Guatemala: Tikal & Beyond
Group Tour
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16 Days From £2,625
Overview
Guatemala is one of Central America’s hidden gems, a country of incredible diversity, with a history and a culture to match. Lush and volcanic and steeped in Mayan lore, it is a rich mix of natural wonder, native tradition and colonial elegance, much of it as yet unspoiled by the trappings of modern tourism. This incredible adventure takes us deep into the central highlands, where we can soak up the graceful charms of Antigua, gaze out across the breath-taking volcanic landscapes around Lake ...
Guatemala is one of Central America’s hidden gems, a country of incredible diversity, with a history and a culture to match. Lush and volcanic and steeped in Mayan lore, it is a rich mix of natural wonder, native tradition and colonial elegance, much of it as yet unspoiled by the trappings of modern tourism. This incredible adventure takes us deep into the central highlands, where we can soak up the graceful charms of Antigua, gaze out across the breath-taking volcanic landscapes around Lake Atitlan and visit the traditional Mayan villages of the Ixil Triangle. We'll climb peaks with breath-taking views, pick coffee with local farmers, swim beneath waterfalls and in hot water springs, visit a national orchid farm, journey by boat via majestic lakes and meandering mangrove channels to the remote Mayan site of Aguateca, before visiting the unique community of the Garifuna on the shores of the Caribbean.
This is a quintessential Wild Frontiers adventure, offering something for everyone, a journey filled with fascination and fun, where the ancient and the modern worlds come together before the slopes of a volcanic landscape as timeless and beautiful as any on earth. Beyond the ruins of Tikal the Mayan spirit lives on, in the villages and settlements that cling to Guatemala’s low lying plains and fertile mountains.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
15 x Breakfasts13 x Lunches12 x Dinners
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a combination of minibuses and motorised boats to get around the country.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
A carbon-offsetting contribution to Eco Act for all bookings
EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
ACCOMMODATION
5 nights x Premium
10 nights x Superior
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this particular trip we will predominantly be in comfortable and characterful hotels and eco-lodges. In remoter areas such as in the Ixil Triangle and at Semuc Champey the accommodation is of a simpler nature but is considered to be the best available. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).
LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
VERY HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
DAY 1: TOURS STARTS IN ANTIGUA
DAY 1: TOURS STARTS IN ANTIGUA
Our journey begins in the central highlands of Guatemala, in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua. Nestling in a lovely valley that lies within the dominating embrace of three spectacular volcanoes: Agua (3766 m), Fuego (3763 m) and Acatenango (3976 m), the city is rightly considered one of the most graceful and picturesque in the Americas, despite suffering a series of devastating earthquakes during the 16th and 18th centuries. Founded by Spanish Conquistadors in 1543, the city today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of some note, its rich mix of Mayan and Spanish customs and traditions still permeating every aspect of Antiguan life.
DAY 2: ANTIGUA
DAY 2: ANTIGUA
A walking tour of the city affords an opportunity to explore something of its historical core in some depth. We will visit a number of its ruined churches and convents, including the 16th century churches of Iglesia San Francisco and La Merced, the city’s once great Cathedral, which in its heyday was one of the Central America’s largest. Our aim is to keep this day’s activities as flexible as possible, allowing you sufficient time to discover this wonderful city for yourself.
DAY 3: ANTIGUA
DAY 3: ANTIGUA
Guatemalan coffee is considered to be amongst the finest in the world, and this morning we will take a tour of one of the region’s small, independent coffee producers. Supported by a number of organisations that promote environmentally responsible agriculture, the tour affords a chance to see up close how the small coffee farmers go about their daily business. We will be able to see how the coffee is picked and washed, graded and then roasted over open fires, before being hand ground on a traditional grindstone. After lunch with the local farmers we’ll return to Antigua for some free-time and – for those that wish – to take part in a chocolate-making workshop!
