Join fellow plant lovers and Juniper Level Botanic Garden Supporters on a one of a kind journey through Belize and Guatemala.

The Tikal area of Guatemala is a treasure trove of biodiversity, nestled in the heart of the Petén rainforest. As part of the larger Maya Biosphere Reserve, Tikal National Park is home to an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life. Towering ceiba and mahogany trees form a dense jungle canopy, under which hundreds of species of ferns, orchids, and bromeliads thrive.

Tikal’s biodiversity is not only remarkable in its richness but also in its ecological importance. The dense forests support a delicate balance of life and provide vital habitat for endangered species. Visitors to Tikal often find themselves immersed in the sights and sounds of the jungle, experiencing a living testament to the natural wonders of the ancient Maya world.

The lush forests of Chan Chich are home to an astonishing range of plant and animal species. This verdant habitat supports more than 350 species of birds, making Chan Chich a premier destination for birdwatchers. Toucans, motmots, and trogons are just a few of the vibrant avian residents.

Chan Chich’s rich biodiversity is a testament to Belize’s strong conservation efforts, and the area’s relatively undisturbed natural environment offers a unique glimpse into the complexity and beauty of Central America’s rainforests.

This custom trip was designed exclusively for Juniper Level Botanic Garden’s travel program. By traveling with Juniper Level Botanic Garden, you help generate operational income to preserve, maintain, and build upon Juniper Level Botanic Garden’s plant research, conservation, breeding, and garden operations.

Patrick is a well-known fixture in the horticultural, taxonomic and conservation circles. For over 30 years, he has worked as a professional botanist, horticulturist, naturalist, biologist, and educator. His explorations of the globe have added hundreds of new species and cultivars to the horticultural world.

His transformation of the South Carolina Botanical Garden including the development of the natural heritage garden exhibits were formative in the development of the gardening style he has coined as “natural community gardening.” His horticultural research interests lie in the maintenance and generation of diversity using managed landscapes and the conservation of rare species both in their native habitats and in gardens.

He has also worked extensively in the introduction and evaluation of plants from the Chihuahuan desert ecoregion as landscape plants in the Southeast and Pacific Northwest. His range of experience has concentrated on botany, though he is also well-respected through his work in ichthyology, herpetology, and mammalogy. Patrick is perhaps best known as the Emmy Award-winning host, co-creator, and writer of the popular ETV nature program Expeditions with Patrick McMillan.

Today we will arrive at Belize City International Airport. Upon arrival we will gather as a group and meet our private driver to begin our transfer to the Guatemala border (2.5 hours). At the border, we will have our passports checked and continue the journey into Guatemala, ending at our boutique jungle lodge, Las Lagunas.

This evening, we will gather as a group at the hotel restaurant for a Welcome Dinner.

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Overnight: Flores, Guatemala, Las Lagunas Lodge

Spend a full day immersed in the awe-inspiring world of Tikal, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Maya, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its cultural and natural treasures. Set deep within the Guatemalan rainforest, Tikal's towering temples rise above the jungle canopy like stone sentinels of a lost civilization. Explore the Grand Plaza, Temple IV, and the Lost World Complex, as your guide shares stories of royal dynasties, sacred rituals, and the city's extraordinary connection to astronomy.

We will enjoy a barbecue lunch inside the park, before continuing our exploration.

Beyond its monumental ruins, Tikal is also a sanctuary of tropical biodiversity. As you walk beneath the ceiba trees, listen for the calls of howler and spider monkeys, and look skyward for toucans and parrots darting through the canopy. The blend of ancient architecture and vibrant jungle life makes Tikal one of the most magical and multidimensional sites in the Americas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Flores, Guatemala, Las Lagunas Lodge

After breakfast at the lodge, we will meet our guide and driver and travel to Ixpanpajul, a splendid forest and natural shelter of a wide variety of plants, trees, and animals. Here we will do the Sky Walk through spectacular suspension bridges and twisting paths, full of exuberant vegetation.

We continue to Yaxha National Park, one of the largest Maya sites in Guatemala, which played a significant role in the region during the Classic Period, from roughly 250 to 900 AD. It served as a major political center, with evidence of extensive trade networks and alliances with other Maya cities. The site showcases remarkable architecture, with over 500 structures, including temples, plazas, and palaces that reflect the Maya’s advanced astronomical knowledge.

At the heart of this site is Temple 216, the tallest structure, which rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views over the rainforest and lake, making it a favorite among photographers. The surrounding national park, teeming with diverse wildlife such as spider monkeys, toucans, and other tropical birds, further enhances the experience, offering nature enthusiasts a chance to connect with the vibrant ecosystem.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Flores, Guatemala, Las Lagunas Lodge

After breakfast at Las Lagunas, we will meet our driver and begin the drive back to the border. We will transfer back into Belize and continue on to our next destination, Chan Chich Lodge. Chan Chich Lodge is Patrick’s absolute favorite lodge in the Neotropics -  “there’s nowhere quite like Chan Chich!”

The Chan Chich area of Belize is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity, thriving within the heart of a vast, protected lowland rainforest. Located on the Gallon Jug Estate in northwestern Belize, Chan Chich is part of a private reserve that forms a crucial wildlife corridor connecting to larger conservation areas in both Belize and Guatemala.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Chan Chich Lodge

While at Chan Chich we will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding nature reserve on group guided hikes, as well as on our own, at our own pace. Chan Chich Lodge is all-inclusive, so we can gather for drinks in the evening, and enjoy our meals at the lodge!

This evening, we will head out on a night Safari aboard open-air safari-style trucks. We’ll venture into the rainforest under a canopy of stars, guided by expert naturalists. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive nocturnal wildlife like jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, owls, and kinkajous, all active under the cover of darkness. It’s an unforgettable adventure that reveals the magic and mystery of the rainforest at night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Chan Chich Lodge

Today is open for further exploration of Chan Chich. We will have a group guided hike, and there are opportunities for additional activities like horseback riding, canoeing, and birding.

This evening, we will gather for a farewell toast/dinner!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Chan Chich Lodge

Today we will check out of Chan Chich Lodge and transfer to Belize City for our flights home. If you would like to extend your time in Belize or Guatemala to explore further, please reach out to your Limitless Planet account manager!

Meals: Breakfast