With the largest population in Central America, Guatemala City (known as Guate) is a bustling capital set in a valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes where the Archaeology and Ethnology Museum, Ixchel Museum and Popol Vuh Museum await you. Hike along the shoreline of picturesque Lake Atitlán, stopping at traditional Mayan villages. Stroll through the colorful market at Chichicastenango and visit Antigua, the best-preserved colonial city in the Americas. Then take a nature walk through a tropical rainforest before exploring the incredible ruins at Tikal.
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
GMT -6
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Average Temp
70° F
Guatamela Expedition
Land of the Living Maya
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA
Arrive in Guatemala City
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Westin Camino Real
Day 2 – GUATEMALA CITY / COMALAPA & IXIMXCHÉ / LAKE ATITLÁN
Private transfer to Atitlán. Stops in:
- San Juan Comalapa – Maya Kaqchiquel artists & Market
- Iximché – Mayan ruins
Accommodations: Hotel Atitlán
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – ATITLÁN – SAN JUAN & SANTIAGO VILLAGES
Visit local villages:
- San Juan La Laguna – weavers, painters
Cruise to:
- Santiago – home of Maximón, Maya folk saint
Accommodations: Hotel Atitlán
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – ATITLÁN / CHICHI MARKET / ANTIGUA
Private transfer to Chichicastenango:
- Fruit & vegetable market, handmade textiles, carved wood, ceramics, crafts
- Santo Tomás Church
Continue to La Antigua Guatemala
Accommodations: El Mesón de María
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – ANTIGUA
Coffee Tour. Choose between:
- De La Gente (DLG) Fairly Traded Coffee – non-profit supporting local farmers OR
- Azoteca Coffee Farm & Museum of Traditional Mayan Music & Costume
Accommodations: El Mesón de María
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – ANTIGUA – PACAYA VOLCANO
Half-day 4.25-mile hike to 7,510 feet above sea level
Picnic lunch
Accommodations: El Mesón de María
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – ANTIGUA / COPÁN
Private transfer to Copán
Stroll through the local village
Accommodations: Hotel Marina Copán
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – COPÁN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Private guided tour:
- Copán Ruinas UNESCO World Heritage site – Mayan ruins
- Macaw Mountain Bird Park – nine-acre reserve
Accommodations: Hotel Marina Copán
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – COPÁN / QUIRIGUÁ / LIVINGSTON
Private transfer:
- Quiriguá– carved stelae (single blocks of stone)
Continue to Puerto Barrios or Rio Dulce for boat transfer:
- Livingston – Caribbean fishing town
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Caribe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 – LIVINGSTON / TIKAL
Cruise on Rio Dulce:
- Ak’ Tenamit Project – NGO supporting local children
- Tikal National Park
Accommodations: Jungle Lodge Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – TIKAL NATIONAL PARK
Private guided tour:
- 3,000 ancient structures – Great Plaza, Temple of the Jaguar, Temple of the Masks, Acropolis
- Tropical birds & animals
Birdwatching OR Zip-lining
Accommodations: Jungle Lodge Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 – TIKAL / FLORES / GUATEMALA CITY / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to Flores for flight to Guatemala City to connect with flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $5,600 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
I’m so thoroughly ensconced on Cloud 9 that I can hardly function. I just look at photos and smile. And smile. The trip was absolutely superb, amazing, awesome, everything I hoped. I loved it all! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I am so grateful to you! I know there were a million details and they all worked out just right. Where shall I go next? Actually, I want to do this all over again.
Susan B.
Charlottesville, VA
When to go:
Year-round (dry season is from November to April)
What to eat:
Pepián (chicken, beef or pork stew), Kak’ik (turkey soup), Pupusas (fried, stuffed corn tortillas)
What to pack:
Light-weight clothing; light jacket or sweater; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; waterproof shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; binoculars; universal adapter
