Coral Reefs to Volcanic Peaks: A Luxe Journey through Belize & Guatemala from Viaventure DMC
What’s in this article:
Belize’s wild Cayo District for epic Maya ruins and cave adventures both spiritual and adventurous..
Barefoot island bliss on Ambergris Caye, snorkelling the corals, flying over the Blue Hole and unwinding at reefside retreats.
Discover Guatemala’s cultural riches - from colonial Antigua’s cobbled street charm to Maya highland villages, volcano hikes and sacred fire ceremonies.
Explore the calm and wonder of Lake Atitlán, kayaking past volcanic peaks, visiting artisan cooperatives and diving into Maya cosmology.
Step deep into the rainforest of Petén, with private tours of Tikal, Yaxhá and Uaxactún and luxury glamping beside ancient ruins.
Get insider access, tailored experiences and cultural depth throughout - all crafted by our brilliant Central America experts, Viaventure DMC.
From a land blazing with life to one where the rainforest melts into reefs, journeys to Guatemala and Belize are the kind that ask visitors to travel intentionally, with their curiosity on, their senses open and their pace deliciously slowed.
And, for more than two decades, that’s exactly what Viaventure has helped guests to do.
Viaventure DMC is a Central America-based DMC that has steadily built a reputation for crafting travel that’s both seamless and surprising - combining rare access with deep cultural understanding, and delivering experiences that are immersive without ever feeling effortful.
With teams on the ground in Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica and Mexico, Viaventure’s trips are rooted in local knowledge, shaped by strong community partnerships and always designed to feel personal. Their clients may span from first trippers to film stars, but the approach is always the same: travel done with care, character and purpose.
In Belize, your guests could be floating through a sacred cave system one day and sipping rum beneath the stars on a private island the next. Or they might opt to trade island calm for inland adventure - exploring the ruins of Caracol, or tracking jaguar footprints through the jungle at dawn.
In Guatemala? That might mean hiking an active volcano at sunrise, then sharing a quiet lunch prepared by a women’s weaving cooperative in a Maya highland village. Or it could mean arriving by helicopter to the rim of Acatenango and sipping champagne as Volcan de Fuego erupts in the distance, before descending the slopes by mountain bike.
Whatever their preferences, what connects it all is Viaventure’s gift for designing journeys that are as rich in texture as they are in comfort - journeys that go far beyond the postcard.
But what’s on offer? To give you a taste, here we dive deeper into some of Viaventure’s signature experiences and handpicked accommodations across both countries - taking you from the highland valleys and jungle ruins of Guatemala to the reef-fringed cayes of Belize with culture, adventure and off-the-beaten-path luxury every step of the way.
Belize: Rainforest Depth and Reefside Ease
Cayo District: Caves, Culture, and Eco-Luxe Escapes
From jungle canopy to limestone cavern, the rugged, remote Cayo District is the wild heart of Belize’s inland adventure - a place of rainforests, ranches and lush pinelands where Mayan legacy and raw natural beauty entwine. Here, Viaventure opens the door to some of the region’s most remarkable encounters, beginning at Caracol, Belize’s largest and most important Maya site.
A full-day Viaventure adventure connects the ancient power of Caracol to the cool serenity of forest pools and cave cathedrals, driving from San Ignacio into rugged backcountry to trace a route through the waterfalls and granite gorges of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve before entering Caracol’s home - the lush Chiquibul Forest Reserve.
Sprawling across 78 square kilometres, Caracol once rivalled Tikal in scale and significance with its five grand plazas, ceremonial platforms, astronomical observatory and Caana (Sky Palace) pyramid - still one of the tallest man-made structures in Belize - with incredible views above the rainforest canopy. Because this is protected wilderness, wildlife sightings are part of the experience: exotic birds call from the treetops, and howler monkeys echo through the jungle.
Afterwards, the return journey includes a stop at the dramatic Río Frío Cave, a massive cavern with cathedral-like chambers carved by underground rivers, and then a refreshing dip in the Rio On Pools — a series of granite rock pools and mini-waterfalls that feel like heaven after the day’s exertions. And although this day trip is long and includes some bumpy dirt roads, Viaventure ensure comfort throughout; think gourmet packed lunches, snacks, drinks and even chilled towels for the journey.
