Peten, Guatemala
San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize
Belize City, Belize
Ambergris Caye, Corozal, Belize
Places You'll See
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Ambergris Caye
Take in the striking white sands and blue waters at Ambergris Caye, the largest Island of Belize. With so many options for entertainment and adventure, one will never grow bored! Take on the Mayan Underworld, a series of caves that one can experience through tubing. Enjoy the wildlife with birding or scuba diving, or just relax in the soft snow-white sands.
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Belize City
The largest city in its country of the same name, Belize is the commercial center of the country. Be sure to take in the Colonial architecture and enjoy walking and horse-and-buggy tours of this magnificent beach city. Enjoy the ocean breeze and visit the local zoo with a chance to see Lucky Boy, the Zoo’s beloved rescued Jaguar.
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Peten
Dotted with many Mayan Archaeological sites the area of Peten, once the hub of Mayan civilization, is full of history and ancient mysteries. Deep in the rainforests of Peten is the ancient city of Tikal, among other lost Mayan cities that have begun restoration.
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Antigua
Founded by the Spanish in the 17th century, Antigua city follows traditional layout and Spanish Baroque Style architecture. Enjoy chocolate making classes as you learn about the culture of the area or, For the more adventurous, there is the option to hike up several active volcanos in the region. With a walking coffee tour, one can learn about the process of picking and roasting one’s own coffee.
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Copan Ruinas
Over one thousand years ago, Copan Ruinas was once the center of Mayan civilization. Here, one can witness some of the greatest Pre-Colombian artwork that is offered including ancient hieroglyphics. Nearby are many options for wildlife lovers including a bird sanctuary, butterfly house, as well as horseback riding and zip lining.
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San Ignacio
Known for its lush forests, waterfalls and archeological sites, San Ignacio is the place for adventure. Hike and trek through the dense jungle and visit ancient Mayan sites such as Xunantunich, once a Maya ceremonial center. Also, get acquainted with nature with a visit to the Noj Ka’ax H’Men Eljio Panti National Park.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
3 Star Properties
La Casa Rosada
Copan Ruinas , HONDURAS
La Casa Rosada is a Spanish colonial style inn, decorated with antiques and local fine art. This hotel has five nicely decorated rooms. Every room has a private bath with steam shower, television, CD/DVD player, telephone, and air conditioning. Guests can add other services that are not included in the standard reservation, such as dinner or lunch at the local restaurants, facials and massages in the privacy of their room, or tickets to archaeological sites and other attractions. There is also an onsite café near the beautiful fountain and garden, serving a delicious buffet breakfast in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
Plaza Copan
Copan Ruinas , HONDURAS
The Hotel Plaza Copan is located in the heart of the picturesque village of Copan Ruins and offers all the advantages and services that make a stay enjoyable. The small hotel offers the best location and comfort to discover the Mayan ruins of Copan and natural attractions of the Copan valley. The hotel has 20 rooms each of them has A / C, hot water, wireless Internet, cable TV, and private bathrooms. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi access throughout the building, and a bar and restaurant.
San Ignacio : Black Rock Lodge
Black Rock Lodge
San Ignacio , BELIZE
Black Rock Lodge’s stunning rainforest location offers unmatched opportunity for adventure. The Lodge’s 20 cabins boast stunning views of Black Rock Canyon, the Macal River, and the surrounding rainforest and wildlife. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms and closet areas. Simply decorated, the cabins display artwork created by local artisans and craftspeople. Guests can enjoy swimming in the mountain-fed river or the outdoor pool, personal yoga in the Palapa, birdwatching, and more. Breakfast and lunch are served a la carte from the restaurant, and dinner is served family-style with a “Chef’s Choice” entrée selection.
Ambergris Caye : Ramon’s Village
Ramon’s Village
Ambergris Caye , BELIZE
Ramon’s Village Resort is the premiere beach resort in San Pedro, Belize. Styled after the Tahitian cottages on the Polynesian island of Bora Bora, the cabanas are built from native materials by craftsmen utilizing the same skill and techniques the islanders used in the days of the great sailing ships. The rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, a ceiling fan, private bathroom, and beautiful views. The resort features a lagoon style pool, a fabulous beach, a diving center, and the Beach Spa. Guests can enjoy a delicious dinner at Pineapples On The Beach, or a specialty coffee and fresh fruit smoothie at Tropic Al’s.
Sunbreeze
Ambergris Caye , BELIZE
SunBreeze Suites is situated in the laid back beach town of San Pedro, on the popular Ambergris Caye. SunBreeze Suites is comprised of twenty comfortable one bedroom vacation suites overlooking the beautiful blue sea. Each comes with a private balcony from where one can enjoy breath-taking sunrises, refreshing cool sea-breezes and romantic moonlight nights. They are equipped with air conditioning, Cable TV, a work desk, and a private bathroom. The hotel also features an outdoor pool and a dock with extended lounge decks, an onsite dive center, and a massage studio. Guests can experience Caribbean dining at the Jambel Jerk Pit Restaurant and Bar.
