Your 14-Day Mexico, Guatemala & Belize Trip: Gran Cenote & Beyond

Youravreageavaitor (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Upon arrival, clear customs and transfer to your hotel in Downtown Cancun. Transport options include the ADO bus to the Downtown bus terminal (approx. 45 min, $12 USD), followed by a short taxi ride to your hotel (approx. 10 min, $5 USD), or a direct taxi/private shuttle (approx. 30-45 min, $40-60 USD).

Check into your hotel in Downtown Cancun and take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from Playa Delfines, also known as 'El Mirador,' one of Cancun's most beautiful public beaches. Take photos with the iconic Cancun sign and feel the ocean breeze.

Unwind and soak up the sun on the pristine white sands of Playa Forum, one of Cancun's most popular and vibrant public beaches, perfect for swimming and people-watching.

Unwind on the pristine white sands and swim in the clear turquoise waters of Playa Gaviota Azul, a beautiful public beach located in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone.

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring traditional Mexican dishes at a local restaurant in Cancun's vibrant Hotel Zone.

Begin your day by traveling to Puerto Juarez, Cancun's main ferry terminal for Isla Mujeres. Enjoy the scenic ferry ride across the turquoise Caribbean waters to the island.

Savor a delicious lunch of fresh ceviche, a popular local specialty featuring seafood marinated in citrus juices, at a casual eatery near Playa Norte.

Take the ferry back to Puerto Juarez in Cancun and transfer to your hotel in the Hotel Zone after a full day of island exploration.

Savor a traditional Yucatecan lunch featuring Salbutes (soft tortillas with toppings) and Panuchos (fried tortillas with refried beans and toppings) at a local eatery in the Hotel Zone.

Spend a leisurely afternoon unwinding and swimming at Playa Langosta, a public beach known for its calm, shallow waters, ideal for relaxation and families.

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring a variety of fresh seafood dishes, prepared with local Mexican flavors, at a restaurant within the Hotel Zone.

Arrive in Santa Elena/Flores after an overnight bus journey from Cancun. Transfer to your hotel on Flores Island, the charming heart of Lake Petén Itzá.

Check into your accommodation on Isla de Flores and take some time to settle in and freshen up after your overnight journey.

Enjoy a hearty Guatemalan Desayuno Típico, a traditional breakfast plate often featuring scrambled eggs, refried black beans, fried plantains, fresh cheese, and warm corn tortillas.

Find a scenic spot along the shore of Lake Petén Itzá to relax, enjoy the tranquil views, and capture some beautiful photographs of the lake's natural surroundings.

Savor an authentic Guatemalan dinner with Pepián de Pollo, a rich and savory chicken stew made with roasted tomatoes, peppers, and various seeds, at a local restaurant on Flores Island.

Enjoy a hearty Caldo de Res, a traditional Guatemalan beef and vegetable soup, at a local eatery near the entrance of Tikal National Park.

Claudio Urrutia, La Ilustración Guatemalteca (Public domain

Return journey from Tikal National Park back to the charming island town of Flores.

Savor Hilachas, shredded beef simmered in a savory tomato and potato sauce, served with rice and fresh tortillas, at a restaurant on Flores Island.

Embark on a shared shuttle journey to Yaxha National Park, a significant ancient Mayan city nestled between two lagoons in the Petén rainforest. This journey offers glimpses of rural Guatemala.

Journey back to Flores after a day of exploring the ancient wonders and natural beauty of Yaxha National Park.

Cross over to Santa Elena for dinner to try Chiles Rellenos, roasted pimiento peppers typically stuffed with minced pork and vegetables, then battered and fried, served in a light tomato sauce, at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the less touristy Santa Elena waterfront, observing local life, fishing boats, and enjoying expansive views of Lake Petén Itzá after your cave exploration.

Enjoy a final taste of traditional Guatemalan breakfast with local coffee and sweet pastries before your journey to Belize.

Embark on a scenic 5-hour bus journey from Flores, Guatemala, crossing the border into Belize City, Belize.

Savor traditional Belizean Creole dishes such as stew chicken with rice and beans at a local eatery near the bus terminal in Belize City.

Board a scenic water taxi for a 45-minute ride across the Caribbean Sea to the tranquil, car-free island of Caye Caulker.

Check into your hotel and settle in for your stay on the charming island of Caye Caulker.

Spend the afternoon enjoying the vibrant atmosphere at The Split, swimming in the clear, shallow waters, and exploring the surrounding area.

Savor quick and delicious Belizean street food like pupusas or tacos from a local vendor, a true taste of island life.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the coastline, discovering scenic views and relaxing by the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Indulge in Fry Jacks, a Belizean staple of fried dough, often served with savory stewed beans for a hearty and authentic island lunch from a local street vendor.

Enjoy fresh, grilled local seafood, such as fish or shrimp, prepared with authentic Belizean spices and served with traditional island sides like rice and beans or coleslaw at a charming village eatery.

Spend a relaxing morning at The Split, the famous channel dividing Caye Caulker. Enjoy swimming in the calm waters, sunbathing on the sandy areas, and observing local life.

Return to the hotel to complete checkout procedures and collect any stored luggage before heading to the airport.

Board a water taxi for a scenic ride from Caye Caulker across the Caribbean Sea to Belize City, the first leg of your journey to the airport.

Pgbk87 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Take a taxi from the Belize City water taxi terminal to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) for your international flight home to New York, NY, allowing ample time for check-in and security.