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Secure your place on this program with a non-refundable $350 lifetime deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before the program's start date.

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      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 12/26/2026 - 01/03/2027

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 9 Days / 8 Nights

      Overview

      If we had to describe the Belizean pace, it would be somewhere between slowly rolling waves and the inquisitive speed of a ruin explorer. Embracing just that mix of curious and chill, this nine-day itinerary will have you touring Mayan ruins, cycling around stunning islands, and enjoying plenty of time to hang out on the beach or dive into the famous Blue Hole. Be speedy, or a bit sloth-like — we’ll help you discover Central America either way, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      What's Included:
      • Belize Bike with Purpose Tour
      • Guided tour of Tikal
      • Caye Caulker
      • G Adventures tour leader throughout
      • Hotels (8 nts)
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities using private vehicle, water taxi, public bus
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • No meals included – budget $350-455 USD
      • Optional tours and admissions
      • Airport transfers
      • Single/private accommodation (add-on available)

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Day 1: Belize City Arrive at any time.

      Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until the Welcome Meeting in the evening. This tour begins in Belize City, and the nearest airport is Philip SW Goldson International Airport (BZE). Consider arriving 1-2 days early to explore the city, adjust to the time zone, and buffer against flight delays. We can request extra hotel nights for you before the program begins. Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting Hotel check-in is normally between 2–3 p.m. Check with reception for the exact time and location of the group welcome meeting, typically between 6–7 p.m. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. If you're running late, send a message in the group WhatsApp or call the emergency number on your trip voucher so that your tour leader can let you know where and when to meet the group. After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another.

      • Joining Instructions
      • The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is about 30 minutes from Belize City.
      • Taxi: Approximately $25-30 USD to your hotel. Taxis are available outside the terminal.
      • Pre-booked Transfer: If you've arranged an airport transfer, look for your G Adventures representative at the airport. If you can't locate your ride, call the emergency number on your voucher or take a taxi to the hotel (save your receipt).
      Accommodation: Golden Bay Hotel (or similar)

      Enter Guatemala at the northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán. Notice the difference in culture from Belize, with Guatemala's heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Approximate travel time: 5-8 hrs via local bus and private vehicle

      • 3-4 hrs by local bus (Belize City – Benque Viejo del Carmen)
      • 30 min-1.5 hrs (border crossing)
      • 1.5-2.5 hrs by private vehicle (Melchor de Mencos – Flores)
      Accommodation: Hotel Petén (or similar)

      Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Led by our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments, and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders. Later, spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring on your own, or going for a swim in Lake Petén Itzá. Approximate travel time: 1-1.5hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Hotel Petén (or similar)

      Make your way back to Belize this morning by private vehicle. Spend the afternoon touring the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, horseback riding, or relaxing. Hike to the top of Xunantunich, an impressive 9th-century Maya center set high on a natural limestone ridge, and admire the view of the Mopan River, Cayo District, and neighboring Guatemalan countryside. The tallest temple, El Castillo, is partially excavated and explored, and there’s a unique stucco frieze on the east side of the structure. Discover why Xunantunich is Belize’s most visited site with intricately carved stelae, 25 temples, and well-preserved palaces. Another option for the afternoon is to go horseback riding ($40-65 per person). Choose from one of the 45 horses at our partner's stables and ride over farm trails and forested paths, all the way along the river to the Mayan site of Xunantunich. Enjoy a short guided tour of the site before taking a different trail back to the stables. Watch for native birds, including toucans and parrots, listen for howler monkeys, admire orchids and fruit trees, and breathe in the fresh air of the Belize countryside. Approximate travel time: 3-5 hrs via private vehicle (includes 30-90 min for border crossing) Accommodation: Midas Resort (or similar)

      There's plenty to see and do in San Ignacio, and we want to make sure that you have time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like cave exploring, visiting Mayan ruins, and horseback riding. Your tour leader has more ideas if you need them. Just ask! Accommodation: Midas Resort (or similar)

      Travel from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker via local bus and water taxi, then spend the rest of the day exploring Caye Caulker. There are plenty of optional activities that will keep you busy here for days! This afternoon, take a leisurely bike tour around Caye Caulker with a guide from the Bike with Purpose project. See the island through the eyes of a local on this two-hour tour, and live the island's motto of 'Go Slow.' Feel the island breeze in your hair while knowing you're supporting a program that helps youth from Caye Caulker build skills for tourism jobs upon graduation from high school. Approximate travel time: 4-5 hrs via local bus (3-4 hrs) and water taxi (1 hr) Accommodation: Hotel Tropical Paradise (or similar)

