Belize to Tikal: Reefs, Rivers & Ruins of the Maya World

Arrive in Guatemala City and connect with the charter flight to Puerto Barrios. Transfer to Puerto Santo Tomás, where you’ll embark the National Geographic Quest.

Board Zodiacs this morning and explore one of Belize’s coastal rivers in search of toucans, green iguanas and other wildlife. This afternoon, anchor near one of the cayes within Laughing Bird Caye National Park. Snorkel, kayak, or try stand-up paddleboarding. Certified scuba divers may opt to join a reef dive (at an additional cost).

Spanning more than 200 miles, the Belize Barrier Reef offers countless opportunities for exploration by ship and ashore on one of the many cayes. Don mask, fins and snorkel or paddle a kayak on a turquoise lagoon. Conditions permitting, have a beach barbecue lunch or dinner ashore.

Devote the morning to exploring Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, internationally recognized as the world’s first jaguar reserve. Hike one of the many nature trails with your naturalists, photograph colorful tropical plants, scan the forest for its abundant birdlife, and be on the lookout for the tracks of deer, tapirs, wildcats and other wildlife. Afterward, stop at a traditional Maya handicraft center. This afternoon, take a Zodiac cruise along the mangrove channels of one of Belize’s coastal rivers. The Garifuna Collective, an internationally acclaimed performance group performs this evening.

Sail to Lighthouse Reef and go snorkeling, paddleboarding, diving or kayaking inside its fringing reef. The shallow lagoon is dotted with hundreds of coral patches that harbor parrotfish, butterflyfish, octopus and other marine species.

Disembark this morning for the charter flight to Flores. Lunch at a picturesque restaurant overlooking Lake Petén Itzá, before transferring to the Hotel Camino Real Tikal. Check-in on arrival, then take an optional bird-watching walk with your naturalists, or a sunset boat ride on the lake.

Today is dedicated to exploring Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Delve deep into Maya history and architecture while exploring the many temples, including Temple I, which rises 154 feet from the jungle floor, and the North and South Acropolis.

Visit Yaxhá, the third largest ruin in the Maya world, beautifully situated on a ridge overlooking Yaxhá Lake. One of the few Maya sites still known by its Mayan name, “green waters,” Yaxhá is spread out over nine plazas. This little-visited site contains hundreds of structures, dozens of stelae, multiple pyramid temples and ball courts. Stop at a traditional Guatemalan restaurant for lunch today.

The journey ends in Flores with a pre-arranged charter flight to Guatemala City (additional cost), to connect with international flights home. It’s possible to opt-out of this flight in order to spend more time in Flores or make independent arrangements to Guatemala City.

Included

Day 1 charter flight from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios; all accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary; meals as indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of equipment; expedition fees; all port charges and service taxes and airport transfers to and from ship.

Exclusions

Air transportation (except for day 1 charter flight from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios); extensions; passport, visa and immigration fees; scuba diving (added cost); personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.; discretionary tips for ship’s crew; insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – $350 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost
44 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

Belize to Tikal: Reefs, Rivers & Ruins of the Maya World begins and ends in Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Guatemala City before 12:30pm on day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Guatemala City after 2:00pm on day 9. Group flights between Miami, Florida and Guatemala City, Guatemala may be arranged. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

The day 1 charter flight from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios is included. The day 9 charter flight from Flores to Guatemala City incurs a fee of $275 per person. At the time of booking, your Adventure Specialist can confirm whether luggage weight limits apply and if so, whether the option to pay for extra luggage is available.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, biking, snorkeling, scuba diving (added cost), kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.