These stunning Central American nations are the ideal location if you're seeking adventure, culture, and a beach. They are home to ancient Mayan towns, jungles, labyrinthine caverns, lakes, seething volcanoes, and gorgeous Caribbean shoreline.

LAke ATITLAN, GUATEMALA

The southwest highlands of Guatemala are home to the sizable inland lake known as Lake Atitlan. The lake is encircled by not one, but three volcanoes and is located in a sizable volcanic crater. There are several cities and localities surrounding the lake where visitors may stay, go, and explore.

What to do?

Take a boat to all the different towns

The tourist sector of Lake Atitlán is based on the charming communities that surround the lake. Traditional Mayan traditions coexist with contemporary Guatemalan ways of life to enliven and provide services for tourists in the streets that surround the lake.

Local street markets, hip cafés, and top-notch restaurants may all be found, along with affordable backpacker hostels, local bed and breakfasts, and luxury resorts. Some villages are developed and quite touristic, while others are tranquil with few visitors and a true Mayan feel.

Cliff jumping into Lake Atitlán

Many cliffs and rocks can be found scattered throughout Lake Atitlán, making for a wonderful afternoon of cliff jumping. Cliff jumping is ideal in two locations, the first of which is on the cliffs near San Antonio. There are several youngsters on the rocks fishing or diving and going swimming in the cove where the settlement of San Antonio is situated. The boulders in this area range in size from relatively little to a bit bigger, so you may choose the height that is best for you.

HIKE THE VOLCANOES

The three volcanoes that encircle Lake Atitlán are well known. All of them are climbable, but it's usually a good idea to get a local guide to help you out. The guides are pretty cost effective, and their understanding of the terrain and natural aspects makes them worthwhile. Most hiking excursions include overnight camping so that you can see the sun rise and set over the volcanoes.

Tikal, Guatemala

The northern Guatemalan jungle is home to the historic Mayan stronghold of Tikal. Tikal, which may have been founded in the first century A.D., thrived between 200 and 850 A.D. before being abandoned. The enormous ceremonial Lost World (Mundo Perdido) Pyramid and the Temple of the Grand Jaguar are two of its renowned temple and palace ruins.

The Grand Plaza

The Grand Plaza, located in the centre of Tikal, should be the first stop on any tour of the site. It doesn't take much imagination to visualise ancient Tikal, which was formerly the city's major plaza. Two imposing temples, Temple I and Temple II, may be seen on either side of the Grand Plaza. The North Acropolis and the Central Acropolis are located on the plaza's other two sides, respectively. The 47-meter-tall Temple I, also known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar, was completed around 750 AD. It was constructed as a mausoleum for the regional ruler Jasaw K'awiil Chan, and several items have been found within. The Temple of the Mask, also known as Temple II across the street, is a bit older (38 metres) and a little shorter than Temple I. (700 AD). The unique feature of it, though, is that you may ascend Temple II for stunning views of the square in front of you. You may also tour the two acropolises, which will show you the Grand Plaza and the two temples from unique perspectives.

Climbing the Temples

As is normal in Central America, several of the pyramids in Tikal can be reached by climbing to the top. This is a lovely experience that allows you to explore the temple in a whole new way and take in some breathtaking panoramic views. However, proceed with caution as there are sometimes few handrails on these stairways due to their steepness. Additionally, avoid climbing any temples that are plainly marked with warning notices.

Spot Some Wildlife

It's vital to keep in mind that while you go through Guatemala's finest rainforest to view these sites, there is a good possibility you may observe some animals. Like other Mayan ruins in Central America, you may expect to run into several howler monkeys while exploring. As for other animals besides monkeys, Tikal is an excellent area to see the colourful toucans' beaks in the trees. The coatimundis, raccoon-like critters with a white snout, are a little more difficult to spot. Last but not least, jaguars are very difficult to see in the wild, so you'll need to be really lucky. You never know, though!

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Livingston, Guatemala

Livingston is a desirable destination for a layover for a single night to several days because of its distinctive Garifuna culture and convenient placement on the way to several of the area's most well-known attractions. Up until the nearby town of Puerto Barrios was built, the town served as a major commerce centre for centuries and served as Guatemala's main harbour.

Playa Blanca

One of Guatemala's top beaches is Playa Blanca, so the saying goes. You may experience paradises like white sand and turquoise sea beaches at this private beach, which is only accessible by boat. You may unwind, swim in the warm Caribbean Sea, play volleyball, or have a seafood meal at this serene beach.

You'll need to plan a day excursion from your accommodation to travel to Playa Blanca. On those excursions, Siete Altares can be visited in the morning so you may see both places in one day.

TAKE A GARIFUNA COOKING CLASS

The Garifuna culture, and particularly the food, is one element that really distinguishes Livingston from the rest of Guatemala, as we've noted above. Livingston is a coconut-infused utopia! While in town, we strongly advise enrolling in a cooking class at Rasta Mesa. It will satisfy your desire for local food as well as knowledge and culture.

