Complete Guatemala
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Blessed with outstanding natural beauty and perhaps one of the most culturally rich destinations in Central America, this two-week overland loop heads out from the capital to the eastern Caribbean shores of Livingston where the adventure begins slow relaxing into the beautiful ...
Blessed with outstanding natural beauty and perhaps one of the most culturally rich destinations in Central America, this two-week overland loop heads out from the capital to the eastern Caribbean shores of Livingston where the adventure begins slow relaxing into the beautiful nature and a laid-back way of life here.
Head next to Tikal, the country’s standout UNESCO World Heritage ruins tucked away in quiet rainforests, before making your way across the dense jungles to the glistening gem of Semuc Champey, hidden in the remote reaches of the Guatemalan jungle. Enjoy some time unwinding in its stunning pools and exploring the area’s natural phenomena whilst slowly making your way down south. The next stop is the lowland town of Coban in the country’s coffee heartlands, where there'll be the chance to see the national flower at an orchid farm and enjoy one Guatemala’s biggest exports, coffee, at a Mayan community-run farm.
A night in the country’s second city, Quetzaltenango, offers a lesson in pre-Columbian and colonial history, before some kayaking, hiking and relaxing at Lake Atitlan - arguably one of Central America’s most iconic natural sights. The tour then ends at the rightly adored, enchanting town of Antigua, where you’ll enjoy a private home cooking class and a traditional Guatemalan lunch followed by a walking tour around its captivating cobblestone streets before your flight back home.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Guatemala City
Day 1 Arrive Guatemala City
After being welcomed at the airport by your private guide and driver duo, you’ll be taken straight to your hotel in one of the city’s upmarket, residential areas nearby. Take the rest of the day to rest and settle in after your flight.
Day 2 Guatemala City – Livingston: Quirigua Ruins & Down the Rio Dulce
Day 2 Guatemala City – Livingston: Quirigua Ruins & Down the Rio Dulce
Reuniting with your guide and driver this morning, you’ll set off from the capital to the country’s short east coast, home to the distinct Garifuna community that settled here in the 1800s. The drive across the country and boat ride down the Rio Dulce (Sweet River) to the main port town of Livingston are broken up with a stop at the remote Mayan ruins of Quirigüa, one of only four UNESCO World Heritage sites found in the country. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in the colourful, dusty seaside town of Livingston, sampling the regional cuisine and relaxing into the Caribbean atmosphere.
Day 3 Livingston: Inland Cascades & Caribbean Beaches
Day 3 Livingston: Inland Cascades & Caribbean Beaches
This morning, enjoy a walk through lush rainforest to some inland cascades forming seven freshwater pools, known as the seven alters. There’s the opportunity to swim in them for a taste of things to come at the grand Semuc Champey pools later in the itinerary. Next, head to one of the area’s protected Caribbean beaches, Playa Blanca (White Beach), named for its white, sandy shores. Lacking in infrastructure, it provides a very laid-back atmosphere from which to enjoy the shallow waters and tranquil atmosphere.
Day 4 Livingston – Tikal National Park: Mayan Ruins Sunset
Day 4 Livingston – Tikal National Park: Mayan Ruins Sunset
The adventure takes you deep into Guatemala’s rainforests next in the remote northeast of the country. These forests are teeming with ancient Mayan history, and the journey should see you arriving in time to enjoy a mystical sunset from atop the main pyramid at Yaxhá ruins. The scene of a warm red and orange blanket covering the dense forest canopy and glistening lagoons below before plunging the area into darkness is a sight to behold. Retire to your comfy Jungle Lodge for dinner.
Day 5 Tikal National Park – Flores: UNESCO World Heritage Ruins
Day 5 Tikal National Park – Flores: UNESCO World Heritage Ruins
A very early start provides the opportunity to head to the national treasure of Tikal, the UNESCO World Heritage ruins, and to climb up one of its temples for a prime sunrise spot. After watching the sun light up the sprawling, ancient city below, head back down for breakfast to prepare you for the day’s sightseeing. A full day with the training and knowledge of your guide is invaluable in uncovering the fascinating social structures, successes and troubles faced by the empire that built this marvel - at one point the largest Mayan city in the Americas. From the Great Plaza you’ll learn about its architectural ingenuity whilst looking out for cheeky howler monkeys and the eye-catching resplendent quetzal amongst the overgrown trees. There should also be time to do an optional canopy tour through the forest trees via a series of cables (if of interest), before lunch and a transfer to your next hotel in the small lakeside town of Flores.
Day 6 Flores – San Augstín Lanquín
Day 6 Flores – San Augstín Lanquín
Beginning the journey south, today you’ll set off through steamy Guatemala rainforests to the village of San Augstín Lanquín, often referred to simply as Lanquín. This small indigenous settlement is the entry point to the striking natural landmark of Semuc Champey. The afternoon is free to enjoy some downtime after the long transfer.
