Classic Guatemala
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
A stunning combination of natural beauty, Central American culture and Mayan history, Guatemala provides the rich backdrop to this ‘classic’ journey across the country’s must-see attractions and destinations.
After the long arrival flight into the capital you will have the chance to rest up before flying on towards the country’s small but thriving Garifuna community. The Garifuna port of Livingston, more reminiscent of a lazy Caribbean town than part of the Latin ...
A stunning combination of natural beauty, Central American culture and Mayan history, Guatemala provides the rich backdrop to this ‘classic’ journey across the country’s must-see attractions and destinations.
After the long arrival flight into the capital you will have the chance to rest up before flying on towards the country’s small but thriving Garifuna community. The Garifuna port of Livingston, more reminiscent of a lazy Caribbean town than part of the Latin American mainland, can only be reached by boat travelling down the Rio Dulce. After two nights in the laid-back coastal town, the itinerary then turns from Guatemala’s lesser-known attribute to its most iconic landmark, the Mayan ruins of Tikal. Spend two nights exploring the magnificent ancient ruins and the nearby lesser-visited Yaxhá ruins to learn about these neighbouring ancient cities once home to Mayan empires.
A flight back over to the west of the country then sees you heading to scenic Lake Atitlan, where you will have a full day of exploring the lake’s bordering indigenous villages. Then, move on to your final destination, the colonial town of Antigua, via the country’s famous Chichicastenango market. A stop at a local church where Mayan rituals are performed may also be possible. In the picturesque town of Antigua, enjoy a walking town around its cobbled stone streets and visit a coffee farm for a tour of the plantation and hacienda.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Do a coffee tour and tasting at an independent coffee farm
- Enjoy a walking tour around the pretty, colonial UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua
- Explore the indigenous villages surrounding picturesque Lake Atitlán
- Tour the iconic Mayan ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Enjoy sunset like a Mayan priest from the top of Yaxhá ruins
- Take a boat tour around the Caribbean influenced Garifuna community of Livingston
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: GUATEMALA CITY
DAY 1: GUATEMALA CITY
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in the capital for a chance to freshen up and rest up after the international flight in.
DAY 2: GUATEMALA CITY - LIVINGSTON
DAY 2: GUATEMALA CITY - LIVINGSTON
Transfer back to the airport this morning for your short flight to the country’s short east coast, home to the distinct Garifuna community that settled here in the 1800s. The main Garifuna port town of Livingston can be found on the small, underdeveloped stretch of Atlantic coastline that belongs to Guatemala and can only be reached by boat down the Río Dulce. Spend the afternoon and evening in the colourful, dusty town of Livingston, sampling the regional cuisine and seafood.
DAY 3: LIVINGSTON
DAY 3: LIVINGSTON
This morning, take a boat tour and explore the area around the town. As you cross ‘El Golfete’, the river’s mouth, and navigate up the Río Dulce (Sweet River), you will pass the dramatic canyon cliffs of limestone covered with verdant jungle forest. The tour stops at various points of interest such as the Chocon Machaca National Park and floating gardens and a local cooperative that assists the villagers with educational and medical needs. The tour ends at a local restaurant for some Caribbean influenced grub, before heading back to your beachside hotel to relax.
DAY 4: LIVINGSTON - TIKAL NATIONAL PARK
DAY 4: LIVINGSTON - TIKAL NATIONAL PARK
This morning take the 45-minute boat transfer back to the main, inland road and begin the long drive of around five hours, arriving at your next destination in time to visit the lesser-known, but very scenic, Yaxá ruins in time for sunset. After a tour of the Mayan ruins with your private guide on hand to explain its history, head up to the top of the main pyramid to watch the sun set on the river and incredibly breathtaking scenes below, just as the Mayan kings and priests would have done. Spend this evening at the Jungle lodge in the Tikal National Park, home to jaguars and other elusive wildlife.
DAY 5: TIKAL - FLORES
DAY 5: TIKAL - FLORES
Following an early breakfast head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal for a sunrise tour and, weather conditions permitting, watch the sun come up over this sprawling, ancient Mayan city. A full day with your expert guide is needed to uncover the fascinating stories of architectural ingenuity, social structures and successes and troubles of the empire that once resided here, once the largest Mayan city in the Americas. Your guide will take you through the Great Plaza, the Temples of the Jaguar and the Masks, and the Acropolis. During the tour, look out for cheeky howler monkeys and the eye-catching resplendent quetzal amongst the forest trees. There is also the option to do a canopy tour via a series of cables through the trees (payable locally). Lunch in the national park will break up the day’s educational activities. Head to the quaint lakeside town of Flores for the evening.
DAY 6: FLORES - GUATEMALA CITY - LAKE ATITLAN
DAY 6: FLORES - GUATEMALA CITY - LAKE ATITLAN
After breakfast, you will be taken to the nearby airport for a short flight back towards the west of the country, arriving into the capital. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the scenic, mountainous Lake Atitlán, sitting at just over 1,500 metres above sea level. Described by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt as “the most beautiful lake in the world”, it is characterised by the three volcanic peaks on its southern flank and the strong indigenous cultures and communities that dominate the area. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
DAY 8: LAKE ATITLAN
DAY 8: LAKE ATITLAN
Enjoy today at your own leisure. You can explore the surrounding town, take one of the taxi boats to a neighbouring village not yet explored or simply have a bit of down time at the hotel.
