Advice on trip through Guatemala/Honduras/Belize

I think I'll have enough time to do the overnight to Acatenango if I go back to Antigua after Lake Atitlan and before Copan, just not sure if I'm fit enough! I do run a couple of times a week and have done the Inca trail and other hikes with no problem but this one sounds a bit more challenging

I didn't realise this was an option, must look into it, thanks again.

I forgot to reply where I'll be staying in Atitlan. I was thinking perhaps San Marcos in Lush Atitlan. Any thoughts?

I highly recommend it... SM is one of my favorite towns. I've never stayed in Lush but I've had a look and it seems like a great place. Just keep in mind that the town tends to book up for the period you're thinking about as it is high season... I know it's a pain to make reservations when you want to keep an itinerary flexible (I'm really bad at it), but it might be a good idea for those days.

I'm not sure I would consider the PB to PG option, it's the long way around to Tikal and you want to spend at least 1 night in the park. You already have a lot on your plate, IMO.
If you have extra time the ATM cave trip in San Ignacio is a blast but requires 2 nights.
Even though I really enjoyed the town of Bacalar, it's about 4 hours one way to the site, Calakmul and Xpujil area is time better spent, by far. It easily compares to Tikal, if not better.

To have a pretty good chance of seeing lava you would have to climb Acatenango overnight (to see Fuego erupt). It is tough but they take it slow and after Nebaj and the lake you should be acclimatized. We are avid hikers but I was 47 and my husband 52. I am sure you can do it! If you want more info just ask. Timing is the big problem. You would need to go when the main tour operators in Antigua have groups going. They will only go on other days if they can get 4 people... OX goes on Wednesdays for sure and some Saturdays as well, I believe. Old Town Outfitters goes on different days. Both have confirmed departures on their calendars on their websites. If that doesn't work out your best bet is Santa Maria from Xela. You have to be a bit lucky as clouds do roll in (but I climbed Santa Maria 4 times and had great views 3 times out of 4) but the views of Xela and the other volcanoes are amazing and seeing Santiaguito erupt (you look down on Santiaguito and it is very active) is breathtaking. Also, Maya families climb to the top to pray and chant. Santa Maria hikes go more often but I would still contact a tour operator beforehand (we like Kaqchikel Tours but there is also Quetzaltrekkers and others). If you are not going to Xela and Acatenango doesn't work out, Pacaya is a good choice. You won't see lava but at least you will see an active volcano, old lava flows etc... Pacaya is a half day trip from Antigua offered by every tour operator in town.

Yes, you can go from Nebaj to Sacapulas, Huehue and Xela. But like you say, adding Xela might be too much. I was just trying to avoid the backtracking.

I highly recommend spending the night in Tikal and hearing the jungle wake up in the morning so I would head to Tikal the 19th so you can spend the night there. Last I heard tickets bought after 3:30 pm are good for the next day as well. And then spend your birthday in Tikal and go back to Flores late afternoon so you can take an early bus the next morning to Belize City (Fuente del Norte 5 am or Linea Dorada 7 am).

I would not go from Puerto Barrios to Punta Gorda and on to San Ignacio and Tikal either. That would take too long.

I like staying in Panajachel on the lake and tend to recommend it especially for people who don't have much time as it is easy to explore from Pana. Some people like it less because Pana is quite touristy but I find it very convenient and I love the views from Pana, with the three volcanoes, and the amazing sunset. It would be fun to stay in a smaller village (as well). It is just a bit less convenient. From San Marcos for example you would have to go to San Pedro first to take the boat to Santiago. From San Marcos you would have to take the boat to Pana to take a 20 minute bus to Solola. From Pana I like the convenience of visiting Solola (by bus), the nature reserve (in Pana), Santiago (you can take a boat there from Pana as well, don't miss Maximon), Santa Catarina Palopo (by pick-up truck), Santa Cruz (by boat) and then walk to Jaibalito (and maybe on to San Marcos, that part might be better with a guide)...

I know, it is a pain to travel in peak season but only time of the year where I can take long holidays. They have availability 24 and 25th December so might just book those 2 nights and see about the rest

Yes, I think I will stick to the Livingston - Rio Dulce -Flores route. I read about the San Ignacio area but don't really have the time. I'm only going through Belize an route to Mexico and thought worth checking Caye Caulker to have one or two dives and break the journey but will need another trip to explore the country for sure!
A night in the park in Tikal rather than in Flores sounds like a good idea. Do you think easier to do it the first night so I can spend the second in Flores and go to Caulker from there?
You are right about Calakmul. Maybe I can do Chetumal-Xpujil and do Calakmul and then just spend one night in Bacalar an route to Tulum. Need to check the logistics

Hi There,
I really like your plan but the more I am reading, I see that the devil is in all of the good options. I have to caution you from experience that things always take longer than you think. Some of the best things that happen are not even on your schedule like meeting people and going on treks and trips with them. One month is really nothing in Central American time so try to get a rough outline only with the emphasis on getting out of Dodge on time. Have a great trip! Greg

The main thing is to be in Mexico well before you have to leave. There are buses at least as far south as Tulum that will get you to the airport same morning if your flight isn't too early. That is one option.