A Honeymoon Tour of Central America
Colonial architecture, breathtaking nature, and palm-fringed beaches make for an unforgettable honeymoon in Guatemala and Belize.
Central America wouldn't be considered one of the obvious honeymoon destinations, but that's exactly what makes it so special. There's some time dedicated to laying out on dreamy beaches with crystal clear water, but there are also elements of adventure, cultural immersion, and jumping into nature. Passions are already running high, and Belize and Guatemala are the perfect places to match that intensity.
2 Nights | Antigua, Guatemala | El Convento
2 Nights | Lake Atitlán, Guatemala | Casa Palopo
2 Nights | Tikal National Park, Guatemala | Las Lagunas
3 Nights | Placencia, Belize | Turtle Inn
The one-time capital of Guatemala looks like it was taken right from a scene in the movie Encanto. Cobblestone streets flanked by brightly colored houses all point to the lush green volcano that dominates the landscape. In fact, this town has so much encanto that you'll be walking hand in hand the entire time.
Take a walking tour with a local guide through the vibrant streets of Antigua's city center. Learn about the pastel-colored houses, the city's unique geography, and the ruins that still remain from the 18th-century earthquake that ravaged the then-capital.
Like the very best boutique hotels, El Convento pinpoints the essence of its home city and captures that in its architecture, style, and experiences. The stone walls and grand wooden doors give it the sense of a bygone colonial mansion—if colonial mansions had private outdoor jacuzzis.
There's a bewitching quality to Lake Atitlán. It could be from the rich scenery of the Guatemalan highlands, where densely forested volcanos surround the idyllic lake. Or perhaps it's from the slowed-down rhythm of life, where locals still farm coffee beans on terraced slopes and cook tortillas outdoors on open flames. Whatever your reason is, this is a destination that will sweep you off your feet.
The shores of Lake Atitlán is peppered with dormant volcanos. For an invigorating start to the day and a photo opportunity like no other, embark before dawn on a sunrise hike to the top of one of these mountains. The moment you see that morning light hit the lake's surface, the early-morning journey will have been well worth it.
You can't visit Lake Atitlán without venturing onto the lake itself. Hop in a kayak, jump on a stand-up paddle board, or just dive right into the water for a swim. And since the roads are windy and mountainous, the easiest way to visit the magical small towns around the shoreline—such as San Pedro, San Marcos, and Panajachel—is by zipping around in a water taxi.
That Casa Palopo has an on-site helipad isn't just an amenity, it's a hint. It's not just about the convenience of skipping the three-hour drive from the capital, it's to get a bird's-eye view of the breathtaking highlands. Rooms are set up like private villas with views of the lake, but nothing beats the romance of dining on the candlelit terrace overlooking the water.
Deep in the Guatemalan jungle, the pyramids of Tikal are some of the largest and best preserved ruins from the pre-Columbian Americas.
Inject a dose of cultural heritage into your honeymoon with a guided tour of one of the largest Mayan ruins in Central America. Learn how people lived during its peak years from 200–900, why the city was abandoned, and how local Indigenous groups cared for the site for centuries before it was "re-discovered."
The eco-lodge of Las Lagunas feels more hidden away than the ruins of Tikal. Surrounded by lush jungle and the namesake lagoon, each of the over-water bungalows has its own wooden walkway entrance for the ultimate intimacy. It's about an hour from the national park, but the tranquil setting is what makes this property such a stand out.
You may know Belize as the only English-speaking country in Central America, but language will be the last thing that comes to mind after visiting. Once you’ve been there, just hearing the word “Belize” will make you think about tropical cays off the coast, clear Caribbean water, coral reefs as big as a city, and ancient Mayan ruins hiding among the jungle.
Caribbean waters are abundant with tropical wildlife, so grab your goggles and dive down to rub shoulders with colorful fish in coral reefs, sea turtles, barracudas, and more. Hundreds of small cayes off the coast each have their own little ecosystem, so there's always something new to surprise you.
The sunset over the distant Maya Mountains is nothing short of spectacular and there is no better place to see it than from the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon. Take in the scenery with hors d'oeuvres and wines from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Stay on the lookout for dolphins and manatees that are often visible from the deck of the boat!
While there may be Balinese-style cabanas and a Polynesian tiki decor, the Turtle Inn is purely Caribbean at its core. The entire property feels like walking through a retro movie set, which is to be expected from a hotel designed by Francis Ford Coppola. The thatched cottages with private verandahs make perfect hideaways, and the beach is so close that you can practically roll out of your hammock after an afternoon nap and have your toes in the sand.
Leave your trip planning to Origin so you can focus on the big event. Once the wedding is over, embark on your dream honeymoon knowing that every detail is taken care of.