DAY 9: LAKE ATITLAN - CHICHICASTENANGO - ANTIGUA
DAY 9: LAKE ATITLAN - CHICHICASTENANGO - ANTIGUA
Following breakfast, your private driver-guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you 1.5 hours to the highland town of Chichicastenango, famous across the country for its authentic, indigenous market (the largest in the country). Everything is sold here including local produce; handmade textiles; handcrafted furniture and ceramics; and indigenous, artisan products, making this a good place to pick up some souvenirs. After a tour of the market, there may be time to stop at the town’s St. Tomas Church to witness a curiosity found in a few places across Latin America, an interesting fusion of indigenous and Christian beliefs. Here, at the catholic church, the local communities come to perform Mayan rituals passed on by their ancestors. After a stop for lunch, in the afternoon continue on to the final destination of the trip, the very pretty colonial town of Antigua.
DAY 10: ANTIGUA
DAY 10: ANTIGUA
You will be picked up this morning for a relaxing stroll around Antigua’s picturesque cobbled streets. One of the most prominent capitals of the Spanish empire, its historic importance is evident from the grandeur of the colourful colonial buildings, so beautifully preserved. Then, head out of the quaint city to one of the independent coffee farms scattered around its outskirts for a tour of the plantation, a lesson in the coffee production and a coffee tasting. Head back to Antigua in time for lunch where you will be spoiled for choice.
DAY 11: ANTIGUA
DAY 11: ANTIGUA
A enjoy a final day in Guatemala at leisure to explore the town at a relaxed pace. Discover the cute boutique stores and independent restaurants and cafés. If you’re feeling up to it, take the short but rigorous hike up Cerro de la Cruz for gorgeous panoramic views of the town and the encircling volcanoes.
DAY 12: ANTIGUA - GUATEMALA CITY
DAY 12: ANTIGUA - GUATEMALA CITY
Depending on the departure time of your flight, you may have a bit of leisure time in the morning before transferring back to the international airport in the capital for your onward journey home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Casa Encantada, Antigua
This is a charming colonial hotel with only 10 rooms in the heart of Antigua's old town, a short walk from the cathedral. The rooms are individually decorated with four poster beds and wooden furnishings. There is a decent restaurant on site plus outdoor swimming pool set amongst the gardens. Also you will find a terraced dining area on the top floor.
Villa Maya, Flores
Villa Maya is a larger hotel decorated with local wood and Guatemalan textiles offering guests a beautiful location on the shores of a lake in a rainforest setting. The hotel has extensive grounds, inside and outside dining areas, an outdoor pool, and a bar. Villa Maya provides a comfortable and peaceful place to stay whilst awaiting a flight or a transfer to the ruins, tucked away into the rainforest, about a 20-mintue drive from the main island town and the airport.
Jardines del Lago, Lake Atitlan
The lakefront hotel boasts lovely views over Lake Atitlan and out towards the encircling volcanoes. All rooms are of the same standard, offering either double, twin or triple bed arrangements, with some looking out over the gardens and others including a view to the lake. Rooms are decorated simply with touches of colour on the walls and fabrics. During guests’ downtime, the gardens can be enjoyed and there are plenty of opportunities to unwind from taking a walk through the gardens or relaxing by the outdoor swimming pool, facing the lake. The hotel also has the onsite the Vaqueros restaurant, offers spa services and can arrange water sport activities on the lake. This is a solid three-star hotel, offering a simple yet comfortable way to enjoy wonderful views of the lake.
Posada De Don Rodrigo, Lake Atitlan
Posada de Don Rodrigo is a large hotel with some colonial touches located in the heart of Panajachel. The hotel is located at the end of Panajachel's main street, just one block from the Lake and in the middle of shops and restaurants. The hotel is filled with colonial antiques and has lovely gardens as well as a restaurant and pool. Rooms are spacious and nicely decorated with touches such as authentic baroque carvings, carved furniture and fireplaces.
La Inmaculada, Guatemala City
A luxurious accommodation option when staying in Guatemala City, La Inmaculada has been voted one of the “Top 20 Small Hotels in Guatemala”. It is known for its unique commitment to coffee, the product Guatemala is most famous for. Each room is 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 reflects the spacious and airy atmosphere seen throughout the hotel. There is a wonderful courtyard and cosy restaurant to relax in after a day of sightseeing or exploring Zona Viva, the fashionable district in which the hotel is located.
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.
Jungle Lodge, Tikal
Jungle Lodge is a superbly located lodge within the national park, close to Tikal ruins. The hotel is on the site of the Tikal’s first scientific camp, which housed archaeologists searching for the secrets of the ruins, dating back 63 years. The area now offers 49 rooms and suites, with designs influenced by the surrounding nature and previous archaeological explorers. Rooms are simple with no air-conditioning but well-appointed otherwise; we recommend upgrading to one of the suites that provide a bit more space and comfort. The open-air restaurant brings you closer to the tropical forest and flavours of Guatemala with great surrounding wildlife on its doorstep, particularly birds. Electricity is limited after 10pm given its remote location and the area’s lack of infrastructure but has plenty of facilities to keep you entertained when you are not exploring the park, such as a film and games room, outdoor swimming pool and dinner under the stars. There are very few accommodation options as close to the ruins as this making it ideal for early sunset tours.
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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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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