Belize & Guatemala
17° 11′ N 88° 29′ W
Belize to Tikal: Reefs, Rivers, and Ruins of The Maya World
Highlights
Venture into the jungles of Guatemala with local experts to discover the spectacular temples and pyramids of both Tikal and Yaxhá
Spot rainbow-colored fish, turtles, and rays while snorkeling or diving the corals of the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world
Explore Belize’s coastal rivers by Zodiac in search of toucans, green iguanas, and other wildlife
See dazzling birdlife and monkeys amid a towering forest in the Maya Biosphere Reserve—twice the size of Yellowstone National Park, it is home to over 400 bird species
Day by Day
Belize City, Belize
El Remate, Guatemala
Day 1
Belize City / Embark
Arrive in Belize City and transfer to the National Geographic Sea Lion. Settle into your cabin as evening falls and we set sail away from the Belizean mainland and out into the Caribbean Sea.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Belize City / EmbarkArrive in Belize City and transfer to the National Geographic Sea Lion. Settle into your cabin as evening falls and we set sail away from the Belizean mainland and out into the Caribbean Sea.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Belize Barrier Reef
Awaken in the northern cayes of the Mesoamerican Reef, a barrier reef system that stretches more than 600 miles and harbors incredible marine biodiversity. Edged with mangroves and scattered with idyllic tropical isles, these turquoise waters give us much to explore during our full day here. If weather and conditions permit, visit Half Moon Caye to see its red-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebird colony. Later, we find a calm spot to paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Or, don a mask and fins to snorkel among sea turtles, swirling schools of tropical fish, and harmless nurse sharks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Belize Barrier ReefAwaken in the northern cayes of the Mesoamerican Reef, a barrier reef system that stretches more than 600 miles and harbors incredible marine biodiversity. Edged with mangroves and scattered with idyllic tropical isles, these turquoise waters give us much to explore during our full day here. If weather and conditions permit, visit Half Moon Caye to see its red-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebird colony. Later, we find a calm spot to paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Or, don a mask and fins to snorkel among sea turtles, swirling schools of tropical fish, and harmless nurse sharks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Mayflower Bocawina National Park
Spend the morning discovering the lush rainforests and waterfalls of Mayflower Bocawina National Park. On a variety of hikes with our naturalists, photograph unusual tropical flowers, watch for colorful bird species, and identify the tracks of tapirs and jungle cats. A series of camera traps are set up throughout the park to capture images of the elusive jaguar, so revered in Maya culture. Meet local scientists and researchers to see some of this footage and learn about ongoing studies of jaguar behavior. Tonight, an internationally acclaimed drumming group, the Garifuna Collective, joins us on board to perform their spirited music.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Mayflower Bocawina National ParkSpend the morning discovering the lush rainforests and waterfalls of Mayflower Bocawina National Park. On a variety of hikes with our naturalists, photograph unusual tropical flowers, watch for colorful bird species, and identify the tracks of tapirs and jungle cats. A series of camera traps are set up throughout the park to capture images of the elusive jaguar, so revered in Maya culture. Meet local scientists and researchers to see some of this footage and learn about ongoing studies of jaguar behavior. Tonight, an internationally acclaimed drumming group, the Garifuna Collective, joins us on board to perform their spirited music.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Monkey River / Belize Barrier Reef
Rise early to board Zodiacs at the mouth of Monkey River and cruise inland through the Belizean jungle in search of toucans, green iguanas, and myriad bird species. Few experiences rival hearing the first throaty roar of a mantled howler monkey echoing across the canopy. Explore the southern cayes of the Belize Barrier Reef this afternoon and enjoy more opportunities to kayak and stand-up paddleboard, or go snorkeling amid vibrant corals teeming with tropical fish. For scuba divers, incredible dive opportunities abound (at additional cost).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Monkey River / Belize Barrier ReefRise early to board Zodiacs at the mouth of Monkey River and cruise inland through the Belizean jungle in search of toucans, green iguanas, and myriad bird species. Few experiences rival hearing the first throaty roar of a mantled howler monkey echoing across the canopy. Explore the southern cayes of the Belize Barrier Reef this afternoon and enjoy more opportunities to kayak and stand-up paddleboard, or go snorkeling amid vibrant corals teeming with tropical fish. For scuba divers, incredible dive opportunities abound (at additional cost).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Belize Barrier Reef
