Undiscovered Guatemala
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Blessed with outstanding natural beauty, Guatemala is a land filled with volcanic highlands, lush river valleys and dense tropical rainforests, liberally sprinkled with ancient Mayan ruins. Perhaps one of the most culturally rich destinations in Central America, it also boasts a strong national identity and a rich mix of indigenous traditions and lively markets.
Beginning in the captivating city of Antigua, you will have an opportunity to explore one of the loveliest colonial towns in ...
Blessed with outstanding natural beauty, Guatemala is a land filled with volcanic highlands, lush river valleys and dense tropical rainforests, liberally sprinkled with ancient Mayan ruins. Perhaps one of the most culturally rich destinations in Central America, it also boasts a strong national identity and a rich mix of indigenous traditions and lively markets.
Beginning in the captivating city of Antigua, you will have an opportunity to explore one of the loveliest colonial towns in the Americas and spend some time with the Mayan people who occupy the surrounding mountain villages. Passing through the historic market town of San Juan Comalapa, you then head for the picturesque setting of Lake Atitlan, a place steeped in Mayan traditional and ritual.
After a chance to explore the famous market of Chichicastenango you drive into the western highlands, where you can hike amongst some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery before turning east, towards the jungles and ruins of the central Guatemalan heartlands. Here you can swim in turquoise pools and discover one of the greatest of all Mayan cities waiting for you at the end of this incredible journey.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the cobbled streets and beautiful architecture of colonial Antigua
- Witness the traditional ceremonies of the Mayan people of Lake Atitlán
- Visit the bustling markets of San Juan Comalapa and Chichicastenango
- Bathe in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey
- Visit the stunning ruins of Tikal and watch the sunset over the Mayan temples
- Visit a small independent coffee farm and enjoy a tour and a zipline over the plantation
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 - ANTIGUA
DAY 1: ARRIVE GUATEMALA CITY - ANTIGUA
Transferring straight out of Guatemala City on arrival, this adventure begins in the graceful colonial city of Antigua. Set in a lovely scenic valley and surrounded by a number of volcanic peaks, Antigua has been described as one of the most charming of Central America's colonial gems. Dating back to the early part of the 16th century, this World Heritage city is blessed with a stunning collection of beautifully preserved colonial buildings that have survived centuries of earthquakes, floods and increasing tourism.
DAY 2: ANTIGUA
DAY 2: ANTIGUA
The day begins amongst the mountain villages that surround Antigua, home to colourfully attired Mayan people who still follow the practises of their forebears. A visit to a textile co-operative offers a chance to see how their traditional Mayan costumes are made, before you continue on to a macadamia nut farm to taste a variety of locally farmed products. After a break for lunch back in the city, the afternoon is then spent enjoying a walking tour amongst the ruined churches, convents and cathedrals of this beautiful colonial jewel.
DAY 3: ANTIGUA - SAN JUAN COMALAPA - IXIMICHE - LAKE ATITLAN
DAY 3: ANTIGUA - SAN JUAN COMALAPA - IXIMICHE - LAKE ATITLAN
Meeting your guide at the hotel this morning you will then drive on to San Juan Comalapa, a historic market town famed for its murals. Depicting major events from Guatemalan history, these remarkable pieces of artwork span the country's development from its Mayan origins and the Spanish conquest through to the more recent events of its bloody civil war. A wander through the authentic market precedes lunch, before you head off to visit the enchanting ruins of Iximiche, the ancient capital of the Cakchiquel Maya. After the visit you then complete the journey on to Lake Atitlan.
DAY 4: LAKE ATITLAN
DAY 4: LAKE ATITLAN
Occupying a volcanic caldera, Lake Atitlan is Central America's deepest and most spectacular lake. A boat trip this morning takes you across to one of the indigenous settlements that dot the shore, where you will be able to watch artisans continuing trades that have endured here for generations. After lunch set off in search of the Mayan saint, Maximon, a deity whose location and allegiances change depending upon which local 'brotherhood' he is protecting. You may have a chance to watch local shamans performing their rituals before returning across the lake to your hotel.
DAY 5: LAKE ATITLAN - CHICHICASTENANGO - QUETZALTENANGO
DAY 5: LAKE ATITLAN - CHICHICASTENANGO - QUETZALTENANGO
In the company of your private driver-guide you'll head on to the highland market town of Chichicastenango this morning. The town's colourful and lively market is famed throughout the region and it is an ideal place to pick up a bargain or two amongst the pigs and pottery. You will also have a chance to visit the 400-year-old Church of St Tomas, where a unique mix of Mayan ceremony and Catholic faith demonstrates a fascinating centuries-old collaboration between the two religions. After an optional hike up to the hilltop cemetery the journey then continues to Quetzaltenango (Xela).
