Old Meets New in Central America: Maya Ruins and Beautiful Bays | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Old Meets New in Central America: Maya Ruins and Beautiful Bays

PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5945

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’.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

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
Prices includes airfare from Guatemala to Flores return and Belize City to San Pedro return, hotel accommodation with daily continental breakfast, guided tours in English, meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote).
Best Time to Travel
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JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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Package Price: From £$ 5945

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

Day
1

San Pedro Sula

Upon arrival in San Pedro Sula, transfer to the hotel.

Upon arrival in San Pedro Sula, transfer to the hotel.

Day
2

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-honduras
Day
3

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.

Copan-Ruinas-1-Honduras
Day
4

Transfer to Antigua Guatemala

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

guatemala-antigua-arch
Day
5

Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlan

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

Lake-Aititlan-Guatemala
Day
6

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.

Flores-Guatemala
Day
7

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.

Cave-tubing
Day
8

Xunantunich Maya Site- belize Zoo

Morning read more...

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.
...read less

xunantunich
Day
9

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.

Xunantunich-belize
Day
10

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.

Spotted-Eagle-Ray-at-Hol-Chan-Belize
Day
11

Day of Leisure

Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.

Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.

Cartagena-Colombia
Day
12

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

  • Ambergris_Belize

    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.

  • belize-city

    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.

  • Tikal_Peten

    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.

  • antigua-guatemala-volcano-through-arch

    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.

  • Copan-Ruinas-Honduras

    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.

  • xunantunich-belize

    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.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Casa del Arbol Galerias

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Gran Hotel Sula

Copan Ruinas : La Casa Rosada

Copan Ruinas : Plaza Copan

Antigua : Posada de Don Rodrigo

Antigua : Hotel Meson de Maria

Antigua : D’Leyenda

Peten : Hotel Peten

San Ignacio : Black Rock Lodge

Ambergris Caye : Ramon’s Village

Ambergris Caye : Sunbreeze

4 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula hotel: Hilton Princess

Copan Ruinas : Marina Copan (standard)

Antigua : El Convento Boutique Hotel

Antigua : Casa Encantada

Peten : Villa Maya

Peten : Camino Real Tikal

San Ignacio : San Ignacio Hotel

San Ignacio : Pooks Hill Lodge

Ambergris Caye : Victoria House

Ambergris Caye : El Pescador

5 Star Properties

San Pedro Sula : San Pedro Sula Hotel: Real Intercontinental

Copan Ruinas : Hacienda San Lucas

Antigua : Camino Real Antigua

Antigua : Meson Panza Verde

Antigua : Palacio de Dona Leonor

Peten : Camino Real Tikal (Club Room)

Peten : La Lancha (Rainforest Casita)

San Ignacio : Chaa Creek (cottage collection room)

San Ignacio : Ka’ana Boutique Resort

Ambergris Caye : Victoria House (Casita)

Ambergris Caye : Portofino

Luxury Properties

Antigua : Posada del Angel

Peten : La Lancha (Lakeview Casitas)

Ambergris Caye : Matachica Resort

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.

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.

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.

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