Captivating Guatemala Tour

Day 1: Welcome to Guatemala (-/-/-)

Welcome reception and transfer from Guatemala City airport to your comfortable hotel in the Colonial City of Antigua (approx. 1 hour). On the way, our guide will give you lots of useful information for you to make the most of your time in Guatemala – and to answer any questions you may have. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your flight or explore the city on your own.

Day 2: Tour of Antigua Historic City Centre (B/-/-)

After breakfast, you will be picked up for a guided cultural tour through the beautiful historic centre of Antigua. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and boasts many magnificent colonial relics. A few examples of impressive colonial architecture in this former Guatemalan capital include the Cathedral, the General Captain's Palace, the House of Coins and the University of San Carlos. You’ll then have the rest of the day to explore the streets of Antigua at your own pace, as well as its museums, artisan markets and jade shops.

Day 3: Antigua to Panajachel - Pacaya Volcano (B/-/-)

After breakfast, morning transfer to Pacaya Volcano (approx. 1 hour). There are several volcanoes surrounding Antigua (Agua, Fuego and Acatenango) but Pacaya is ideal for an up close and personal encounter! It is one of the most active volcanoes in the country, and travellers often have the chance to see lava at the bottom of the crater. With an elevation of 2,552 metres, there’s also the opportunity to enjoy views of the surrounding countryside during the visit. After time for lunch, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Panajachel (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival you’ll check-in to charming hotel and then have a free evening to explore the town on your own. This will be your first of four nights near the shores of the stunning Atitlán Lake.

Day 4: Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna (B/L/-)

After breakfast, transfer to San Juan La Laguna (approx. 30 min), a quiet village where the locals have organised themselves to welcome and accommodate tourists in a very authentic way. Here, you will learn about ancestral knowledge and Tz’utujil Mayan art, expressed through weaving techniques, natural dyes, medicinal plants and primitive painting. You will have lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon, we'll visit an organic coffee cooperative, to learn about the cultivation and processing of one of the best coffees in the world. You will be spending the night at a small posada (B&B) owned by a local family. Free evening.

Day 5: San Marcos La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán (B/-/-)

After breakfast, transfer to San Marcos La Laguna (approx. 30 min). This morning we will visit the Tzankujil Park, the perfect setting to appreciate the scenic beauty of the Atitlán Lake and dive into its crystalline waters. After time for lunch, we’ll transfer to Santiago Atitlán (approx. 30 min). This is the largest town around the lake, and is overlooked by volcanoes Tolimán and San Pedro. Tonight you will stay at a beautiful ecolodge on the lake. Free afternoon and evening to explore Santiago.

Day 6: Santiago Atitlán to San Antonio Palopó (B/-/-)

After breakfast, you’ll go on a cultural tour of Santiago with a guide from the local community. In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to San Antonio Palopó (approx. 30 min), a town of Kaqchikel origin. Here you’ll visit a cooperative of artisans who work on hand painted ceramics. Later, we will transfer to Panajachel (approx. 30 min), where you’ll check-in to your charming hotel for your last night in the Western Highlands.

Day 7: Chichicastenango & Santa Cruz del Quiché (B/-/-)

After breakfast, transfer from Panajachel to Chichicastenango (approx. 1 hour), home to one of the most famous markets in Guatemala. During market days, the town is bustling with artisans, locals and tourists. It is a great opportunity to experience a traditional market and its almost overwhelming array of vibrant colours and patterns. After time for lunch, we will transfer to Santa Cruz del Quiché (approx. 30 min). Upon arrival, check-in at a well-located hotel. In the late afternoon, you will meet with a Nahual chaman who will teach you about Mayan ancestry and about the ceremony which will be held the next day. Free evening back at the hotel.
Note: Chichicastenango market is only open on Thursdays or Sundays.

Day 8: Santa Cruz del Quiché to Cobán (B/-/-)

After an early breakfast, you'll visit the archaeological site of Q'umarkaj. This is the ancient capital of the Quiché kingdom, of the post classic and contemporary period of Iximche. We'll participate in a Mayan ceremony to learn about the horoscope and about spiritual protectors. Afterwards, shared transfer to Cobán (approx. 5.5 hours). This is a long trip, crossing El Quiché state, but along the way there is a lot of incredible scenery to enjoy. Most of the route is paved, but there are some stretches of dirt road, but it's all easy to drive through. Upon arrival, check-in to a well-located hotel. Free rest of the day to relax or discover the city on your own.

