Nicaragua, Guatemala & Belize

Breakfast is enjoyed at the hotel this morning, followed by a slow morning at leisure. In the afternoon, join your local guide for an introduction to Managua and its layered history.

Begin at Tiscapa Crater Lake, a former pre-Columbian settlement and later the site of the Somoza family’s presidential residence. From the crater rim, take in wide views across the low-rise city and surrounding greenery.

Continue into the historic centre, where colonial-era structures sit among open spaces left by the 1972 earthquake. Visit the National Museum, housed in the former presidential palace, and pass key landmarks that reflect the capital’s resilience. The afternoon concludes along the lakefront promenade, now a focal point of public life and renewal. (B)

Overnight – Hotel Real Intercontinental Metrocentro or similar

After breakfast, depart Managua and travel northwest by road to León, a journey of approximately two to three hours.  Founded in 1524, León has long been regarded as Nicaragua’s intellectual and political centre. The city’s historic core is defined by grand colonial architecture, including the vast Cathedral of the Assumption, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside lively streets shaped by a strong literary, artistic, and revolutionary tradition.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Time is free to settle in, explore the historic centre independently, visit local cafés or galleries, or relax in one of León’s shaded plazas. (B)

Overnight – Hotel El Convento or similar

This morning, travel with your guide to the ruins of León Viejo, one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas. Founded in 1524 at the base of Momotombo volcano, the city was abandoned in the early 17th century due to repeated earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Over time, it was buried beneath layers of ash and sediment until its rediscovery in 1967. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, León Viejo offers a rare archaeological window into the layout and structures of early colonial cities. Walk among partially restored buildings and foundations, then climb a nearby hill for panoramic views of Lake Managua, Momotombo and the smaller cone of Momotombito.

In the afternoon, return to present-day León for a guided walking tour through the city’s historic centre. Visit several of its ornate colonial churches and explore León Cathedral, the largest in Central America. Step inside the Ortiz Gurdián Foundation, one of Central America’s premier private art collections, showcasing both classical and contemporary works. Along the way, take in the energy of León’s local markets and finish your walk with expansive views from the cathedral rooftop. (B)

Overnight – Hotel El Convento or similar

Depart León this morning for the drive south to San Jorge, where you’ll board a ferry across Lake Nicaragua to Isla de Ometepe.

This island, formed by twin volcanoes rising from the lake’s surface, is one of the most striking natural settings in the country. Ometepe has drawn settlers for millennia thanks to its rich volcanic soils and abundant freshwater. Concepción and Maderas volcanoes dominate the skyline, while the island’s interior offers a patchwork of rainforest, petroglyphs and ancient archaeological sites. The quieter pace of life here is a welcome contrast to the mainland. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, tropical birds and colourful butterflies as you travel across the island to your lakeside accommodation.

Settle into your lodge on the shores of Santo Domingo Beach. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding nature. Optional activities include hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching or simply enjoying the views of Concepción volcano from the water’s edge. (B)

Overnight – Finca San Juan de la Isla or similar

Today is dedicated to uncovering the layered history and living culture of Isla de Ometepe. With your guide, explore archaeological sites, community initiatives and volcanic landscapes that reveal the island’s ancient and contemporary stories.

Begin with a visit to Finca Magdalena, a historic coffee hacienda founded in 1888. Learn about the process of organic coffee cultivation and take a short walk into the surrounding forest to view pre-Columbian petroglyphs etched into basalt rock. These carvings, made by early inhabitants, are among the oldest cultural expressions found on the island.

Continue to the town of Altagracia to view a collection of well-preserved pre-Columbian statues before heading through the village of Sintiope. Once evacuated following a volcanic eruption, the village remains under the watchful eye of Concepción volcano, and the hardened lava flow that nearly reached it is still visible.

Visit the Puesto del Sol women’s cooperative for lunch and the chance to sample hibiscus flower wine, a local speciality. In the afternoon, explore the island’s archaeological museum, home to an impressive collection of artefacts that provide insight into Ometepe’s long-inhabited past. Conclude the day with a walk through the Charco Verde Nature Reserve, where local folklore comes alive with the legend of Chico Largo, a mythical figure said to dwell within the lake. (B,L)

Overnight – Finca San Juan de la Isla or similar

Depart Ometepe this morning, travelling by ferry back to the mainland before continuing overland to the historic city of Granada. Founded in 1524 on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Its well-preserved architecture, cobbled streets and vibrant plazas offer a rich glimpse into Nicaragua’s Spanish past.

This afternoon, explore the city with a guided walking tour. Visit key landmarks such as the San Francisco Convent and La Merced Church, where you can climb the bell tower for sweeping views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. Continue by horse-drawn carriage through tree-lined boulevards and past colonial facades, ending in the oldest quarter of Granada near Xalteva Church and the original city walls.