4 Star Properties
Copan Ruinas : Marina Copan (standard)
Marina Copan (standard)
Copan Ruinas , HONDURAS
The Marina Copan is the most comfortable and convenient base for exploring the fascinating Maya World, as well as the diverse natural landscape, that the ancient ones left behind. Laid out around cozy but spacious passages and well-groomed gardens and fountains, the accommodations one finds are reminiscent of an old colonial house. All 49 charmingly appointed rooms and suites feature natural wood ceilings, hand-carved furniture and warm hues, and are equipped with Cable TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. The hotel also features a swimming pool with poolside bar, a spa offering massage treatments, and a fitness room.
San Ignacio : San Ignacio Hotel
San Ignacio Hotel
San Ignacio , BELIZE
San Ignacio Resort Hotel, open to guests since 1976, provides unsurpassed levels of luxury and service in Belize. The hotel offers 24 Luxury rooms and suites that offer hillside, garden, and rainforest views. The accommodations are designed with exotic local art and also, furnishings made from Belizean hardwood and sustainable mahogany, and are equipped with air conditioning, Cable TV, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. The hotel also offers a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, a game of tennis at the onsite courts, or a variety of rejuvenating treatments in the luxury spa. Guests can enjoy dining in The Running W Steakhouse & Restaurant, or a drink at the Lobby Bar.
San Ignacio : Pooks Hill Lodge
Pooks Hill Lodge
San Ignacio , BELIZE
Pook’s Hill is a small eco-lodge situated within the primary rainforest of Western Belize. Eleven thatch cabanas surround an ancient Maya site and look out over the jungle canopy. Each has a private bathroom with hot water and 24 hour electricity. Guests can enjoy swimming or tubing in the crystal clear water of the Roaring River downstream from the Thousand-Foot Falls in the Maya Mountains, hiking through the nature trails, or birding. At the main lodge relax at the bar over a cool drink. Meals are served in the lantern-lit dining room overlooking the forest canopy. Belizean and European dishes are served buffet style.
Ambergris Caye : Victoria House
Victoria House
Ambergris Caye , BELIZE
Spectacular, private, and located on a breathtaking Caribbean island, award winning Victoria House features 42 rooms offering a variety of world-class accommodations. From spacious infinity pool Villas, luxurious Suites, Plantation and Staterooms, to the quintessential tropical Casita, Victoria House provides the perfect venue for total relaxation and comfort. As a boutique resort, Victoria House is unsurpassed in the art of pampering its guests with an abundance of services and conveniences. Perched at the edge of one of most stunning natural wonders of the world, the Belize Barrier Reef, the resort offers a variety of exhilarating adventures.
El Pescador
Ambergris Caye , BELIZE
El Pescador’s beachfront lodge and villas are situated on over 45 private acres with ambiance, specializing in fishing, diving and eco-adventures. El Pescador offers accommodations in guest rooms within its colonial style, mahogany main lodge, as well as in 1, 2, and 3 bedroom luxury beachfront villas. All rooms and villas are beachfront and have unobstructed views of the Caribbean blue waters. The hotel features 3 swimming pools, an exercise room, and complimentary kayaks, bikes, and paddle boards, as well as a fishing instructor and a scuba diving instructor. The onsite restaurant serves fresh, local Caribbean cuisine.
5 Star Properties
Copan Ruinas : Hacienda San Lucas
Hacienda San Lucas
Copan Ruinas , HONDURAS
Hacienda San Lucas is a hundred year old family hacienda/lodge offering a unique and exclusive cultural experience. San Lucas is renown by its five star individualized services, eg. a culinary destination, small intimate weddings, yoga retreats and more. Hacienda San Lucas combines century-old ambiance with first-class service, authentic Maya country cuisine and a spectacular view of the Valley and Ruins of Copan. Eight distinct rooms with solar lighting, comfortable hammocks, nature trails, ceremonial archaeological site and candlelit dinners allow you to relax and enjoy the healing energy of this unique hacienda.
San Ignacio : Chaa Creek (cottage collection room)
Chaa Creek (cottage collection room)
San Ignacio , BELIZE
Set along the banks of the Macal River and reaching towards the foothills of the Maya Mountains, Chaa Creek has provided unique adventure travel experiences for thousands of visitors looking for an in-depth yet civilized Belizean vacation. The 23 palm thatched cottage rooms ensure a good night’s sleep, and all are equipped with a Jacuzzi for extra comfort. The hotel features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, horse stables, and a luxurious spa with a variety of treatments as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the Maya Mountains and Caribbean rainforest. Guests can enjoy “Jungle Cuisine” in the al fresco dining room.
