Guatemala City – Chichicastenango – Lake Atitlan – Antigua Guatemala – Tikal National Park – Yaxha – Guatemala City

There is a place in Central America where volcanoes guard beautiful villages, women hand weave their textiles with colorful patterns and majestic ruins are still hidden in the lush jungle. A place from where one of the World’s greatest civilizations evolved. Guatemala has a unique heritage which makes it a great combination between traditions and natural beauty.

Be part of a small group tour and discover the wonders of Guatemala and its fascinating culture! This journey collects the best Highlights of Guatemala for you to experience in eight days. We have carefully selected fine hotels, local cuisine, and different workshops to offer you a memorable stay.

Get ready to take off and discover the marvels of Guatemala!

Tour Highlights

Insight into local culture including shaman cleanse, culinary workshop and weaving presentation
Boat ride on Lake Atitlan and visit of San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan
Expedition into the jungle
including 2 different Mayan archaeological sites
Discovery of the history and traditions of Guatemala

Tour Program (8 Days / 7 Nights)

One of our local guides and drivers will wait for you at the International Airport and take you to your hotel in Zona Viva. A meet & greet and orientation meeting is scheduled for tonight.

Overnight at the 5-star Hotel Real Intercontinental, Guatemala City

After breakfast, we will visit one of the most colorful artisan markets of the country. All type of textiles, wood masks, flowers and incense odors will enhance our experience. The captivating history of the Popol Vuh (a sacred book written by the Maya of the region) and the syncretism lived inside the main church add a mystical vibe to this magical market.

After visiting the market and the church, we get away from the buzz and make our way to Pascual Abaj: a short walk brings us to a sacred Mayan ritual spot in the surrounding mountains of Chichi. A local Spiritual Guide will narrate her/his knowledge about the believes of the Maya, the importance of nature and the meaning of their offerings. Anyone who is interested can be part of a ‘limpia’ which is an energy cleanse practiced and based on Mayan believes.

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Lake Atitlan where we will spend the night in one of the most beautiful hotels of Guatemala… A perfect time to relax and unwind!

Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Atitlan, Panajachel

Today we will take a boat ride across Lake Atitlan until we reach the southern shores. Our first destination is San Juan La Laguna, known as the artist’s village. Textiles, mural-paintings and the enthusiasm of the locals make this a special place. We will learn about the cacao fruit and the importance it represented for the Maya including many different craft products made out of this valuable pre-hispanic ingredient. Small tasting is included!

After seeing the touristy setting, we will visit Santiago Atitlan to experience the local scene. Hosted by different local families, Maximon is a respected Mayan deity that constantly drinks and smokes, sometimes considered as a link between heaven and hell; a local market with all types of fresh products and a huge church with a great historical value are the main attractions of this little town.

Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Atitlan, Panajachel

Leaving the Lake behind us, we head to the best-preserved colonial city of the Americas: Antigua Guatemala. Partially destroyed by several earthquakes, Antigua is a charming combination of old and new. Ruins, modern stores, churches and flowers offer the perfect scenery! Upon arrival, we will discover Antigua’s history through a walking tour. Later in the afternoon we will enjoy a cooking workshop and prepare our own traditional dish: dry chilis, local veggies and pre-hispanic kitchenware will fulfill, not only our appetite, but all our senses.

Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo, Antigua Guatemala

Before we drive to Guatemala City we will visit a little village in the surroundings of Antigua. San Antonio Aguas Calientes is well known for its two-sided textile designs. The locals are very proud of their art and will show us their sewing technics. A great chance to buy a unique Guatemalan textile piece and support the community! We continue to the Capital of Guatemala for a City Tour in the small Historical Center. In the afternoon, we take a 45-minute flight to the tropical jungle of Peten.  Upon arriving we drive for another 15 minutes until we reach our hotel in the middle of a vast natural reserve.

Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Villa Maya, Santa Elena

Today we explore the mystical history of the Mayan World and the lowland jungle. Archeology and nature merge in this magic place where the Maya reached the highest point of their existence. Tikal was the most powerful city during the Classic Period of the Maya (250AC – 950AC) and today it carries a mystic atmosphere. After a long walk within trees and temples (around 8 km/5 mi) we will have lunch at Jungle Lodge – a small hotel located where the archeologists established their first camp for research back in the 19th century.

Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Villa Maya, Santa Elena

A second glance of the Maya civilization! Yaxha belongs to one of the largest archaeological sites of the Lowland region with a prestigious location between two lagoons. The importance of this site was due to the water bodies that surround it. Because of its low tourist’s influx, Yaxha is the perfect place to observe the flora and fauna of the region.  After this short visit, we head back to the Airport in Flores and take our flight back to Guatemala City.

To top your last day in Guatemala, we will share a ‘hasta pronto’ farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the 5-star Hotel Real Intercontinental, Guatemala City

Today is your last day in Guatemala. We will take you back to the Airport individually depending on your departure time to fly home. Or you can choose to continue your journey in Guatemala at leisure (talk to us about extensions in Guatemala and/or Belize).