Later, set out on a boat tour of Las Isletas de Granada, an archipelago of over 300 small islands scattered across the lake. Formed by a volcanic eruption over 20,000 years ago, these lush islets are now home to fishing communities, birdlife and the ruins of a Spanish fortress. Glide across calm waters as your guide shares insights into the ecology and daily life of this unique lakeside world. (B)

Overnight – Tribal Hotel or similar

Travel by boat this morning to Zapatera Island, a dormant volcanic island and one of the largest on Lake Nicaragua. Despite its archaeological significance and natural beauty, the island remains largely untouched by tourism, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of Nicaragua’s lesser-known cultural landscapes.

Begin with a short hike to a lookout point offering panoramic views across Lake Nicaragua, Zapatera’s forested slopes, and the distant silhouette of Mombacho Volcano. Continue to a remote beach-front restaurant for a relaxed lunch before navigating by boat to Isla El Muerto. Here, walk among the ruins of a sacred site once occupied by a little-understood pre-Columbian civilisation. The island holds numerous basalt sculptures and petroglyphs carved by its ancient inhabitants, believed to have used the site for ceremonial purposes.

Following your exploration, return by boat to the mainland and transfer back to Granada. (B,L)

Overnight – Tribal Hotel or similar

Breakfast is enjoyed at the hotel this morning before departing Granada. A private transfer brings you to Managua International Airport, a drive of approximately one hour, for your flight to Guatemala City.

On arrival in Guatemala City, you will be met at the airport by your private driver holding a sign with your name. Continue by road to Antigua, a journey of around one hour through the central highlands.

Once the capital of Guatemala, Antigua is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in the Americas. Set in a highland valley and framed by volcanoes, its UNESCO-listed historic centre is defined by cobblestone streets, baroque façades, and pastel-coloured buildings.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the historic core, visit the ruins of former churches and monasteries, or relax in one of the town’s leafy plazas. (B)

Overnight – Hotel Panza Verde or similar

This morning, set off on a privately guided walking tour through the colonial heart of Antigua. Once the capital of the Spanish Kingdom of Guatemala, the city served as a vital political, religious, and economic hub for over two centuries.

Begin at the central plaza, where your guide will provide a grounding in Guatemala’s colonial history, the Spanish conquest, and key contemporary issues. Walk past prominent civic landmarks such as the Palacio de los Capitanes, City Hall and El Portal, gaining insight into their historical significance and present-day functions.

Step inside the Cathedral of San José and explore its lesser-seen ruins, revealing layers of destruction caused by centuries of earthquakes. Continue on to the Church of San Francisco, one of the city’s oldest religious sites and a place of pilgrimage for devotees of Hermano Pedro, Guatemala’s first saint. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. (B)

Overnight – Hotel Panza Verde or similar

Today offers a deeper look into one of Guatemala’s most prized exports with a privately guided coffee tour. Travel just outside Antigua to a working coffee finca, set among fertile volcanic soils and lush highland terrain ideal for growing high-quality Arabica beans.

Gain insight into the full production cycle, from planting and harvesting to roasting and export. Walk through the plantation fields, learn about traditional cultivation techniques, and visit the processing areas where beans are sorted, dried, and prepared for market. The experience concludes with a tasting session, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of Guatemalan coffee at its source. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy Antigua at your own pace. (B)

Overnight – Hotel Panza Verde or similar

Start the day early with breakfast at your hotel before a private transfer takes you to a nearby helipad in Antigua. From here, board a private helicopter for a flight north to Flores, where you’ll briefly stop to refuel before continuing directly to the remote archaeological site of Holmul.

Situated northeast of Tikal and near the Belizean border, Holmul was one of the Maya civilisation’s longest-inhabited cities, occupied for over a millennium before its eventual abandonment. The site reflects a blend of influences, with architectural features shaped by both nearby Tikal and the distant Mexican city of Teotihuacan. In 2013, Guatemalan archaeologist Francisco Estrada-Belli unearthed a richly decorated 600-year-old pyramid here, featuring detailed friezes of deities and ruling figures — one of the most significant finds in the region in recent decades.

Francisco himself will accompany you throughout the site, offering expert insights into Holmul’s importance and the stories etched into its carved facades. A picnic lunch will be served on site before flying onward to a helipad near your accommodation.

On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá. (B,L)

Overnight – La Lancha or similar

After breakfast, transfer to the helipad in Flores for a private helicopter flight to one of the most significant and remote sites in the Maya world, El Mirador.
Today’s exploration is led once again by archaeologist Francisco Estrada-Belli, offering valuable context to this expansive pre-classic city that thrived between 300 BCE and 150 CE. Hidden deep in the jungle and inaccessible by road, El Mirador remained largely untouched until its rediscovery in 1930 by a Washington Carnegie Institute expedition.

