This is a wonderful journey from the towns, markets and magnificent landscapes of highland Guatemala down into the steamy jungle and lost Mayan cities of the Peten. Experience the colonial gem of Antigua, lose yourself amidst the colours and scents of Chichicastenango market and visit Lake Atitlan, the “most beautiful lake in the world” and all before you reach the highlight, the magnificent ruins of Tikal! This itinerary showcases the best of Guatemala, a journey from colonial wonder into Mayan mystery.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the crumbling colonial gem of Antigua
Walk on the flanks of the Pacaya Volcano
Browse “Chichi” market, a riot of colours, scents and sounds
Join a traditional Mayan ceremony at Lake Atitlan
Delve into the Mayan wonders of Tikal & the Peten
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
10
Nights
Price Guide
$5850 – $8000 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Guatemala & Transfer to Antigua
Day 2-3
Antigua – Crumbling Colonial Wonders!
On arrival into Guatemala, head straight out to Antigua, a fascinating city and former capital ringed by the three volcanoes Fuego, Acatenango and Agua. Antigua captures the essence of Guatemala where picturesque colonial architecture is infused with traditional Mayan colour amidst magnificent natural landscapes and ruined colonial monuments. Explore the cobbled streets, lose yourself in the colour and energy of the bustling local markets or sample delicious, authentic Guatemalan cuisine at the local comedores (eateries). Further afield, you can visit coffee plantations and local Mayan communities or even hike up the nearby Pacaya Volcano across petrified lava and ash where, on a good day, you can enjoy magnificent views out over volcanoes, the Pacific lowlands and even as far as El Salvador.
Day 4
Chichicastenango Market
Bidding farewell to Antigua, you are driven north-west across the highlands towards the fascinating market town of Chichicastenango. En route, you will make a stop at Comalapa, a village renowned for its local market and its colourful murals which depict the history of Guatemala from the Maya through the Spanish conquest and onto the civil war. Next are the surprising Mayan ruins at Iximche, a small but important site, before you reach Chichicastenango.
Day 5-7
Atitlan – Sacred lake of the Maya
Experience Chichcastenango Market, one of Guatamela’s oldest and most traditional trading centres and a riot of colours, scents and sounds. Arise early and you can appreciate the build-up as K’iche’, Kaqchikel, Mam and Ixil Mayan groups arrive from far and wide to sell their wares. As the market opens, you can join the hive of activity and browse the vibrant textiles, wooden handicrafts and local produce. From here, you will hit the road again and travel on to picture-postcard Lake Atitlan. Sacred to the Maya, Lake Atitlan is a sight to behold, an immense stretch of turquoise water framed by volcanoes and lined with Mayan villages. Based at a waterfront lodge, you can enjoy boat trips across the lake to visit the intriguing Tz’utujil and Kaqchiquel communities of Santiago and San Juan, renowned for their traditional textiles and age-old customs. Or for something more energetic, you can hike, bike and paddle in and around Atitlan or even join traditional Mayan ceremonies.
Day 8-10
Tikal & Lost Mayan Kingdoms!
The highlight – Tikal! Returning to the airport, you will take a short flight to Flores, draped in tropical rainforest at the heart of the steamy Peten lowlands. The Peten hides some of continent’s most remarkable Mayan sites with huge ancient citadels still lying shrouded in jungle yet to be excavated. The most famous of these is Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which encompasses some 3,000 structures that rise from the rainforest floor. Explore the site with your guide, climb Temple IV for sweeping panoramic views across the rainforest and spot howler and spider monkeys high above in the jungle canopy. Tikal is just the tip of the iceberg and time allowing, you might like to visit other more remote Mayan sites such as Yaxhá and Topoxte or even the hugely atmospheric ruins of Aguateca, further afield.