DAY 6: QUETZALTENANGO
DAY 6: QUETZALTENANGO
A full day in the western highlands presents the opportunity to take a long hike through the stunning volcanic scenery. Rich in crops of coffee, wheat and fruit, the landscapes that surround Quetzaltenango are scattered with volcanic peaks, hot springs and river valleys, providing the perfect backdrop to a day's walking. Alternatively, you could pay a visit to the nearby towns of Almolonga and San Francisco El Alto. The former is better known as the 'Garden of Central America', whilst the latter is home to an authentic array of animal and textile markets.
DAY 7: QUETZALTENANGO - ANTIGUA
DAY 7: QUETZALTENANGO - ANTIGUA
Today you will transfer from the mountains back to Antigua to spend another evening amongst its colonial grandeur.
DAY 8: ANITGUA - COBAN
DAY 8: ANITGUA - COBAN
Setting off early this morning, you will begin the full day’s journey through the beautiful Guatemalan heartlands to the peaceful lowlands around Coban, a city founded by the 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.
DAY 9: COBAN
DAY 9: COBAN
Travelling with your guide this morning, head to Semuc Champey, one of Central America's most spectacular natural sights. Crossing the Cahabón River, a natural 300-metre limestone bridge presents a series of stepped, turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls that provide an idyllic setting for a swim. After walking up to a panoramic lookout point you then pay a visit to the caves of Lanquin, where partially explored caverns are filled with a collection of stalactites and stalagmites that resemble a variety of animals and which, at dusk, witness the mass exodus of thousands of bats.
DAY 10: COBAN
DAY 10: COBAN
A morning visit to a large orchid farm presents an astonishing array of prize blooms, including the monja blanca (white nun), Guatemala's national flower. From here you will then continue on to a coffee plantation run by a small Mayan community, where you will have a chance to learn about the harvesting process and sample some of the produce. There will also be an opportunity to take a zip-line across the farm, an ideal vantage point from which to take in the pine trees that have been planted around the lake as part of an important reforestation project.
DAY 11: COBAN - FLORES
DAY 11: COBAN - FLORES
Today you will drive on to the tropical forests of El Peten in the country's north-eastern corner. Here, amongst the jungles of the Tikal National Park, you will find some of the finest Mayan ruins anywhere on the continent. Arriving at your hotel later today you find yourself before the lush curtain of the Mayan jungle, a fitting setting for some of Guatemala's most spectacular archaeological ruins.
DAY 12: FLORES
DAY 12: FLORES
You will be taken to the Yaxhá National Park this morning to visit one of the region's less famous Mayan ceremonial sites. Set on top of a hill overlooking two scenic lakes, this picturesque landscape provides the perfect setting for the temples that tower majestically above the distant horizon. It is possible to climb to the top of the temple, to enjoy a well-earned drink whilst watching the sun set over the rainforest canopy. An evening trek back through the jungle then presents the ideal opportunity to spot some of the park's nocturnal wildlife before returning to the hotel.
DAY 13: FLORES - TIKAL - GUATEMALA CITY
DAY 13: FLORES - TIKAL - GUATEMALA CITY
A private guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal National Park this morning presents you with one of the greatest of all the Mayan cities. Rising from the rainforest floor, these stunning ruins provide an incredible insight into the Maya culture, as you take in its Great Plaza and the Temples of the Jaguar and the Masks. Accompanied by the ever-present sounds of the surrounding jungle, a canopy tour through the trees (payable locally) rounds off the visit, after which you will return to the hotel to pick up your luggage and then fly back to Guatemala City for your final evening.
DAY 14: DEPART GUATEMALA CITY
DAY 14: DEPART GUATEMALA CITY
Your driver will transfer you back to the airport today in time to catch your international flight back home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Meson De Maria, Antigua
This is an excellent mid-range hotel with 20 rooms and beautiful colonial décor. They offer a bed and breakfast service and due to the central location, it is no trouble to go out into Antigua for dinner in one of the many nearby restaurants. There are standard rooms and suites available, all decorated in a stylish and elegant colonial style with local textile adornments and a nice roof terrace from where to enjoy the panoramic views of Antigua and the dramatic surrounding volcanoes. One of our favourite options in town as it offers fantastic value for money.
Casa Duranta, Coban
Casa Duranta is a colonial style hotel, located in the centre of Coban. All of the hotel's ten rooms have a garden view and are furnished with antiques and wrought iron décor. The hotel has a café / restaurant which provides breakfast, late lunch and dinner, offering a variety of traditional Guatemalan and International cuisine. There is also a lounge area where guests can relax and there are facilities to watch movies. Casa Duranta is a good base for guests wishing to make day trips to explore the local area including Lanquin & Semuc Champey.
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.
Villa Santa Catarina, Lake Atitlan
Set upon 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 the thirty-eight rooms reflect the nearby village, famous for its traditional costumes. The stylish rooms offer views of the pool, Lake Atitlan or the surrounding mountains. There is a restaurant and bar on site, but with Panajacel town only a ten-minute drive away, there are also other dining options available nearby.
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.
Hotel Bonifaz, Quetzaltenango
Bonifaz is a large, comfortable hotel based in the centre of Xela just set back from the main Square. The hotel has all amenities such as restaurant and pool and is a clean and comfortable place to stay.
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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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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