Journey through the heart of Guatemala

Aeropuerto La Aurora - Guatemala City

Day 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 the city. 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, fresh up and feel free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure.

Guatemala City - Chichicastenango - Panajachel

Day 2: Explore Lake Atitlan

This morning 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 - Santiago Atitlan - San Juan Laguna

Day 3: Cruise the Waters of Lake Atitlan

This morning, hop on a boat and discover the Tzutuhil villages of Lake Atitlan.

The Tzutuhil natives are one of the 21 Mayan peoples of Guatemala, present in only a handful of villages located southwest of Lake Atitlan.

Visit Santiago Atitlan and discover a curious syncretic cult. Somewhere between good and bad, Maximón, the smoking God of Guatemala is feared as much as he is idolized. The villagers offer him gifts in the form of cigarettes, alcohol or money.

Afterward, discover the small Mayan village of San Juan La Laguna. Here the weavers' cooperative will open its doors to teach you about the techniques of natural coloring and traditional weaving. Appreciate the naive paintings that represent scenes of daily life in the region.

Panajachel - Solola - Reserve Atitlan

Day 4: Spend Time Amongst Nature

Meet with your local guide before departing by local transport to Sololá market - one of the most authentic and colorful markets in the region.

Visit the wholesale market that attracts buyers from all over the region and appreciate the great variety of their traditional outfits that change according to their village of origin. We then continue to the lively retail market, where we will taste the local cuisine on the advice of our local guide. 

We'll then continue onto Atitlan Reserve where we'll walk on the interpretive trails and suspended bridges in the lush vegetation. Many birds and spider monkeys can be observed.

Return to Panajachel by tuk-tuk and have the free afternoon at the end of the day on Lake Atitlán.

Panajachel - Antigua

Day 5: 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 - Acatenango

Day 6: Scale the Heights of Fuego Volcano

Depart this morning for a beautiful adventure at the Acatenango volcano, a 5-hour hike.

The dormant volcano, whose summit rises to 3976 meters, offers a breathtaking view of the Antigua Valley. We appreciate the view but it is first our ears that are intrigued: the further we walk, the more we hear the Fuego volcano thunder in the distance, until its silhouette imposes itself, right there, before our eyes. 

We settle into our camp with a breathtaking view of the active crater in front of us, a few kilometers away. Night falls and awakens our senses. You can enjoy a glass of wine while observing the active volcano. During periods of high activity, lava jets illuminate the darkness. Regular explosions resound in the valley and remind us at all times of the presence of this imposing neighbor.

Acatenango - Antigua

Day 7: Climb to the Top of a Volcano

You have the amazing opportunity this morning for an optional ascent to the top of the Acatenango to enjoy the sunrise. 

Once you’ve had breakfast, we return to the former capital of Guatemala, Antigua, in the late morning. Surrounded by 3 majestic volcanoes, the ancient capital of Central America is now one of the most beautiful cities in Guatemala. The Fuego volcano is still there, in the background, reminding us of the strong emotions experienced the day before.

Antigua - Yaxha - Tikal

Day 8: Find Peace in the Jungle

This morning you'll meet your driver and transfer to Guatemala City Airport.

Upon arrival, depart for Yaxha, "green water" in Mayan language. The city is located on the shores of Lake Yaxha, which served to supply fresh water to the Mayan population.

Walk on the marked trails of this large and rarely visited site. Do not miss the sunset with a view of the lake from the Temple de las Manos Rojas. 

Transfer to your hotel for one night in the heart of the Peten jungle, an overnight stay at the hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal.

Tikal - Flores - Guatemala City

Day 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 in 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.

Guatemala City - Aeropuerto La Aurora

Day 10: Say Farewell to 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 - its natural beauty and the people that make the country what they are.

We hope that all the activity, adventure, and relaxation of your tour leaves you content and with wonderful memories of your time with us and look forward to having you come back again! 

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

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