Land of contrasts, Guatemala is also the country
of eternal spring.
As a country with the size as three times Belgium, it offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, climates and populations. Here you will meer welcoming and warm people, always defending their ancestral traditions and languages (there are more than 20!).
Guatemala is the original land of the Mayan civilization, the biggest and most illustrious civilization of the American continent. Among other builders, astronomers, mathematicians and artists the Mayans have excelled in the arts and sciences, leaving memorable testimonies of their passage. Tikal and other archaeological sites lost in the jungle will fascinate you with their beautiful temples and pyramids.
From the famous Atitlán Lake to the tropical region of Petén, passing through the Caribbean coast, you will discover majestic landscapes full of contrasts. Mayan temples, indigenous villages, colourful markets, black sand beaches, active volcanoes and tropical jungle are all elements that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.
The essentials of the Mayan world – 14 days
With this tour across the country, you will have the opportunity to explore the many facets of Guatemala and dive into the heart of the Mayan culture. The tour will be starting in the UNESCO colonial city of Antigua and then to hiking Pacaya an active volcano. Then you will enjoy unique volcano landscapes of Lake Atitlan. Next, visiting the canyon of Rio Dulce on the Caribbean coast followed by the famous Mayan site of Tikal located in the Mayan jun-gle. Lastly, you will enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters of Semuc Champey, finish by visiting a coffee plantation.
Day 1: Guatemala City airport – Antigua Guatemala
When arriving to Guatemala City airport, you will be welcomed by a staff member. Then a driver will take you to the small colonial city of Antigua Guatemala. With its cobbled streets and colourful facades, Antigua is one of Gua-temala’s gems, ideal for a gentle immersion into Central America.
Day 2: Visit of Antigua colonial city
With a professional guide, you will do a walking tour of the colonial city of Antigua, nestled in a floral valley in the middle of three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. World Heritage listed by UNESCO in 1979, Antigua shows an incomparable charm with its courtyards, romantic ruins and colonial mansions.
Day 3: Antigua – Hiking to Pacaya volcano – Antigua
Early departure by shuttle with a small group to the Pacaya volcano accompanied by a local Spanish-speaking guide. With this beautiful ride will lead you to will lead you to one of the last active volcanoes in Central America, culminating at 2,500 meters above sea level. The hike itself isn’t too difficult and is suitable for all levels of fitness. Surrounded by volcanic rock and ash, you will be immersed in a unique experience! Upon return to Antigua you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city freely.
Day 4: Antigua – Chichicastenango traditional market – Panajachel
A driver will take you today to the indigenous village of Chichicastenango, in the Altiplano (highlands) culminating 2,030 meters above sea level. There you will enjoy its traditional market held every Thursday and Sunday. This small town in Quiché was once an important trading centre and today reflects the country’s ethnic and linguistic diversity. From pottery to medicinal plants, candles, animals or textiles, this colourful market will undoubtedly sur-prise you. After the visit, you will travel to the village of Panajachel, located on the shores of the magnificent Lake Atitlan.
Day 5: Panajachel – Tour of Atitlan Lake and its Mayan villages – Panajachel
Today, you will explore by motor boat (lancha) the lake and the Mayan villages. You will start with a guided tour of the Tzutujil community of San Juan La Laguna where you will learn more about its handicraft traditions. Then you will transported by boat to explore on your own freely two other villages around the lake. These local towns are characterized by the beauty of the traditional clothes worn by the local Mayan women. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Day 6 : Panajachel – Sololá market – Ceremonial site of Iximché – Antigua
Return back to Antigua and on the way stop at Sololá where you will discover the most traditional market in the region. Then, you will make another stop at the ruins of Iximché, an ancestral site where many Mayan ceremonies are still practiced by Mayan priests to this day.
Day 7: Antigua – Quirigua archaeological site – Rio Dulce
Departure for the Atlantic coast. On the way, your driver will stop at Quirigua, a Mayan site presenting a beautiful stellar of the Mayan world. You will then reach Río Dulce, a small village located at the shore s of Izabal, the biggest lake in the Guatemala.