For those drawn to the mystical, few experiences rival Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”. This living museum houses the remains of human sacrifices alongside ancient artefacts, all of which can be viewed in their original context. Guided with sensitivity and skill, guests hike through lush forest and wade into the cave’s submerged entrance, before swimming, scrambling and climbing their way through caverns once believed to be the entrance to the Maya underworld.
Inside, the ancient ceremonial chambers are filled with pottery offerings, stone altars and calcified human remains left undisturbed in reverence - a journey that’s as spiritual as it is physical; haunting, humbling and utterly unforgettable.
Guests seeking a more family-friendly option? Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing brings a strong fun factor… This half-day experience begins with a rainforest hike, where guides point out medicinal plants and wildlife, before guests float downstream on inner tubes through a network of underground rivers. As they move along, the caves open to shafts of sunlight, dappling the limestone walls with shifting jungle light - a perfect active interlude that’s especially popular on travel days or with groups who want to cool off and explore at the same time.
Between these adventures, Viaventure ensures there’s ample space for stillness and serenity.
The Cayo District is rich in biodiversity, making it ideal for wildlife watching and birding, with hundreds of species - from toucans to trogons - flitting through the forest canopy.
And weary travellers longing for a little downtime will love the region’s exceptional eco-luxury lodges, offering spa treatments, private plunge pools and elegant jungle views.
Where to Stay
Chaa Creek Lodge - The region’s pioneers of sustainable luxury, combining comfortable, family-friendly riverfront cottages with a deep commitment to conservation.
Blancaneaux Lodge - Francis Ford Coppola’s 20 room lush hideaway offers unprecedented luxury in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, with waterfalls, horse stables and handcrafted jungle villas.
Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge - Remote, refined and surrounded by 7,200 acres of private reserve, this is total immersion in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve with elegant cottages and candlelight dining plus secluded waterfalls, birding trails and jaguar corridors.
Gaia Lodge - Set atop the stunning Five-Sisters Waterfalls in Belize's Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, GAÏA Riverlodge offers a wonderful boutique stay slightly more off the beaten track.
Ambergris Caye: Barefoot Luxury and Coral Kingdoms
On Ambergris Caye (San Pedro), Belize slips into island mode - warm, welcoming and wonderfully barefoot. Here, Viaventure brings together the best of reef and relaxation, combining tailored marine adventures with the kind of breezy luxury that feels effortless.
Guests can snorkel the shallows where the ocean teems with vibrant reef fish, spotted eagle rays, octopus, nurse sharks and even sea turtles, or head out to the crystalline Caribbean waters of Mexico Rocks, a protected marine reserve filled with angelfish, butterfly fish, green morays and stingrays darting between coral heads - an intimate, low-key snorkelling spot that’s ideal for both seasoned swimmers and curious first-timers.
Back on the island, guests have endless options to keep them as busy as they want to be - swimming and sailing, fishing and kayaking and hiking and biking to their heart’s content. The island itself is wonderfully navigable - despite there being almost no cars, it’s simple enough to get around all 40km of the Caye on foot, bike or even by golf cart. Day trips to the mainland are available, as are visits to archaeological sites if they’ve not yet been covered.
And there’s lots of laid-back luxe on offer to balance it all out - think spa treatments with sea views, relaxed dinners with sand underfoot and golden-hour catamaran cruises where cocktails and sunsets compete for attention.
The showstopper of an experience here? A private flyover of the legendary Great Blue Hole. From the air, this vast underwater sinkhole - the Atlantic’s largest living barrier reef - appears like an eye in the sea; deep, symmetrical and almost otherworldly. Sights passed including the historic St George’s Caye, shipwrecks, manatees and some of the world’s best coral dive spots, it’s a breathtaking way to take in one of Belize’s most iconic natural wonders - and an unforgettable punctuation mark on any itinerary.
Where to Stay
Victoria House - A spectacular beachfront luxe stay at the quiet end of the beach, but within easy reach of restaurants, bars and shops, Victoria House is all colonial charm and sweeping sea views.
Matachica Resort - This adult-only resort offers bright, bohemian villas and elevated dining, all set on a stunning, private stretch of sand.
Cayo Espanto - One for your ultra-high-end clients - an uber-luxe private island with just seven villas amidst the palm trees, each one with its own dedicated houseman to ensure everything is utterly personalised, and nothing is left to chance.
