Guatemala's Mayan culture with Tikal visit

Guatemala City - Antigua

Day 1: Welcome to Guatemala!

Today when you arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the city of Antigua, which lies about an hour's drive west.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up after your flight. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.

Antigua

Day 2: Get to Know the City of Antigua

Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the ancient capital of Central America has suffered many natural disasters throughout its history from earthquakes and floods to volcanic eruptions. But Antigua is now one of the most beautiful cities in Guatemala.

Today after breakfast, spend the morning with an English-speaking guide, who will lead you on a tour of Antigua, a city that is home to over 30 monasteries and convents and a grand cathedral. Here, you'll find cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial houses. Stroll along the arcades of Parque Central, admiring the volcanoes Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango that rise in the distance. 

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Antigua - Chichicastenango - Panajachel

Day 3: Experience the Vibrant Market of Chichicastenango

Today you will travel to Chichicastenango to explore its famous market (Thursday and Sunday).

The Indigenous Kaqchikel people who live in the nearby villages come to  Chichicastenango twice per week to sell their wares. On market days, the city is transformed into a kaleidoscope of tantalizing colors and aromas. You'll notice how the women wear a traditional garment known as a "huipil," which represents the seasons of the Mayan calendar. Meanwhile, in the center of the village, shamans purify the stairs of the church with incense and practice Mayan rituals.

Later, continue to Lake Atitlan, a true symbol of Guatemala. This beautiful lake is nestled between 3 volcanoes at 1600 meters above sea level. From here, the panoramas are magnificent. 

Arrive in Panajachel at the end of the day.

Panajachel - San Juan Laguna - Panajachel

Day 4: Meet Indigenous Mayan Communities of Guatemala

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

The Tzutuhil people represent one of the 21 Mayan populations of Guatemala. This community is only present in a handful of villages located southwest of Lake Atitlan.

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

Later, 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 dyeing and traditional weaving. 

Return to Panajachel and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure in the small town.

Panajachel - Guatemala City - Flores

Day 5: Discover the Atitlan Nature Reserve

The Atitlan Nature Reserve is a gorgeous natural paradise set around Lake Atitlan. It is the gateway to the extraordinary landscapes surrounding the lake, which include spectacular volcanoes.

We will visit the Butterfly Geodome, where hundreds of butterflies flutter around a colorful environment of flowers and water features. Hummingbirds, spider monkeys, and the relaxing murmur of the river accompany you while you venture along the delightful trails of this tranquil nature reserve.

Later, you will be transferred to Guatemala City airport to catch a flight to Flores. 

Upon arrival at Flores Airport, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax in the comfort of your room.

Flores - Tikal - Flores

Day 6: Explore the Ancient City of Tikal

Today is dedicated to the impressive city of Tikal, built in the 4th century BC. This ancient city reached its peak between the 3rd and 9th century AD.

Here, you will witness an awe-inspiring setting where 3,000 ancient stone structures rise up from the rainforest in a mystical atmosphere. Stroll around this sacred land to highlights like the Temple of the Great Jaguar, which faces 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.

Once an active metropolis, Tikal merges seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Here, you may see spider monkeys, pheasants, coatis, toucans, and parrots. The screams of the howler monkeys can be heard for miles around, while the scents of native plants and flowers surprise you as you explore the site.

Return to Flores for overnight.

Flores - Yaxha - Guatemala City

Day 7: See the Stunning Ruins of Yaxha

On your final full day in Guatemala, you will set out on a journey to Yaxha, which means "green water" in the Mayan language. This ancient city is located on the shores of Lake Yaxha, a beautiful body of water that once supplied fresh water to the Mayan population. Walk along the marked trails of this majestic, yet rarely visited site. Be sure to take in the views of the lake from the Temple de las Manos Rojas.

After lunch, transfer to Flores airport to catch your flight to  La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, where you will meet your driver for the transfer to your hotel in the city center.

Guatemala City - Guatemala Airport

Day 8: Goodbye, Guatemala!

Your 8-day trip to Guatemala comes to an end today. We hope you have had an extraordinary adventure in this singular Central American country.

At the appropriate time, your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to La Aurora International Airport. We wish you pleasant travels as you make your way back home.