Honduras, Guatemala & Belize In Luxury

Itinerary

• Belize

  Belize (formerly British Honduras), is a country in Central America, bordered to the south and west by Guatemala, to the north by Mexico, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea.. It gained its independence from the British Empire in 1981. It is the only country in Central America where English is an official language. A combination of natural factors have made tourism a growing industry. Warm climate, excellent Mayan ruins, the Belize Barrier Reef (second longest in the world), 127 offshore Cayes (islands), excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling, numerous rivers for rafting, and kayaking, various jungle and wildlife reserves of fauna and flora, for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring, as well the largest cave system in Central America.

• Ambergris Caye

  Ambergris Caye, with its many beaches and the fishing village of San Pedro, is the most popular tourist destination. Along with the other Cayes, it is a paradise for divers with access to one of the most unspoilt coral reefs in the world; Hoi Chan Marine Reserve is a popular dive site where southern stingray and nurse sharks can be observed in shark ray alley. Situated 58km (36 miles) north of Belize City, it is accessible by daily scheduled air flights and boat transfers.

• Belize City

  Belize City is over 300 years old and serves as the main commercial area and seaport. It is the country’s biggest city, and is a mixture of colonial architecture, functional wooden buildings and historic cathedrals. Sights include the oldest Anglican cathedral in Latin America, St John’s, and Government House, the Belize City residence of the British Governor, built in 1814.

• Cayo District

  The Cayo District boasts several Mayan sites including El Pilar and the magnificent Xunantunich with its 1500-year-old El Castillo, the second-tallest building in Belize. The canaa of the Caracol Mayan site in Cayo is the tallest Mayan building in Belize. This site has been claimed to rival such other famous sites as Tikal in neighboring Guatemala.

• Guatemala

  Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. A representative democracy, its capital is Guatemala City. It has fascinating and extensive Mayan ruins. It's importance stretches back to 800BC with recently discovered pre-Colombian ruins that were unexpectedly large. El Mirador was by far the most populated city in pre-Columbian America. Both the El Tigre and Monos pyramids encompass a volume greater than 250,000 cubic meters. Mirador was the first politically organized state in America, with 26 cities all connected by Sacbeob (highways). These roads were several kilometers long, up to 40 meters wide, and two to four meters above the ground paved with stucco - clearly visible from the air. The height of the Maya civilization is represented by countless sites throughout Guatemala, although the largest concentration is in Petén. This period is characterized by heavy city-building, and the development of independent city-states. This lasted until around 900 AD, when the Classic Maya civilization collapsed.

• Antigua

  Antigua is situated southwest of Guatemala City, and was considered to be one of the most splendid cities in Central America before its partial destruction in the earthquake of 1773. The town is now a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Despite the damage of countless earthquakes, floods and fires, Antigua is a beautiful place of multi-colored, single-story buildings, tropical gardens, plazas, fountains and cobbled streets. A popular tourist center, it has several good hotels, restaurants and bookshops with a fairly lively nightlife.

• Flores

  Flores is built on an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itza. A causeway connects Flores to the mainland town of Santa Elena, where the banks and main shops are located. Buses run throughout the day from both Santa Elena and Flores to Tikal. The spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal (City of Voices) encompass vast pyramidal temples, ball courts, causeways, plazas and public buildings that extend over some 16 sq km (6 sq miles). While there are about 3000 known structures, many more lie buried under dense jungle vegetation. First occupied in about 800 BC, this great city was eventually abandoned around 1000 years later.

• Lake Atitlan

  The beautiful, volcanic Lake Atitlán is surrounded by purple highlands, olive-green mountains and three distinctive volcanoes – Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro. Water-skiing, swimming and boating are all available on the lake, which is 19km (12 miles) in length and between 6.5km (4 miles) and 12km (7.5 miles) wide. Around the lake are several villages, each of whose inhabitants wear differently colored, densely embroidered clothes.

• Honduras

  Honduras is a democratic republic in Central America. It was formerly known as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from British Honduras (now Belize). Archaeologists have demonstrated that Honduras had a rich, multi-ethnic prehistory. An important part of that prehistory was the Mayan presence around the city of Copán in western Honduras, near the Guatemalan border. A major Mayan city flourished during the classic period (150-900) in that area. It has many carved inscriptions and stelae. In the northeastern region of La Mosquitia lies the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, a lowland rainforest which is home to a great diversity of life. The reserve was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List in 1982. Honduras has rain forests, cloud forests (which can rise up to nearly three thousand meters above sea level), mangroves, savannas and mountain ranges with pine and oak trees, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. In the Bay Islands there are bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, parrot fish, schools of blue tang and whale shark.

