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Highlights of Guatemala

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

from US $ 2,395.00

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GUATEMALA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL GUATEMALA – PERFECT FOR FAMILIES, COUPLES, GROUPS, OR SINGLE TRAVELERS

(THIS PRIVATE TOUR IS FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE)

This varied journey through Guatemala’s Mayan land combines lively traditions, impressive landscapes, and important Mayan sites.

Guatemala’s colonial heritage and modern life form an exciting contrast.

From the vibrant capital, you will travel to the charming colonial city of Antigua Guatemala and on to the western highlands to picturesque Lake Atitlán and the colorful market of Chichicastenango. You will then discover Quetzaltenango and the indigenous towns of Almolonga, Zunil, and San Francisco El Alto.
The crowning glory is the impressive Mayan site of Tikal with its temples and pyramids rising out of the jungle.

Colorful market in Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Tour start/end: Guatemala City Airport (GUA)

TOUR MAP

OF YOUR GUATEMALA ITINERARY

TOUR ITINERARY

OF YOUR GUATEMALA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

DAY 1

GUATEMALA CITY – ARRIVAL TRANSFER (-)

Individual arrival at the La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (GUA). Transfer to your hotel and check-in.

DAY 2

CITY TOUR – ANTIGUA (B)

Visit to the Plaza Central, the main square in the historic center of Guatemala City, surrounded by the National Palace and the Cathedral, among other buildings. Visit the Popol Vuh Museum, an important museum of Mayan art with exhibits from the pre-Columbian Mayan period from across Guatemala.
Later, drive through the scenic Guatemalan highlands to the Panchoy Valley and Antigua.

DAY 3

ANTIGUA CITY TOUR – LAKE ATITLAN (B)

A city tour takes you through the colorful old town with its baroque colonial architecture, churches, and monasteries to the lively main square and cathedral. The hill “Cerro de la Cruz” with its stone cross is one of the best vantage points for viewing the colonial city of Antigua and the Agua volcano to the south. A visit to a coffee plantation is also a must.

In the afternoon, transfer to Santa Catarina Palopo at Lake Atitlán.

DAY 4

LAKE ATITLAN BOAT TOUR (B)

Private boat trip to Santiago Atitlán, one of the twelve villages surrounding the lake. Santiago is famous for Maximon, a syncretic saint who is cared for by a local brotherhood.

Return by boat to Panajachel and visit the indigenous villages of Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo, famous for their textile production.

DAY 5

LAKE ATITLÁN – CHICHICASTENANGO – QUETZALTENANGO (B)

Today, head to Chichicastenango, located at an altitude of about 6,500 feet. This traditional highland village is particularly impressive for its Iglesia de Santo Tomás church, built on the foundations of a Mayan temple. Here you can observe the indigenous population practicing their religion, a mixture of Catholicism and ancient Mayan beliefs.

However, the main attraction is the colorful market, which takes place every Thursday and Sunday and offers a wide selection of textiles, masks, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, you will visit San Andrés Xecul, home to a bright yellow church, before continuing to Quetzaltenango.

DAY 6

QUETZALTENANGO – HIGHLAND VILLAGES – GUATEMALA CITY (B)

Visit the picturesque highland villages of Almolonga and Zunil, surrounded by coffee, banana, and vegetable plantations. You can also see the colorful weavings of the traditional costumes worn by the local women. Then continue to San Francisco El Alto, where you can visit one of the country’s largest and most authentic markets on Fridays. Enjoy an impressive panoramic view stretching as far as Quetzaltenango, with the Santa Maria and Chicabal volcanoes beyond. In the afternoon, you will head back to Guatemala City through the impressive highland panorama.

DAY 7

GUATEMALA CITY: DAY TRIP TO TIKAL (B/L)

Early transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Flores (flight not included, see supplement). Today is dedicated to visiting the Mayan site of Tikal in the middle of the Guatemalan jungle. The former city is said to have covered approximately 50 square miles, with over 3,000 structures found in the current 6-square-mile excavation area alone!

Guided tour of the most interesting parts of the site, such as the North and Central Acropolis, Central Plaza, Temple IV, and Mundo Perdido, including a visit to the Morley Museum. Lunch on site. In the afternoon, return to Flores and fly back to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

DAY 8

GUATEMALA CITY – DEPARTURE TRANSFER (B)

Today, we will take you to Guatemala City International Airport for your return or onward flight.

It’s time to say goodbye to Guatemala and to start planning your next adventure with us!

Customize your Guatemala Highlights Tour:

Other stops we can add to this itinerary if you have more time:

Pacaya Volcano hike: An intermediate, family-friendly adventure with lava fields, volcano views, optional horses, and geothermal hot spots near Antigua.
Río Dulce: Located on the Caribbean side of Guatemala, where lush nature and the vibrant Garífuna culture meet
Semuc Champey: Swim in clear blue natural water pools. Look at the river flowing under the stone bridge. BUT: Reaching Semuc Champey requires considerably more travel time than destinations such as Antigua and Lake Atitlán.
The ruins of Quiriguá and Copán in Honduras.

EXTENSION OPTIONS

Copan, Honduras

Cross the border and travel to Copan. The Copan Maya archaeological site is famous for its distinctive sculptural style, unique hieroglyphic staircase, and underground temples. The setting, the piece and the amazing sculptures make this archaeological site a unique place.

Belize

Tucked between Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize is fringed with colorful reefs off its eastern coast. At the same time, the country’s interior is dotted with Mayan ruins hidden away in lush green jungles.

On a Belize vacation, you can learn how to make chocolate, explore caves, or watch howler monkeys scampering through the trees. Or escape completely and hide out in a jungle resort, and go snorkeling or diving on a remote atoll.

El Salvador

El Salvador is Central America’s hidden gem — a destination filled with dramatic volcanoes, charming colonial towns, breathtaking Pacific beaches, coffee plantations, and warm hospitality.

From surfing in El Tunco and hiking the Santa Ana Volcano to relaxing at Lake Coatepeque or exploring the colorful villages of Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

Price: from US$ 2,395.00 per person in double occupancy

Included services

All transfers
English-speaking guide (days 2-7)
7 nights of accommodation in standard hotels (upgrades possible for a surcharge)
Daily breakfast and 1 lunch
All entrance fees as outlined
Private boat trip on Lake Atitlán
24/7 emergency assistance by our local partner agency during the entire stay

Not included

International airfare (to/from GUA)
Local return flight to/from Flores (Tikal) – currently about US$320, subject to change
Tips for drivers, guides, hotel staff
Extension Options