Antigua, Chichicastenango, Atitlan and Tikal

The Central American country of Guatemala is a fascinating place to visit. It has a strong Mayan and subsequent colonial past which has left a strong mark on the country. The destinations on this tour are very different as you travel across the country, from the lovely colonial city of Antigua to the Mayan jungle ruins of Tikal, these visits will leave you astounded.

Day 1

Upon arrival at the Guatemala City airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. There is a good range of hotels available in this capital city. For the superior option guests could stay at the Guatemala City Marriott or as a slightly more economical option guests could stay at the Best Western-Stofella (subject to space of course). 

Day 2

Today we will make our way to one of the region´s most famous outdoor markets in Chichicastenango (see photo below) where locals come from around the area to buy and sell everything from fruit to grains, animals and handicrafts. Whilst there, a visit to the Santo Tomas Church is a must as the local Maya - Quiche pray here according to ancient Maya traditions. After a local lunch we will head out to the Lake Atitlan. This lake is considered to be one of the world´s most magnificent and beautiful lakes and after a visit we will make our way to Panajachel. Upon arrival we will check in to our hotel in the town. You are able to choose between superior hotel options such as the Hotel Atitlan or more economical options such as the Villa Santa Catarina (or similar).

Day 3

After a delicious breakfast we will make our way to Santiago Atitlan, one of the 12 villages that surround Lake Atitlan. In order to get there, we will board a boat to the Maya-Tzutuhil village of Santiago Atitlan which is renowned for its naïf paintings, textiles and woodcarvings, as well as the character ´Maximon´ who is worshipped by the villagers of Santiago. After the tour we will return to Panajachel and continue on our way to Antigua where you could stay at the Casa Santo Domingo (superior) or the Villa Colonial (standard), or another similar hotel according to your wishes and budget of course.

Day 4

Antigua is considered one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Central America and the minute you step foot onto its cobbled streets you will understand why UNESCO declared it a ¨Cultural Heritage of Humankind¨. The region is surrounded by three volcanoes (Agua, Fuego and Acatenango) and the urban areas are dotted with bougainvillea plants that climb out of crumbling buildings, terracotta tile roofs and plenty of parks for you to sit in and unwind. Along the way we will stop of at the San Antonio Aguas Calientes village where you will find plenty of locally made handicrafts and textiles. We will then head to Centro Cultrual La Azotea where a guide will take you on a visit to a coffee farm and you can enjoy some of Antigua’s finest coffee. You will also visit the traditional Mayan music museum (Casa K’Ojom) and have a guided walking tour of Antigua´s historic center.

Day 5

After an early breakfast you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport where you will board your flight to Flores, Peten. Peten, which is in the northern part of Guatemala, is regarded as the birthplace of the Mayan Civilization and at its center is the magnificent city of Tikal. The city has long been regarded as one of the biggest and most important sites of the Mayan world and in 1979 was declared a World Heritage Site. You will be given a guided tour of the site´s palaces, temples and complexes, as well as be able to take in the beauty of the natural surroundings which hundreds of exotic birds and wildlife call home. You will then return to Flores where you could possibly stay at either the Villa Maya (superior) or Maya International (standard).

Day 6

After a delicious breakfast, you will have the morning at your leisure which you can spend either relaxing by the pool, wandering around, bike riding or kayaking. If you make an early start you could even re-visit Tikal (optional extra). Then in the early afternoon you will be transferred to the airport where you will board your flight to Guatemala City. Your final night in Guatemala will be spent in the capital.

Remember: All of our vacations are custom-made, if you feel you are moving too quickly with this itinerary and would like to add more days here and there, no problem! Ask us for advice, we know the country and its sites well.

Day 7

Enjoy your last morning in Guatemala City before being transferred to the airport where you will catch your flight home or join one of our other Central or South American tours.

To see our range of Guatemala tours please CLICK HERE.