Guatemala & Belize holiday, Maya Discovery
Description of Guatemala & Belize holiday, Maya Discovery
This Maya culture holiday in Guatemala and Belize combines historic sites in jungle settings with Indigenous culture. Enjoy Antigua’s atmosphere, see spider monkeys scampering on archaeological ruins at Tikal, and swim in turquoise pools at Semuc Champey – all with an optional Belize beach extension afterwards.
Your journey begins in the beautifully preserved colonial-era city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by volcanoes and renowned for its cobbled streets, historic churches and elegant architecture. From here, travel into the lush interior of Guatemala, exploring the jungle landscapes around Lanquín and the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. Continuing north, you venture deeper into the rainforest to reach Tikal, one of the most impressive cities of the ancient Maya civilisation, where towering temples emerge above the forest canopy.
Responsible travel is woven into this trip: you’ll patronise local restaurants and places to stay throughout. You’ll also spend a memorable night under canvas, camping in the middle of the jungle after a day spent with the Indigenous Uaxactun community.
After all that exploration, why not add a beach? The Belize Barrier Reef is the second longest in the world, and you can explore it, or admire its seaside setting from the sand at a beachfront resort, with time on Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, too. Ask about adding a five night extension to your trip.
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Responsible Travel
Planet
We endeavour to provide the most professional travel experience possible. We achieve this thanks to the communities we visit, the local people we work with and the natural beauty and heritage of the countries we work in. We believe we have a responsibility to all of these, so that generations to come will also be able to see and experience what we and our customers do.- Certified with internationally recognised scheme: Green deal (1st place 08 and 09)
- Rainforest alliance partners to implement and distribute to ST* (sustainable travel) best practice – working with suppliers.
- Train our office staff, guides, drivers and other suppliers in ST* best practice.
- Set up, support and operate the only recycling program in Antigua
Promises (for individuals travelling to Guatemala to read - in line with sustaining environment)
CONSERVE PRECIOUS RESOURCES:
Reduce.
When staying in hotels avoid having sheets and towels changed daily; turn off lights, air conditioner/heater, and television when you are out; take shorter showers.
Re-use.
Avoid repeated purchases of plastic water bottles; refill them where possible.
Recycle.
Viaventure has a recycling program so leave any cans, bottles and paper with your driver; ask them to take it to the recycle centre.
LEAVE NO TRACE:
Reduce your impact on the areas where you travel as much as possible. Respect wildlife, flora and fauna, reduce the amount of plastic and other waste you produce (refill water bottles especially) dispose of waste properly, be considerate of other visitors and leave what you find - do not remove / damage any cultural or historic structures or artifacts including rocks, native plants and other natural objects. Please leave everything as it was and where it was when you arrived.
People
We endeavour to provide the most professional travel experience possible. We achieve this thanks to the communities we visit, the local people we work with and the natural beauty and heritage of the countries we work in. We believe we have a responsibility to all of these, so that generations to come will also be able to see and experience what we and our customers do.- Developing a product range using community guides and programs as much as possible.
- Offering guests opportunities to visit and/or volunteer in development and community programs.
- Constantly learning and improving our operations in light of best practice learning.
- Set up the Viaventure foundation. Donate money from every tour sold
- Favour use of ST focused hotels and suppliers and work with others to improve their performance.
- Train our office staff, guides, drivers and other suppliers in ST* best practice.
For individuals travelling to Guatemala (Promises in line with supporting the community) -
PURCHASE LOCALLY MADE GOODS:
We encourage you whilst in country to buy locally produced products and services. We strive to offer this to you already within your itinerary but if in doubt please ask our office or your guides & drivers for more information on the services being provided and/or to direct you to locally owned businesses and cooperatives.
LEARN THE LANGUAGE:
We encourage visitors to learn a few simple words and phrases of Spanish before your visit. Even the simplest words and phrases will go a long way in allowing you to interact with the local people. And, no matter how little you know, it's always appreciated.
BE CULTURALY SENSITIVE:
Ensure that your dress and behavior is in line with socially acceptable limits within the area you are visiting. Be especially sensitive about taking photographs and interaction with children. If you are in doubt about what is / is not acceptable please check with your guide, driver, hotel staff or our office.
AVOID GIVING MONEY OR CANDY TO CHILDREN:
Giving directly to children encourages begging and can undermine parents who cannot afford to give their children such items. If you must give gifts give useful items- pens, paper, clothing, etc. We would be happy to channel your donations to needy organizations.
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