After my last post about crossing into Guatemala overland from Mexico, some travelers reached out with a new question:
“I’m in Cancun and planning to go from Mexico to Belize first, then continue into Guatemala — how should I plan this route?”
Here’s your step-by-step guide — let’s map it out!
2-Week Mexico–Belize–Guatemala Itinerary: Islands, Mayan Ruins & Volcanoes (No Backtracking!)
Looking for the perfect 2-week Central America route from Mexico to Guatemala, passing through Belize’s islands and ancient ruins — all without retracing your steps? Here’s a streamlined, adventure-packed itinerary.
Day 1: Cancun to Chetumal
Travel south to Chetumal, your jumping-off point for entering Belize.
Day 2: Chetumal to San Pedro (by boat)
Take a water taxi to San Pedro, a lively island on Belize’s Ambergris Caye.
Day 3: Scenic Flight over the Great Blue Hole
Fly over the Great Blue Hole — an unforgettable aerial experience.
Day 4: Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef
Join a reef tour to snorkel with tropical fish, rays, and reef sharks.
Day 5: San Pedro → Belize City → San Ignacio
Boat to Belize City, then shuttle to San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border.
Day 6: ATM Cave Tour
Explore the famous ATM Cave — swim, hike, and discover ancient Mayan artifacts.
Day 7: Xunantunich Ruins → Cross into Guatemala → Flores
Visit Xunantunich, then cross into Guatemala and head to Flores.
Day 8: Tikal Day Trip
Explore the massive Mayan ruins of Tikal in the jungle near Flores.
Day 9: Flores to Antigua
Travel from Flores to the colonial city of Antigua by flight or shuttle.
Day 10–11: Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike
Hike Acatenango and camp with views of erupting Fuego Volcano.
Day 12: Antigua to Lake Atitlán
Head to Lake Atitlán, known for its scenic beauty and colorful villages.
Day 13: Relax at Lake Atitlán
Enjoy a free day to kayak, explore villages, or just unwind by the lake.
Day 14: Back to Guatemala City
Return to Guatemala City for your flight or next destination.
Why This Route Is Perfect for Travelers Headed to the Great Blue Hole and Belize Barrier Reef
If your goal is to see the Great Blue Hole and go snorkeling at the Belize Barrier Reef, this itinerary is ideal.
By exiting Mexico at Chetumal, you can take a direct boat to San Pedro — no need to detour through Belize City. Both the Blue Hole flights and reef tours conveniently depart from San Pedro, making it the best base for ocean adventures.
Detouring through Belize City means traveling overland first, then taking a water taxi to the islands — a longer, less efficient route. Plus, Belize City is known for its higher safety risks, so avoiding it when possible is a smart move for smoother, safer travels.
Not Into Water Activities? Here’s a 13-Day Mexico–Belize–Guatemala Itinerary Focused on Mayan Ruins (No Island Stops!)
You might be wondering:
“What if I’m not interested in snorkeling or visiting San Pedro? Can I still travel through Belize and enjoy the route?”
Absolutely! If you prefer ancient ruins over beach vibes, this 13-day land-based route from Mexico to Guatemala via Belize is perfect for you. It skips the islands but still covers some of the best cultural and historical sites in the region.
Day 1: Cancun / Playa del Carmen / Tulum / Bacalar → Chetumal
Head south to Chetumal, the jumping-off point for crossing into Belize by land.
Day 2: Chetumal → Orange Walk (Belize, by land)
Cross the border into Belize and travel directly to Orange Walk, known for its access to jungle ruins.
Day 3: Lamanai Day Trip
Take a day tour from Orange Walk to explore Lamanai, one of Belize’s most impressive Mayan sites, accessible via a scenic river ride.
Day 4: Orange Walk → San Ignacio
Travel onward to San Ignacio, near the Guatemala border. If you’re not stopping in Belize City, you can switch buses at the station and head straight there.
Day 5: ATM Cave Tour
Visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a unique mix of spelunking and archaeology. A must-do for adventure and history lovers.
Day 6: Xunantunich Ruins → Cross into Guatemala → Flores
In the morning, visit Xunantunich, a stunning Mayan site, then cross the border into Guatemala and continue to Flores.
Day 7: Tikal Day Trip
From Flores, take a full-day tour to the mighty Tikal ruins, deep in the Guatemalan jungle.
Day 8: Flores → Antigua
Travel to Antigua, the picturesque colonial town surrounded by volcanoes.
Day 9–10: Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike
Take on the two-day Acatenango hike for a chance to camp with views of the erupting Fuego Volcano.
Day 11: Antigua → Lake Atitlán
Make your way to beautiful Lake Atitlán, dotted with scenic villages and surrounded by mountains.
Day 12: Free Day at Lake Atitlán
Relax, kayak, visit villages like San Juan or San Marcos — or just enjoy the view.
Day 13: Return to Guatemala City
Head back to Guatemala City for your flight or next destination.
Who Is This Itinerary For?
This route is perfect for travelers who want to skip Belize’s water activities and instead focus on Mayan ruins, jungle adventures, and volcano hikes — all without the need to backtrack or stop in Belize City.
Traveling overland from Mexico into Belize gives you the perfect opportunity to visit some of Belize’s top Mayan archaeological sites — all along the route.
Continue by land into Guatemala, where the legendary Tikal ruins, the charming colonial city of Antigua, and the serene Lake Atitlán await.
Need more ideas for your Mexico + Belize + Guatemala itinerary?
DM Summer for custom travel tips!
I’m Summer, an outdoor-loving backpacker who only recommends the most exciting places off the beaten path.
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