Flavours of Guatemala – A Culinary Journey

Day 1 ANTIGUA (D)

Upon arrival in Guatemala, our representative will meet you and transfer you to Antigua.

Antigua is among the world’s best conserved colonial cities in the Americas. It is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel that time stopped 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings; strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, will fascinate you!

Day 2 ANTIGUA – CHOCOLATE & COFFEE (B – L)

Colonial architecture, fine arts, terracotta, ceramics, wooden sculptures, a great variety of traditional costumes and weaving. Find out the secrets of Antigua on this walking tour that will show you both architecture and flavour. (Please wear comfy shoes!).

After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Antigua. You will visit breath taking colonial monuments and find out why this city was the bustling centre for the Spaniards. You will also visit the chocolate museum and learn how to prepare chocolate from scratch with a Mayan recipe. After lunch in town your driver and guide will take you to a nearby coffee hacienda for a coffee tour and tasting. Our guide will provide recommendations on the best of Antigua’s dining scene. We can also arrange dinner reservations at one of the many excellent restaurants if desired (at additional cost).

Day 3 ANTIGUA – COOKING CLASS (B – L)

Learn how to prepare a traditional Guatemalan dish in a beautiful setting. Your chef will explain the ingredients and some history about Guatemalan flavours.

Today’s cooking class will be held in one of the hotels near the main square of Antigua. Guatemala’s cuisine is a wonderful blend between Spanish and Mayan influences. Its typical dishes were originated around the XVI century when Antigua was the New World Kingdom ́s Capital. The meals developed during the colonial era a blend between European, African, Middle East and indigenous influences.

Day 4 ANTIGUA – LAKE ATITLAN (B – L – D)

Chichicastenango is located 140 km from Guatemala City. It is home to what is surely the most colourful native market in the Americas. Market days are held every Sunday and Thursday, and draw not only the K’iche’ Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors from all over Guatemala, representing many of Guatemala’s linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others. Each hawks his or her products in a riotous cacophony of colour, dialects and costumes, smoke, and smells.

After breakfast your guide will meet you at the lobby of the hotel for your transfer to Chichicastenango.

On arrival your guide will show you the church which is an important and iconic monument for the indigenous and Mayan history itself. If you’re lucky you will also witness special ceremonies and mix of religions. After lunch your driver and guide will take you to Lake Atitlan.

Day 5 LAKE ATITLAN (B – L – D)

With three stunning volcanoes rising out of its emerald surface, Lake Atitlan is located 144 km west of Guatemala City. It is characterised by its natural beauty surrounded by gorgeous views of the volcanoes and indigenous villages filled with culture. The famous writer Aldous Huxled considered it ̈the most beautiful lake in the world ̈.

After breakfast a private boat and guide will take you to visit one of the villages around the lake. After lunch your guide will take you back to your hotel for time at leisure.

Day 6 IXIMCHE & TIKAL (B – L – D)

Iximche is a Post Classic Mayan site, located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Although it is not the major archaeological site, it was founded by the Kaqchikel Maya in 1470 after a prolonged conflict with the Kiche. It was the capital of the late Pre-classic Kaqchikel kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524 with the Spaniards arrival.

After breakfast, a private transfer and guide will take you to Iximche. Your guide will show you around the main temples and the history of this fantastic site. After the tour you will experience a real Mayan Ceremony. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport in Guatemala City for your afternoon flight to Peten.

Day 7 TIKAL (B – L – D)

City and ceremonial centre of the ancient Maya civilisation. Tikal became an important ceremonial centre with the construction of major pyramids and temples. The best years were the late Classic Period (600-900AD). Tikal has some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Maya Civilization, excavated by Pennsylvania University between 1956 and 1969, Tikal is the largest excavated site in the American continent. It is Guatemala ́s most famous cultural and natural preserve.

After breakfast your guide will take you to Tikal National Park and show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, and the theories of why they disappeared. If you are lucky, a few monkeys, parrots, macaws and toucans will be on site. After the tour enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle.

Day 8 TIKAL – YAXHA (B – L – D)

Nitun is a beautiful property, set on 350,000 sqm of grounds where six species of hummingbird nest year round. Accommodation is in the rustic/spacious vein, and from the little patio areas in front of the rooms you can just see the lake water’s tinkling reflection. The grounds are an attraction in themselves, boasting lush jungle and wildlife such as ocelots and jaguarondi (native cats). Once ensconced in this verdant beauty, accompanied by a sound track of bird calls, the temptation is to find a hammock and never leave.

After breakfast, enjoy some time at leisure at this beautiful property. Cook with Lore, Nitun ́s hotel manager and owner and learn from one of the best cooks in town. Prepare tequila shrimp or apple ginger pork chops and bake your own homemade bread. After lunch, you will be transferred to Yaxha Archeological Site for a beautiful sunset.

Day 9 GUATEMALA CITY (B – L – D)

After breakfast your guide will transfer you to Mundo Maya airport for your flight to Guatemala City. On arrival a representative of Maya Trails will take you on a Museum visit. Enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants in the city and then to the rum house to taste the best rum in the world. A farewell dinner will take place at a special venue.

Guatemala City is the most modern and cosmopolitan in Central America. Vibrant and fast pace, Guatemala City (or Guate as the locals call it) is a magnificent blend between the old and the new with a Latin charm. Nowadays, the city has around four million inhabitants and its an must when visiting Guatemala.

Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 year old Solera Rum: This is first-class Guatemalan rum made from virgin sugar cane honey. It received 97 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute and a Gold Medal at the 2007 International Cane Spirits Festival.

Day 10 GUATEMALA CITY (B)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

End of our services

Food Code = (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner.

LHMTGUA002*Please note, prices based on twin share, per person, 4* rates. The itinerary & pricing can change at any time due to availability & of activities. Please check our website for full terms and conditions*

More on Guatemala:

Guatemala – is a country located in Central America and known as the heart of the Mayan world. Along with the Incas and the Aztecs, the Mayans were one of the “pre-Colombian civilizations”. The Mayans still live in the country, and some traditions remain alive along with the colourful architecture left by the Spanish colonisers. Interested in archaeology? Guatemala should be on your list of places to visit in the world.

More about your tour:

The cuisine and culinary traditions of the Ancient Mayans was diverse and extensive. The Mayans were hunters, fishers and used their own gardens to grow their food supply. Their most traditional dishes use a variety of ingredients. Their largest crop production was maize (corn). Cacao, another principle crop, was used in a sacred drink and also as an exchange unit in its grain form.The Spanish colonisation brought change to the region. They introduced not only a new religion and lifestyle, but also new flavours and ingredients.

The Spaniards also introduced alcohol, resulting in the production of one of the world’s finest rums today.

Guatemalans still use many Mayan ingredients and recipes, such as corn and stone grinding. The result of the Mayan traditional dishes and their colonisation has left us with a fusion of flavours and a new Guatemalan culinary identity.

We invite you to enjoy this 10 day culinary itinerary, beginning in Antigua’s finest restaurants and then traveling to the countryside for an authentic, rural experience of Guatemalan flavours.

Visa Requirements to Guatemala:

Australian Citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

For more information contact your nearest embassy or consulate.