      Free day in Caye Caulker. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like snorkeling, sea kayaking, and sailing. Your tour leader has more ideas if you need them. Accommodation: Hotel Tropical Paradise (or similar)

      Continue to explore Caye Caulker and its water- or land-based activities during free time. Accommodation: Hotel Tropical Paradise (or similar)

      Our program ends in Caye Caulker, which is located 1 hr by water taxi from Belize City (an additional 30 min by taxi to the airport). There are frequent ferry departures between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If flying out of Belize City today, please ensure to book your departure flight after 11:30 a.m. to allow for enough time to reach the airport. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO trips in the same year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs). If you don’t see a program that interests you that pairs with this trip, but still would like to extend your time abroad, let us know. We will work with you to find a non-teacher trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Even better, if you are an educator, we can still offer you a discounted price on the trip you choose! Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

      Details

      Important

      Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.

      Trip Notes & Expectations

      ACCOMMODATION

      Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see "Single Travelers" below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury. We were able to upgrade the hotels in Belize City and Caye Caulker on this program. We think this will make the trip more enjoyable for only a modest increase in price over the standard hotels.

      TRANSPORTATION

      We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.

      LUGGAGE

      You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage. You should be able to comfortably walk for 10-30 minutes at a time with your luggage. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage that is compact and lightweight. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

      ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE

      Make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities. Trip includes light walking that is suitable for most fitness levels. We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.

      GROUP LEADER

      All GEEO programs are led by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight.

      PROGRAM DETAILS

      Single Travelers
      Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same. Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion. Want a private room? Most trips offer a “My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.
      Emergency Contacts
      If you need urgent help during your trip, call the local G Adventures office first. If no one answers, leave a detailed message with your name and contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: G Adventures Office San Jose, Costa Rica During Office hours (Weekdays 9 am-5 pm Local Time): +506 4001 8474 After hours emergency number: +51 997 582 712 If you are unable for any reason to contact G Adventures' local office please call their Toronto office: Toll-free from North America: 1 888 800 4100; Outside North America: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      See our blog post of staff-recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel. As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination.
      SuggestedOptionalDocuments
      • Light windproof/waterproof jacket
      • Sun hat
      • Small towel and swimwear
      • Personal clothing for warm weather
      • 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
      • Daypack
      • Sturdy walking shoes
      • Sport sandals or flip-flops
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
      • Small Flashlight
      • Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
      • Camera (or use your phone)
      • First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      • Travel pillow
      • Light weight silk sleep sheet
      • Money belt
      • Water bottle
      • Water filter
      • Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes – great for keeping your clean and dirty laundry separated. Two of them should be the right amount for clothes.
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don't go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags for wet clothing
      • Reading/writing material
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Travel insurance (with photocopies)
      • Airline tickets (with photocopies)
      • USD/EUR cash
      • Credit or debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
      *Laundry: Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your group leader where the nearest laundromat is. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
      Passports and Visas
      Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries. PASSPORT All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps. Need to apply or renew? Start here. ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS Travelers arriving in Belize must complete an Immigration and Customs Declaration, which you can do online within 72 hours of arrival: Belize Travel iDeclare Form. Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country's official government resources. Use the tool below to see entry requirements for your specific itinerary. Entry information below is provided by Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner. You must search each of your destination countries separately; “Add connection” solely searches transit visa requirements. Additional fees apply if you choose to purchase any services through Sherpa.
      Money Exchange
      Currency: While US dollars may be accepted at the more popular locations, the local currency (Belize dollar or Guatemalan quetzal) is more widely accepted and best to use during the tour. For current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com. Credit/Debit Cards: Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card, a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. Cash: Withdrawing from an ATM will offer you the best exchange rate. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. If you bring U.S. dollars to exchange, the bills must be new, unmarked, and in excellent condition—damaged or older notes are often rejected. Emergency Funds: Bring at least $200 USD (or the equivalent in local currency) in cash for emergencies in case of ATM or card issues. Always carry more rather than less to avoid feeling short of funds while traveling. See the Estimated Trip Costs section at the bottom of this page for budgeting guidance. For more advice, see our post, Smart Travel Finances: Your Guide to Money, ATMs, Fees, and Safety Abroad
      Tipping
      Tipping is optional but appreciated and goes a long way for the people who look after you on the trip. If you are happy with the service, use these ballpark amounts and adjust as you see fit: - Service providers/Waiters: 10% of the bill. - Local guides and drivers: $5-10 USD per person per day. - Tour Guide (CEO): $35-50 USD per person per week. (We suggest pooling contributions in an envelope and presenting it as a group) Tipping Kitty: On some trips, your CEO may suggest a “tipping kitty” where everyone contributes at the start of the tour, and the CEO uses that pooled amount to tip service providers for the group as a whole (not including your CEO). If your CEO doesn’t mention it and you’d like to use a kitty, we recommend asking about it early in the trip. Your CEO will advise the suggested amount and preferred currency for the kitty.
      Vaccinations
      We legally cannot give you any medical advice. It is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      Wait for official trip confirmation via email from GEEO before booking your flights. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bear responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. Your trip begins in Belize City and ends in Caye Caulker. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Belize City. You can arrive at any time of the day you choose, but we strongly urge you to arrive at the starting hotel by 6:00 p.m. on Day 1 for our group meeting. You can depart from Caye Caulker any time on the final day of the trip.
      Plugs and Converters
      Belize and Guatemala use the same plugs and electric current used in the United States.
      Weather
      Late December through early January is one of the most pleasant times of year to visit Belize and northern Guatemala. This period falls squarely in the dry season, with warm, comfortable days and cooler evenings, especially inland near jungle and archaeological sites like Tikal. Rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower than in other seasons, and breezes along the coast keep conditions comfortable. Expect sunny days ideal for exploring Mayan ruins, rainforest walks, and cultural sites, with excellent visibility for snorkeling and time on the water. Average daytime highs range from the low to mid-80s°F, with overnight lows in the low to mid-70s°F along the coast and slightly cooler temperatures inland, particularly in the early mornings.