DAY 4: ANTIGUA - LAKE ATITLAN
DAY 4: ANTIGUA - LAKE ATITLAN
Today we journey to the spectacular shores of Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America and considered by many one of the most beautiful in the Americas. An old caldera, the lake’s volcanic origins are still very much in evidence, the deep escarpments that surround it still being sprinkled with volcanic peaks that attest to its violent beginnings. Heading down to Lake Atitlan we then gaze upon a setting that Aldous Huxley once described as ‘...really too much of a good thing’. Covering over 130 square kilometres, the lake’s fertile shores are dotted with farms producing coffee and corn, avocados and strawberries, whilst the villages that blanket the basin still retain the deep seated traditions of their Mayan heritage. We continue to the small town of San Pedro La Laguna later this afternoon, where we will spend the next two nights.
DAY 5: LAKE ATITLAN
DAY 5: LAKE ATITLAN
Nestling on the western shores of the lake, beneath the imposing shadow of San Pedro Volcano, the town is made up primarily of Tz’utujil Mayans, a group who can date their origins back to the post-classic period of Mayan civilisation (circa 900-1500). Our intention this morning is to take a 2-hour hike up to a nearby viewpoint called Indian Nose. The path can be uneven and the climb is arduous, but there is a more easily attainable platform half way up for the less energetic! However the rewards for those that make it will more than compensate for your efforts. An hour-and-a-half walk down will then see us heading to the nearby village of San Juan, famed for the traditional intricate textiles they produce using organic dyes, and we’ll meet up here with anyone not wishing to participate in the hike. The rest of the day will be free in San Pedro for swimming, relaxing or hiring bikes to explore more of the stunning lakeside landscapes.
DAY 6: LAKE ATITLAN - NEBAJ
DAY 6: LAKE ATITLAN - NEBAJ
A boat transfer across Lake Atitlan this morning brings us to Panajachel before continuing by bus to the highland town of Chichicastenango, taking us up through a landscape of traditional Mayan villages that presents a rural setting that seems as timeless as the surrounding mountains. Chichicastenango is famed for its market and upon arrival there will be ample time to explore its dazzling array of colourful stalls, perhaps allowing us to pick up a bargain or two before we leave. There is an opportunity for those interested to take a stroll up to the 400-year-old Church of St Tomás. Built on top of a pre-Columbian temple, the church is steeped in a fascinating mix of Mayan and Catholic traditions. Here the scent of burning incense is often combined with the ritual slaughter of chickens as the gods of both religions are appeased. Departing the town after lunch we then head into the Quiche Province, home to the largest Mayan population still left in Guatemala. Our destination is the environs of the small town of Nebaj.
DAY 7: NEBAJ
DAY 7: NEBAJ
Isolated amongst the high landscapes of the Cuchumatanese Mountains, the small villages of Nebaj, Cotzal and Chajul make up the area more commonly known as the Ixil Triangle. As scenic as it is traditional, the area is the heartland of the Ixil people, whose language and culture still cling to the steep, lush hills, untainted by the influences of the outside world. The tranquillity of the setting and the friendly nature of the people belie a history that is steeped in blood. Brutalized during the Spanish conquests and scene of some of the worst human rights abuses witnessed during the civil war of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the area today is amongst some of the most visually and culturally fascinating regions in the country. The people in this region are traditionally farmers and weavers by trade and the intricate complexity of their clothing (especially the women’s huiplies) present a rich cacophony of geometric shapes and brilliant colours. Returning to our hacienda later this afternoon, you may wish to take a walk to the nearby village or just relax and enjoy the birdsong.
DAY 8: NEBAJ - LANQUIN
DAY 8: NEBAJ - LANQUIN
After breakfast this morning we leave the mountains of Quiche behind and head east towards the city of Coban via the Uspantan road. This is an adventurous route and although a long and bumpy day’s drive, it takes us into a region that is remarkably rich in flora and fauna and at the centre of one of the country’s major coffee-and cardamom-growing areas. Founded by Dominican friars in 1543 and declared an imperial city by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, Coban was developed by German coffee growers during the latter years of the 19th century. Surrounded by mountains, cave systems and lush forests, Lanquin and the area around Coban is home to both the rare Quetzal and the Monja Blanca orchid, Guatemala’s national flower. We will have lunch in Coban and visit a local orchid sanctuary before heading on to our jungle lodge, which will be home for the next two nights.
