Explore the colonial, natural and mystic wonders of Guatemala on this essential 8-day tour.
Book by 31 January 2025 and travel on 2025 departure to enjoy these savings.
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Explore the colonial, natural and mystic wonders of Guatemala on this essential 8-day tour.
Book by 31 January 2025 and travel on 2025 departure to enjoy these savings.
Guatemala is probably best known for its Mayan archaeological sites as its Mayan heritage can be seen everywhere. Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture mixing elements from Spain and the native Maya people. Its diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites.
On arrival at Guatemala City airport, transfer to Antigua, a UNESCO world heritage site and a charming colonial style city with a mild climate where time seems to come to a standstill. It is set in gorgeous surroundings nestled between three volcanoes and is known for its well-preserved Spanish baroque influenced architecture. You will spend 2 nights in Antigua.
The next morning, you will have a half day walking tour of Antigua to take in the cultural and historical sites which include churches, convents and cathedrals. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own.
The following day, return to Guatemala City and then head to Chichicastenango, a charming town is with a special ambience. It is surrounded by mountains and valleys. Much of its charm emanates from the colourful cobblestone streets and the red tiled roofs of many of the houses. Stay 2 nights here. During your stay, you will be given a briefing on the town after which, you are then free to explore. Chichicastenango is famous for its wonderful markets which sell everything from crafts including ceramics and woodcarvings to food and flowers. Vendors begin setting up portable booths in the main plaza and adjacent streets of "Chichi" the night before. Later, you will meet your guide for a short walking tour of the historic sites.
Once again, return to Guatemala City and continue to Lake Atitlan a beauty spot and a major tourist centre. This very large lake has received many accolades over the years. The scenery surrounding it is breathtakingly beautiful. This includes three towering volcanoes. The lake is ringed by attractive small towns, one of which is Panajachel, probably the most important tourist centre after Antigua. The area around Lake Atitlan offers the opportunity to visit nature reserves or take part in activities such as hiking, biking and bird watching. Stay 2 nights at Panajachel. While here, you will visit the Mayan villages of Santiago and San Antonio. In the afternoon return to Panajachel for a short walking tour.
Once again, it’s back to Guatemala City then heading to Tikal, Guatemala’s jewel in the crown and one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites anywhere. Tikal was at its peak over one thousand years ago with 100,000 inhabitants. There are around 3000 structures including many temples, towering pyramids and other relics plus excavation activities are still discovering many more. You will spend 2 nights in the Tikal region.
The next day brings a full day tour of Tikal National Park with its huge Mayan temples which rise above the jungle Your tour takes you through the heart of the major structures which extend over six square miles and include palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, plazas, avenues and steam baths. After your tour, you have time to explore on your own, possibly summit one of the tall temples or simply reflect on what was once the grand Mayan civilization.
Return the following day back to Guatemala City airport.
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Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
2 Night Stay
Meal Plan: Full Breakfast
Providing extraordinary hospitality experiences while visiting one of the mostcharming historical cities in the world, El Convento Boutique Hotel is an exclusive and historic propertyin the heart of Antigua Guatemala. With its contemporary colonial architecture and world class service,guests also enjoy being surrounded by the spectacle of a diverse community accented by 300-year-oldchurches, plazas and markets.
2 Night Stay
Meal Plan: Full Breakfast
Perched in a spectacular fashion above beautiful Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan Highlands, Casa Palopo is a place for relaxation on the banks of one of the country’s greatest draws. An especially noteworthy feature is the helipad on-site; many visitors skip the three-hour drive from Guatemala City and arrive via helicopter. Casa Palopo, loaded with art and culture, brightly painted walls, exquisite furnishings and local Guatemalan crafts blends modern design with Guatemala’s rich culture.
Today's journey invites you to board a vessel and sail to Santiago Atitlan. Santiago, also known as St. James, is home to Maximon, a pagan saint known for his love of moonshine and cigars. Maximon is visited every day by locals, healers, and tourists seeking favors or requests considered too risqué for other deities. The adventure continues in Santa Catarina Palopo, a small-town rich in beautiful landscapes. Set out on a private walking tour, gaining insight into the town's impressive painting project. The aim of this project is to refresh building facades throughout town to encourage tourism to the region. Two Dutch artists have taken on this monumental task and work daily to empower locals to create designs that best represent the culture of Santa Catarina Palopo. After your tour, a private transfer whisks you back to your hotel to enjoy drinks on the terrace as the sun sets in the distance.
3 Night Stay
Meal Plan: Full Breakfast
Jungle Lodge is directly related to the creation of the first established scientific campsite in Tikal, which lodged archaeologists from the University of Pennsylvania, United States, for the exploration of the Mayan city. Family-owned, the lodge is dedicated to taking care of and bring attention to explorers and visitors, focused on giving comfort and guidance to those who are looking for magic in the most important cities in Mayan history. Jungle Lodge is guided and inspired by discovery and innovation and aims to deliver unique and highly comfortable experiences for their guests.
Your tour guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Tikal National Park. Here your guide will guide you through the layout of the temples, history, and theories of why the inhabitants disappeared. If you are lucky, a few monkeys, parrots, macaws and toucans will also be on site. One of the largest examples of pre-Columbian architecture, Tikal was once the capital of a powerful Mayan kingdom. Though mystery still abounds, some researchers believe that as many as 90,000 people once lived here, and the nearby museum helps to showcase much of what is known as well as some of the alluring unknowns. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle, and afterward, settle in for the return transfer back to your hotel or to the airport, pending on your itinerary.
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