Our second straight day on the reef brings us into the central cayes. Here, coral patches dot the shallow coastal lagoon, which harbors parrotfish, butterflyfish, octopuses, and countless other marine species. Nearby we drop anchor and spend the full day within the reef, discovering natural wonders both in and out of the water.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Belize Barrier ReefOur second straight day on the reef brings us into the central cayes. Here, coral patches dot the shallow coastal lagoon, which harbors parrotfish, butterflyfish, octopuses, and countless other marine species. Nearby we drop anchor and spend the full day within the reef, discovering natural wonders both in and out of the water.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Belize City / El Remate
Disembark National Geographic Sea Lion in Belize City and drive to El Remate, Guatemala's gateway to Tikal—one of the largest cities in the Classic Maya world. Enjoy lunch on the way before reaching the shores of picturesque Lake Petén Itzá and transferring to the Hotel Camino Real Tikal. Later, set out on an optional birding walk with our naturalists, or take a sunset boat cruise on the lake.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Belize City / El RemateDisembark National Geographic Sea Lion in Belize City and drive to El Remate, Guatemala's gateway to Tikal—one of the largest cities in the Classic Maya world. Enjoy lunch on the way before reaching the shores of picturesque Lake Petén Itzá and transferring to the Hotel Camino Real Tikal. Later, set out on an optional birding walk with our naturalists, or take a sunset boat cruise on the lake.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Yaxhá
Explore Yaxhá, a former Maya ceremonial center situated on a ridge overlooking Yaxhá Lake. The world's third largest known Maya site, Yaxhá spreads across nine plazas and contains multiple pyramids, ball courts, and stelae. Examine its features with your local guides and, if desired, climb a temple for panoramic views. Later, enjoy lunch at a traditional Guatemalan restaurant, followed by an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
YaxháExplore Yaxhá, a former Maya ceremonial center situated on a ridge overlooking Yaxhá Lake. The world's third largest known Maya site, Yaxhá spreads across nine plazas and contains multiple pyramids, ball courts, and stelae. Examine its features with your local guides and, if desired, climb a temple for panoramic views. Later, enjoy lunch at a traditional Guatemalan restaurant, followed by an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Tikal
Spend a full day exploring Tikal, where ancient pyramids tower more than 200 feet, and thousands of temples, shrines, and plazas are scattered beneath the rainforest canopy. Discover the site's archaeological treasures, including the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the North and South Acropolis. Encounter ancient Maya art and hieroglyphs, and examine carved stone inscriptions that illuminate the history and spiritual significance of Tikal.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
TikalSpend a full day exploring Tikal, where ancient pyramids tower more than 200 feet, and thousands of temples, shrines, and plazas are scattered beneath the rainforest canopy. Discover the site's archaeological treasures, including the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the North and South Acropolis. Encounter ancient Maya art and hieroglyphs, and examine carved stone inscriptions that illuminate the history and spiritual significance of Tikal.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
El Remate / Flores / Home
Enjoy breakfast this morning and transfer to the Flores airport for flights to Guatemala City to connect with international flights home.
Please note: the cost of the flight from Flores to Guatemala City is not included. As of July 2022, the estimated air fare is $125 USD per person.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9
El Remate / Flores / HomeEnjoy breakfast this morning and transfer to the Flores airport for flights to Guatemala City to connect with international flights home.
Please note: the cost of the flight from Flores to Guatemala City is not included. As of July 2022, the estimated air fare is $125 USD per person.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Embark on a unique land-and-sea expedition to discover the marine wonders of Belize and the Maya ruins of Guatemala. Kayak, Zodiac cruise, and stand-up paddleboard along the shores of white-sand islands, and snorkel amid hundreds of species of fish and corals on the Belize Barrier Reef—the Northern Hemisphere's largest reef system—with the National Geographic Sea Lion as your base for exploration. Then venture ashore to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tikal to encounter thousands of ancient temples and shrines, as well as the little-visited Yaxha, situated on a ridge with a beautiful lake view.
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$6,650
/ per person
Does not include flight
$700 AIR CREDIT
View our brochure for more details
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$6,650
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
From
$6,650
/ per person
$700 AIR CREDIT
View our brochure for more details