DAY 9: LANQUIN
DAY 9: LANQUIN
We head this morning for the beautiful Semuc Champey, located in a steep-sided valley and surrounded by tropical rainforest. The site consists of a 300-metre limestone bridge which spans the River Cahabón. The bridge itself is riddled with natural pools of clear mountain spring water (in which you will not be able to resist taking a swim) which eventually rejoin the Cahabón by way of a 40ft waterfall that cascades over the edge of the bridge into the river below. Semuc Champey is a veritable haven of natural biodiversity, with over 90 species of birds, some 34 species of mammals and over 120 varieties of trees and shrubs in the area. An hour’s hike takes you up to a viewpoint giving you a bird’s eye view of the entire area.
DAY 10: LANQUIN - SAYAXCHE - CHIMINOS
DAY 10: LANQUIN - SAYAXCHE - CHIMINOS
This morning we head for the small town of Sayaxche on the Rio La Pasión. Located close to El Rosario National and founded as a logging encampment in 1874, the settlement is our gateway to the rustic splendours of the Chiminos Island Lodge. Located on a protected portion of the beautiful Petexbatún Lagoon, the lodge is only accessible by boat and the 1-2 hour journey (dependant on water levels) from Sayaxche takes us deep into the heart of the Peten rainforest. On arrival we will find a lush refuge awaiting us that is ideal for bird watchers, with parrots and hummingbirds in abundance. At dusk the haunting sounds of howler monkeys will be sure to contribute towards this magical experience.
DAY 11: CHIMINOS - SAYAXCHE - FLORES
DAY 11: CHIMINOS - SAYAXCHE - FLORES
This morning we pay a visit to the ancient Mayan site of Aguateca, a UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage site that is accessible only by boat. Dating back to the Late Classical Period of Mayan development, the ruins are amongst the best preserved in the country, spanning a period of power that lasted from 600 AD until 830 AD. Once the capital of the Dos Pila/Aguateca dynasty, the site sits atop a 90-metre limestone bluff overlooking the waters of the lagoon. Surrounded by a defensive wall that stretches for nearly 5 kilometres, the city nonetheless fell to invaders sometime during the 9th century, its centre being destroyed by fire and its city streets left strewn with valuables and artefacts. At its peak, the city was one of the most densely populated in the Mayan world and its rapid abandonment provided archaeologists with a fascinating insight into the life of a Mayan city. After our visit we will transfer back to the shore and resume our journey north, travelling up to the charming town of Flores, spectacularly located on an island in the middle of Lago Petén Itza.
DAY 12: FLORES - YAXHA - TIKAL
DAY 12: FLORES - YAXHA - TIKAL
We’ll have some free time this morning in Flores to explore something of its densely packed streets and colonial charm. Ideal for exploring on foot, Flores is filled with narrow cobbled streets and interesting plazas, its red-roofed buildings adding to its enchanting appeal. Leaving Flores late morning, we’ll drive on to the amazing site of Yaxha, having lunch en route. Although less well known than Tikal, the ruins at Yaxha are very impressive with over 500 structures, including temples and a twin-pyramid complex. Climbing to the top of one of the restored temples will give us a truly amazing panorama of the surrounding jungle and the Yahxá and Sacnab lakes, and we’ll spend sunset here. Continuing on to Tikal, we’ll overnight at the edge of the park itself.