• Copan

  Copán is 171km (106 miles) from San Pedro Sula. The Copán Ruins Archaeological Park in western Honduras is the best remaining testament to the culture of the Mayan Indians. Among the best of the ruins are the magnificent Acropolis composed of courts and temples, the Great Plaza, a huge amphitheater, and the Court of the Hieroglyphic Stairway. Near the Great Acropolis, recent archaeological work has brought to light invaluable excavations. The majority of the site’s original sculptures are on display at the Copán Sculpture Museum, the four-story centerpiece of which is the Rosalita temple, a full-scale replica of a temple recently excavated beneath the Acropolis.

• • Copan
  • Hacienda San Lucas, Copan

  Day 1: San Pedro Sula - Copan

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  Transfer to Copan by private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

  Accommodation: Hacienda San Lucas

  The 100-year old Hacienda San Lucas has managed to transcend age and time by presenting guests with a chic, restored retreat overlooking the Maya ruins of Copan. The 8 bedrooms are each equipped with delightful beds, linen, and private bath, while espousing local design techniques and handcrafted art in the decor. The chef and kitchen help are exceptionally well-trained, with flavorful native dishes prepared alongside international staples. Enjoy fresh ingredients, high standards of service, and a fine candle-lit ambiance when dining. Visit the Copan ruins or take a 5 minute ride into the center of town to understand the community and its history. Otherwise, simply lounge in a hammock and sink into paradise.

• • Archaeological site at Copan

  Day 2: Copan

  Drive to the Archaeological site at Copan. Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful site which is famous for its intricately carved Stelea and the amazing hieroglyphic stairway. Return to the town of Copan and continue up into the hills to the wonderful Hacienda San Lucas. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and time to relax. Tour includes lunch, entrance fees at site and museum.

  Accommodation: Hacienda San Lucas
• • Antigua
  • El Convento Hotel

  Day 3: Copan - Antigua

  Pick up from your hotel in Copan and transfer to Antigua, Guatemala by private vehicle.

  Accommodation: El Convento Boutique Hotel

  Situated on one of Antigua’s famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which to discover the city’s magnificent sites.

  The all-suite El Convento gracefully marries the ancient with the modern. Combining artisanal brick vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and hand-crafted doors with the simple elegance of contemporary design. Whether unwinding in the deep-set living room sofas or stopping by for a glass of wine beneath the domed cupula of the bar, staying in can be just as tempting.

• • Iglesia San Francisco church
  • Ceremonial Maya Dancing

  Day 4: Antigua

  You will be met at your hotel reception by your private guide to begin your half day walking tour of Antigua. Your tour will cover the architectural & historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrances are included to the Iglesia San Francisco (church), the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church.

  Ceremonial Maya Dancing Tour: Today in Guatemala, many distinct indigenous Mayan groups use masks in the performance of dances and pageants. The exact meanings of these ceremonies may be long forgotten, but they typically enact a mythical story intended to bring fertility, yield a good harvest or scare away evil spirits. All traditional fiestas include folk dancing whose forms date back hundreds of years to the conquest and beyond. Some of these dances are rooted in traditions brought from Spain - these are usually the religious celebrations. Then there are the dances rooted in Mayan tradition where animal masks are often used in dances like "Toritos" (the Little Bulls), or "El Venado" (the Deer). Observe a traditional dance routine while learning about ancient traditions and customs in Guatemala.

  Accommodation: El Convento Boutique Hotel
• • Lake Atitlan

  Day 5: Antigua - Lake Atitlan

  Pick up from your hotel in Antigua and take a private transfer with English-speaking driver to your lakeside property at Atitlan.

  Accommodation: Casa Palopo

  Situated outside of Guatemala City, at the edge of Lake Atitlan in a hilly countryside getaway circling Catarina Palopo village, Casa Palopo is surrounded by a wealth of forest and volcanoes. The 8 rooms are adorned with the finest of linen and toiletries, and further equipped with to-die-for views. Sleeping in these impressive rooms is an experience like no other. Look forward to the height of hospitality, as the staff provides sincere and consistent service. Cuisine is enjoyable, though many opt for trying the restaurants in the nearby towns. Relax in the heated pool, and absorb the surrounding views. Or, plan a boating trip and get to know the lake which some consider the most beautiful in the world.

