About the tour
Starts
Ends
Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua, Guatemala
Highlights
Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.
Take an elaborately decorated chicken bus to a local market and witness the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God.
Visit Chichicastenango market – known as Chichi for short – and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Maya garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery.
Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Maya descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
Start and end your trip in Antigua, making sure to see the city’s restored Spanish buildings and epic views of the volcano that towers over it.
Itinerary
Step off the tourist trail and into the living heart of Mayan culture with the "Heart of Guatemala" explorer tour. Over six days, this guided small group journey from Antigua takes you deep into the highlands, unveiling authentic traditions, lively markets, and mystical landscapes far from the crowds.
Discover the colorful streets of Quetzaltenango, where the Almolonga market bursts with giant vegetables and Chichicastenango teems with handmade crafts and medicinal plants. Witness sacred ceremonies at the Temple of San Simon, then travel to Lake Atitlan, encircled by volcanoes and traditional villages.
A scenic boat ride delivers you to the shrine of Maximon, where local beliefs come alive in a swirl of incense and ritual. With cozy hotel stays, all transport, and included meals, this tour package makes it easy to connect with the real Guatemala.
The unique selling point? An immersive window into modern Maya life—offering travelers the rare chance to experience Guatemala’s spiritual traditions and vibrant markets in a short, accessible getaway.
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