Day 8: Rio Dulce – Along the Rio Dulce Canyon and Livingston Village – Rio Dulce
A majestic boat trip will take you to Livingston, a small town accessible only by boat. Do not forget to try the “Tapa-do”, a traditional Garifuna soup made with coconut milk, fish, plantain banana and seafood: delicious and a must try!
Day 9: Rio Dulce – Las Conchas or Finca Paraiso waterfalls – Flores
Today you will depart to Flores, a small town in the northern region of Petén. On the way, you have the option to stop at Las Conchas waterfalls, a beautiful set of natural pools with impressive free flowing water. Another option to stop at the Finca Paraiso, a unique place where a hot waterfall falls into a fresh river.
Day 10: Flores – Tikal Mayan site – Flores
Today, you will have a guided tour of Mayan site Tikal, the most spectacular pyramids in the Mayan world! Once there you will be immersed in the Mayan jungle to discover not only the Mayan buildings and temples but also one of the richest tropical flora and fauna. It is hard to imagine the thriving former metropolis of over ten thousand people standing here. As a symbol of the artistic, architectural, mathematical, agricultural and commercial power of the Mayan Empire, the great pyramid of the “Two-headed snake” rises above the vegetation like a mirage. After the visit, you will return to Flores.
Day 11: Flores – Alta Verapaz caves – Cobán
Today you will travel to Cobán, a small town in the Alta Verapaz region, well known for its humidity which has made it suitable for growing coffee, cardamom and orchids. Along the way, you will stop at one of the biggest cave in the region.
Day 12: Cobán – Semuc Champey natural pools – Cobán
Departing the morning by shuttle to the Semuc Champey, a wonderful collection of natural pools and waterfalls. Semuc Champey is undoubtedly one of the must-sees in the country. Before returning to Cobán at the end of the day, you have the option of stopping to visit caves in Lanquín which is located very close to Semuc Champey.
Day 13: Cobán – Visit of a coffee plantation – Guatemala City
The special climate of Alta Verapaz is the ideal place to visit a coffee plantation. At the plantation you will be guided by a local farmer, where you will learn about the process of planting, cultivation and roasting of this noble drink, one of the best products in Guatemalan.
Day 14: Guatemala City – Guatemala City airport
Free morning in the capital, with the option to visit museums or the historic centre, central park, relief map and artisanal market. Transport with a private driver to Guatemala City Airport for your departure flight.
Rates starting from 1450 euros per person based on 4 participants (valid over the period 2020-2021, excluding Christmas holidays, New Year and Easter Week). Please contact us for a personalize quote request.
- Our rates includes: Accommodation in double room with breakfast included in comfortable hotels; private transportation, shuttle and boat transportation depending the day; local guides for visiting the community of San Juan La Laguna, the Pacaya volcano, the cave in Alta Verapaz and the coffee plantation; professional English-speaking guide for the visit of Tikal Mayan site and Antigua with the entrance fees to the Tikal ruins and to three museums in Antigua; the VAT.
- Our rates do NOT include: Airport taxes, border taxes and other taxes; excursions and entrance fees to sites, monuments and museums not mentioned above; guide services except those mentioned above; tips; meals and beverage other than those mentioned in this offer; all expenses due to delays or conditions beyond our control; personal insurance; international plane tickets; all services not mentioned.
From the land of eternal spring to the Belize Islands – 14 days
This itinerary is a perfect balance between cultural discoveries, human encounters, exuberant natural views and relaxation. You’ll exploring the beautiful region of Lake Atitlán and its volcanic landscapes as well as the colonial city of Antigua. Next you will fall in love with the colourful market of Chichicastenango. You will meet there indigenous populations with many traditions before enjoying a brief look into the Mayan site of Copán in Honduras. You will then follow the Caribbean coast to the tropical region of Petén to discover the largest Mayan temples. Finally, it is on the Belize Islands, off the coral reef that you will enjoy a deserved rest.
Day 1: Guatemala City airport – Antigua Guatemala
When arriving to Guatemala City airport, you will be welcomed by a staff member. Then a driver will take you to the small colonial city of Antigua Guatemala. With its cobbled streets and colourful facades, Antigua is one of Gua-temala’s gems, ideal for a gentle immersion into Central America.
Day 2: Visit of Antigua colonial city
With a professional guide, you will do a walking tour of the colonial city of Antigua, nestled in a floral valley in the middle of three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. World Heritage listed by UNESCO in 1979, Antigua shows an incomparable charm with its courtyards, romantic ruins and colonial mansions.
Day 3: Antigua – Hiking to Pacaya volcano – Antigua
Early departure by shuttle with a small group to the Pacaya volcano accompanied by a local Spanish-speaking guide. With this beautiful ride will lead you to will lead you to one of the last active volcanoes in Central America, culminating at 2,500 meters above sea level. The hike itself isn’t too difficult and is suitable for all levels of fitness. Surrounded by volcanic rock and ash, you will be immersed in a unique experience! Upon return to Antigua you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city freely.
Day 4: Antigua – Chichicastenango traditional market – Panajachel
A driver will take you today to the indigenous village of Chichicastenango, in the Altiplano (highlands) culminating 2,030 meters above sea level. There you will enjoy its traditional market held every Thursday and Sunday. This small town in Quiché was once an important trading centre and today reflects the country’s ethnic and linguistic diversity. From pottery to medicinal plants, candles, animals or textiles, this colourful market will undoubtedly sur-prise you. After the visit, you will travel to the village of Panajachel, located on the shores of the magnificent Lake Atitlan.
Day 5: Panajachel – Tour of Atitlan Lake and its Mayan villages – Panajachel
Today, you will explore by motor boat (lancha) the lake and the Mayan villages. You will start with a guided tour of the Tzutujil community of San Juan La Laguna where you will learn more about its handicraft traditions. Then you will transported by boat to explore on your own freely two other villages around the lake. These local towns are characterized by the beauty of the traditional clothes worn by the local Mayan women. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Day 6 : Panajachel – Sololá market – Ceremonial site of Iximché – Antigua
Return back to Antigua and on the way stop at Sololá where you will discover the most traditional market in the region. Then, you will make another stop at the ruins of Iximché, an ancestral site where many Mayan ceremonies are still practiced by Mayan priests to this day.
Day 7: Antigua – Macaw Bird Mountain Sanctuary – Copán Village
A driver will take you this morning to Copán, a small colonial town nestled in a green valley in Honduras, on the Guatemalan border. Here you will visit a bird reserve sheltering very beautiful species of macaws, the national bird of Honduras, but also toucans and parrots can been seen here.
Day 8: Copán Village – Copán Mayan site – Rio Dulce – Livingston
This morning, a professional guide will pick you up to visit the Mayan archaeological site of Copán. Known for its exceptional beauty and the richness of its monuments. Its famous staircase carved with thousands of hieroglyphs is breathtaking. Then, a driver will take you to Río Dulce on the Guatemala’s Atlantic coast. A majestic boat trip will take you to Livingston, a small town accessible only by boat. Do not forget to try the “Tapado”, a traditional Garifuna soup made with coconut milk, fish, plantain banana and seafood: delicious and a must try!
Day 9: Livingston – Rio Dulce – Las Conchas waterfalls – Flores
By boat, you will discover the natural wonders of the Rio Dulce Canyon. When reaching the village a driver will be waiting for you to take you by road to Flores, a small town in the northern region of Petén. On the way, you have the option to stop at Las Conchas waterfalls, a beautiful set of natural pools with impressive free flowing water.
Day 10: Flores – Tikal Mayan site – Flores
Today, you will have a guided tour of Mayan site Tikal, the most spectacular pyramids in the Mayan world! Once there you will be immersed in the Mayan jungle to discover not only the Mayan buildings and temples but also one of the richest tropical flora and fauna. It is hard to imagine the thriving former metropolis of over ten thousand people standing here. As a symbol of the artistic, architectural, mathematical, agricultural and commercial power of the Mayan Empire, the great pyramid of the “Two-headed snake” rises above the vegetation like a mirage. After the visit, you will return to Flores.