Guatemala: Living Culture, Volcanic Landscapes and Jungle Majesty
Antigua: Colonial Charm with a Contemporary Beat
Framed by three volcanoes and filled with the pastel facades and cobbled streets of its mixed Spanish baroque and vibrant Mayan heritage, Antigua is where many Viaventure journeys begin. This former capital is a place of vibrant contrasts: colonial architecture alongside buzzing cafés, artisan markets next to luxury boutiques and time-worn ruins dotted between shady plazas. This is the kind of place where every street corner feels cinematic - and Viaventure makes sure guests experience it in full colour.
Take the Antigua Streets & Eats Tour, where a private guide leads guests through lively markets and beloved street food stops, sampling chuchitos (mini tamales), rellenitos (sweet plantain fritters) and - for the bold - pigs’ feet (a delicious local dish - we promise!) while learning the cultural backstories behind each dish.
For gastronomes after a side of culture, a cuisine-themed walking tour blends sightseeing with heritage dining. This half-day guided experience explores colonial churches, cathedrals, convents and ruins, and ends with an elegant three-course traditional meal cooked in a 300-year-old kitchen at Casa Popenoe - one of Antigua’s best-preserved Spanish colonial homes.
Adventurous souls can rise early for a privately guided hike up Pacaya Volcano - an active giant just outside Antigua. This easy to moderate 7km hike (deemed suitable for children aged 4 and over) begins in quiet pine forest, where the morning mist clings to the trees and birdsong echoes through the canopy. As the path climbs higher, the landscape shifts: trees give way to lava fields, and the air grows warm with geothermal energy. At the summit, a dramatic, otherworldly vista unfolds - jagged rock, smouldering vents and occasional glimpses of the magma far beneath. On clear mornings, the reward is even greater, serving up panoramic views that sweep across Guatemala’s volcanic chain, all the way to the lowlands of the Pacific coast and El Salvador beyond. And the descent comes with a well-earned indulgence - a gourmet picnic served in a scenic spot, curated by Viaventure and tailored to your guests’ tastes.
For more examples of Viaventure Experiences in Antigua check out our article HERE
Where to Stay
Posada del Ángel – An intimate, seven-room property that blends colonial charm with contemporary elegance, tucked into a quiet corner of town.
Villa Bokeh – A Relais & Chateaux hacienda with lush gardens and contemporary design, perfect for those seeking a little refined calm.
Las Cruces Boutique Hotel - Sophisticated and centrally located, with exquisite decor and an exclusive feel.
The Sacred Waters and Slow-Travel Beauty of Lake Atitlán
Just a few hours’ drive from Antigua (or, for luxury thrill-seekers, a VIP helicopter hop) lies Lake Atitlán, a volcanic caldera surrounded by Maya villages, forested hills and shifting mists that has a vibe all of its own - meditative, spiritual and oh-so serene.
Days here can begin with a tranquil paddle across mirror-still waters, as your guests’ kayaks or SUPs glide past volcanic peaks reflected in the lake’s surface - a calm, grounding way to take in the scale and beauty of the setting.
On land, hikes from mysterious landing points to hidden lookouts, known as miradors, reward walkers with panoramic views and a deeper connection to the terrain, while visits to lakeside villages open the door to Guatemala’s Maya culture and folk saints.
Read more about Viaventure’s more spiritual experiences with local Shaman HERE
Arriving by boat in San Juan La Laguna, a town known for its creativity and community spirit, travellers can stroll the streets or explore like a local, riding a tuk-tuk from stop to stop as they meet women’s weaving cooperatives using natural dyes and traditional looms to preserve ancestral textile techniques, wander medicinal herb gardens and view local artworks.
For those craving balance, plenty of space can be built in to simply slow down - taking a dip in the cool, clear lake, a nap in a hammock strung between trees, take a yoga class or a gentle hike along quiet trails where the only goal is to wander.
At Lake Atitlan, Viaventure’s cultural experiences can layer on even more depth.
Visit a local project dedicated to the protection and conservation of the sacred bees of the Maya - Melipona beecheii - whose honey, once considered a gift from the gods, was used in ceremonies, medicine, and daily life.
