January 8-16, 2026
Join us in 9 Days in Belize & Guatemala with Pride on
9 Days in Belize & Guatemala with Pride
Join us for a 9-day LGBTQ+ adventure from January 8 to 16, 2026, curated by Pride Adventure Travel and journeying through the heart of Belize and Guatemala.
From ancient Mayan temples and lush jungle landscapes to sunset sails and laid-back island vibes, this immersive experience blends the magic of Central America with the warmth and connection of a queer travel community.
Central America with Pride!
Celebrate the beauty, history, and spirit of Central America on this unforgettable 9-day journey through Belize and Guatemala. From the towering temples of Tikal and sacred jungle caves to the colorful streets and sparkling shores of Caye Caulker, this curated adventure offers the perfect mix of exploration, culture, and relaxation. With vibrant local guides, a warm LGBTQ+ group, and plenty of time to connect and unwind, you’ll experience Belize and Guatemala at their most magical, meaningful, and alive.
TRIP HOST
Chris Smith
Chris is the Chief Adventure Officer at Pride Adventures and has been leading group trips for 25 years. He loves building community and sharing epic journeys, from Southeast Asia to African safaris.
Chris Smith Bio
Hello! I’m Chris, Chief Adventure Officer at Pride Adventures. I’ve been leading group trips for 25 years, starting in Arizona and then moving to California in 2014, where I founded California Gay Adventures in 2017 and, more recently, Pride Adventures. My passion is community building, traveling the world, and sharing outdoor adventures and experiences with others. My favorite journeys include Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand) in 2023 with 23 guys, and our most recent trip to Africa, where we visited five countries from South Africa to Zimbabwe—the people and safaris were spectacular. Feel free to reach out anytime at chris@prideadventures.com.
Itinerary Overview
Get ready for nine days of unforgettable experiences across Belize and Guatemala — where every moment is filled with adventure, connection, and culture.
Your journey includes a guided tour of the legendary Tikal ruins, optional cave explorations and river tubing in the jungle, and a relaxing escape to Caye Caulker, where you can snorkel vibrant reefs, sail at sunset, or just soak up the island vibes. With a warm LGBTQ+ group and plenty of free time to explore your way, this isn’t just a vacation — it’s a deep dive into history, nature, and queer joy.
🌿 Day 1: Welcome to Belize
Arrive in Belize City anytime before 2pm and check in to your hotel. That evening, we’ll gather for a welcome meeting around 6pm — your first chance to meet the group, get settled, and kick off this incredible LGBTQ+ journey.
Stay: Golden Bay Hotel (or similar)
🏛️ Days 2–3: Into Guatemala & the Ruins of Tikal
We’ll cross the border into Guatemala and head to the lakeside town of Flores. The next day, dive deep into the heart of the jungle with a guided exploration of Tikal, one of the most awe-inspiring Mayan sites in the world. Climb ancient temples, listen for howler monkeys, and feel the power of the past all around you.
Stay: Hotel Petén (or similar)
🐎 Days 4–5: San Ignacio Adventures
Return to Belize and settle into San Ignacio, a lush hub for culture, nature, and adventure. You’ll have time to unwind or opt into unforgettable activities — think cave tubing, horseback rides to Xunantunich, or the wild and sacred Actun Tunichil Muknal caves.
Stay: Midas Resort (or similar)
🌴 Day 6: Journey to Island Life
We’ll travel across Belize to the coast, hop a water taxi, and arrive at Caye Caulker, a postcard-perfect island where golf carts and bicycles rule the road. That afternoon, join our Bike with Purpose community tour to explore the island with local LGBTQ+ youth leaders — and feel the breeze in your hair as you discover the island’s laid-back magic.
Stay: Hotel Tropical Paradise (or similar)
🌊 Days 7–8: Reefs, Reggae & Relaxation
These days are yours to savor. Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, kayak through mangroves, or kick back with a drink and watch the sun dip into the sea. Want more? Join a sunset sail, go fishing, or take a long beach walk with your fellow travelers. Every corner of Caye Caulker invites you to slow down, connect, and celebrate life.
Stay: Hotel Tropical Paradise (or similar)
✈️ Day 9: Departure Day
We’ll say goodbye with salty hair and full hearts. You’ll take the morning ferry back to Belize City (1 hour), then a taxi to the airport (30 minutes). Please book flights for 11:30am or later to allow time for transfers.
Optional: Add a post-night in Belize City if you’d like a slower departure.
