Adventure through the Heart of Guatemala

Guatemala City - Panajachel

Day 1: Welcome to Small but Beautiful Guatemala!

Bienvenidos a Guatemala! Upon arrival to the Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your chauffeur waiting for you in the arrivals hall.

After assisting you with your luggage, your private transfer will drive you to your hotel in Panajachel, the largest town on Lake Atitlan. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by the tranquility and serenity of the Guatemalan countryside.

Once you've checked into your hotel, freshen up and feel free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure.

Panajachel - Antigua

Day 2: Explore Lake Atitlan & Different Tzutuhil Villages

It’s time to explore everything that the Atitlan lake region has to offer! 

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a boat tour, the ultimate way to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the lake. With your bilingual guide, you’ll be taken to several indigenous Tzutuhil villages around Lake Atitlan like San Juan la Laguna, Santiago Atitlan, and San Pedro la Laguna. Immerse yourself into the local culture and appreciate the opportunity to experience their lifestyle.

Once the tour of Lake Atitlan is finished, you will head back to Panajachel. Then, you will have a private transfer to the famed colonial city of Antigua where you will spend 2 nights. 

Surrounded by 3 majestic volcanoes, the ancient capital of Central America is now one of the most beautiful cities in Guatemala.

Antigua

Day 3: Stop by at Majestic Paseo de Los Museos

Discover the city which has more than thirty monasteries and convents and a grand cathedral in the central square. The cobblestone streets adjoin the colorful patios of the colonial houses, giving this city a completely unique Guatemalan style.

This morning, your tour guide will wait for you at your hotel for a private Cultural Walking Tour around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour focuses on the city’s history, cultural trends and restoration efforts. Firstly, you will visit the City Hall Palace, focus on the Royal Palace, visit San Jose Cathedral, and learn about Maya archeology at the Maya Jades Museum. 

Stroll along the arcades of Parque Central, admiring in the distance the volcanoes Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango.

Antigua - Lanquin

Day 4: Relax & Enjoy Gorgeous Guatemalan Countryside

After breakfast, you will go on a day tour from Antigua to Lanquin. 

The trip takes approximately 8 hours, and you will go leads through the very interior of Guatemala. You’ll traverse an area of lush cloud forests and rolling, green hills and towering mountains. Don’t forget to look out the window and admire the picturesque landscapes, passing through small towns and villages where you can see the locals and their ways of life.

Once you’ve arrived in Lanquin, check into your eco-lodge located on the banks of the Cahabon river. Relax in the comfort of your room in the midst of the tranquil Guatemalan rainforest. 

Lanquin - Semuc Champey

Day 5: Adventure through Semuc Champey National Park

Prepare for tons of fun and adventure today!

This morning, you’ll depart the lodge for a full-day tour of Semuc Champey National Park. 

Formed by what is known as a natural land bridge, 500 meters long, it forms the backbone of a series of descending turquoise pools and small waterfalls which give an idyllic frame for bathing in the heart of the countryside. Hike to the lookout point, and swim in the stunning pools before tubing down the river to relax.

You’ll also visit the Kan-Ba caves, a complex flooded by water. Discover their depths with a guide and take a swim, climb and slide through the caves with only a candle in your hand. 

Lanquin - Flores

Day 6: Watch Romantic Sunset at Lake Peten Itza

Today we’ll head for Flores,  located in the heart of the Petén. The journey will take approximately 8 hours so sit back and relax in the comfort of your private transfer.

There’s nothing on the itinerary upon your arrival, so how you spend the rest of the day is up to you! No matter what you choose, you will have a good time.

You can either choose to relax in the comfort of your room or you can venture further afield to explore the rest of the town. Why not end the day raising a toast to the sunset on Lake Petén Itza?

Flores - Tikal - Flores

Day 7: Discover Tikal, the Jewel of the Mayan Words

Today is dedicated to the exploration of the impressive city of Tikal, built in the 4th century BC.

The city reached its peak between the 3rd and 9th century AD and now some 3,000 structures are emerging from the rainforest in a mystical atmosphere. 

Go explore the Temple of the Great Jaguar on the main square, in the center of the city. At a height of 65 meters, the Serpent Temple was the tallest building in the New World until the 19th century. 

Expect to see a lot of nature in Tikal, engulfing every traveler who enters the reserve. Spider monkeys, pheasants, coatis, toucans, and other multicolored parrots are only some of the inhabitants. The screams of the howler monkeys can be heard for miles around. Odors of lianas and roots will fill your nostrils as you explore the site.

You will head back to Flores in the evening.

Flores - Rio Dulce

Day 8: Go Kayaking or Sunset Gazing on Rio Dulce

After breakfast, you will travel approximately 4 hours to the Rio Dulce by a first-class bus.

Rio Dulce is both the name of the village and the river, which leads to the Caribbean Sea. 

With two nights at your unique and luxurious eco-lodge, situated on the banks of the river in the mangroves, you’ll be able to relax in the comfort of your accommodation.

Once you’ve arrived, freshen up & relax - the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy and do whatever you please. Why not relax by the pool or enjoy some of the leisure activities at the hotel? You can go on a hike through nature trails, kayaking or watch the sunset from the lookout point. 

Rio Dulce

Day 9: Experience A Different Side to Guatemala

Rio Dulce is known for its wildlife and grandiose canyons!

Here you can feel the atmosphere of the Caribbean! Visit Fort San Felipe which was built in the 17th century to stop the continuous pirate attacks where many anchored sailboats will be waiting. 

Take a private boat trip out onto the Rio Dulce and sail along the Caribbean coast.

Upon arriving at the village of Livingston, where part of the population is the ethnic group Garifuna - descendants of slaves - you will notice the difference in the culture compared to the rest of Guatemala! There’s also the opportunity to see some local fisherman and local birds before taking a dip in the hot springs.

Rio Dulce - Guatemala City

Day 10: Discover the Heart of Guatemala

Unfortunately, the trip is near its end but we have saved some of the best attractions for the end. 

From Rio Dulce, you’ll travel back to Guatemala City, either by a first-class bus or a private vehicle, for approximately 6-7 hours. As you arrive in the city, you will be amazed by the cosmopolitan vibe of the Guatemalan capital.

Once you've checked into your hotel in the heart of the city, feel free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace. You can go and explore the rest of the city or choose to relax in your room.

Guatemala City

Day 11: Say Goodbye to Culture-Rich Guatemala

All good things come to an end, but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that Guatemala has to offer - its natural beauty, the culture and the people that make the country what it is.

At an arranged time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your international flight back home. 

We hope that all the activity, adventure, and relaxation of your tour leaves you happy and with some wonderful memories of your time with us! We are looking forward to having you in Guatemala again! 

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels! Hasta pronto Guatemala!