Guatemala
Best of Guatemala
Our Best of Guatemala itinerary includes the country’s ‘must-see’ highlights such as colonial Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and the magnificent Mayan ruins at Tikal. You’ll also explore the Chichicastenango market (the largest in Central America), relax as you sail along the wildlife-rich Rio Dulce, and experience the remote Caribbean beaches of Livingston.
Highlights
Pacaya Volcano’s lava flows
Walking tour of colonial Antigua
Kayaking on Lake Atitlan
Exploring Tikal Mayan ruins
Blue Crater swimming
Rio Dulce cruise
Caribbean beaches at Livingston
16 days from £3,645 pp
Plus international flights from £850
A two-week holiday in Guatemala for a family of four usually costs from £14,580 based on mid-range hotels, excluding flights
Best of Guatemala day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, Guatemala City – Antigua
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Antigua, one of the world’s best preserved colonial cities. You will feel as if you have been transported back in time.
Day 2, Antigua
Take a guided walking tour around Antigua, with its pretty cobbled streets flanked by colourful houses. From a stunning viewpoint, you will see the churches and plazas spread before you with the impressive backdrop of smoking volcanoes. Kids will love haggling for souvenirs in the lively markets.
This afternoon you are free to relax – perhaps find a rooftop cafe and soak up the views of Agua Volcano, visible from pretty much everywhere in the city!
Day 3, Pacaya Volcano
This morning take an exciting excursion to Pacaya National Park to climb the slopes of the live Pacaya Volcano. You will follow a picturesque trail that winds up through woodland and cinder scree to the impressive crater and lava flows. The views over the smoking black cone are stunning. Toast marshmallows over the molten lava for Smores a la Guatemala before returning to Antigua for a relaxing afternoon.
Please note that for older and more adventurous families, it is possible to tackle climbing Acatenango Volcano where you can (weather permitting) witness the explosive eruptions of Fuego Volcano opposite your overnight camp.
Day 4, Antigua Cookery Class
In the morning you will meet your guide and walk to Antigua’s lively and very colourful market. Your guide will introduce you to the cooking ingredients that you will be using. During the tour, you will also visit a Tortilleria. Here you will take part in an ancient tradition by making your own tortilla. You will then learn how to make Pepian, one of Guatemalan most emblematic dishes, in the ‘San Antonio Aguas Calientes’ way. This recipe is unique to the area of San Antonio, a indigenous Kakchikel town, using traditional Mayan cooking techniques. You can then enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch!
Day 5, Chichicastenango – Lake Atitlan
If you are travelling on a Thursday or a Sunday, this morning we can arrange a stop at Chichicastenango market, one of the largest in Central America. Wander through the narrow alleyways between the stalls and marvel at the sheer quantity of things for sale. You’ll find wooden masks, exquisite embroidery, pottery, woodcarvings, ethnic bags, piles of fruit, traditional incense and more.
Continue on to Lake Atitlan. Set against a backdrop of two picture-perfect volcanoes and dotted with traditional villages, this really is Central America at its finest. The views over the lake and surrounding volcanic hills is completely breathtaking and it is one of our favourite spots in Central America.
Day 6, Lake Atitlan Kayak and Hike
Make the most of the beautiful surroundings, starting with a kayak trip around the lake to the indigenous village of San Marcos. This also involves some exciting cliff-jumping! From here, a gentle 2-hour hike will take you along the lakeshore back to your hotel, hiking along ancient paths that have been used by the Kaqchikel Maya for centuries. You will view villagers going about their daily lives and see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. The afternoon is free for you to relax.
Read More Day 7, Lake Atitlan Village Visits Day 8, Lake Atitlan – Flores Day 9, Tikal Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle before returning to Flores where you are free to relax. Day 10, Blue Crater Day 11, Flores – Rio Dulce Day 12, Rio Dulce Kayakaing and San Felipe Fortress You will then take a boat transfer to the nearby San Felipe Castle, a historical monument and a popular site. It is in imposing fortress that defended the country against pirates in the XVII and XVIII centuries. You can explore the castle leisurely, enjoying its scenic location, before returning to your hotel where the rest of the day is free. Day 13, Rio Dulce Cruise to Livingston Following the ancient commercial route of the Mayas, you will navigate Rio Dulce (Sweet River) through dramatic canyons with limestone cliffs over 100m high, covered with tropical vegetation. You will also cross through “EL Golfete”, the wider area of the river in which the Chocon Machaca Park and the floating gardens are located. Along the way, you will stop at Ak’Tenamit, a local cooperative for an insight into local river life as well as a riverside restaurant where the local fish dishes just have to be sampled. The journey ends at Livingston on the Caribbean. Laid-back and relaxed, Livingston has a unique ambience that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. It will remind you more of a Caribbean island than of Latin America. Day 14, Siete Altares and Playa Blanca Afterwards you will continue to Playa Blanca, a beautiful beach located 25 minutes from Livingston. This white sand and clear water paradise is accessible only by sea and is a protected area. There will be plenty of time to enjoy a swim in this pristine environment before returning by boat to Livingston. Day 15, Livingston – Puerto Barrios – Guatemala City Day 16, Guatemala City
Head out by boat over Lake Atitlan to visit some of the villages that dot the shores. Each has its own distinctive character; one has a main street strung with colourful umbrellas to create shade; another has a lively market and churches that blend Catholic and Mayan traditions. You will have plenty of time to explore and can visit local craft cooperatives to learn about local handicraft traditions. More souvenir shopping!
This morning you will head back to Guatemala City airport to catch a short flight north to Flores. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel. Flores is an atmospheric island town based on Lake Peten Itza, known for its colourful housing and imposing cathedral.
Rise early for your visit to Tikal. Tikal is Central America’s most impressive Mayan ruin. It lies deep in the jungle, the surrounding trees alive with the cackle of howler monkeys and cries from brightly coloured macaws. Your guide will explain the layout of the temples as well as some theories about why the Mayans disappeared. Climb the steps to the top of a pyramid for superb views and a sense of the enormity of the site. Children will be entranced by gruesome tales of human sacrifice and will love walking through the jungle to spot toucans and spider monkeys.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sayaxche. You will then take a boat cruise along the Pucte stream to the Blue Crater. You will be stunned at the startling blue colour of the water, the origin of which is still unknown. A picnic lunch is included. After a fun time jumping into the refreshing water and snorkelling in this crystal-clear water sanctuary, you will return by boat and road to your hotel.
Today you will transfer from Flores to the riverside town of Rio Dulce (also known as Fronteras). You will certainly appreciate time to relax in this peaceful waterfront community, where any hustle and bustle comes from the boats pottering up and down the waterway – Lake Izabal to the west and the Caribbean coast to the east.
An early wake-up for an exciting sunrise river kayaking trip through the mangroves. While paddling, you will hear the howler monkeys waking up from their sleep – the noise is definitely better than an alarm clock! You will paddle along the wide river toward the mangrove channels and tributaries that weave into the jungle, home to birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.
Enjoy a magical cruise from Lake Izabel all the way out to the Caribbean Sea.
After breakfast, you will take a boat transfer to the stunning Siete Altares (Seven Shrines). This is a beautiful site where seven freshwater pools flow from the rainforest into the Caribbean Sea. Here you can hike, bathe, relax or jump off the rocks into crystalline water – the perfect refreshing antidote to the humidity.
Transfer by boat along the coast to Puerto Barrios where you will take the short flight to Guatemala City. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel.
Trasnfer to the airport for your flight home.
Guatemala in pictures
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