Disclaimer walking ability - the tour includes average walking and participants should be able to be on their feet for their duration. Distances are 2 – 5 miles (3 – 8 km) per day and group will frequently stop and pause to listen to explanations of the guides. Participants are reminded that all tours are outdoor activities and are expected to walk up to 5 miles per day. A list of things needed during the tour will be provided.

Our Package Price Includes

  • Certified Bilingual Tour Guide throughout the entire journey
  • Specialized Community Guides
  • All transfers in late model private bus
  • Boat ride on Lake Atitlan (visiting 2 villages)
  • Domestic flight from Guatemala City to Flores, Peten
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in quality hotels
  • American Breakfast daily
  • Local gastronomy workshop in Antigua incl. early dinner
  • Live weaving presentation in San Antonio Aguas Calientes
  • Lunch at Tikal National Park
  • Lunch box on day 7
  • Farewell dinner in Guatemala City
  • All Entrance fees
  • Service charges and taxes
  • Tips for bellboys, boat and bus drivers

Our Package Does NOT Include

  • International flights
  • Transfers and meals not mentioned in above itinerary
  • Tips for Tour Guide

Hotels, Transportation and Farewell Dinner

Between Traditions and Natural Beauty

Nov. 18 - 25, 2024
Dec. 2 - 9, 2024
Jan. 18 - 25, 2025

Rates

Single: US$ 3,795
Double: US$ 2,945
Triple: US$ 2,575
Price per person

Operates with min. 4 guests, max. 16. Guided in English

This tour is available both on fixed dates or customized to individual needs and dates. Additional costs apply.

Enjoy Guatemala will be implementing special hygiene protocols and the necessary social distancing throughout every tour to ensure your comfort


 

 

 

Your comfort is our priority. We know how important it is to get a good rest while traveling. For this reason, we have selected a mix of the most prestigious and traditional hotels in Guatemala to ensure you a pleasant stay.

FAQs

Yes. Nevertheless, we are aware that Guatemala does not have the best reputation concerning security. For this reason, it is important for us to mention that the local crime does not affect tourists and during all our guided tours, you will be escorted by a local guide and local driver who know their country, the safe roads and do not take security for granted.

Dry season (from November to March). Known as the Land of The Eternal Spring, Guatemala has a pleasant weather divided in two seasons only: dry and wet. Average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 17°C (62°) in the main regions of the country.

Intermediate level. Between Traditions and Natural Beauty is an active tour and you will be required to walk from 3-8 km/2-5mi per day, mostly on even walking paths, between the busy markets and the jungle lush.

Yes, we are kid-friendly! However, if you are traveling with children under 12, we recommend that you book a private tour. This journey is mainly cultural and includes a lot of history and facts which will be narrated by the guides. This can sometimes be exhausting for your little ones.

Absolutely! Traveling in Guatemala is an adventure itself and is better enjoyed when you share it with people from different parts of the world.

Guatemala is a tropical country and has over 300 microclimates due to the different altitudes around its territory. In the mountainous region (Guatemala City, Antigua, Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan) temperatures reach 25°C (77°F) and can significantly drop during the night and reach 15°C (60°F). In the Lowland region (Tikal and Yaxha) climate can be very humid with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F).

Comfortable shoes to walk in the cities, villages and the jungle. This could be hiking boots tennis shoes or hiking sandals. Clothing for warm weather including a light pullover for the evenings in the Highland region (major part of the tour). It is also recommendable to dress in layers so that you can adapt better to the temperature changes. We also recommend insect repellent, sunscreen, hut and sunglasses, swimwear, electrical adapter, camera and a reusable water bottle to refill from the purified water dispensers along your journey.

We use Quetzal (named after our national bird) as local currency and the exchange rate is somewhere around 1 USD = 7 Q’s. You can bring US dollars and exchange them at a bank. Withdrawing money is safe and easy, however credit cards are also widely accepted throughout the country. Your guide will give you the best tips on where to exchange or withdraw money.

We estimate a total of USD30 per day per person. Of course, this will vary depending on your personal preferences.

Exotic and tasty! Expect to discover different ingredients, new technics to cook and (for some) lots of sugar. Our local gastronomy is a fusion between Spanish cuisine and Mayan traditions. You will find that our main dishes include different types of meats, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs and, of course, maize tortillas. Please inform your guide at the beginning of the tour if you have any food restrictions due to allergies, diet or beliefs.

Of course! Just let us know about your extra traveling desires and we will make it work for you. We will be happy to arrange what’s necessary for you to spend another couple of days in Guatemala or Belize!

The answer is easy! We are locals that love our country, do our best to support local communities and aim to leave minimal footprints. We care about our people and try to protect the environment as much as possible. We are committed to offer you a wonderful experience while taking care of the social and environmental scene of Guatemala.

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    Our tours are offered under the Enjoy Guatemala brand which belongs to the family of Absolute Travel Service LLC – a full-service tour operator promoting Europe and Central America since 2004.