What our travellers say
A magical journey through Guatemala and Belize
It was with somewhat mixed feelings that I boarded the plane to Guatemala with my family at the end of July. The travel advice on the Foreign Office website had given me quite a fright. Even a very reassuring conversation with Johan hadn’t quite managed to dispel all my doubts. But all the misery described on the website couldn’t have been further from the truth. Guatemala is such a beautiful country, full of contrasts, and what a friendly, hospitable people.
Antigua and the fairytale-like Lake Atitlán
We strolled through the cobbled streets of Antigua from one coffee shop to the next, marvelled at the colourful markets, climbed a volcano, roasted marshmallows in ancient lava and watched debris shoot out of the crater.
We travelled on to Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and enchanting with its endless shades of blue. All day long, I could gaze at this magnificent spectacle from my hotel on the lakeshore.
The hospitality in Uaxactún
In Tikal and Uaxactún, we were able to witness the grandeur of the Maya, guided by Carlos, who shared with us all the ins and outs of his ancestors’ history. The hospitality in Uaxactún, where we were served a delicious dinner by the light of dozens of burning candles next to the most important Mayan monument, is unforgettable.
Caribbean Belize, the jungle and a desert island
From Flores in Guatemala, we flew to Belize. A country with a Caribbean atmosphere, where the many different ethnic groups live together in harmony. A piece of my heart was left behind in the jungle of Lamanai. I’d been lying in my hammock on the terrace for less than five minutes when the first toucan landed on a branch above me, whilst a family of monkeys was peacefully eating in the tree next to me. The almost constant presence of these monkeys, and their impressive roars, added a touch of magic to those days. And I haven’t even mentioned the snakes, tarantulas, crocodiles and the evening trips across the lagoon beneath the indescribably beautiful starry sky.
“ ‘A piece of my heart has stayed behind in the jungle of Lamanai’. ”
The end of a perfectly organised trip
Another highlight was the visit to the ATM Cave – the holiest Maya cave. A three-hour wet adventure in the dark, during which, under expert guidance, you swim, wade, climb and squeeze through narrow passages. On our final night in the jungle, the cacophony of sounds, even louder than usual, sounded like a farewell concert. Finally, we were able to spend a few more days on a deserted island, swimming, snorkelling, diving and, above all, reflecting on this unforgettable, perfectly organised trip.
Fancy a trip of Guatemala and Belize?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Guatemala and Belize and are you curious about the options? Then do have a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have an immediate question? Then feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.