Day 9: Cobán to Semuc Champey (B/-/-)

After breakfast, shared transfer from Cobán to Lanquin (approx. 2 hours). In Lanquin you will change from your shared transfer to a 4x4 vehicle to continue the journey to Semuc Champey (approx. 1 hour). Here you will have a tour of the heavenly Semuc Champey pools – a protected national monument. These stunning turquoise pools make a great place to bath, and we’ll also be able to explore the surrounding trails. After the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the surroundings of Semuc Champey. Tonight you will sleep in an ecohostel near Semuc Champey, which offers many charming cabins in lovely surroundings.

Day 10: Semuc Champey to Candelaria Caves (B/-/-)

After an early breakfast, shared transfer to the Candelaria Caves. After time for lunch, we’ll visit the Candelaria caves, a large natural karst cave system. The caves have a particular importance in Mayan culture, and are believed to be the entrance to the underworld for some of the Mayan people. The caves were also used as part of a trading route during the classic Mayan period, and artefacts in the caves evidence their use for ceremonies. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Tonight you will sleep at a beautiful lodge surrounded by greenery near the Candelaria Caves.

Day 11: Candelaria Caves to Tikal National Park (B/-/-)

After breakfast, prepare for a tubing experience on the Candelaria river, surrounded by lush jungle and unbelievable scenery. Around noon, shuttle transfer towards the wonderful Tikal National Park. Upon arrival, check-in to an incredible lodge within the National Park. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure, relaxing at the lodge or in the swimming pool.

Day 12: Tikal (B/-/-)

After breakfast, get ready to explore the ancient Mayan kingdom and be overwhelmed by its vast and towering pyramids, palaces and temples located deep in the heart of lush jungle. Tikal is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be recognised for both its cultural and natural significance. In the afternoon, transfer to Isla de Flores (approx. 1.5 hours), where we’ll have time for lunch. After lunch, we'll transfer by comfortable coach to Rio Dulce (approx. 4 hours) where you will spend the night in ecocabins located in the jungle. Free evening.

Day 13: Rio Dulce to Livingston (B/-/-)

After breakfast, you will take an unforgettable boat-ride along the jungle fringed Rio Dulce, to the Caribbean beach of Playa Blanca (approx. 3 hours). This spectacular white sand beach is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a cooling swim and some fresh seafood. That afternoon we’ll take a short boat trip to the famous town of Livingston, where you will be able to experience a completely different side of Guatemala: Garifuna culture. You’ll stay in Livingston for the night, in a stunning hotel on the water’s edge.

Day 14: Livingston to Guatemala City – Quiriguá (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we’ll transfer by boat to Puerto Barrios (approx. 1 hour), where you’ll pick up a land transfer once again to continue the journey to Quiriguá (approx. 2 hours). Here you will visit the Quiriguá Archaeological site, which used to be located at the crossroads of several important Mayan trade routes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its monumental Classic Mayan features. After some time for lunch, you’ll transfer to Guatemala City (approx. 5 hours), and check-in at a well-located hotel in the city centre for the last night of your tour. Free evening.

Day 15: Guatemala City to Home (B/-/-)

At the scheduled time, you will be picked-up at your hotel for a transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of tour. You can also add an extension to Mexico (for more Mayan heritage), to Nicaragua (the land of lakes of volcanoes) or to Costa Rica (unique wildlife and pristine beaches).

You will be greeted at the airport on arrival by a local guide who will take you to your hotel and will be able to answer any questions, make any additional arrangements and generally ensure everything goes smoothly.

No minimum number of passengers required. Prices quoted are per person and based on at least 2 people travelling. You should expect a cheaper price for a bigger group.

Your passport is required at time of booking. For information on visa requirements, immunisations and health formalities please visit the FCO Travel Advice Website (for UK citizens) and US Travel Advice website (for US citizens).

Information on money changing in each destination, as well as what it is customary to tip for various services, will be provided.

This tour of Guatemala has a low level of physical difficulty but participants can choose to do as much or as little as they like.

What to bring: Travel insurance, passport, binoculars, alarm clock, walking shoes, water bottle, daypack, sun protection, insect repellent, sun glasses and hat, swimwear, flip-flops, torch with extra batteries, comfortable light cotton shirts with long and short sleeves, comfortable trousers made of cotton or a light synthetic material (bring at least two sets of light clothes which can be washed and dried easily), shorts, rain coat, dry bag /ziplock bags for valuables, and waterproof cover for your luggage in case of rain.