Day 7 Lanquin: Semuc Champey Pools & Lanquin Bat Caves
Day 7 Lanquin: Semuc Champey Pools & Lanquin Bat Caves
Semuc Champey is undoubtedly one of Guatemala's most spectacular natural sights, with its beauty more than justifying the lengthy journey to reach it. The naturally formed limestone bridge holds a series of pristine pools that range in colour from turquoise to sapphire blue, while the Río Cahabón flows beneath it. Not only is it an impressive sight to behold, but it also makes for unique “pool-side” relaxation during your holiday. The pools are connected by several small waterfalls so time can be spent exploring and swimming, in addition to a hike up to a nearby lookout point for a birds-eye-view of the lush river valley. Later on, visit Lanquin’s extensive cave system. Several kilometres long and not yet fully explored, the caves here are home to unique stalactites and stalagmites, many resembling animals, and see the mass exodus of several thousands of bats on the hunt for dinner at dusk.
Day 8 Lanquin – Coban: Orchids & Coffee Farms
Day 8 Lanquin – Coban: Orchids & Coffee Farms
After breakfast you’ll transfer to the peaceful heartlands around the town of Coban, a city founded by Dominicans in 1543. Surrounded by mountains and stunning natural reserves, the city lies at the heart of one of the country’s major coffee growing regions. Just outside Coban, you’ll be presented with the opportunity to see the monja blanca (white nun), Guatemala's national flower, amongst an astonishing array of prize blooms at an impressive orchid farm. The visit also includes a tour of the coffee plantation run by a small Mayan community for a lesson in small-scale coffee production and a taste of pure Guatemalan coffee. Those up for some adventure can also jump at the chance to take a zip-line across the farm and through the pine trees that have been planted around the nearby lake as part of an important reforestation project.
Day 9 Coban – Quetzaltenango
Day 9 Coban – Quetzaltenango
The drive today takes you from the country’s quiet lowlands to up to the western highlands, arriving at the bustling city of Quetzaltenango (meaning land of the quetzal bird), often referred to by its pre-colonial name of Xela (the translation references the ten mountains surrounding the town). An important city for the numerous peoples that occupied and built it, today it has a unique architectural style and atmosphere with various indigenous groups and local and foreign students.
Day 10 Quetzaltenango – Lake Atitlan: City Tour & Downtime
Day 10 Quetzaltenango – Lake Atitlan: City Tour & Downtime
Located at 2,333m, this morning you’ll have a tour of this immensely important city, once considered to be the capital of the region (some also believe the capital of the Mayas) spanning the south coast to the high plateau, and learn how its history has shaped the architecture and culture of the city today. Walk around the city’s main sights with your guide before transferring to your next hotel this afternoon, overlooking one of the continent’s most famous lakes and most certainly the country’s most iconic natural landmark, Lake Atitlán.
*Surrounded by mountains, Quetzaltenango is also ideal for those wanting to add a bit more active time. Please feel free to speak to one of our consultants about the stunning hiking options here, if of interest.
Day 11 Lake Atitlan: Kayaking & Hiking Around the Lake
Day 11 Lake Atitlan: Kayaking & Hiking Around the Lake
Walking down to the lake for your boat transfer this morning, you’ll be taken to your kayak, waiting in a peaceful spot atop Atitlan’s majestic waters. A morning paddle takes you past some of the small peninsulas jutting out into the lake from which you can admire the gardens and people lining the shore. After that relaxing warm-up activity, you'll disembark the kayak onto dry land for a hike along the ancient paths of the Kaqchikel Maya to the quiet village of Tzununa on the lake’s northern side. Far less visited than the southern villages, and hardly ever reached by foot, you’ll likely pass just a few local villagers going about their daily life and some magnificent scenery during the journey. The rest of the day is then free to enjoy hotel’s pool and sumptuous views.
Day 12 Lake Atitlan – Chichicastenango – Antigua: Indigenous Market Town
Day 12 Lake Atitlan – Chichicastenango – Antigua: Indigenous Market Town
Visit the highland market town of Chichicastenango, famous across the country for its authentic, indigenous market (the largest in Guatemala) and an ideal place to pick up a bargain or two amongst the colour and chaos. There will also be time to stop at the town’s St. Tomas Church to witness the unique fusion of indigenous, Mayan ceremony and Catholic faith, a fascinating centuries-old collaboration found in a few places across Latin America. After lunch, you’ll continue on to the final destination of the trip, the very pretty colonial town of Antigua.
