Guatemala Tour

Exploring Timeless Traditions

Welcome to Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala! This vibrant city is known for its rich history and culture, blending modernity with traditional influences.

Upon your arrival, you will meet our representative at the airport, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Guatemala City.

After breakfast, we will embark on a 3.5-hour drive to Quetzaltenango, the second-largest city in Guatemala, which serves as a hub for commerce and industry. The city also acts as a base for exploring the surrounding villages.

Most Guatemalans refer to Quetzaltenango by its name given by the K’iche’ Maya: Xelajú, or simply “Xela.” For many, Quetzaltenango epitomizes a typical Guatemalan city. It is located in the southwest of Guatemala at the foot of the Santa Maria and San Miguel mountains.

Upon arrival, we will set out for a day of exploration in the surrounding villages. We will visit the picturesque market town of Zunil, a small town nestled in a fertile valley. Next, we will travel to the village of Almolonga, known for its vegetable cultivation, and observe the local way of life. Then, we will head to San Francisco El Alto, a town perched on a hill overlooking Quetzaltenango, which serves as Guatemala’s textile center, where you can find sweaters, socks, blankets, and more.
Afterward, we will visit the small town of San Andrés Xecul.
Overnight in Quetzaltenango.

After breakfast, we will embark on a 2-hour drive to Lake Atitlán, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Americas. Its deep blue color is surrounded by three volcanoes, and indigenous villages dot its shores, where the residents rely on agriculture (growing onions, coffee, bananas, and avocados). Each village has developed its own unique weaving styles and clothing. This is where one can understand why Guatemala is known as the “Land of the Rainbow.”

Lake Atitlán is situated in a mountainous area in western Guatemala, at an elevation of 1,562 meters above sea level, providing its residents with a spring-like climate year-round.
In the villages, three tribes live, each distinct in clothing, language, and culture: the Tzutuhil people inhabit the southern shore, the Cachiqueles live in the northeast, and the Quiche reside in the northwest, all of whom are connected to Maya culture.

Upon arrival, we will visit the stunning Atitlán Nature Reserve. The reserve features walking trails with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, various water sources, and waterfalls. You will stroll through coffee plantations and may spot local wildlife. The reserve also includes a butterfly farm, home to a diverse range of colorful butterflies. Afterward, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Atitlán.

After breakfast, we will embark on a boat trip on Lake Atitlán to the indigenous village of Santiago Atitlán. Here, you’ll see the unique textiles of this village, with women sitting in the town square selling huipiles—embroidered blouses featuring flowers and birds, which are characteristic of the region. The village is also home to an interesting cult surrounding a wooden statue of a shaman known as Maximón, to whom locals from all over the area pilgrimage to seek help, blessings, and participate in trance ceremonies.

Next, we will visit San Juan La Laguna, followed by San Antonio Palopó, a village known for its onion cultivation and vibrant weaving. In San Antonio, we will hike up to the church, where we can observe the local men wearing distinctive black and white skirts.
Overnight in Atitlán.

After breakfast, we will embark on a 1.25-hour drive to the vibrant market in Chichicastenango. This bustling market is renowned for its stunning array of textiles, unique hammocks, colorful clothing, intricate figurines, and ceremonial masks used in traditional rituals.
We will explore Central America’s largest and most colorful market, where the air is filled with the sounds of bargaining and lively chatter. Afterward, we will visit the Church of Santo Tomás, a fascinating site where indigenous religious practices blend with Catholic rituals, creating a unique spiritual atmosphere.

Next, we’ll tour a local workshop where traditional masks are crafted, offering insight into the cultural significance of these artifacts.

We will then ascend to the summit of Pascual Abaj, a sacred site where pagan rituals are performed in honor of the Maya gods. Here, purification ceremonies take place for market-goers seeking blessings and spiritual renewal.

In the afternoon, we will return to Atitlán and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Atitlán.

After breakfast, we will travel to visit the local market in Sololá. This is a bustling, authentic local market where villagers from the surrounding areas sell fruits, vegetables, unique textiles, and more.

Following our visit to the market, we will embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Antigua. Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas. The city served as the capital of Guatemala until it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1773. Nestled at the foot of three volcanoes, which rise to nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, the city has faced multiple disasters from volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in the past.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Antigua.

Antigua, the former capital, was established by the Spanish in 1543 and offers travelers beautiful colonial buildings, museums, churches, and the inner courtyards of mansions that have transformed into boutique restaurants and hotels.

Early in the morning, we will set out for a hike up Volcán Pacaya, one of the three volcanoes surrounding Antigua. The tour includes a climb to a viewpoint where, on certain days, you can see the lava (it is also possible to climb on horseback).
Afterward, we will embark on a city tour through the cobblestone streets, where you will encounter churches, monasteries, inner courtyards, and galleries that seem to have frozen in time.

Next, we will continue to visit the coffee plantations, where you can observe the growth and production processes.
Overnight in Antigua.

After breakfast, we will embark on a one-hour drive to Guatemala City Airport for our flight to Flores, a city that serves as a base for tours to the ancient site of Tikal.

Upon arrival, we will travel approximately 75 kilometers to Yaxhá, located deep in the jungle on the shores of Lake Yaxhá. This site was once the third-largest Maya city, housing around 40,000 inhabitants at its peak. Researchers believe that the site served as a resort for the Maya elite during their golden age. Here, we will find the remains of pyramids, palaces, and even a ruined observatory at the center of the lake. Some of the pyramids have been restored, and from one of them, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Yaxhá, surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest rich in wildlife. A local restaurant will serve lunch.

Afterward, we will drive back to Flores and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Flores.

After breakfast, we will set out to visit Tikal, the grand and famous city of the Maya, built deep within the jungle. Only the pyramids peeking above the forest reveal that a vast city once thrived here, featuring ceremonial structures and giant pyramids, the tallest of which reaches a height of 90 meters. We will explore the site and learn about its fascinating history, and those lucky enough may encounter wildlife inhabiting the rainforest—mainly monkeys. A local restaurant will provide lunch.

Afterward, depending on the flight schedule, we will transfer to Flores Airport for our flight back to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Guatemala City.

After breakfast and depending on the flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for our flight back home.