Days 1-2: Playa del Carmen & Caye Caulker
Arrive Playa del Carmen. Meet at a youth-empowerment community restaurant for orientation. Day 2: bus to Belize City, water taxi to Caye Caulker — “Go Slow” island life. Afternoon snorkeling at Hol Chan with sharks and rays.
Days 3-4: Caye Caulker Free Time
Two full days on Caye Caulker. Options: Blue Hole scenic flight, manatee watching, The Split beach bar scene, or hammock life.
Days 5-6: San Ignacio — Belize Interior
Ferry back, bus to San Ignacio. Three days of jungle adventures: cave tubing through Nohoch Che’en underground rivers, Xunantunich Maya ruins (El Castillo with stucco friezes), and optional ATM Cave expedition.
Days 7-8: Tikal Guatemala
Cross into Guatemala. Base at Flores. Day 8: Tikal sunrise from Temple IV, full-day exploration of the Maya megacity.
Days 9-10: Rio Dulce & Antigua
Boat trip on Rio Dulce, return to Antigua — cobblestones, volcano views, rooftop restaurants.
Days 11-12: Chichicastenango & Lake Atitlan
Thursday/Sunday Chichicastenango market — the Maya highlands at their most vibrant. Boat to San Juan La Laguna for homestay with a Maya family.
Days 13-14: Lake Atitlan Villages
Explore San Pedro, Santiago Atitlan, and San Marcos by lancha (public boat). Optional: sunrise hike up Indian Nose peak for panoramic lake views.
Days 15-16: Antigua & Depart
Return to Antigua for final exploration. Day 16: transfer to Guatemala City Airport.