Day 13 Antigua: Home Cooking Class & Walking Tour
Day 13 Antigua: Home Cooking Class & Walking Tour
In a small village outside the town, you’ll meet a Guatemalan matriarch in her home. Proud that after years of experience she follows her heart and not recipes, she’ll teach you to prepare a traditional Guatemalan dish in her kitchen. After the morning cooking class, sit down to enjoy your homecooked meal. Saying goodbye to your host, you’ll then head back to town and work off some of your lunch during a walking tour around Antigua’s incredibly charming cobblestone streets, popping into some of the pretty, pastel-coloured buildings and churches. We recommend enjoying one of Antigua’s many excellent dining options for your final evening.
Day 14 Antigua – Depart Guatemala City
Day 14 Antigua – Depart Guatemala City
Depending on your departure flight, you may have a bit of leisure time in the morning before being taken back to the capital’s international airport, where your in-depth discovery of this Central American gem concludes.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Casa Duranta, Coban
Set in a family hacienda, with a colonial style found throughout the country, Casa Duranta is located in the centre of Coban. Housing just ten rooms, all have a view of the garden and are furnished with antique inspired and wrought iron furniture. Breakfast is served in the café-restaurant which also serves Guatemalan dishes for lunch and dinner. Additionally, the lounge is available to watch films. Perhaps the best option in town, Casa Duranta provides a good stopover during a trip to Lanquin and Semuc Champey.
La Inmaculada, Guatemala City
La Inmaculada was voted one of the “Top 20 Small Hotels in Guatemala” and provides a bit of luxury when staying in the bustling capital. Dedicated to coffee, the country's most famous export, rooms are named after types of coffee and guests are welcome to enjoy a coffee tasting with the in-house barista. The contemporary interior of the rooms complements the spacious and airy atmosphere seen throughout the hotel. There is a wonderful courtyard and cosy restaurant to relax in before or after a flight, and those with a bit more time in Guatemala City could explore the surrounding, fashionable district of Zona Viva.
Hotel Bonifaz, Quetzaltenango
Just set back from the central park and square, Pension Bonifaz is a comfortable hotel located in a quaint, historic building. Aside from its convenient location, the mid-range hotel is equipped with a range of facilities including a restaurant that spills out to the inner courtyard, a pool, private parking, a lounge and a terrace. Rooms are cosy and feature standard amenities and a homely style.
Meson De Maria, Antigua
Created to uphold the history oozing from every pore of the city, Meson de Maria perfectly does just that set in a converted historic building and designed with beautiful antique decor. Due to the protected nature of the building, the boutique hotel houses just 20 intimate rooms set around two charming courtyards. The Standard rooms and Suites are each exquisitely finished with a historic elegance and plenty of charm. Stays are offered on a bed and breakfast basis which allows guests to make use of the plethora of dining options throughout the city, views of which can be appreciated from the hotel’s roof terrace. This is one of our favourite mid-range options.
Villa Caribe, Livingston
Located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce river, Villa Caribe occupies a prime spot next to the merging of the Rio Dulce and the Caribbean Sea, offering a great seat from which to catch the Caribbean sun setting. The hotel has standard rooms and a few more upscale bungalows, approximately 45 standard rooms and 6 junior suites, putting it on the larger side for the small town. All rooms come with air conditioning and are simply styled with fresh, light décor. Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel and there’s a large outdoor pool on site, a restaurant with sea views and a bar serving cocktails. Arguably the best hotel option in the remote port town of Livingston, Villa Caribe also boasts private beach access.
Jungle Lodge, Tikal
Jungle Lodge is a superbly located lodge within the national park close to Tikal ruins. Built on the site of the first scientific camp housing archaeologists exploring the ruins, the site dates back 63 years. Now offering 49 rooms and suites, the hotel pays homage to its surroundings and beginnings with designs influenced by the surrounding forests and previous archaeological explorers. Its open-air restaurant brings you closer to the tropical rainforest and flavours of Guatemala. With very few accommodation options as close to the ruins as Jungle Lodge, it makes it the preferred place to stay for early sunrise tours.
Villa Santa Catarina, Lake Atitlan
Set above the shores of Lake Atitlan, Villa Santa Catarina boasts a stunning location, leafy garden and modern amenities. The bursts of colour and beautiful textiles used throughout its 38 rooms draw inspiration from the nearby village, famous for its traditional costumes. The stylish rooms either offer views of the pool, Lake Atitlan or the surrounding mountains. There is a wonderful restaurant and bar on site, but with Panajachel town only a ten-minute drive away, there are also other dining options available nearby.
Guayaha, Lanquin
Guayaha offers comfortable rooms as well as a glamping experience within Gautemala’s rainforests, 15km from the natural attraction of Semuc Champey and around 60km from the town of Cobán. Each of the spacious tented rooms is raised on individual decking and come with a handful of stylish furniture pieces. There are three wonderfully inviting pools in the garden, positioned in sequence with a contemporary design, and plenty of relaxing outdoor space. In the main building are the hotel rooms with ensuite bathrooms, the shared bathroom facilities for guests staying in the tents and a pavilion-style restaurant that opens to the garden and pool.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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WILD MILES
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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