DAY 13: TIKAL - RIO DULCE
DAY 13: TIKAL - RIO DULCE
This morning we will visit the remarkable ruins of Tikal, set within the lush landscapes of the Parque Nacional Tikal. Considered by many to be the finest collection of Mayan ruins on earth, this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site lies encased in a remote jungle setting. Abandoned over a thousand years ago, the city was once one of the largest and most powerful in the Mayan world, its temples and pyramids spreading across an area of over 16 square kilometres. Deserted since the end of the 9th century AD the city lay lost for centuries, before it was rediscovered in 1848 and its temple complexes again stood testimony to the incredible ingenuity of Mayan engineering. The site is still only partially excavated and the jungle trails that wind through the expansive plazas and past towering Mayan pyramids, enhanced by the choral accompaniment of howler monkeys and toucans, only add to its feeling of remoteness. Those that want to can be there as soon as the site opens for dawn and we can enjoy having the site more or less to ourselves before the masses arrive later in the day. The views from atop Temples 4 & 5 provide vistas that overlook the jungle canopy and stretch out as far as Mexico and Belize. After lunch we hit the road once more and head south towards the Rio Dulce which flows into the warm waters of the Caribbean. Meandering its way through the verdant landscapes of the Rio Dulce National Park the ‘Sweet River’, as it is known in Spanish, runs from Lake Izbal down to the coast and the glittering waters of the Bahia de Amatique. Our destination today lies along the shores of the river itself, just a short boat transfer from the town of Rio Dulce and deep in the heart of this natural haven.
DAY 14: RIO DULCE - LIVINGSTON
DAY 14: RIO DULCE - LIVINGSTON
Today we travel by boat down to the settlement of Livingston at the mouth of the Rio Dulce. Once the country’s main Caribbean port (before it was replaced by Puerto Barrios), Livingston is the cultural heartland of the Garifuna people and indeed is the only settlement of Caribs in the entire country. Descended from the black slaves, who were brought to the Caribbean to work on the plantations, the Garifuna settled in the area towards the end of the 18th century and have retained many of their traditions, as well as their music and language. Proud of their culture, the Garifuna have created something of a unique cultural enclave in Livingston, more Caribbean in outlook than Latin American. Food and music are a big part of life here, with seafood and reggae being a big attraction for both the locals and visitors alike.
DAY 15: LIVINGSTON - QUIRIGUA - GUATEMALA CITY
DAY 15: LIVINGSTON - QUIRIGUA - GUATEMALA CITY
The end of our astonishing adventure sees us heading back to Guatemala City today, via the archaeological ruins of Quirigua. Lying along the Motagua River in the south-eastern part of the country, the ruins at Quirigua date back to the Maya Classic Period (AD 200-900) and once lay at the crossroads of a number of trade routes than ran between Guatemala and the ancient site of Copán in neighbouring Honduras. Culturally, this site offers a fitting end to our country-wide exploration of Mayan civilisation, with an array of extraordinary preserved and deciphered stelae, depicting watershed events in Mayan history. After the visit we will continue back to the Guatemalan capital’s zona viva for a farewell dinner in the heart of one of the city’s affluent centres, offering a chance to reflect on an incredible journey of priceless encounters.
DAY 16: TOUR ENDS IN GUATEMALA CITY
DAY 16: TOUR ENDS IN GUATEMALA CITY
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport in time to catch the group flight.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Casa de las Fuentes, Antigua
Hotel Casa de las Fuentes is accommodated in an authentic colonial house with a delicious and cozy taste of Spanish style located to the north of the city in a quiet area, it has 25 rooms which are equipped to make you feel at home, we have a staff that is eager to serve you and meet your expectations. Enjoy a pleasant stay in Hotel Casa de las Fuentes, located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Antigua Guatemala.
Mikaso Hotel, Lake Atitlan
Set 5km from San Pedro volcano and 7 km from Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, this rustic hotel stands on the banks of Lake Atitlán. Down-to-earth rooms with wooden furnishings and tiled floors have lake or patio views; some include balconies and extra beds. Dorms with private bathrooms are also offered. Amenities include a laid-back restaurant with a wood-fired pizza oven, plus a bar, a guest kitchen and a pool table. There are also 2 terraces with panoramic lake views and shared hot tubs.
