Exploring Belize & Guatemala with Oriana’s Insider Tips

With ancient ruins, lush rainforests, vibrant cultures, and sun-drenched coastlines, Belize and Guatemala offer a stunning mix of natural beauty and rich heritage. From the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef to the awe-inspiring Maya temples of Tikal, traveling with insight from someone who knows the region intimately can turn a great vacation into an extraordinary one.

That’s why we’re excited to share the perspective of Edgewood Travel’s own travel advisor, Oriana Ferro, including her expert tips to help you experience Central America like a local.

Best times to visit Belize and Guatemala

Choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference in how you experience Central America. From picturesque beaches to misty highlands, each season reveals a new layer of beauty, tradition, and local rhythm.

Belize:

Dry season (November–May): Sunny skies and calm waters, perfect for diving, snorkeling, and beach hopping.
Rainy season (June–October): A quieter time with lush green landscapes, ideal for travelers who want to avoid the crowds.

Guatemala:

Dry season (November–April): Excellent for exploring volcanoes, hiking, and visiting ancient sites.
Festival season: The Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions in Antigua are among the most elaborate in Latin America.

Oriana’s Insider Tip:

Be prepared for high humidity starting around the middle of April until the end of Rainy season. Temperatures can reach up to 110°f starting at the beginning of May. Bring lots of sun protection, bug spray, and expect to be warm.

If you’re looking to travel for Semana Santa (Easter Week) in Guatemala, make sure you are inquiring at least 14 months prior. Nice accommodations tend to book out at the 10-month mark. Be prepared to walk, many of the roads are closed in Antigua, Guatemala, during that time and you may be dropped off at the entrance of the city.

Must-see destinations you can’t miss

Belize:

Ambergris Caye & Hol Chan Marine Reserve: A diver’s dream, offering vibrant reefs and encounters with rays and sharks.
Placencia: A tranquil beach town known for its warm hospitality and colorful atmosphere.
ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal): A thrilling cave adventure steeped in ancient Maya spirituality.

Guatemala:

Antigua: A UNESCO World Heritage site with historical charm and a vibrant local scene.
Lake Atitlán: Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with indigenous villages, perfect for boating and artisan shopping.
Tikal: A majestic ancient city rising from the jungle canopy.

Oriana’s Insider Tip:

Placencia, Belize, is a beautiful but small beach town. There is little there other than the small shops and restaurants besides the beautiful resorts. Like most of the Yucatan peninsula, Sargassum begins filtering in the beginning/middle of April until the end of the Wet season. But, many hotels have private charters to surrounding islands and are happy to take you on a boat excursion for the day.

ATM Cave in Belize is quite the adventure for those willing, but note that there are times when you have to swim underwater to get to the other side. There is only one way out, and it’s forward, so the faint of heart should possibly consider picking a more calm/leisurely option. Barton Creek Cave offers both tubing and canoeing and is a good alternative. Plus, you’ll get to see some partial Mayan remains as well.

Antigua, Guatemala – visiting Antigua is like stepping into the past. The beautiful city leans into keeping historical monuments and offers plenty of experiences. Many shops are located behind closed doors and open up to beautiful courtyards filled with character and history. The local food here is a must try.

What sets Tikal, Guatemala, apart from other ancient cities is that it is still used by the Mayans today. You can join in ceremonies if you plan accordingly, and they are happy to share their history. To get beautiful 360 views, climb up the 175 steps to the Lost World Temple, but be warned that these steps are as steep as they can be.

Off-the-beaten-path adventures

For those with a spirit of adventure and a love for authentic travel, Belize and Guatemala offer far more than postcard-perfect landmarks. These two countries are filled with untamed landscapes, untouched communities, and experiences that take you far beyond the expected.

Belize:

Toledo District: Home to rich Maya heritage and community-led tourism initiatives.
Tobacco Caye: A laid-back island ideal for unplugging and enjoying authentic local life.

Guatemala:

Quetzaltenango (Xela): A hub of indigenous culture and language in the western highlands.
Thermal springs and hidden waterfalls: Tucked away in the mountainous regions, these natural spots offer peace and solitude.

Discover more from our personalized Central America travel planning services.

Cultural etiquette: Tips for respectful travel

Understanding and honoring local customs is more than just polite—it opens doors to authentic interactions, meaningful exchanges, and unforgettable moments. These details help you not just visit a destination, but truly connect with it.

Greetings: In Guatemala, formal greetings such as a polite handshake, direct eye contact, or using honorific titles like ‘Señor’ or ‘Señora’ are appreciated and convey genuine respect. A simple ‘Buenos días’ goes a long way toward building rapport, especially in smaller towns or traditional communities.
Language: English is widely spoken in Belize, while at least a basic grasp of Spanish will be helpful when navigating Guatemala.
Eco-consciousness: Travel responsibly by supporting local communities, avoiding single-use plastics, and respecting protected environments.

Oriana’s Insider Tip:

English is one of Belize’s national languages. While most residents in border towns will also speak some Spanish, for the most part, everyone will speak English. Belize’s dollar is 2-to-1 USD, which makes conversions very easy. Not only that, the USD is widely accepted in tourist towns.

For Guatemala, learn some key phrases in Spanish like: “How much is this?” and “Can I have the bill?”

Creating a cross-country itinerary is easy. Crossing the Guatemalan border into Belize was very simple; we just filled out a form, paid 20 Guatemalan quetzals, and were expedited through. You also travel through the countryside and get to beautiful mountain views. Do consider visiting both countries on your next trip.

Conclusion: Travel deeper with Oriana’s insights

Belize and Guatemala offer so much more than meets the eye. From ancient ruins to modern Maya communities, every day brings opportunities to connect more meaningfully with place and people.

With expert guidance from travel advisors like Oriana, you can navigate cultural nuances and uncover hidden corners that most travelers miss. When you plan your journey with Edgewood Travel, you gain access to Belize insider travel tips, Guatemala travel advice, and expert-curated experiences across Central America.

Let us help you travel deeper and smarter. Contact Edgewood Travel today!