Unlike more well-known sites, El Mirador’s scale is monumental. The city is dominated by two vast pyramid complexes, El Tigre and La Danta. While La Danta sits on a natural ridge, making it the tallest structure in the Maya world, El Tigre is equally striking, standing 18 storeys high with a base that spans the size of three football fields.

Explore these massive structures and surrounding ruins, still enveloped by rainforest, and gain rare insight into Maya civilisation at its earliest stages. A picnic lunch will be served on site before your return helicopter flight and transfer back to your hotel. (B,L)

Overnight – La Lancha or similar

Following breakfast, meet Francisco in the lobby of your hotel for a private transfer to Tikal National Park, one of the most iconic and important archaeological sites of the ancient Maya world.

Tikal reached its peak between 200 and 900 CE and was once a major urban and ceremonial centre, home to tens of thousands of people. Set within dense rainforest, the site is scattered with towering temples, palaces, and plazas. Your guide will walk you through the layout and significance of the site, sharing insights into its architecture, dynastic history, and the ongoing mysteries surrounding the decline of the civilisation.

As you explore, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Spider monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, and scarlet macaws are often seen among the treetops. After the tour, enjoy a local lunch at a restaurant tucked within the jungle before returning to your hotel. (B,L)

Overnight – La Lancha or similar

Depart your hotel this morning for a private transfer to Yaxha, your final day of exploration with archaeologist Francisco Estrada-Belli.

Located in the northeast of the Petén region, Yaxha was once a prominent ceremonial centre during the Classic Period of Maya civilisation. Set between two lakes, the site blends dense forest with sweeping views and is rich in biodiversity. With over 500 structures, including nine pyramids, 13 altars, and 40 stelae, it offers a striking balance of archaeological depth and natural beauty.

Explore the site alongside Francisco as he guides you through its layout, temples, and ceremonial areas, offering valuable context and interpretation along the way. A picnic lunch will be served within the grounds.
Following your visit, continue by private transfer to the Belize border. You will cross the border on foot. On the Belizean side, a separate vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. (B,L)

Overnight – Ka’ana or similar

This morning, set off on a privately guided exploration of two significant Maya archaeological sites. Your first stop is Xunantunich, reached via a short hand-cranked ferry crossing over the Mopan River. Once a major ceremonial centre during the Classic period, Xunantunich is dominated by El Castillo, a towering 40-metre structure offering expansive views across the Mopan River valley and into neighbouring Guatemala. Examine the well-preserved stucco frieze featuring celestial iconography, including Venus symbols and a moon glyph, flanked by intricate masks with prominent ear spools—elements thought to reflect the site’s cosmological significance.

Continue to Cahal Pech, perched on a hill overlooking San Ignacio. This compact site was once a palatial residence for an elite Maya family and dates back to as early as 1000 BCE, making it one of the oldest known Maya sites in the region. Wander through a series of interconnected plazas, courtyards and temples, gaining insight into the domestic and ceremonial life of the ancient Maya aristocracy. (B,L)

Overnight – Ka’ana or similar

Today’s journey takes you deep into the sacred Maya underworld. Begin with a 30-minute forest hike to the entrance of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, one of Belize’s most significant archaeological sites. A short swim across a crystal-clear pool leads into the cave’s main chamber, where your exploration begins.

Wade and scramble through subterranean passages adorned with glittering stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. As you progress deeper, the cave reveals ceremonial chambers used by ancient Maya priests and royalty to connect with the spiritual realm of Xibalba – the feared underworld believed to be a place of trials, transformation, and communion with deities. The atmosphere becomes increasingly evocative as you encounter artefacts and calcified skeletal remains, including that of the famed ‘Crystal Maiden’. A picnic lunch will be served at the site before your return. Note: Cameras are not permitted inside the cave. (B,L)

Overnight – Ka’ana or similar

Depart the Cayo District this morning and head northeast towards Crooked Tree, a traditional Creole village surrounded by a network of lagoons and wetlands. Renowned for its exceptional birdlife, Crooked Tree forms part of a protected wildlife sanctuary. Board a private boat for a 2.5-hour guided birding cruise, where a local naturalist will help identify the diverse bird species frequenting the area—from Jabiru storks and snail kites to kingfishers and herons. Sightings of iguanas, crocodiles and other wildlife along the lake’s edge are also common.
Lunch will be served at a local venue before continuing to Altun Ha, one of Belize’s most accessible and historically significant Maya sites.

Meaning “Rockstone Pond” in Yucatec Maya, Altun Ha was a major trade hub between 200–900 AD, with a peak population estimated at over 100,000. Explore the central plaza and ceremonial structures, including the Temple of the Masonry Altars, where a remarkable discovery was made—the jade head of Kinich Ahau, the Maya sun god. Weighing over 4.5 kilograms, it remains one of the most iconic artefacts ever found in the country. Return to your hotel by late afternoon. (B,L)

Overnight – Ka’ana or similar

Today marks the conclusion of your journey through Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)