Treasures of Guatemala
8 Days - Departs daily
Guatemala contains an enormous amount of natural, historical and cultural sights. Ancient traditions remain very much alive, despite the fact that its Mayan temples and rainforest cities have long been abandoned. On this trip, visit the country’s highlights such as colonial Antigua, the volcanic Lake Atitlán and the long lost jungle ruins of Tikal.
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Itinerary Highlights
- Wander the cobbled streets and plazas of colonial Antigua, the graceful former capital.
- Relax along the shores of the volcano-fringed Lake Atitlan.
- The colourful highland market at Chichicastenango is a full-on, no-holds-barred sensory overload.
- Spend a night in the pristine jungle and have the chance to explore the majestic ruins of Tikal long after the crowds have departed.
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- There are several interesting ways we could extend this trip so you either start or finish in Mexico.
- Spend a few days exploring the ruins of Copan in Honduras.
- Enjoy a few extra days learning Spanish at a homestay in Antigua.
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Antigua
On arrival at Guatemala City airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Antigua 45 kms away.
Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital city for more than two hundred years until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Antigua today is a peaceful, partially restored colonial city that is a pleasure to explore.
City Tour
Volcan Fuego rises to the roof of the world above the streets of Antigua. Once the capital of Guatemala and all Central America, Antigua resembles a living ruin. Mammoth churches and palaces tell the story of Antigua's past glory, and restored facades speak of a bright future for this wonderful city. This morning we'll tour the city and admire Antigua's gilded cathedrals. The afternoon is yours to rent mountain bikes to explore the countryside, visit a coffee finca or macadamia nut plantation, or simply people watch in the main plaza.
Tour departs: approximately 9:00am.
Breakfast included.
Lake Atitlán
We'll travel into the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands to Lake Atitlán, located in the western highlands of Guatemala and often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Located at over 1500 metres above sea level, the lake reaches depths of 324 metres and is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes - Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro. We'll spend a night in beautiful Panajachel, considered the jewel of the highlands and inhabited by the Cachikel people for over eight hundred years. As we wander around Panajachel and its surrounding villages, you will observe the daily lives of these people and the skill of the women weavers.
Breakfast included.
Santiago Atitlan
Today you'll take a small passenger boat across the azure-coloured waters of the lake to the charming village of Santiago Atitlán. Get ready for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and insight into a thriving Mayan community. Villagers in Santiago Atitlán still adhere to the traditional lifestyle of the Tz'utuhil Maya and on our walk we'll see many people cloaked in brightly-coloured, hand-woven clothing. Art galleries filled with oil paintings line Santiago's main street, depicting busy market scenes and typical life in the highlands. We may also visit Maximòn and leave an offering to this curious and revered deity before returning back across the lake to Panajachel.
Tour departs: approximately 9:00am.
Breakfast included.
Chichicastenango Markets – Antigua
A visit to Guatemala would not be complete without the chance to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango. This beautiful town, surrounded by valleys and shadowed by mountains, has many shamanistic and ceremonial overtones. Its large market brings villagers from throughout the region who often arrive the night before and sleep on blankets in the market square. Rising early, they set out their colourful fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. The market disperses in the early afternoon, so we will then travel back to Antigua where we'll spend the night.
Tour departs: approximately 8:00am.
*Take note that market days are Thursdays and Sundays, however we can rearrange this itinerary to make sure you’re there on the correct day.
Breakfast included.
Depart
Pick up is at 3:30am and a boxed lunch is included. Our representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Arrival
Upon arrival at Flores airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your accommodation in Tikal.
Tikal Ruins
Today you will enjoy a guided tour of the Tikal site, where you'll encounter towering pyramids rising above the thick jungle canopy and learn how the city thrived as an important religious, scientific, and political centre for fifteen hundred years. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, white-lipped peccary, brocket deer, coatimundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar.
The sheer scale of the ruins at Tikal may at first seem daunting; however by staying within the park you will have the opportunity to further explore the ruins beyond the central area. Wander endlessly into the maze of smaller structures and outlying complexes hidden in the jungle growth, and if your energy levels are high enough to make it to the top of Temple IV you won't be disappointed! Amazing views of the surrounding jungle canopy will greet you from the top of the highest structure within the complex, and once the crowds have left the jungle animals comes to life.
Breakfast included.
Departure
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Flores airport for your departure flight.
Arrival
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Guatemala City is where culture and history meet. It's a fascinating city with an energy unlike anywhere else in Guatemala and is home to the country's best museums, galleries and transport.
Breakfast included.
Departure
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast included.
Comfort
Antigua, Guatemala - Lo de Bernal
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Hotel Regis
Tikal, Guatemala - Tikal Inn
Guatemala City, Guatemala - Radisson
Superior
Antigua, Guatemala - Camino Real Antigua
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Porta del Lago
Tikal, Guatemala - Jungle Lodge
Guatemala City, Guatemala - Grand Tikal Futura
Deluxe
Antigua, Guatemala - El Convento Boutique Hotel
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Hotel Atitlan
Tikal, Guatemala - Jungle Lodge
Guatemala City, Guatemala - Real Intercontinental
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Internal flights
- Hotel taxes
- entrance fees,
- Tours with English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- International flights
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Additional hotel nights
- Gratuities
Notes
Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.