Highlights
Lake Atitlan - Take a boat trip on this stunning lake, encircled by volcanoes, and visit the neighbouring Maya villages. Maya sites - Discover the atmospheric jungle site of Tikal and the more peaceful site of Copan. Chichicastenango Market - Experience the bustle and colour of this busy market and see the modern Maya culture come to life. Festivals - Witness the Holy Week celebrations in Antigua, or the giant kite festival celebrated as part of the Day of the Dead festivities in Sumpango.
Itinerary
Step into a world where ancient Maya cities meet vibrant highland markets on the 'Guatemala - Land of the Maya' tour. This 15-day guided adventure, crafted for experienced travelers, weaves together the best of Guatemala’s culture, history, and breathtaking nature through moderate activity.
Sail across the stunning Lake Atitlan, ringed by volcanic peaks and dotted with traditional Maya villages. Dive into the lush jungles of Tikal and Copan, where the echoes of ancient civilizations linger among towering temples and carved stelae. Experience the buzz of Chichicastenango’s famous market, where modern Maya culture bursts with color and life.
Unique to this tour is its inclusion of local festivals, such as Holy Week in Antigua or the giant kite festival in Sumpango, offering rare cultural immersion. Whether you’re exploring remote ruins or mingling with artisans, the trip’s blend of iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path gems guarantees a rich introduction to Central America’s heart and soul.
day 1Join tour in Guatemala City
Our tour starts today in Guatemala City, Guatemala's busy capital. Much of the city is quite modern, but the colonial centre around the main square harks back to the time when the city was officially declared Guatemala's new capital in the eighteenth century. Due to the number of evening flights into the international airport, our tour leader plans to hold the welcome meeting on the morning of day two. They'll leave a message in reception with details on timings and everything else that you'll need for the day. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Guatemala City at any time. If you'd like a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into La Aurora International Airport (GUA), approximately a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to visit the bustling Mercado Central or one of the city's many museums.
day 2Short city tour of Guatemala City, head to Copan (Honduras)
day 3Explore the Copan archaeological site
day 4Drive to Puerto Barrios, boat to Livingston
day 5Boat trip to 7 Altares Waterfalls & Playa Blanca. Explore Livingston
day 6Boat trip on the Rio Dulce, continue to Flores
day 7Guided tour of Tikal
day 8Visit the Candelaria Caves, continue to Coban
day 9Day trip to the famous Semuc Champey
day 10Nature walk in the cloud forest of Quetzal Biotope. Continue to Antigua
day 11Discover Chichicastenango Market then travel to Lake Atitlán
day 12Day trip to Lake Atitlán; boat trip to visit villages inhabited by Tzutujil Indigenous people
day 13Visit to Iximche Archeological Site. Afternoon orientation tour of Antigua
day 14All Saints Celebration Giant Kite Festival
day 15Trip ends in Antigua
What's Included
Customer Reviews
Wow what a trip! So many contrasts and different experiences all rolled into one amazing trip. Our tour leader was superb, he is in a class of his own and on top of that such a wonderful person. I recommend this trip to seasoned travellers who are happy for long travel days, a mix of quality in the accommodation and comfortable with basic amenities at times. The sights and experiences are 100% worth it but it can be tough going at times. Highlights include Volcano walking, Maya ruins and fabulous birds mixed in with incredible landscapes, stunning scenery and tropical beaches. You really do leave having experienced this country to the full and learnt a few Spanish words along the way!
A wonderful trip with lots of variety. Marvin was a great trip leader; very interesting and knowledgeable, giving clear explanations and advice.
Great, comprehensive tour with a great tour leader!
A highly enjoyable and very energetic trip offering huge variety of experiences; from historic city streets to Caribbean beaches; Mayan ruins to vibrant markets; nature reserves to lakeside hotels, torch-lit caverns to smouldering volcanoes, and much more. It was a full-on journey, excellently managed by local guide Marvin Chang. Over a couple of weeks, and a lot of miles, we got to see many of the highlights of Guatemala (and the glorious Mayan ruins of Copán just over the border in Honduras). The accommodation ranged from excellent to good but was always characterful. The breakfasts supplied were very good and generally a wide choice of restaurants for evening meals. Quite a few lunches were quick stops at roadside restaurants and service stations so this isn't a tour for those looking for leisurely mid-day gourmet experiences. Overall, it was a journey of discovery, occasionally tiring but absolutely worth the effort. The perfect holiday for someone who relaxes by dashing around hunting down fascinating sights that they will remember for the rest of their life.
The itinerary requires lots of long driving days so I give it 4 stars but it’s also the only way to do it all. Hotels were a nice upgrade though little time to enjoy them as days are full on.
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