Highlights of Guatemala

Day 1 ANTIGUA

Upon arrival in Guatemala, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in 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 along the cobblestone streets, you will experience the splendours of ancient times! A few things you will find are art galleries and exhibits, coffee shops, amazing cuisine, cute little bars and much more.

Day 2 ANTIGUA (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 a walking tour of the city.

After breakfast your guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and show you the secrets and architecture of this beautiful colonial town. Your guide will explain in detail some of the main heritage buildings around Antigua such as The Cathedral, San Francisco and La Merced. Lunch included. After your tour enjoy time at leisure to explore the town on your own.

Day 3 ANTIGUA – LAKE ATITLAN (B)

Antigua is famous for producing one of the best coffees in Central America. Enjoy the scenery and a unique insight into a real coffee hacienda. This tour will get you up close and personal with the whole coffee making process, experiencing the smells, the sights and the flavour of one of the Guatemala’s most famous export.

Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to the coffee hacienda just a few minutes away from Antigua. You will learn about the process, from hand picking the grain to ready to serve. After the tour your guide will transfer you to Lake Atitlan.

Day 4 LAKE ATITLAN (B – L)

With three stunning volcanoes rising out of its emerald surface, Lake Atitlán is for sure the best way to be introduced to the indigenous culture in the highlands of Guatemala. Atitlan is characterised by its natural beauty and surrounded by gorgeous views. The famous writer Aldous Huxley considered it ̈the most beautiful lake in the world ̈.

After breakfast your guide will take you on a private boat to visit San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, two very special and different towns around the Lake. Santiago is home to Maximon, a venerated pagan saint who smokes tobacco and drinks moonshine. He resides in a different house each year. San Juan La Laguna is a quieter town, less visited and is home to several textile co-ops and art galleries.

Day 5 ATITLAN – GUATEMALA CITY (B)

Chichicastenango is home to what is surely the most colourful native market in the Americas. Market days are held every Thursday and Sunday 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 person hawks his or her products in a riotous cacophony of colour, dialects and costumes, smoke, and smells.

After breakfast your guide will transfer you to Chichicastenango. Open your senses and experience the folklore of one of the most colourful markets the Americas. After lunch, your guide will transfer you to your hotel in Guatemala City.

Day 6 GUATEMALA CITY – PETEN (B)

The area of Petén is the largest department in Guatemala; it occupies about a third of the country but contains only three percent of its population. This area produces wood, chewing gum, oil, pepper and other agricultural products. Its main income comes from the world renowned cradle of Mayan civilisation.

An early transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Petén. On arrival a representative of Maya Trails will transfer you to your hotel for breakfast and time at leisure. At 14:00 the guide will transfer you to the Yaxhá Archaeological Site for a beautiful sunset tour. After sunset your guide will transfer you back to the hotel.

Day 7 PETEN – TIKAL – GUATEMALA CITY (B – L)

City and ceremonial centre of the ancient Maya civilization, Tikal became an important ceremonial centre with the construction of major pyramids and temples. Its best years were the late Classic Period (600-900AD). Tikal National Park contains 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 tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Tikal National Park. Your guide will show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, some theories of why they disappeared and 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.

After lunch a private transfer will take you to the airport for your local flight back to Guatemala City. A Maya Trails representative will meet you at Guatemala City Airport for your transfer to your hotel.

Day 8 GUATEMALA CITY (B)

After breakfast a transfer will take you to the airport for your departure flight.

End of our services

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

LHMTGUA001 *Please note, prices based on twin share, per person, low season, 3 star rates. Optional tours can be included at extra cost. 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 civilisations”. 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 the sites you will visit:

Antigua – the city was the Spanish capital of Central America, during the Spanish colonisation. Nowadays the city is listed as World Heritage site, and probably is one of the most visited destinations in the country.

Lake Atitlan – described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, the lake is situated in the Guatemalan highlands. The area is a beautiful natural area, with many tourist attractions surrounding it. If you are thinking about scuba diving or learning a new language – this would be a good place to do it!

Guatemala City – the city is the capital of the country, with most of it’s roads starting at Km 0, located inside the National Palace, in the historic centre. The city became the capital of Guatemala after Antigua was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. The city is the largest and most modern city in the country and has plenty of attractions to offer apart from good infrastructure and gastronomy. Experiencing a Sunday evening in Guatemala City’s main square (plaza) will be an unforgettable experience , where hundreds of locals get together.

Tikal – situated in the rainforest of northern Guatemala, Tikal is one of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala and maybe the most popular attraction in the Mayan World. The name Tikal translates as “Place of Voices” and once was the centre for a population of about a quarter of a million inhabitants. The city is surrounded by preserved wildlife and is a must see due to its beauty and ancient mysteries.

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.