Antigua, Chichicastenango, Atitlan and Tikal

The Central American country of Guatemala is a fascinating place to visit. It has a strong Mayan and subsequent colonial past which has left a strong mark on the country. The destinations on this tour are very different as you travel across the country, from the lovely colonial city of Antigua to the Mayan jungle ruins of Tikal, these visits will leave you astounded.

Day 1 - Welcome to Guatemala

Upon arrival at the Guatemala City airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. There is a good range of hotels available in this capital city. For the superior option guests could stay at the Guatemala City Marriott or as a slightly more economical option guests could stay at the Best Western-Stofella (subject to space of course). 

Day 2 - Antigua Guatemala and Pacaya Volcano

Antigua is considered one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Central America and the minute one steps foot on its cobbled streets you will understand why UNESCO declared it a ¨Cultural Heritage of Humankind¨.  The region is surrounded by three volcanoes (Agua, Fuego and Acatenango) and the urban areas are dotted with bougainvillea plants that climb out of crumbling buildings, terracotta tile roofs and plenty of parks for you to sit in and unwind. After a guided tour of the city we will continue on towards the Pacaya Volcano on the Pacific Coast. The volcano sits at 2 500m above sea level and we will commence our climb from the village of San Vicente de Pacaya. The climb takes approximately an hour and a half and after our descent we will return to Antigua.

Day 3 - Iximche / Lake Atitlan

Wake up to a delicious breakfast in your hotel before we make our way to the highlands and Lake Atitlan. Along the way we will stop off at the archaeological site of Iximche – the former capital of the Maya-Cakchiquel. After visiting the site we will make our way to Lake Atitlan where you can spend the afternoon at your leisure and experience the town of Panajachel. Guests can choose between Lake Atitlan (superior) and Villa Santa Catarina (standard).

Day 4 - Santiago Atitlan

After a delicious breakfast we will make our way to Santiago Atitlan, one of the 12 villages that surround Lake Atitlan. In order to get there, we will board a boat to the Maya-Tzutuhil village of Santiago Atitlan which is renowned for its naïf paintings, textiles and woodcarvings, as well as the character ´Maximon´ who is worshipped by the villagers of Santiago. After the tour we will return to Panajachel before heading back to Guatemala City where you will stay in either the Barcelo Guatemala City Hotel (superior) or the Best Western-Stofella Hotel (standard).

Day 5 - Yaxha

After an early start we head to the airport to catch a plane to Flores, Peten and then straight onto Yaxha (Turquoise Water) which is considered one of the Mayans most important civic and ceremonial sites during the Classic Period. The site is perfectly located on a hill which overlooks the gorgeous Laguna de Yaxha and Laguna Sacnab. Interestingly, Yaxha (except for Tikal) is the only site to have a ¨Twin Pyramid Complex¨. We will then return to Flores where you will spend the night in either the Villa Maya (superior) or the Maya International (standard).

Day 6 - Tikal

The magical Mayan city of Tikal has long been regarded as one of the biggest and most important sites of the Mayan world and in 1979 was declared a World Heritage Site. You will be given a guided tour of the site´s palaces, temples and complexes, as well as be able to take in the beauty of the natural surroundings which hundreds of exotic birds and wildlife call home. A delicious picnic lunch is included at the site.

Day 7 - Ixanpajul

Wake up ready for some adventure today as we will be heading to the Ixanpajul Natural Park where you will walk across the ¨Sky Way¨: a series of six suspension bridges that are set up in the upper canopy of the forest. From this height you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the area, as well as the wildlife of the region. The walk takes approximately two hours, after which you will zip line through the jungle before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Day 8 - Sayaxche

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before we head out to Sayaxche. Once there, we will take a boat along the La Pasion River and head towards the archaeological site Ceibal. The site, which thrived from 200 A.D. to 900 A.D., has an excellent collection of Mayan temples and stone carved monuments and is often referred to as ¨The Gallery of Mayan Art¨. After the site tour we continue our journey to the Cuevas de Candelaria National Park in Alta Verapaz where we will spend the night in the Hotel Candelaria Lodge.

Day 9 - Coban

Today we make our way to the Candelaria Caves situated at the foot of the Chama Mountain Range. The caves, which are the largest complex found in Central America and are over 30 kms long, are truly breathtaking and its crystal clear waters and lush foliage create an extraordinary underground system. We will then continue to the city of Coban where we will visit the Calvary Church:  the ceremonial grounds for the Maya-Kekchi to worship their pre-Hispanic gods. You will then spend the night at the Hotel La Posada.

Day 10 - Guatemala City

After breakfast we will head to the El Quetzal Mario Dary Rivera, a verdant forest ecosystem and the natural habitat of the national bird: the Quetzal. After the forest tour, we will drive back to Guatemala City and along the way witness the varied topography of the area which includes the cloud forests of Alta Verapaz and the dry Motagua River Valley. Upon arrival in the cooler climate of Guatemala City, guests will be taken to their hotel which will either be Barcelo Guatemala City (superior) or the Best Western-Stofella (standard).

Day 11 - Tour ends in Guatemala City

After breakfast or at a specified time we will transfer you to the airport where you can catch your flight home or join one of our other tours.

Remember: All of our vacations are custom-made, if you feel you are moving too quickly with this itinerary and would like to add more days here and there, no problem! Ask us for advice, we know the country and its sites well.

To see our range of Guatemala tours please CLICK HERE.