A visit to the Maya ruins of Iximché - once a powerful Kaqchikel capital - can be paired with a private fire ceremony led by a local Shaman, spiritual guide, offering a rare insight into Maya cosmology.
Or guests might detour to Chichicastenango on a market day, where vibrant textiles, incense-laced rituals and a blend of Catholic and Maya traditions collide in fabulous technicolour or the less visited Comalapa Market for something even more special.
As they go, Viaventure’s exceptional guides make sure your guests are doing much more than just sightseeing - they’ll translate the symbols, introduce local artisans and take them into the stories behind the sights, making the experience as rich as possible.
Learn more about Viaventure’s long standing and ground-breaking guide training program HERE
Where to Stay
Casa Palopó - This beautifully located lakeside Relais & Châteaux property is the region’s only true luxury offering, with panoramic views, curated local art and a delicious local menu.
Viaventure’s exclusive Beyond Expeditions luxury glamping overlooking the lake as featured in Conde Nast and other luxury publications.
Petén: Temples, Ruins and Jungle Stillness
In Petén, the rainforest of the wild North hides some of the most spectacular archaeology ruins of the ancient Maya world.
The iconic UNESCO site of Tikal once formed the beating heart of the civilisation, and today the remains of some 3,000 structures - from soaring pyramids and sacred temples to grand plazas - rise from the jungle floor. Here, Viaventure visitors enter through the forest, an area most tourists never get to see, to explore the footsteps of ancient Maya of all classes in the company of experienced private guides who bring the site’s history and cosmology vividly to life.
At Yaxhá, the experience is quieter and more meditative - fewer crowds, deeper peace. Guests often climb Temple 216 to watch the sun drop below the rainforest canopy, with drinks in hand and the twin lakes gleaming in the golden light — a moment of stillness that’s often a surprise favourite.
And for those who want to go even deeper into the past of this utterly fascinating place?
Just beyond Tikal, the lesser-known site of Uaxactún offers something even more special. Hidden deep in the jungle and way off the normal tourist trail, this ancient city is believed to have once been a powerful rival to Tikal that continued for centuries in its shadow after its own political and military power waned.
With some foundations dating back to 2,000 BC, the standing ruins include the oldest Maya astronomical observatory ever discovered, whose temple alignments still mark solstices and equinoxes with astonishing accuracy - and expert guides can interpret not just the stone carvings that adorn the plant-wrapped ruins, but the worldview they represented.
And for those seeking total immersion, the experience doesn’t stop there - a luxury tented camp at Uaxactún is one of the region’s most special stays, transforming this remote archaeological gem into a private, off-grid community retreat. Comfortable, immersive and staffed by the community, the camp sits within the only surviving Maya community in Central America.
Plush canvas suites, candlelit dining and an atmosphere of deep stillness make it a stay like no other; imagine waking at dawn to the calls of howler monkeys and tropical birds, sipping coffee as the rainforest slowly stirs to life and watching dawn mists lift to reveal ancient ruins.
It’s one of those rarest of experiences, uniquely blending past and presence - just breathtaking natural landscapes, ancient history and utter awe.
Where to Stay
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel – Just minutes from Tikal and Uaxactún, Las Lagunas is elegant and wonderfully remote, with overwater bungalows, a wildlife reserve and private lagoon tours.
Bolontikú Boutique Hotel – A member of the Small and Luxury Hotels of the World, this beautiful boutique hotel is tranquil and design-forward, perched above Lake Petén Itzá. Now operated by the Sustainable Luxury Hotels collection, Cayuga Collection.
Luxury Glamping Experience at Uaxactún – An exclusive Viaventure experience offering comfort under canvas in the heart of the jungle.
La Lancha - Part of the Francis Ford Coppola collection of hotels. A charming 10-room lodge nestled in the rainforest, overlooking the tranquil shores of Lago Petén Itzá. Its interior is adorned with unique furniture, fabrics, and carvings from Guatemala, all personally curated by the Coppola family.
Travel made effortless…
Whether your clients are looking to visit just one of these stunning country destinations or combine the two for a cross-border “best of both” tour, every Viaventure itinerary is shaped with their inimitable knowledge, depth and flexibility - designed not only to show the sights, but to immerse guests in the feeling of the place.
If you’d love to learn more - or are ready to plan something extraordinary in the heart of Central America - get in touch today.
