This 13 night family itinerary takes in some of the main highlights of Guatemala and Belize, including stays in three super-stylish properties of American film director Francis Ford Coppola.
Itinerary
Arrive at Flores by plane from Guatemala City or by travelling overland from Belize (ask us for details). Flores is the gateway to Guatemala's El Petén jungle and the vast, awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Tikal.
The elegant temples of Tikal rise high above the forest canopy and are the tallest structures of the Mayan world, in fact the 70-metre tall Temple IV at Tikal remained the tallest structure in the Americas until the late 19th century. Those with a head for heights can climb some of the temples to gaze out over the rainforest, keeping an eye out for howler monkeys and toucans.
La Lancha
Spend three nights in a two-bedroom casita at La Lancha on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá - about 40 minutes by road from the ruins. La Lancha is a charming lodge owned by Mr Coppola - the epitome of rustic-chic. Aside from visits to the ruins, guests can enjoy nature walks and kayaking on the lake.
Blancaneaux Lodge
On day four, drive across the border into English-speaking Belize to Mountain Pine Ridge and spend four nights in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa at another of Coppola's properties - Blancaneaux Lodge. This exclusive lodge makes an ideal base to explore the surrounding forest, waterfalls, rivers and caves. The area is well-known for its abundant wildlife.
Turtle Inn
On day eight, continue overland to the Creole village of Placencia on Caribbean coast and and spend six nights in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom sea-view villa at Turtle Inn, Coppola's luxury beach-front property.
From here you can explore the cayes, islands and the magnificent barrier reef as well as the Jaguar Reserve, Monkey River, and the Maya sites of Lubaantun (where the mysterious Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull was found - perhaps inspiration for the latest Indiana Jones movie) and Nim Li Punit. Kayaks and large bikes are available for hire, and scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing can be organised. Kids over 10 are offered a complimentary introductory lesson scuba diving along with free rental of masks, fins and snorkel gear.
On day 14, fly from Placencia back to Belize City. |  The magnificent Mayan ruins at Tikal, Guatemala
 Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize
 Turtle Inn, Placencia, the Belizean Caribbean coast
|