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We are a family of 4 wanting to go away over Christmas to Central America. My two teenage sons want adventure, whilst my husband and I are looking for some R&R along with some local culture. We want a good standard of accommodation.

32 DAYS AGO

Guatemala and Belize are two countries that immediately spring to mind. They combine really well together; Guatemala offers colonial cities and traditional market towns, with ancient Mayan ruins and volcanoes, while Belize has abundant wildlife and beautiful Caribbean beaches. There is definitely something for everyone in the family.

I’d start the trip in the picturesque colonial city of Antigua. There are some gorgeous new boutique hotels here, and it’s a good place to recover from the long journey and explore the cobbled streets. Volcanoes overlook the city, and those who are feeling adventurous can hike up the Pacaya volcano.

After a few days, continue to Panajachel, a town overlooking serene Lake Atitlán. From here you can visit various traditional villages set around the lake and learn about the local cultures. Nearby is the market town of Chichicastenango. Every Thursday and Sunday, both locals and tourists flock to the huge market, where you can find almost anything: fruit and vegetables, textiles, leather goods, jewellery and pottery are just some of the items on show.

A highlight that is not to be missed in Guatemala is Tikal. This huge Mayan site is set amongst jungle. A number of the ruins are yet to be excavated, and this adds to the mystery and beauty of the place. You can climb up some of the steep pyramids, which offer stunning views over the canopy. Though Tikal is the most impressive Mayan site in Guatemala, en route to the Belizean border the ruins at Yaxhá are also well worth a visit. In contrast to Tikal, not many people visit Yaxhá, in fact we were the only tourists there when I went! Not much of the site is excavated at all, but with howler monkeys and spider monkeys swinging overhead it feels much more remote and unexplored.

Crossing the border from Tikal into Belize, you come to the Cayo District, an area of more Mayan ruins, jungle, pine forests and rivers. There are some excellent lodges here, so you don’t have to compromise on comfort. Your boys will find plenty of adventure here: you can go kayaking, horse riding, and mountain biking amongst other activities. The lodge at Chaa Creek is a fantastic option for families. There are plenty of activities on offer, but it is a luxurious lodge with a big pool so you have the option to relax if you’d rather.

The final stop has to be the beach, and Belize certainly doesn’t disappoint. A short flight takes you to Ambergris Caye, which boasts white sandy beaches and a stunning barrier reef. Most of the hotels offer excursions out to the reef where you can snorkel and dive with sharks, turtles and rays. Some hotels to the North of the island, for example Portofino or Mata Chica, offer kayaks which you can take out to the nearby reef to snorkel, if you can drag yourself away from the sun lounger.