Take a boat from Livingston to Punta Gorda, Belize

The boat, which costs $25 and takes an hour to go between Livingston and Punta Gorda, is the quickest option. There is a direct ferry that travels from Livingston to the municipal pier in Punta Gorda. Every day, three departures are made by the services.

Once you’ve arrived in Punta Gorda, try and explore as much as you can.

Snorkelling

The northern islands are the most visited, and several around the southeast coast are widely renowned for snorkelling, but while in southern Belize, hidden jewels like the Snake Cayes are the places to go. Without any people, you may snorkel here and see spectacular aquatic life.

Tiger Cave

This pitch-black cave, located close to San Miguel hamlet in Toledo area, has a vaulted ceiling with light peeping through the top, giving it the ultimate sensation of adventure. Tiger Cave is the ideal location for a half-day of exploration and offers the chance to go on an adventure that not many people are aware of.

Rio Blanco Falls

This collection of waterfalls, which is part of the 500-acre Rio Blanco National Park, has a plunge pool at the bottom where tourists may cool down. This location is well-liked for picnics and birding and requires only a little hike. Rio Blanco Falls, about 30 miles north of Punta Gorda, is a sight not to be missed.

Belize City

There is a tonne of things to do to keep you occupied. Sun, sand, and beaches, tropical rain forests, mountains, vast cave systems, mostly untouched Maya civilisation ruins, and a variety of people, cultures, musical genres, and foods.

Maya Ruins and Temples

The primary draws of Belize are the Maya Ruins, which distinguish the nation. One of the largest concentrations of temples and underground ritual chambers, as well as a majestic collection of artwork in the forms of gold, jade, obsidian, pottery, intricate stone carvings, and paintings, are all remnants of the ancient Maya Civilization, which was once centred in this region.

Jaguar Preserve (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary)

One of the longest hiking pathways through the forest in the nation can be found at the Jaguar Preserve. Along the walks, plants are identified, and animals are frequently spotted. You may take a tour bus, cab, or trek the last 7 kilometres from the Maya Center along the Southern Highway, where a bus will drop you off. The Jaguar Preserve has its own apartments that guests may rent, which is the nicest part of this journey.

Museum of Belize

The Museum of Belize is situated at the intersection of Gabourel and Hutson streets, close to the Central Bank in the Fort George neighbourhood, just off Queen Street, one of the main downtown streets in Belize City. The museum is housed in a gorgeously renovated brick structure that was originally constructed as a colonial jail in the 1800s and used to be Her Majesty's Prison until 1993.

Built on two stories, a few of the cells have been returned to their former state, replete with graffiti, cat's-nine-tails, and chain balls. At the time of the prison's closure, each cell housed six to eight inmates instead of the original one.

Caye Caulker, Belize

The second biggest of Belize's Cayes, Caye Caulker is situated 11 miles south of Ambergris Caye and 21 miles northeast of Belize City. The town is just approximately a mile long, although the island is around 4 miles long. Caye Caulker was predominantly a fishing hamlet, similar to Ambergris, but its economy has shifted more and more toward tourism.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Numerous diving boats on Caye Caulker provide dive tours lasting anything from two hours to a whole day. At the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and other adjacent reef spots, visitors may go diving and snorkelling; some cruises also include a lunch break in San Pedro. By enrolling in an all-day snorkel trip that includes a two-hour lunch break on Caye Caulker, visitors vacationing on Ambergris Caye may get a taste of Caye Caulker. Numerous diving shops provide certification programmes and excursions to the close-by Turneffe Islands.

Hang out at the Split

An island called Caye Caulker has been split in half. The Split, a 50-meter-wide waterway of turquoise water that divides the two parts, is the physical barrier between them. The Split's development on Caye Caulker is rather mysterious. Whomever you ask will give you a different account of what transpired. Some would claim that the deadly Hurricane Hattie that struck in 1961 was the cause of it. Alternately, you'll be informed that villagers manually dug it up after the storm. The purpose was to make it easier for small boats and canoes to get from one side of the island to the other. This sped up the process significantly compared to going around it completely and aided in the cleanup.

Walk Around the Whole South Island

In certain areas, walking from one side to the other just takes two minutes. It seems as though a stone might be thrown across the space with ease. However, this makes it quite simple to navigate on foot. If you prefer taking long walks, Caye Caulker has some breathtaking sights to discover. Take a stroll around the whole south island's perimeter on a designated morning or afternoon. Beginning in the city, go south along the east coast. Soon, you'll leave the main part of town and enter the more residential regions. Along the one route that circles the entire area, there are several luxurious homes with views of the ocean. Additionally, you'll pass the little eerie airfield on Caye Caulker. Although it appears deserted, we were informed that private jets occasionally land there.