Any recommendations for a short trip to Guatemala and Belize?
San Ignacio is my favorite place in Belize. You're close to caving, hiking, ruins and all that sort of stuff. You can walk around and be perfectly fine. Belize City is the pits, though. I wasn't impressed with the beaches, either, though the snorkeling near Ambergris Caye, Belize is worth doing.
You can take this trip from Lago de Atitlan. Monumento Natural Semuc Champey is one of the best places I have been in my life. They are natural rock pools in the middle of the jungle. there is also a cave tour where you swim with candles in your mouth. then cruise down the river in tubes afterwards.This place rocks. If you're in the area, its a must.
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Unless you have the budget to make small flights at a high cost, I would chose one or the other. Also Belize can be a little ruff if again you don't have a budget for private transfers and resort style hotels. Basically you pay not to see the real Belizebut if you have the cash there are beautiful ruins and coral reefs.
Guatemala doesn't have the beaches but Flores is great and the and the gateway to Tikal!
If you want a little spelunking adventure, do the ATM Tour by San Ignacio in Belize! I just came back last week and it was an amazing highlight.
I would definitely recommend Lago de Atitlan in Guatemala. You can travel to each little town by boat on the lake, make sure you go to San Marcos La Laguna. Atitlan is a beautiful place, and you can even take a guided tour to one of the semi active volcanos. Tikal is also amazing, But that is a little out of the way and needs to be an overnight trip if you have the time!
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I'd definitely recommend both Tikal and CaracolCaracol; stunning remnants of the Mayan civilization. If you have a short amount of time, can choose one or the other.
In Belize, seeing the reef around Ambergris Caye, Belize is definitely a must, particularly if you like snorkeling/diving.
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The highlight of Guatemala in my opinion is Antigua Guatemala (a great place to spend a few days), followed by Lago de Atitlan.
Visit Lago de Atitlann in Guatemala! There are several little towns around the island, and you can get around easily by water taxi. There is kayaking in the lake, beautiful Eco-lodges to stay in, and if you're feeling up for a workout you can hike Volcán San Pedro, which gives you amazing views! Hardest hike I've ever done (10k feet straight up), but worth it!
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Being down the chain of this question let me mention cool places others haven't so far:
Guatemala
Belize
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