Booking Options
Your Belize & Guatemala journey includes 8 nights of accommodations in a curated mix of locally-owned, LGBTQ+–friendly hotels and eco-lodges — from lush jungle stays near ancient ruins to laid-back beach cabanas on Caye Caulker. Each property has been selected for its charm, comfort, and welcoming vibe, offering a true sense of place and a cozy home base between adventures.
Private rooms are limited and may sell out — if your preferred rooming type isn’t available at registration, you can join the waitlist, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request as space allows.
Shared Room - We can match you
$1999
Share the journey with a fellow LGBTQ+ traveler in a cozy, locally-owned hotel room along the way — from the jungle towns of San Ignacio and Flores to the colorful shores of Caye Caulker.
Each shared room accommodates two people total, and includes either two separate beds or one shared bed, based on your preference and availability.
We’ll happily match you with another guest unless you’re traveling with a friend or partner and request to room together.
This is the perfect option for those who want to save on costs while building new connections, all without sacrificing comfort or adventure.
Private Room
$2849
Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room — ideal for solo travelers who want a quiet retreat after full days of temples, caves, jungle hikes, or island sunsets.
Each private room is reserved for one person maximum and includes either a queen or full-size bed, depending on hotel availability and location.
Private rooms are limited on this trip and tend to sell quickly — perfect for those seeking extra comfort, rest, and personal space throughout the adventure.
Adventure Activities:
Get ready for an epic LGBTQ+ journey across jungles, ruins, rivers, and reef! Below is just a sampling of the adventures you can expect on this trip. Some experiences are included for all travelers, while others are optional add-ons you can choose to make your journey even more unforgettable.
Check the full itinerary or trip guide for complete details.
🌿 Tikal Mayan Ruins Tour (Guatemala)
Step into the ancient world at Tikal, a massive Mayan city hidden in the Guatemalan jungle. Climb centuries-old pyramids, spot howler monkeys in the canopy, and take in sweeping views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🚲 Bike with Purpose Tour (Caye Caulker)
Cruise the sandy streets of Caye Caulker on a fun and meaningful ride led by local student guides from Ocean Academy, the island’s only high school. This uplifting G for Good experience helps support youth education and training while giving you a local’s view of the island’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
🌴 Water Taxi Ride to Caye Caulker
Feel the sea breeze and watch the mainland fade as you speed across turquoise waters to this chill, car-free island — where “Go Slow” is more than a motto, it’s a lifestyle.
🌊 Underground Adventures – Cave Tubing or ATM Cave (Optional)
Choose your wild! 🛟 Cave Tubing – Float through mystical jungle caverns on an inner tube. 💀 ATM Cave – Hike, wade, and swim into a sacred cave filled with pottery, bones, and ancient magic. Intense, but unforgettable.
🐎 Jungle Trek to Xunantunich (Optional)
Saddle up or hike your way through lush jungle trails to reach Xunantunich, where you’ll climb the iconic El Castillo pyramid and overlook the Mopan River Valley — a postcard-perfect payoff.
🐠 Reefs & Rhythms – Snorkel + Sunset Sail (Optional)
By day, dive into the vibrant underwater world of Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley. By evening, board a breezy sunset sailing cruise, drink in hand, music playing, sky on fire.
Planettera: Giving Back through Travel
Pride Adventures proudly donates a portion of every booking to Planeterra, the world’s leading nonprofit organization turning travel into meaningful, lasting impact.
Planeterra works with local communities around the world to support women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, education, environmental sustainability, and so much more. By connecting travelers and tourism businesses with grassroots enterprises, they help communities achieve their goals and thrive through tourism.
Want to do more? 🌎
👉 Learn more or donate at Planeterra.org
Inclusions:
What's Included:
✔ 8 nights accommodations in clean locally-owned hotels and guesthouses
✔ Meals: Welcome and Farewell Dinners and some snacks
✔ All ground and boat transportation, including private vans and water taxis
✔ Guided visit to Tikal National Park (Mayan ruins)
✔ Bike with Purpose Tour led by student guides on Caye Caulker
✔ Sunset Sail in Caye Caulker
✔ Expert local guides throughout Guatemala and Belize
✔ Full-time Pride Adventures host for group coordination and community
✔ Support coordinating optional activities (cave tours, snorkeling, etc.)
✔ Tips are included for guides, included meals, drivers and service providers
✔ Small group experience (max 15 travelers)
What's Not Included:
✖ International flights to/from Belize City (BZE)
✖ Airport transfers (we will assist in coordinating shared taxis or shuttles)
✖ Optional add-on adventures (Cave exploring, horseback riding, snorkeling and more)
✖ Meals not listed in the itinerary (most meals are not included, however we will have daily options to eat as a group)
✖ Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, snacks, etc.)
