From Guatemala to Belize: Inside Central America’s Real-Life Race Around the World
There is no doubt BBC’s Race Across the World is highlighting the beauty of Central America, especially the diverse landscapes of Guatemala and Belize. Macaws soaring above the jungle canopy, majestic Mayan ruins, colourful colonial towns and some of the friendliest people in Central America. The hit series showcases why the region is becoming one of the most exciting destinations for travellers to date.
Some common travel questions about central America…
Is Central America safe for tourists?
With Travel Differently, the answer is a confident YES. Booking with a responsible tour operator (that’s us!) means you are looked after throughout your journey in Guatemala and Belize. Unlike Race Around the World where contestants faced daylight-only travel rules due to political protests and blockades, we remove the stress. We’ve raced the route and we’ve vetted every experience and maintain close communication with trusted local partners to ensure you always have up-to-date information and a smooth, safe adventure.
Are Guatemala and Belize worth visiting?
Absolutely! We love Guatemala and Belize, as do our clients. If you take a look at our testimonials page you can read some amazing and detailed feedback and see some fantastic photos from recent trips. A holiday to Central America offers so much variety, which makes Race Around The World so intriguing as a show, and makes holidays here really incredible.
As Belize and Guatemala become two of Central America’s must-visit destinations for travelers seeking variety, culture, nature and real adventure, below are our top five experiences to inspire your own trip or to help plan your Guatemala and Belize itinerary:
1. Antigua
Surrounded by three active volcanoes and nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, Antigua Guatemala is the perfect starting point for any Guatemala and Belize travel route. Lined with cobblestone streets, colourful architecture, and bustling artisan markets, it’s a charming city to wander and consistently ranked among the best places to visit in Guatemala.
Beyond wandering its historic centre, Antigua offers incredible experiences such as:
- Hiking active volcanoes like Pacaya or Acatenango
- Learning Guatemalan coffee production first-hand at a family plantation
- Exploring the surrounding villages and visiting Mayan weaving cooperatives
Our travel expert Sinead recently completed the Acatenango overnight hike and ranks it as one of the best hikes she has ever experienced. We recommend at least three nights in Antigua to settle in and explore at a slow pace and give yourself plenty of time to explore beyond the key highlights.
2. Lake Atitlan
Encircled by conical volcanoes and traditional Maya villages, Lake Atitlan is one of the most iconic and photographed destinations in Guatemala travel guides. Its serene beauty is matched by meaningful cultural experiences, when done responsibly and with local partners.
Top Lake Atitlan activities include:
- Kayak across the lake at sunrise or take a Lake Atitlan boat tour visiting the different villages dotted around the lake
- Share traditionally prepared meals with local families and learn about daily life in the region
- Visit a women’s textile cooperatives, Maya painters’ studios and learn how mats are woven from reeds
To fully connect with the communities and scenery, we suggest three to four nights on the lake. To get an off-the-beaten-path Guatemala our Active Guatemala and Belize hiking adventure takes you on a journey from Antigua to Lake Atitlan on foot.
3. Tikal
Step into the ancient Mayan world of Tikal: the most impressive Mayan ruins in Central America. Hidden in the jungles of Tikal National Park, seeing the towering temples rise above the canopy as howler monkeys call in the distance and macaws and toucans fly overhead is a surreal experience. Our travel expert Scarlett loved ascending to the peak of Temple IV and seeing monkeys jump from tree to tree and admiring the scale of these ruins from above.
Our top tip is to arrive for sunrise when the jungle is most alive, and the mist rolls over the jungle canopy. We think two nights here is a good amount of time, but if you want to slow it down or explore the lesser visited Maya sites of Yaxha and Uaxactun, add another night to your itinerary.
4. Cayo District
Not far from the Guatemala Belize border crossing, the lush jungles of Belize’s Cayo District provide the perfect base for adventure, wildlife encounters, ancient Mayan ruins, and deep-rooted culture.
Highlights include:
- Canoeing or exploring the Barton Creek Cave
- Exploring the thrilling ATM caves, one of Belize’s top adventure experiences.
- Hiking or horse-riding along wildlife-filled jungle trails
- Visting Mayan ruins such as Caracol or Xunantunich
- Visits to the towns of San Ignacio and Sana Elena, home to friendly locals, vibrant markets, and local flavours
We suggest three to four nights here to make the most of the area. When Sinead was here recently, she explored the Maya ruins of Caracol before anyone else had arrived. With monkeys rustling in the trees, rare bird species all around and having the ancient ruins entirely to herself, felt like she was discovering a forgotten world. Want to include the Cayo District in your Central America holiday? Take a look at our Slow Travel Journey through Guatemala and Belize and speak to our experts to plan your trip.
5. Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is the world’s second largest reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight of any Belize itinerary. Expect to see pristine coral and a wide variety of marine life including sea turtles, nurse sharks, rays, angelfish, and parrotfish. For healthier, quieter, and less crowded reef sites, we recommend staying in Placencia, which offers easier access to the Southern Cayes like Silk Cayes and Laughing Bird Cayes. One of our most popular holidays is our Wildlife and Nature of Guatemala and Belize journey, which includes the white sand beaches of Placencia and snorkeling in these incredible clear blue seas. Chat to our experts about including the Belize Barrier Reef into your holiday to Central America. You can read more about travel entry requirements into Central America here.
Summary
So, whether you’re inspired by Race Across the World or dreaming of your own Central America adventure, our Classic Belize and Guatemala itinerary is a perfect start . Get in touch with our experts and start planning your Belize and Guatemala adventure today! Contact us here.
Why Book With Travel Differently
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- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
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- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
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