• • Mayan God Maximon

  Day 6: Lake Atitlan

  Pick up from your hotel by your private guide and driver and transfer to Santiago village. (For guests in staying in Casa Palapo, Hotel Atitlan or Hotels in Panajachel this includes a 30min scenic boat ride across the lake). Upon arrival in Santiago you will visit the house where the Mayan God Maximon is living. Each year a different "brotherhood" has the privilege of taking care of their God. Once with Maximon you may see local shaman performing rituals for local people and if you wish you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman, in order to have a personal ceremony. After visiting Maximon, you can visit the local church to learn about the history of this very traditional town and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art that is famous from the area. Take a ride in a local "flete" to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch and then return to your hotel after the tour.

  Accommodation: Casa Palopo
• • Flores
  • La Lancha, Peten

  Day 7: Guatemala City - Flores

  Pick up from your hotel in Guatemala City and transfer to your hotel in Atitlan.

  Enjoy a short flight from Guatemala City to Flores.

  Upon arrival to the airport you will be met and transferred to La Lancha.

  Be sure to pre-book your local excursions through us to ensure you make the most out of your time in Guatemala. Optional activities in Flores include: Yaxha & Topoxte Maya Ruins, Yaxha Sunset Tour, Zip Canopy Adventure.

  Accommodation: La Lancha

  A Francis Ford Coppola Property

  La Lancha is a warm, sun-soaked escape near Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala's Peten region, near the archaeological site of Tikal. The 10 rooms promise unhindered privacy, and a rustic approach to travel. Management has made it a point not to include televisions, phones, and internet, ensuring that all who visit will bask in the natural aura of La Lancha. Impeccable service and dining options make all meals an occasion, as guests tend to anticipate the fine cuisine prepared by chefs. Activities range from boat trips to hikes, so one may get in touch with both the land and the water in this stunning environment.

• • Tikal National Park

  Day 8: Flores

  Tikal was one of the major cultural and population centers of the Maya civilization. Though monumental architecture at the site dates to the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 AD to 900 AD. Some of these pyramids are over 60 meters high (200 feet). Enjoy some free time at the site and return to your hotel after a VIP picnic lunch.

  Accommodation: La Lancha
• • Caracol Mayan Temple
  • Chaa Creek

  Day 9: Flores - Cayo District

  Pick up from your hotel in Flores and transfer to your hotel in Cayo District, Belize by private vehicle.

  Accommodation: Chaa Creek

  Chaa Creek is situated on a large expanse of land in Belize's Mayan Rainforest, near the Macal River. The 23 cottages and rooms are individually themed, with each built according to the needs of different groups and couples. Some suites come with garden views, others with Jacuzzis. All promise tranquil, refreshing surroundings. Enjoy the lodge's produce, direct from their on-site Maya farm. Feast on Caribbean, Mexican and Belizean spices and savories. Later, walk the forest trails or go on a hike and discover the rainforest. The lodge's spa is also a point of interest for those who need a little pampering.

• • Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve

  Day 10: Cayo District

  Your tour will begin when you are picked up in your private vehicle by your personal guide and driver. You will transfer to Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve which is a 106,000 acre protected national park. In the 1950's, 60's and 70's, many Belizeans were employed as timber cutters in this area and on the tour you will see that history. Later you will visit Chiquibul Forest Reserve. About a 1 hour drive from Pine Ridge you will arrive at the beautiful Maya site of Caracol (which means the Snail), named by archaeologists because they found numerous snails on site. The original name is Oxwitza which means the sky place. Caracol is the largest archaeological site in Belize, covering 30 square miles in thick, high canopy jungle, and includes five plazas, an astronomic observatory and over 35,000 buildings that have been identified. Among them is a massive pyramid (Caana) capped by three temples and rises over 140ft above the jungle floor. When the tour is complete you will return to your hotel. Tour includes a private guided tour of the site with entrances and picnic lunch. You can choose to stop and explore the Rio-on Pools and Rio Frio Caves before returning to your hotel if they wish.

  Accommodation: Chaa Creek
• • Belize Sunrise
  • Victoria House, Belize

  Day 11: Cayo District - Belize City - Ambergris Caye

  Transfer from Cayo District to Belize City by private vehicle.

  A direct flight from Belize City International airport will take you to San Pedro, Amergris Caye.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.

