Unless you’ve got the frog factor, pack the sun factor

Not only can sunbathing tree frogs bask for long periods without the need for liberal applications of Ambre Solaire, scientists now believe the effect of hot sunlight on frogs’ skin may be responsible for killing off a deadly fungus threatening amphibians world-wide. Travellers however, embarking on Trips Worldwide’s 14-day Belize & Guatemala tour, still need to pack the sunblock though, especially as the holiday concludes with a few days of relaxation on the beautiful Caribbean beaches of Ambergris Caye.

Fly from the UK to Guatemala and transfer to the historic Spanish capital of Antigua for a three-night stay in a characterful ‘hacienda-style’ hotel. Antigua is set amongst three magnificent volcanoes named Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Fuego occasionally emits long plumes of smoke by day and lights up the night sky with a fiery red glow. Head for beautiful Lake Atitlan set high in the mountains and surrounded by volcanoes and colourful Mayan villages.

Chill out at a charming lakeside retreat decorated with original Guatemalan and Mayan artefacts, plus enjoy a day’s excursion on the lake. Continue on to Chichicastenango and take a tour of the town’s famous market where villagers from far and wide gather to sell their wares. After stocking up on some colourful souvenirs, travellers fly to Flores in northern Guatemala for two nights in La Lancha Lodge, the latest project of owner Frances Ford Coppola.

Located on the shores of Lake Peten-Itza, the lodge offers a wonderful rainforest retreat with abundant wildlife, including troupes of Howler Monkeys regularly passing through the grounds at night. A full day tour of the nearby Mayan site of Tikal with picnic lunch in the ruins is included. Next, cross the border into Belize for two nights at the mountain resort of Five Sisters Lodge.

The lodge is named after five nearby waterfalls that all feed the Privassion River flowing through the heart of Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Finally, kick-back on the Caribbean beaches of Ambergris Caye, during a three-night stay at Caribbean Villas, a low-key property in a quiet, forested area. Take a tour of the island by bike, relax in one of the hot tubs or just lie in the hammock at the end of the pontoon, a perfect conclusion to a superb holiday.

The holiday costs from £2,665 p/p including flights, transfers, accommodation, some meals and excursions as per itinerary.

For more information, visit Tripsworldwide.co.uk.