Guatemala Highlights

This unhurried itinerary offers the visitor a fantastic insight into one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Beginning in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, undoubtedly the loveliest colonial city in Central America, the tour continues with a visit to the far northern reaches of the country where an ancient Mayan city rises out of the forest canopy deep in the jungle. Just when you think it can’t get any better, you will be amazed by the beauty of stunning Lake Atitlán, referred to as ‘the closest thing to Eden on Earth' by Lonely Planet guidebooks where the strikingly deep blue water contrasts with three perfectly conical volcanoes encircling the lake. A boat tour and a visit to some of the indigenous villages on the lakeshore is a must. Cultural immersion continues with a shopping trip to one of the world’s finest and most vibrant outdoor indigenous markets at Chichicastenango. This itinerary is packed with 'wow' factor, visiting some of Guatemala’s most impressive cultural and natural wonders.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Guatemala (-)

You will be met upon arrival at Guatemala City airport by one of our representatives and escorted to your boutique hotel in the historic center of the city of Antigua, approximately 45 minutes drive away where you will stay for the next four nights. Evening will be at your leisure to stroll around the lovely city center and perhaps sample some of Guatemala’s delicious cuisine.

Day 2 - City Tour, Finca Filadelfia (B)

Antigua is undoubtedly the most impressive colonial city in Central America and boasts a huge variety of architectural riches. Following a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, you will be given a private walking tour through this delightful city, visiting its finest attractions including the Church and ex-convent of Las Capuchinas, the lovely, shaded main plaza, the Arco de Santa Catalina, a beautiful 17th century arch perfectly framing Volcán Agua, one of the three volcanoes encircling the town. This afternoon a visit to the delightful Finca Filadelfia, where a guided coffee plantation tour, as well as a wonderful walk through forested nature trails to view tropical bird species will introduce you to the natural delights of this fertile, volcanic region.

Day 3 - Pacaya Volcano, Cacao Tour (B)

The Guatemala highlands are one of the few places in the world where you can have the amazing experience of climbing an active volcano with relative ease. An early start is required for this half-day guided trip. You will drive to the town of San Francisco de Salas, from where a well-maintained trail leads to the summit and the most spectacular view you’ve ever seen after 2-3 hours. No technical climbing is involved and although you don’t have to be super fit to make the summit you must be in good health and have an adventurous spirit. Alternatively, if volcano climbing isn’t quite your thing, you can enjoy a tour to the Choco Museo farm, where you will discover the rich ecosystem of a cacao plantation, while farmers will teach you everything they know about organic farming of cacao. You will also get to experience making different kinds of chocolate for yourself using the methods taught by the farmers. Enjoy your final evening in Antigua at your leisure.

Day 4 - Drive to Lake Atitán, Hike or Horseback Ride (B)

This morning you drive approximately three hours to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. After checking into your lakeside hotel, you will begin an easy hike or horseback ride around the lakeshore. The scenery here is amazing and you will undoubtedly meet some residents of the area, brightly dressed in their indigenous clothing. Each village has it's own style of weaving, so villagers are able to recognize which village other people come from by the way the are dressed. The people here are friendly and with your guide as a translator, you will gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the villagers who live in this area.

Day 5 - Lake Atitán Boat Tour, Indigenous Villages (B)

After enjoying a delicious Guatemalan breakfast overlooking the idyllic shores of this impossibly blue lake, you will begin a private boat tour around some of the thirteen indigenous villages that encircle Atitlán. From the boat you will gain a wonderful perspective of the three conical Tolimán, San Pedro and Atitlán volcanoes that encircle this lake, called ‘the closest thing to Eden on Earth’ by Lonely Planet guidebooks. Mayan villagers, many of whom still dress in a riot of technicolored traditional clothing, populate the friendly and welcoming indigenous villages around the lake. You will hear the Mayan languages of Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel spoken here more than you will hear Spanish. Each village has its own feel and the local markets are great places to shop for the colorful textiles and handicrafts produced locally. You will have the afternoon free to enjoy the delights of this beautiful region at your leisure, or simply relaxing by your hotel’s pool at the edge of the lake.