  Accommodation: Victoria House

  Surrounded by lush, immaculately-kept grounds and a pristine beachfront, the Victoria House is recognized across the world for its magical atmosphere. The 42 accommodations consist of casitas, plantation rooms and suites, and private villas. A multitude of palm trees and tropical gardens promise privacy. Dining is exquisite, as expected with a luxury resort of this standard. Every morsel is filled with flavor and texture, with fusions of Caribbean and world influences. Grilled meats and perfectly prepared vegetables make for memorable culinary experiences. A host of activities to keep one busy, from massages and spa treatments to snorkeling trips and fishing.

• • Ambergris Caye

  Day 12: Ambergris Caye

  Enjoy some leisure time on the tranquil shores of Ambergris Caye. Optional activities are available at your resort (scuba diving, watersports, snorkelling, kayaking).

  Accommodation: Victoria House
• • Belizean Courthouse

  Day 13: Ambergris Caye - Belize City

  Enjoy a direct flight from Pan Pedro, Ambergris Caye to the Belize City International Airport.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Hacienda San Lucas, Copan

  Hacienda San Lucas

  The 100-year old Hacienda San Lucas has managed to transcend age and time by presenting guests with a chic, restored retreat overlooking the Maya ruins of Copan. The 8 bedrooms are each equipped with delightful beds, linen, and private bath, while espousing local design techniques and handcrafted art in the decor. The chef and kitchen help are exceptionally well-trained, with flavorful native dishes prepared alongside international staples. Enjoy fresh ingredients, high standards of service, and a fine candle-lit ambiance when dining. Visit the Copan ruins or take a 5 minute ride into the center of town to understand the community and its history. Otherwise, simply lounge in a hammock and sink into paradise.

  • More information
• • El Convento Hotel

  El Convento Boutique Hotel

  Situated on one of Antigua’s famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which to discover the city’s magnificent sites.

  The all-suite El Convento gracefully marries the ancient with the modern. Combining artisanal brick vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and hand-crafted doors with the simple elegance of contemporary design. Whether unwinding in the deep-set living room sofas or stopping by for a glass of wine beneath the domed cupula of the bar, staying in can be just as tempting.

  • More information
• • Casa Palopo, Lake Atitlan

  Casa Palopo

  Situated outside of Guatemala City, at the edge of Lake Atitlan in a hilly countryside getaway circling Catarina Palopo village, Casa Palopo is surrounded by a wealth of forest and volcanoes. The 8 rooms are adorned with the finest of linen and toiletries, and further equipped with to-die-for views. Sleeping in these impressive rooms is an experience like no other. Look forward to the height of hospitality, as the staff provides sincere and consistent service. Cuisine is enjoyable, though many opt for trying the restaurants in the nearby towns. Relax in the heated pool, and absorb the surrounding views. Or, plan a boating trip and get to know the lake which some consider the most beautiful in the world.

  • More information
• • La Lancha, Peten

  La Lancha

  A Francis Ford Coppola Property

  La Lancha is a warm, sun-soaked escape near Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala's Peten region, near the archaeological site of Tikal. The 10 rooms promise unhindered privacy, and a rustic approach to travel. Management has made it a point not to include televisions, phones, and internet, ensuring that all who visit will bask in the natural aura of La Lancha. Impeccable service and dining options make all meals an occasion, as guests tend to anticipate the fine cuisine prepared by chefs. Activities range from boat trips to hikes, so one may get in touch with both the land and the water in this stunning environment.

  • More information
• • Chaa Creek

  Chaa Creek

  Chaa Creek is situated on a large expanse of land in Belize's Mayan Rainforest, near the Macal River. The 23 cottages and rooms are individually themed, with each built according to the needs of different groups and couples. Some suites come with garden views, others with Jacuzzis. All promise tranquil, refreshing surroundings. Enjoy the lodge's produce, direct from their on-site Maya farm. Feast on Caribbean, Mexican and Belizean spices and savories. Later, walk the forest trails or go on a hike and discover the rainforest. The lodge's spa is also a point of interest for those who need a little pampering.

  • More information
• • Victoria House, Belize

  Victoria House

  Surrounded by lush, immaculately-kept grounds and a pristine beachfront, the Victoria House is recognized across the world for its magical atmosphere. The 42 accommodations consist of casitas, plantation rooms and suites, and private villas. A multitude of palm trees and tropical gardens promise privacy. Dining is exquisite, as expected with a luxury resort of this standard. Every morsel is filled with flavor and texture, with fusions of Caribbean and world influences. Grilled meats and perfectly prepared vegetables make for memorable culinary experiences. A host of activities to keep one busy, from massages and spa treatments to snorkeling trips and fishing.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote