Guatemala: elected one of “the world’s best 25 trips to take in 2020” by National Geographic Traveler

Mayan Heartland, Tropical Ruins, and Spanish Colonial Culture

Type of Trip: Culture, Family Length: 8 days Season: November – April Rating: Grade I

Find the essence of Guatemala in this classic, family-friendly journey. This incredible itinerary allows you to experience all of the must-see parts of Guatemala, as you travel through a volcanic landscape painted with verdant jungles, glimmering shorelines, and rich Mayan culture. You’ll explore the old Spanish colonial capitol of Antigua, popular for its architecture and atmosphere, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel a few miles outside of city limits and explore via foot the surrounding forests and coffee plantations. Heading to the western Mayan highlands, you’ll visit the small town of Chichicastenango, renowned for its colorful markets, Mayan fabrics, carvings, ceramics and other unique wares. The highlands are also home to the scenic Lake Atitlán, a breathtaking volcanic mountain lake great for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Continuing to the Mayan heartland of the Petén, you’ll enjoy a relaxing stay above Petén Itzá Lake. Traveling through rain forests you’ll also visit the Yaxha and Tikal ruins, two archeological sites from the ancient Mayan empire.

Trip Highlights:

• Walk the cobbled streets and admire the architecture of the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage City of Antigua.
• Get a taste of highland culture with a traditional cooking class in Antigua.
• Kayak the scenic Volcano lined Lake Atitlán, hike and zip line in the nearby Atitlán Nature Reserve.
• Learn about customary methods of textile production and local folklore.
• Explore Chichicastenango’s market for textiles, carvings, and other crafts.
• Visit the remarkable 400-year-old St Thomas Church that embodies the combination of Mayan and Catholic traditions.
• Explore the archeological ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the amazing ancient Mayan civilization that once thrived here.
• Walk through the suspension bridges and look for wildlife at the Ixpanpajul Park while admiring the views of the jungles and the Petén Itzá lagoon.

Brief Itinerary

DAY 1: USA / GUATEMALA CITY / ANTIGUA
Arrive to Guatemala City this afternoon and drive to Antigua to spend the night.

DAY 2: ANTIGUA
Explore the colonial historic city of Antigua by foot and van. Visit the nearby village of Jocotenango and a coffee farm. This evening enjoy a cooking class and welcome dinner.

DAY 3: ANTIGUA / CHICHICASTENANGO / LAKE ATITLAN
Visit the traditional handcraft market at Chichicastenango and the 400 year old Santo Tomas Church. Afternoon drive to Lake Atitlán and watch the sunset over the water.

DAY 4: LAKE ATITLAN / GUATEMALA CITY
Enjoy morning kayaking and deep exploration of Atitlán Nature Reserve with trails and an exciting zip line. Navigate to San Juan Laguna and learn about customs and textile traditions. Drive back to Guatemala City for the night.

DAY 5: GUATEMALA CITY / PETEN / YAXHA
Fly to Flores in the Petén region and receive an introduction to the Mayans at the Yaxha ruins. Stay at a boutique hotel and private reserve on the shore of Lake Quexil.

DAY 6: TIKAL
A day to explore the heart of the Mayan World and one of the most spectacular Pre-Columbian archaeological sites, Tikal: “City of Voices” located within Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DAY 7: IXPANPAJUL PARK / GUATEMALA CITY
Visit Ixpanpajul Park and discover the endemic species of Guatemala by zip line or horseback. Stop at the Wildlife Rescue Center and Conservation Association en route to the airport. Fly to Guatemala City for a farewell night in town.

DAY 8: GUATEMALA CITY / USA
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home or begin an extension to other destinations in Central America.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.

Departures

On request, for any dates during the November-April season.

This trip is customizable according to travel preferences and season.

p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.