Day 11: Flores – Belize City water taxi terminal – Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye
After a short private transfer from your hotel to Flores bus station, you will take a bus to Belize City water taxi terminal. From there you will take a ferry (not included) to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye.
Day 12 & 13: Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye
Free days to enjoy the tranquillity of the islands and the sun. Possibility of a diving excursion to the Lighthouse Reef to observe the famous Blue Hole or discover the small paradise islands of Turneffe Atoll. You could explore the marine reserves of Hol Chan, Bacalar Chico and Shark Ray Alley to swim in the barrier reef between turtles, parrotfish and nurse sharks.
Day 14: Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye – Belize City water taxi terminal – Belize City airport
You will take a ferry (not included) back from the islands to the mainland. When arriving on Belize City water taxi terminal a driver will be waiting for you to take you to the International Airport.
Rates starting from 1400 euros per person based on 4 participants (valid over the period 2020-2021, excluding Christmas holidays, New Year and Easter Week, with Caye Caulker island). Please contact us for a personalize quote request.
- Our rates includes: Accommodation in double room with breakfast included in comfortable hotels (except on the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker where breakfasts are not included); private transportation, shuttle and bus depending the day; transportation by boat on Atitlan Lake and Rio Dulce; local guides for visits to the community of San Juan La Laguna and the Pacaya volcano; professional English-speaking guide for the visit of Tikal Mayan site, Copan Mayan site and Antigua with the entrance fees to the Tikal ruins, Copan ruins and to three museums in Antigua; the VAT.
- Our rates do NOT include: Airport taxes, border taxes and other taxes; the boat-transfer from and to Belize islands; excursions and entrance fees to sites, monuments and museums not mentioned above; guide services except those mentioned above; tips; meals and beverage other than those mentioned in this offer; all expenses due to delays or conditions beyond our control; personal insurance; international plane tickets; all services not mentioned.
Guatemala, volcanic adventure – 10 days
Accessible to anyone who is good physical condition, this tour will take you to one of the most incredible active volcanoes in the region: the Fuego volcano. Climbing the crater of the Acatenango volcano for two days you will enjoy unique landscapes and view lava eruptions. In addition, you will live a cultural immersion stay with a indigenous family on the shores of the legendary Atitlan Lake. Then the landscape will radically change to discover Petén region, with its rainforest and Mayan pyramids, among which the famous site of Tikal.
Day 1: Guatemala City airport – Antigua Guatemala
When arriving to Guatemala City airport, you will be welcomed by a staff member. Then a driver will take you to the small colonial city of Antigua Guatemala. With its cobbled streets and colourful facades, Antigua is one of Gua-temala’s gems, ideal for a gentle immersion into Central America.
Day 2: Visit of Antigua colonial city
Free day to visit the colonial city of Antigua, nestled in a floral valley in the middle of three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. World Heritage listed by UNESCO in 1979, Antigua shows an incomparable charm with its courtyards, romantic ruins and colonial mansions.
Day 3: Antigua – Chichicastenango traditional market – Panajachel – San Juan La Laguna
A driver will take you today to the indigenous village of Chichicastenango, in the Altiplano (highlands) culminating 2,030 meters above sea level. There you will enjoy its traditional market held every Thursday and Sunday. This small town in Quiché was once an important trading centre and today reflects the country’s ethnic and linguistic diversity. From pottery to medicinal plants, candles, animals or textiles, this colourful market will undoubtedly sur-prise you. After the visit, you will travel to Lake Atitlan where a boat will be waiting for you to take you to San Juan La Laguna. You will be welcomed by a local family where you will be staying the night.