Day 6 - Visit Chichicastenango Market, Fly to Flores (B)

After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake you will drive approximately 90 minutes to the delightfully named Maya K’iche town of Chichicastenango. This is a magical town of cobbled streets and red tiled rooftops, with traditional spiritual and shamanistic tones, set in a valley and surrounded by mountains frequently enveloped in highland mists, however the main reason for visiting is the twice-weekly market. This is Guatemala’s finest highland market experience, where traders from a dozen surrounding outlying Mayan villages come to sell their goods. The result is one of the most colorful, vibrant and most enchanting outdoor market experiences anywhere in the world. The market sprawls over the whole town center and is a delight to experience as your senses are bombarded with colors, smells and the sound of indigenous languages in a scene that has been going on for hundreds of years. This afternoon you will return to Guatemala City in time to catch the evening flight to Flores in the heart of the northern jungles.

Day 7 - Tikal (B)

Tikal is one of the most impressive ancient ruins cities in the world. It was the Mayan civilization’s greatest city and is located in a spectacular, remote jungle setting with pyramids rising above the forest canopy. Settled around 800 BC and occupied continuously until records ended in AD 869, it once covered an area of 12 square miles and had a population of at least 100,000 people. The jungle reclaimed Tikal after it was abandoned and the city remained unknown to the western world until its rediscovery in the 17th century. Tikal boasts an amazing variety of flora and fauna, with abundant wildlife viewable early and late in the day. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here. The pyramids here are some of the few in the Americas that you can climb from where you can marvel in the spell bounding scenery and spectacular views from over 200 feet above the floor of the jungle. Today you will be given a private tour of the ruins while you learn about the ancient Maya before returning to your hotel to enjoy an al-fresco dinner overlooking the beautiful Lake Petén Itzá.

Day 8 - Farewell to Guatemala (B)

An early start will be necessary this morning to catch the morning flight to Guatemala City in order to connect to your flight home.

Antigua - Luxury - Camino Real

The Camino Real is a beautiful hotel located within Antigua’s historic center. Recently updated and refurbished, the hotel features 97 luxurious rooms and suites designed around five colonial-style courtyards. Each room has two queen size beds, presented with fine linens and a menu of pillows. The hotel’s restaurant serves a delicious selection of Guatemalan and International gourmet cuisine and the gardens are lush and tropical. This is a highly recommended luxury hotel that we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

Antigua - Deluxe - El Convento

Awarded the ‘Most Excellent Hotel in Mexico and Central America’ award by Conde Nast Johansens in 2013, El Convento welcomes visitors to an oasis of stunning elegance and unparalleled comfort. The hotel is the perfect base from which to discover La Antigua, with its intriguing architecture and countless cultural landmarks. Many suites feature fireplaces, and some offer romantic outdoor terraces and Jacuzzis. Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit with a spa service, or sample delicious food at the hotel’s Elu Restaurant with its imaginative cuisine, impressive wine list, and awe-inspiring outdoor terrace.

Lake Atitlán - Luxury - Hotel Atitlan

This stylish, historic hotel graces the shores of Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. High quality local fabrics are used for bed covers, curtains and cushions, made specifically to echo the ambience of the lake, while modern amenities such as high quality sheets, pillows, blankets, and hypoallergenic down comforters make your stay as pleasant as possible. Bathrooms at Hotel Atitlan feature high quality cotton towels as well as fine soaps, shampoo and conditioners. The hotel’s beautiful Botanical Gardens, filled with hundreds of varieties of plants as well as countless colorful tropical birds are a delight to stroll through before enjoying a delicious Guatemalan meal at the lake view restaurant.

Lake Atitlán - Deluxe - Casa Palopo

Perched above spectacular Lake Atitlan with a view of three volcanoes and located in the Guatemalan Highlands, Casa Palopó offers two distinct brands of romantic relaxation for the sophisticated traveler. All suites offer unbroken views of the scenic volcanoes and lake as well as first-rate amenities such as Italian luxury bed linens and L'Occitane products. This beautiful hotel is undoubtedly the finest accommodations in the Lake Atitlan region.

Flores - Luxury - Camino Real (Standard Room)

Flores - Deluxe - Camino Real (Superior Room)

The Camino Real is located between two indigenous villages and the national reserve of Cerro Cahuí on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. It offers private access to the second largest lake in Guatemala and the nature that surrounds it.The hotel is a tropical retreat located in the heart of the Petén jungle, with excellent facilities and comfort that will ensure an unforgettable experience. Air-conditioning, cable tv, internet and fine linens are standard amenities for all rooms, while the Nakún restaurant serves a delicious selection of Guatemalan and International cuisine.

Pricing

From $3180 per person (Luxury Hotels) or $3440 per person (Deluxe Hotels), for a private tour based on two people traveling in low season sharing a room.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of Blue World Journeys’s representatives while in Guatemala
All transportation as described in the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver / guide
Private sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary
Bottled water in the vehicle during all transfers 

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.).