San Ignacio : Ka’ana Boutique Resort
Ka’ana Boutique Resort
San Ignacio , BELIZE
The Ka’ana Boutique Resort is a small luxury resort in Western Belize, where guests indulge in personalized service, luxurious appointments and modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, and offer a small seating area, a TV, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. The hotel features a beautiful infinity pool, a gorgeous garden, and a luxurious spa offering traditional treatments, as well as specialized treatments specific to the area. Guests can enjoy fine dining at La Ceiba Restaurant offering local and seasonal ingredients, or have a drink at The Wallace Bar & Lounge.
Ambergris Caye : Victoria House (Casita)
Victoria House (Casita)
Ambergris Caye , BELIZE
Spectacular, private, and located on a breathtaking Caribbean island, award winning Victoria House features 42 rooms offering a variety of world-class accommodations. From spacious infinity pool Villas, luxurious Suites, Plantation and Staterooms, to the quintessential tropical Casita, Victoria House provides the perfect venue for total relaxation and comfort. As a boutique resort, Victoria House is unsurpassed in the art of pampering its guests with an abundance of services and conveniences. Perched at the edge of one of most stunning natural wonders of the world, the Belize Barrier Reef, the resort offers a variety of exhilarating adventures.
Portofino
Ambergris Caye , BELIZE
Portofino is a beachfront resort situated on the pristine and unspoiled northern coast of Ambergris Caye, one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The boutique resort offers just 17 beautifully appointed rooms, ranging from charming beach cabanas to spacious suites, dotted amidst swaying palm trees, in a private setting with unmatched personal attention and the modern comforts. Relax in the fresh water outdoor swimming pool; enjoy a great book from the book collection or simply indulge in a massage on the beach. Delicious meals prepared by the chef can be served in the privacy or a beach cabana or suite, on the private dock with a romantic setting or at the Portofino Restaurant.
Luxury Properties
Ambergris Caye : Matachica Resort
Matachica Resort
Ambergris Caye , BELIZE
Ideally located across the second largest coral reef in the world, on the Ambergris Caye island, along with a natural white sand private beach, Matachica is a Belize resort renowned for the elegance and refinement of its 31 villas, a perfect vacation spot for calm and relaxation. Each villa has been carefully decorated and arranged with the charm that characterizes Central America’s bright colors and exotic art. A subtle and tasteful combination of tradition and modernity aimed towards one priority: guest’s comfort and well-being. Discover the local cuisine and its seafood influence, relax at the spa with organic treatments, or take a jungle hike within Belize’s lush vegetation.
Testimonials
Liz K
Traveled February, 2012
Thank you again for everything
The trip went off without a hitch due to your excellent planning, awesome tour guides and drivers and wonderful accommodations. I had an incredible time, the Mayan sites were indeed magic and the scenery in Honduras, Guatemala and Belize is something not to be missed. I wanted to mention my driver, Gustavo Morales, who drove me from the Lake Atitlan hotel to the Guatemala Airport (for my flight to Flores). Gustavo should as far as I am concerned be nominated for the Tourist Driver of the Year Award. If such an award doesn’t exist, one should be created for him. On the day he was to drive me to the airport, there was a massive two-large truck collision in the middle of the main highway to the Airport. In addition, the teachers had gone on strike and were blocking the roads. Gustavo thought that we would not make it to the airport in time, but said he would try his best. He backtracked almost as far as Antigua and took all the back roads through Guatemala City to circle the city and come back to the airport from the other direction. Not only did he give me the Drive of a Lifetime, but he did get me to the airport in plenty of time for the flight. It was nothing short of a miracle and I would like to pass along my thanks and also, my admiration for his driving skills. He is a wonderful guy and I wish him all the best of luck for the future. Thank you again for everything I will definitely recommend Yampu to anyone who wishes a fantastic, personally tailored vacation.
Traveled To
Greg B., United Kingdom
Traveled February, 2013
When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly
After working with Yampu to provide me with my second holiday to the America’s, I am delighted to say it has been another success. We have now travelled to Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras with routes dictated by my needs to see sites that may not be on other people standard routes. Yampu have twice worked with local providers to make my unique routes possible. When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly. I am already thinking ahead to my next trip with Yampu.
Traveled To
Andy and Joan.
Traveled August, 2015
Both Joan and I had a fabulous time away
Both Joan and I had a fabulous time away and very much appreciate everything that you did to make it possible. The wildlife, particularly the sea turtles we saw laying their eggs, the monkeys, the tapir we tracked, and all of the different bird types that we encountered, were all great experiences. We also enjoyed the relaxation time that we had in Belize, where the snorkeling and diving was also good.
Traveled To
