Donna and I began our adventure with a road trip to Dallas, where we spent a few relaxing days with Donna’s sister, Jan before our international journey. Jan graciously cared for Donna’s mom and our dogs while we traveled, giving us complete peace of mind as we set off for Belize and Guatemala.
Our journey started in Belize City, where we met our guide David and 19 other group members. We quickly transitioned from travel mode into exploration. One of our first highlights was a scenic boat ride along the New River, surrounded by lush jungle and wildlife, leading us to the impressive Lamanai Mayan ruins. Walking among towering temples and ancient carvings—and even climbing one for panoramic jungle views—gave us our first real connection to the region’s deep history.
From there, we shifted gears to the laid-back Caribbean island of Caye Caulker. This was pure island life—colorful streets, friendly locals, and the stunning Belize Barrier Reef just offshore. A full-day catamaran excursion took us snorkeling through vibrant coral gardens, where the group swam alongside tropical fish, nurse sharks, and stingrays—an unforgettable highlight of the Belize portion of our trip.
Back on the mainland, the adventure continued with cave tubing at Jaguar Paw. Floating through a network of underground caves—once considered sacred by the ancient Maya—was both peaceful and surreal. We then traveled inland to San Ignacio, where we enjoyed a glimpse of local life and culture, rounding out a Belize experience that blended history, nature, and relaxation.
Crossing into Guatemala brought a new dimension to the trip. Our first stop was Yaxhá, a lesser-known but spectacular Mayan site overlooking a serene lake. Climbing one of its pyramids rewarded us with sweeping views of the surrounding jungle—an unforgettable moment.
The highlight of Guatemala was undoubtedly Tikal National Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mayan world. Walking through this vast jungle city, surrounded by towering pyramids and the sounds of wildlife, felt like stepping back in time. The scale and preservation of Tikal make it one of the most awe-inspiring places we’ve visited.
Our journey continued across Lake Petén Itzá and into the lush Rio Dulce region, where we explored by boat and visited Livingston, a unique coastal town blending Afro-Caribbean and Mayan cultures. A particularly meaningful experience was visiting a local school supported by Gate 1, Rotary, community and international efforts, offering insight into daily life and the resilience of the people.
Traveling onward, we visited Quiriguá, home to some of the tallest Mayan stone monuments ever discovered, before arriving in Antigua. This beautifully preserved colonial city, surrounded by volcanoes, provided a perfect ending to the trip. We explored historic churches, local markets, nearby villages, and a working coffee farm where we learned about the production process—and of course, enjoyed a fresh cup.
This journey through Belize and Guatemala offered an incredible mix of adventure, history, and cultural immersion. From snorkeling in the Caribbean and floating through ancient caves to climbing Mayan pyramids and exploring colonial cities, every day brought something new and memorable. It’s a destination we would highly recommend to travelers looking for a well-rounded experience that combines natural beauty with rich history and authentic local culture.