Day 11
Return to Flores airport or Continue into Belize
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $5850 – $8000 per person
When to travel
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Generally-speaking, you can visit Guatemala all year-round although in the lowlands conditions are hotter, stickier and wetter during the rainy season (May to October) often results in heavy downpours in the late afternoon. In the highlands, these months coincide with warmer temperatures which can drop down to zero during the dry season – November to April.
In Guatemala, January is typically a cool month with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 23 degrees Celsius. The weather in January is generally dry with little to no precipitation, making it a great time to visit the country. It's important to note that temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country. Overall, visitors can expect comfortable weather conditions during this time of year.
February is a slightly warmer month in Guatemala, with average temperatures ranging from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is also a relatively dry month with minimal precipitation. As with January, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country. Visitors can expect pleasant weather conditions in February, making it a good time to visit.
March in Guatemala is typically a warm month with average temperatures ranging from 13 to 27 degrees Celsius. It is also a relatively dry month, similar to February, with minimal precipitation. However, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country. Visitors can expect pleasant weather conditions in March, making it a good time to visit.
In April, the weather in Guatemala is generally warm with temperatures ranging from 14 to 28 degrees Celsius. Precipitation levels tend to increase slightly compared to March, but overall, it remains a relatively dry month. As with March, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country.
In May, Guatemala experiences warm temperatures averaging between 16 to 29 degrees Celsius. The weather remains relatively dry with occasional rainfall, making it a great time to explore the country's beautiful landscapes. However, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country, so it's best to pack accordingly.
In June, Guatemala experiences a warm and humid climate with an average temperature of 24°C to 28°C. During this month, rainfall is common and thunderstorms are frequent. It is recommended to bring light and breathable clothing, as well as a raincoat or umbrella when visiting Guatemala during this time of year.
In July, Guatemala experiences warm temperatures with an average high of 27°C and an average low of 16°C. It's a great time to visit and explore the country's stunning landscapes, but be prepared for occasional rain showers as July is also part of the rainy season. Make sure to pack light clothing and a rain jacket to stay comfortable during your travels.
In August, Guatemala's weather is generally warm with average high temperatures of 27°C and lows of 16°C. However, it is still part of the rainy season, so occasional showers are expected. It's recommended to bring light clothing and a rain jacket to stay comfortable during your travels.
The average temperature in Guatemala during the month of September is around 21-23 degrees Celsius. It's usually cooler in the highlands and warmer on the coast. However, it's important to note that the country experiences a rainy season during this month, so there may be occasional showers throughout the day. It's always a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella if traveling during this time.
The temperature in Guatemala during October ranges from 20-24 degrees Celsius. It's generally cooler in the highlands and warmer on the coast. However, it's important to note that October is still part of the rainy season, so travelers should be prepared for occasional showers throughout the day. It's recommended to bring a raincoat or umbrella to stay dry.
In November, Guatemala experiences a slightly cooler climate with temperatures ranging from 18-22 degrees Celsius. The highlands remain cooler than the coast, but travelers should still be prepared for occasional rainfall as it's part of the rainy season. It's advisable to pack a raincoat or umbrella for any unexpected showers.
In December, Guatemala experiences a mild climate with temperatures ranging from 18-23 degrees Celsius. The highlands remain cooler than the coast, but travelers should still be prepared for occasional rainfall as it's part of the rainy season. It's advisable to pack a raincoat or umbrella for any unexpected showers.
Add on’s
Instead of flying into the Peten from Guatemala City, you may prefer to extend your trip a few days and take a wonderful overland route which takes you via Huehuetenango and Coban famous for the breathtaking Semuc Champey National Park. Similarly at the end of your trip, why not continue into Belize just across the border to finish your trip on one of the golden beaches of the Great Mayan Reef. Or to continue your Mayan odyssey, you could cross into Mexico via Frontera Corozal and travel up through Chiapas State and on to reach Palenque and the enchanting Yucatan Peninsula – what better to way to finish your trip than on the Riviera Maya?
Guatemala City also combines nicely with Mexico City and San Jose in Costa Rica which would add a wonderful wildlife element to the itinerary.
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