Hacienda Mil Amores, Nebaj
The ranch and its grounds are tranquil and often become shrouded in majestic mist, reflecting the serenity and remoteness of its location, perched on one of the valley’s many hills on the outskirts of Acul village. Regarded as an eco-lodge, Hacienda Mil Amores provides a simple lifestyle and is still a working farm, making use of the ranch’s animals and land. Despite its simplicity, the property is full of character adorned with flowers and greenery and designed with wood-beamed ceilings and pretty stonework flooring. Home cooked Guatemalan fare can be enjoyed outside with the wonderful view when not out exploring.
Hotel El Recreo, Lanquin
The main wooden structure houses the reception and restaurant. The hotel is located just outside the entry to the small village of Lanquin, tucked away in the thick forests surrounding the village. Accommodation in the area is basic and El Recreo offers a rustic place to stay whilst visiting Semuc Champey. Rooms are within thatch-roofed bungalows with two rooms normally occupying one bungalow. They are made from natural, local resources and come with simple furniture and amenities. There is hot water but this isn’t always available. For some down time guests can make use of the hammocks outside each bungalow or, if feeling brave, there are two large, “natural” pools.
Chiminos Island Lodge, Chiminos
Arrive via an hour’s boat ride to find the hidden corner of the jungle where Chiminos Island Lodge is nestled on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Petexbatún. Accommodation at the eco-lodge is made up of private bungalows enveloped by the surrounding forests and with views out to the lagoon. Although simple the wooden structures are raised up and wonderfully finished with thatched roofs, a private deck, lots of mosquito-net-covered-windows, fans and hot water. Home cooked meals are prepared by the in-house chef Lily in between excursions and are enjoyed at the open-air restaurant surrounded by the jungle.
Jaguar Inn, Tikal
Comfortable rooms within bungalows come in double, twin, triple and quadruple. The hotel has a wonderful setting nestled into the remote jungle and just a 15-minute walk from one of Central America’s most famous ruins. All sorts of wildlife have been spotted around the grounds. Accommodation at Jaguar Inn is made up of bungalows that are connected to one another and the main building by scenic stone walkways. Jaguar Inn is slightly more developed than other options in the area and rooms are kept cool and bright with lots of windows, fans and tiled flooring. Furniture and bathrooms, although simple are modern. Wi-Fi can be found at the restaurant and reception building and there are hammocks to relax on after sightseeing.
Hacienda Tijax, Rio Dulce
Get back in touch with nature with a stay at the Hacienda Tijax, set within 400 acres of nature reserve and tucked into the rainforest. Previously a cattle farm, the reserve is now one of the best ecolodges in the region boasting beautiful waterfalls, a mangrove walk, and rubber and teak plantations. Tijax houses rustic cabanas spread across the reserve from the forest to the wetlands, some with private bathrooms and air-conditioning which we recommend. There are also family-style villas with small kitchens which can accommodate up to eight people. The nature and birdlife filled grounds have a swimming pool and a restaurant that serves a varied menu, but the highlight has to be the seasonal seafood, especially the snook-filet.
Villa Caribe, Livingston
Villa Caribe is located in the fishing town of Livingston, home of the Garifuna Culture and where Rio Dulce and the Caribbean Sea merge. It is one of the best options for staying on the coast with a beautiful setting overlooking Izabel Lake and the Caribbean Sea, and private beach access. The hotel offers standard rooms and a few more upscale bungalow accommodations (45 standard rooms and 6 junior suites) all come with a ceiling fan and Caribbean-style décor. It has a large outdoor swimming pool, inside and outside dining and a bar. The hotel is a comfortable and friendly place to stay - only accessible by boat from Puerto Barrios or Rio Dulce - it is one hour by bridge from Rio Dulce bridge.
Best Western Plus Hotel Stofella, Guatemala City
Located in the secure Viva zone (or Zona 10) of the capital surrounded by upmarket residential buildings, office buildings and the city’s commercial area, Hotel Stofella is around 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the city centre. Being part of the Best Western hotel chain, rooms are comfortable with classic style décor and all expected hotel amenities. The hotel has a restaurant and café serving international and Mediterranean fare and there is access to gym facilities.