✖ Mandatory travel insurance (minimum $200,000 emergency coverage)
✖ Tips are not included for personal services and not-included meals
Meals Note: Breakfast, lunches, and most dinners are not included on this trip. Some hotels may offer inexpensive options on-site, or we’ll find affordable and delicious local cafés and restaurants nearby. Your host and guide will share recommendations throughout the journey so you can enjoy the best local flavors at your own pace. We will have group meals daily; however, if you want to break free and do your own thing, you can do that as well.
Physical Rating, Comfort, and Adventure:
🥾 Physical Rating: 2 – Light to Moderate
This trip is active and engaging, but totally doable for most travelers in average health. Expect daily light walking or exploring, occasional stairs or uneven terrain (especially at ruins or jungle paths), and some travel days with heat and humidity. Optional activities like ATM Cave or snorkeling excursions may require more physical effort but are not required. A basic level of mobility and adventurous spirit will go a long way!
🏨 Service Level: Comfortable & Local
You’ll stay in clean, comfortable hotels and guesthouses, chosen for their charm, safety, and proximity to key sites. Accommodations range from modern city hotels to jungle lodges and colorful island stays. On Caye Caulker, lodging is a bit more adventurous and rustic, reflecting the island’s laid-back, off-the-grid vibe — but always clean, cozy, and LGBTQ+ welcoming. While not luxury, every stay offers character, connection, and a genuine taste of local life — a perfect balance for travelers who value authenticity without sacrificing comfort.
🌍 Travel Style: Adventure with a Purpose
This trip is for curious travelers who love to explore, connect, and dive into new places with intention. You’ll enjoy a well-paced mix of included group activities and flexible free time, plus optional adventures that let you personalize your experience. With a small group and LGBTQ+ focus, this journey balances fun, cultural immersion, and community in every step.
Important Documents & Links:
JoinCGA.com – California Gay Adventures
Documents containing personal information will be delivered privately to attendees via email and/or text as the trip dates approach. For any questions, please contact chris@prideat.com.
Important Documents & Links:
Trip Documents & Links: (coming soon)
Adventure Updates
We’ll post important trip-specific updates right here — including flight guidance, travel tips, and helpful reminders. Bookmark this page and check back as we get closer to departure!
✉️ Questions? Email: chris@prideadventures.com
🛫 Recommended Flights
Arrival – Belize City (BZE)
📍 Arrival Airport: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
✈️ Recommended Arrival Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
🕐 Arrival Time: Anytime before 2:00 PM
Our welcome meeting will take place at approximately 6:00 PM at the hotel in Belize City. Please plan to arrive with enough time to clear immigration, check in, and relax before our first group gathering.
➡️ Airport transfers are not included, but we will help coordinate shared taxis or shuttles for those arriving around the same time.
Departure – Belize City (BZE)
📍 Departure Airport: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
✈️ Recommended Departure Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
🕘 Recommended Departure Time: Afternoon or evening
We’ll be departing Caye Caulker that morning via ferry and then continue to the airport by taxi or shuttle. The full transfer process takes approximately 3.5–4 hours, including ferry time, ground transport, and early check-in at BZE.
➡️ We’ll coordinate group ferry and taxi options. If your flight is early or you’d prefer a slower pace, we can help arrange an optional pre-night in Belize City on Jan 15.
🛡️ Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required. You must provide proof of a policy that includes a minimum of $200,000 USD in emergency medical evacuation coverage. We strongly recommend that your policy also includes trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage protection.
Here are a few traveler-recommended providers:
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🟣 TravelEX Insurance Services – Great for full single-trip plans with trip cancellation
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🔵 GeoBlue – Excellent annual medical plans, ideal for frequent travelers
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🌍 WorldTrips / Atlas – Affordable medical-only plans
📧 Once purchased, please send your proof of insurance to: chris@prideadventures.com
💳 Deposits & Payments
Secure your spot with a $500 deposit, then follow a 3-installment payment plan:
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💰 Deposit: $500 due at registration
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💳 3 additional payments, split evenly over the months leading up to departure
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🕒 Final payment due: 90 days before trip start — by October 1, 2025
Need to adjust your schedule? Just reach out — we’re happy to work with you to create a payment plan that fits your needs.
💉 Travel Health
There are no required vaccines for Belize or Guatemala at this time, but we suggest visiting PassportHealth or speaking with your doctor about recommended vaccinations and travel medications.
Common considerations include Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Malaria prevention (especially in rural jungle areas).
