Luxury tour of Guatemala's natural splendor

Aeropuerto La Aurora - Guatemala City

Tag 1: Welcome To Guatemala City!

Bienvenidos a Guatemala!

Upon arrival into 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 the heart of Guatemala City. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by the tranquility and serenity of the Guatemalan countryside on your way into the city.

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

Guatemala City - Chichicastenango - Panajachel

Tag 2: Explore Lake Atitlan

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Chichicastenango to explore its famous market. 

The Kaqchikel Indians descend from surrounding villages twice a week to sell their wares here and the city is transformed into a real kaleidoscope of colors and smells as shamans purify the stairs of the church with incense and indulge in Mayan rituals. 

We then continue onto emblematic Lake Atitlan, a true symbol of Guatemala. This beautiful lake is nestled between 3 volcanoes at 1600 meters above sea level - the panoramas are magnificent. There are many small villages that sit on shores of the lake, often only accessible by boat.

Panajachel - Lake Atitlán - Panajachel

Tag 3: Spend The Day How You Want In Panajachel

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and enjoyed breakfast!

Are ready for your next adventure in Guatemala? What's on the itinerary for today? That’s up to you! You have the entire day to spend at your own pace and leisure.

A discovery of the Atitlan Reserve means everything adventurous from zip line routes to scaling suspension bridges. Or, maybe you're looking to do something focussed on nature which is where butterfly greenhouse, interpretive trails, monkey and bird watching are options for you to consider.

Why not visit the colorful village of Santa Catarina Palopo or kayak and paddle board on Lake Atitlan? 

Panajachel - Iximché - Antigua

Tag 4: Dive Into The Majesty Of Antigua

We invite you to discover the city which is host to 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.

This morning, your tour guide will 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. We 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 - Biotope Quetzal - Coban

Tag 5: Immerse Yourself In The Serenity Of Quetzal

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll make the journey in search of the Quetzal.

The best time to observe the Quetzal is from November to February. Walk on the marked trails in search of the beautiful bird which is also the emblem of Guatemala where you'll also be able to appreciate the mountainous landscapes covered with mist, lush forest, waterfalls as well as various species of orchids.

We'll then continue onto Cobán, capital of Alta Verapaz located at 1300 meters altitude. The name of the city comes from the Indian Quek'chi "between the clouds" and produces excellent coffee.

Coban - Semuc Champey - Coban

Tag 6: Adventure Through Semuc Champey

There’s a lot 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 who invite you to swim, climb and slide through the caves, with only a candle in your hand. 

Coban - Sayaxche - Chiminos

Tag 7: Explore The Depths Of The Candelaria Caves

Eat breakfast at your hotel, then we hope that you are ready for your next adventure in Guatemala! 

Today, begin with an exploration of the Candelaria Caves. The main gallery of the cave system is nearly 22 kilometres long and 60 kilometres of ancillary networks are added, making it one of the largest underground networks in Latin America! 

On a 90 minute excursion into its depths, you'll discover a part of the network that the Mayans considered as an entry into the underworld of Xibalba.

Finally, you'll continue onto Sayaxché in the south of the Petén where we will spend the rest of the evening.

Chiminos - Aguateca - Tikal

Tag 8: Discover The Heart Of The Jungle In Aguateca

After a hearty breakfast, you'll leave Chiminoss for the archaeological site of Aguateca.

Access to the site is by speed boat and on the approximtely 20 to 30 minute journey, you'll be able to observe many birds that have made their home in the Petexbatún lagoon: herons, kingfishers, cormorants. Turtles and crocodiles hide on the banks of the river.

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the mystery of the Mayan city hidden in the jungle and little known to travellers. A deep natural fault and long walls served as a defence against invasions. The fortress was conquered and abandoned in the 10th century.

Afterwards, return by boat to Sayaxché before heading Tikal National Park, in the heart of Péten, for the evening.

Tikal - Tikal Sunrise - Flores

Tag 9: Visit 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 emerge from the rainforest in a mystical atmosphere. 

The Temple of the Great Jaguar faces that of the masks 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. 

Nature is very much still present at Tikal, engulfing every traveler who enters the reserve. Spider monkeys, pheasants, coatis, toucans and other multicolored parrots are on display. The screams of the howler monkeys can be heard for miles around. Odors of lianas and roots surprise you as you explore the site.

We’ll head back to Flores in the evening.

Flores - Finca Paraiso - Rio Dulce

Tag 10: Relax On The Rio Dulce

After breakfast, you'll travel approximately four (4) hours to the Rio Dulce by first class bus.

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

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

Once we’ve arrived, freshen up and then spend the day the way you like! Why not relax by the pool or enjoy some of the leisure activities? 

Rio Dulce - Livingston - Rio Dulce

Tag 11: Experience A Different Side To Guatemala

Did you know that the Rio Dulce is known for its wildlife and canyons? 

Here, feel the atmosphere of the Caribbean!

Visit Fort San Felipe which was built in the 17th centre to stop the continuous pirate attacks and view the many sailboats that anchor here today. Next, take a private boat trip out onto the Rio Dulce where you can along the Caribbean coast.

You'll arrive to the village of Livingston, where part of the population are the ethnic group Garifuna descendants of slaves. You will notice how different the culture is here to the rest of Guatemala!

There’s also the opportunity to see some local fisherman and local birds before taking a dip in some hot springs.

Rio Dulce - Quirigua - Guatemala City

Tag 12: Discover The Heart Of Guatemala

Unfortunately, the trip is nearing its end, but we have saved some of the best for last! 

Today, you'll visit the archaeological sites in the Motagua Valley. Quirigua was an important and respected city during the Mayan classical period and is particularly renowned for the beauty of its stelae, the highest reaching 10.7 metres high and weighing 65 tonnes.

From here you’ll travel back to Guatemala City. As you arrive into the city, be awed 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 and leisure. Whether you venture further afield to explore the rest of the city or choose to relax in your room, don’t worry - you deserve both!

Guatemala City - Aeropuerto La Aurora

Tag 13: Goodbye Guatemala!

All good things must come to an end, but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that Guatemala has to offer!

At the appropoiate time, you'll be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your international flight back home or to continue your travels.