Premium
Excellent standards without the big price tag
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Premium
Excellent standards without the big price tag
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Premium
Excellent standards without the big price tag
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
REVIEWS OF THIS TRIP
Kit Argilla
Wonderfully colourful and varied itinerary!
Elizabeth Girvin
Pretty much everything was a highlight!. It exceeded expectations for all of us.
Joyce Isaac
Great insight into Mayan and Spanish settler life and wonderful wildlife and bird watching,
Nicola Stanhope
The trip to Guatemala was a fantastic and fascinating, dazzlingly colourful mix of culture, history and nature, and the…
Helen Edwards
Guatemala has everything, I absolutely loved every minute of this trip.
Mehmuda Mian
Still buzzing after 16 days spent in this marvellous welcoming and diverse country .
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
Responsible travel and sustainable tourism are fundamental ideas that Wild Frontiers has been committed to since our birth. It is our strong belief that these words should not be simply ‘tagged on’ to itineraries and websites but should be at the very core of each trip, and our adventures are therefore designed with the local people, culture and eco-system in mind. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our clients, but that it also benefits the peoples whose lands we are privileged to visit. For more information, please see our responsible travel page.
Independent Coffee Farm Visit
Guatemalan coffee is considered to be amongst the finest in the world and serves as a livelihood to many rural communities and families in the mountainous regions of the country. No trip to Guatemala would be complete without exploring the production of the famous bean however, as we strive to get the most from our travels abroad, at Wild Frontiers we always aim to give back the same in return, and so we searched high and low for the best experience that allowed us to strike that balance. Rather than exploring a larger commercial operation, on this tour we take the group to a smaller, independent coffee farm located on the outskirts of the beautiful colonial town of Antigua. Supported by a number of organisations that promote environmentally responsible agriculture, the tour affords a chance to see up close how the small coffee farmers go about their daily business. Clients will be able to see how the coffee is picked and washed, graded and then roasted over open fires, before being hand-ground on a traditional grindstone. Concluding the tour, we will enjoy lunch with the local farmers for a chance to learn a bit more about one another.
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| LH 7623 | London Heathrow (LHR) 10:25 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) 15:15 |
| UA 1902 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) 19:33 | Guatemala Airport (GUA) 22:33 |
| UA 1903 | Guatemala Airport (GUA) 12:55 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) 15:55 |
| LH 7620 | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) 20:55 | London Heathrow (LHR) 12:00 |
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Guatemala.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
NB. Please note that as of January 2016 US policy (subject to change) has stated that anyone wishing to travel to or via the USA must have a biometric passport. In addition, anyone who has travelled to several countries including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen or Somalia since March 2011, is required to apply for a US visa (rather than just an ESTA). If you are affected by this, the process is fairly straightforward and you can read more about it here:-
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/us-visa.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries.
Below is just a small sample of what you could do. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your individual requirements.
Honduras
Why not extend your trip with a trip to neighbouring Honduras with its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copan only a few hours away from Guatemala’s capital? The Bay of Islands is also within easy reach and offer world-class diving and snorkelling options. Allow 3-7 days.
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
There is no real bad time to go to Guatemala but the months of November to April are generally considered the dry months and the best time to visit. At this time you can expect daytime temperatures to be in the late 20s (C) and night time temperatures to be low double figures. It can be fairly humid year-round.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. However, please note that to get the most out of this trip, you should come prepared for some activity every day. While there is ample opportunity for walks in almost all locations, none of the walks are obligatory and therefore can be opted out of.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except possibly at Hacienda Mil Amores and Chiminos Lodge where there are a limited number of cabins available.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. If you choose to purchase the Wild Frontiers bespoke policy through Travel & General (currently available to UK residents only) then please note for this trip the minimum required level of cover will be the Standard policy. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A £200 (or equivalent) deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 10932 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.