One day you\u2019ll be trawling vibrant local craft markets with local artisans of Antigua, \u00a0the next you\u2019ll be kayaking across volcano-lined lakes in this journey of Central American discovery. In Guatemala, we\u2019ll have you staying at the luxurious lakeside hideaway of Casa Palop\u00f3 overlooking the peaceful waters of Lago de Atitl\u00e1n before sending you off on an exclusive glamping adventure amidst remote Mayan ruins. From shamanic blessings to private sunset boat rides to hidden temples, you’ll get to know Guatemala inside out. Then, in Belize, you’ll pepper adventure with relaxation as you snorkel alongside tropical marine life and rest up on palm-shaded beaches in a fitting finale.<\/p>\n
Start this adventure winding your way through the pastel patchwork streets of the UNESCO city of Antigua. With a name that translates as \u2018ancient\u2019, there\u2019s no surprise that you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re stepping back in time as you discover the vibrant city the best way, on a guided walking tour. You\u2019ll come across beautiful church and cathedral ruins, reminders of the city\u2019s rich colonial heritage, as well as stunning Spanish Baroque buildings. Here, you\u2019ll stay in the heart of the city at El Convento, a contemporary boutique hotel with colonial flair before embarking on the next part of your trip.<\/p>\n
Whilst in Antigua you will visit a local weaving co-operative. Venture out to the lesser-visited villages surrounding colonial Antigua for a fascinating immersion into the centuries-old techniques and history behind Guatemala’s vibrant textiles. The styles, colors and intricate designs vary from region to region, each reflecting its own community’s unique identity. Watch skilled artisans demonstrate the traditional backstrap loom in action and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry woven into every thread. This is not a quick demonstration. It is an invitation to slow down and watch: the rhythmic tension of the warp, the shuttle passing back and forth, colors emerging row by patient row. In the gentle repetition of the weaver’s hands, time stretches and softens. There is no rushing this. A single huipil can take months to complete\u2014each thread a meditation, each pattern a story passed down through generations.<\/p>\n
Leave Antigua behind as you travel into the tropical countryside to Lago de Atitl\u00e1n, the deepest lake in Central America. After an authentic market experience in Comalapa, you\u2019ll visit the Mayan ruins of Iximiche \u2013 popular among the Maya and local Guatemalans but a bit off the tourist track. The luxurious rural retreat of Casa Palop\u00f3 is the perfect base to explore this stunning region for the next few days. You\u2019ll be kayaking across the volcano-lined lake, hiking the Cerro de Oro trail before rubbing shoulders with the locals as you catch a ride to the nearby town of Santiago for lunch. Finally, you\u2019ll come face to face with how Mayan culture has fused with the Catholic Church in the highland town of Chichicastenango. For a cultural immersion like no other, we can even arrange for you to enjoy a spiritual shaman blessing, something few travellers get to experience.<\/p>\n
For travellers looking for something a little different, switch out a night at Casa Palop\u00f3 for a night at your very own luxurious campsite. Set up in a jungle-shrouded overlook above the lakeshore, you\u2019ll have a private chef on hand, a bubbling fire-warmed hot tub, and wildly beautiful views out to Volcan Atitl\u00e1n. Staying side-by-side with nearby villages, you\u2019ll connect with local communities during your time here. At the home of a Quich\u00e9 Maya family, you\u2019ll spend time with your friendly neighbours \u2013 taking a crash course in basic Spanish and trying your hand at making tortillas and tamales together \u2013 before returning to camp for a sunset that sets the lake ablaze with colour.<\/p>\n
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Set amidst the Guatemalan jungle, Uaxact\u00fan a sacred Mayan site, will be your humble abode as you brush up on your ancient history and astronomy. A private guide will explain how the locals make their living and why they\u2019re called \u2018chicleros\u2019 as they take you around the remote village showing you ruins of a once great civilisation. For us, a Mayan history lesson wouldn\u2019t be complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal National Park where you\u2019ll be accompanied by an expert as well as the calls of howler monkeys.<\/p>\n
For a unique, exclusive experience you’ll then also take in Yaxha National Park where you can enjoy a private guided tour of this lesser-known, Mayan ceremonial site. At sunset, you’ll enjoy a private\u00a0cruise of the peaceful lagoon with some champagne to toast this incredible experience.<\/p>\n
Crossing the border, you’ll get to see the green side of Belize with a stay at Chaa Creek, an eco-friendly lodge perched on the banks of the Macal River, where luxury comes completely guilt-free. You\u2019ll take a trip by canoe into the caves of Xibalba and while it may mean \u2018underworld\u2019 in Mayan, it\u2019s not quite as ominous as it sounds. Travel deeper into the Cayo region for another nature fix with a guided tour around the colourful Butterfly Farm or if you\u2019re an early riser, don\u2019t miss the vibrant birdlife on display.<\/p>\n
Some rest and relaxation are much deserved after some intrepid exploration and Turtle Inn is just the ticket. You\u2019ll be greeted by an exotic refuge bursting with personality and surrounded by azure Caribbean waters and lined with tropical palms. Unwind in complete luxury in your private villa before a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars. You\u2019ll have the chance to get out on the water tomorrow as you set off on a snorkelling adventure through the reefs of Silk Caye and Laughing Bird Caye before a private beachside barbeque lunch. Back at Turtle Inn, the enviable glass-encased wine cellar awaits in one final toast to your Central American adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One day you\u2019ll be trawling vibrant local craft markets with local artisans of Antigua, \u00a0the next you\u2019ll be kayaking across volcano-lined lakes in this journey of Central American discovery. In Guatemala, we\u2019ll have you staying at the luxurious lakeside hideaway of Casa Palop\u00f3 overlooking the peaceful waters of Lago de Atitl\u00e1n before sending you off […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":221814,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1456],"tags":[],"country":["Belize","Guatemala"],"class_list":["post-183905","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","country-belize","country-guatemala","month-april","month-december","month-february","month-january","month-march","month-november","type-experience","feeling-contentment","feeling-freedom","feeling-revitalized","need-to-unwind","need-to-learn","need-to-discover","what-beach","what-unusual","who-couple","who-honeymoon","who-solo","who-with-friends"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n