Day 4: San Juan La Laguna – Sunrise walk and cultural immersion – San Juan La Laguna
This morning will be an early morning rise for the hike to the Rostro Maya with a local guide. The summit will over look the lake and San Juan La Laguna. The view on the top is magical! Then, back to the village where you will participate in a small cooking class with a local family or you will go fishing in a cayuco, a traditional wooden boat, with the local men from the village.
Day 5: San Juan La Laguna – Tour of Atitlan Lake and its Mayan villages – Panajachel
This morning, a local guide will take you to visit several handicraft workshops in the small town of Tzutujil. Where you will be able to see locals making honey, natural dyes, textiles, medicinal medicines, cocoa and painting, etc. Then you will transported by boat to explore on your own freely two other villages around the lake, where you can see picturesque views of 3 volcanoes that surround the lake. Finally, you will be back to Panajachel for the night.
Day 6: Panajachel – Atitlan Reserve – Mayan ceremonial site of Iximché – Antigua
A driver will take you back to Antigua stopping on the way to visit Atitlan Natural Reserve where you can enjoy activities such as trail walks, suspension bridges, zip lining and visit butterfly house. Then, you will make another stop at Iximché ruins, an ancestral site where many Mayan ceremonies are still practiced by Mayan priests to this day. Finally, you will return to Antigua where you will have free time to roam and explore this beautiful colonial city.
Day 7: Antigua – Ascent of Acatenango volcano
You will travel to the village of La Soledad and begin the ascent of the Acatenango volcano base camp with a local guide.The second highest summit in the country. With an altitude 3,970 meters. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours hike, with many stops for rest along the way. You will enjoy amazing landscapes of tropical rainforest, bamboo and volcanic rock deserts. The magnificent views of the volcano and the lava that eruptions from Fuego volcano is very impressive view.
Day 8: Lava eruptions from the Fuego volcano – Antigua – Flores
Early morning rise to hike the summit of Acatenango, where you will enjoy the sunrise. You will then walk back to the village of La Soledad where a driver will wait for you to take you to Antigua. From there, you will go to Guatemala City airport to take a domestic flight (not included) to Flores, in the northern region of Petén.
Day 9: Flores – Tikal Mayan site – Flores – Guatemala City
Today, you will have a guided tour of Mayan site Tikal, the most spectacular pyramids in the Mayan world! Once there you will be immersed in the Mayan jungle to discover not only the Mayan buildings and temples but also one of the richest tropical flora and fauna. It is hard to imagine the thriving former metropolis of over ten thousand people standing here. As a symbol of the artistic, architectural, mathematical, agricultural and commercial power of the Mayan Empire, the great pyramid of the “Two-headed snake” rises above the vegetation like a mirage. After the visit, you will return to Flores and take a domestic flight (not included) to Guatemala City where you will spend this last night.
Day 10: Guatemala City – Guatemala City airport
Free morning in the capital, with the option to visit museums or the historic centre, central park, relief map and artisanal market. Transport with a private driver to Guatemala City Airport for your departure flight.
Rates starting from 750 euros per person based on 4 participants (valid over the period 2020-2021, excluding Christmas holidays, New Year and Easter Week). Please contact us for a personalize quote request.
- Our rates includes: Accommodation in double room in comfortable hotels and one night camp on Acatenango volcano; all the breakfasts in the mentioned hotels and the meals during the ascent of the Acatenango volcano; private transportation, shuttle and boat transportation depending the day; local guides for visits to the community of San Juan La Laguna, the walk to the Rostro Maya and the Acatenango volcano; entrances fees to Tikal ruins, the Rostro Maya and the Acatenango National Park; professional English-speaking guide for the visit of Tikal Mayan site; the loan of a local mobile phone for your entire stay in Guatemala; the VAT.
- Our rates do NOT include: Airport taxes, border taxes and other taxes; excursions and entrance fees to sites, monuments and museums not mentioned above; guide services except those mentioned above; tips; meals and beverage other than those mentioned in this offer; all expenses due to delays or conditions beyond our control; personal insurance; international and local plane tickets; all services not mentioned.