      Extra Services & Cost

      EXTRA SERVICES TO PRE-BOOK
      Send us an email if you would like to pre-book any of the extra services listed below for your program. Space and availability are limited, and pricing is not guaranteed until booked. *Extra services are non-refundable within 30 days of your program's start date. *Costs will be added to your final balance.
      Private/Single Room $659 (5 left)
      Pre-trip Hotel (per night) Golden Bay Hotel - Single: $145, Twin/Double: $145
      Arrival Airport Transfer (per person) Belize City (BZE) Solo=$40, 2ppl=$20, 3ppl=$20, 4ppl+=$15
      Departure Airport Transfer (per person) Not Available.
      Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour: $100 per person Day 7 (April 10) Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves. Tour Includes: snorkeling mask, fins/flippers, lunch, assortment of tropical fruit, water, and other snacks.

      Optional Activities

      Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. Prices shown are the most recent figures from participants and G Adventures. Use them as budgeting estimates only—actual costs may vary. [/su_tabs]

      Estimated Trip Costs

      Free-time activities aren’t included in the program fee. Use the prices below as ballpark figures to decide which options fit your budget.
      • Tour Company Fee: See our price in the top right corner.
      • Optional Activities: $150-400 USD
      • International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $400-1,000 USD If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
      • Airport Transfers: $20-60 USD
      • Insurance: $79-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
      • Tipping: We recommend $50 USD for your G Adventures tour leader. Budget another $30 for tipping local guides.
      • Meals not listed in the itinerary: $350-455 USD
      • Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      • Souvenirs: Variable. At your personal discretion.
      • Vaccines: Variable. Please consult with your primary care provider.
      • Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.
      Book Any G Adventures Trip Through GEEO

      Book any G Adventures program through GEEO, or transfer your existing booking over to us and receive:

      Non-educators welcome! Your booking supports our 501(c)(3) mission.

      Contact us: travel@geeo.org | 1-877-600-0105

      Anyone can travel with GEEO!

      GEEO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our mission is to help teachers travel by offering private educator-focused group trips—but we also partner with G Adventures to offer trips worldwide for anyone, not just educators.

      When you book through GEEO, you receive:

      Your booking supports our mission!

      To get started, contact us:
      travel@geeo.org | 1-877-600-0105