G Adventures
Save 15%Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 45 days · Easy
fromCAD 3,814
Next: 28 JunThe adventure
Anyone looking for a tropical getaway that's so much more than a beach vacation will love this quick eight-day introduction to Guatemala's cultural and natural highlights. Visit the lakeside communities of Lake Atitlán, walk the well-preserved Spanish Baroque neighbourhoods of Antigua, and take in a cooking lesson on the picturesque shores of Lake Petén Itzá. Add in some trekking, ziplining, or fishing, and you’ve got a Central American adventure you'll always remember.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Guatemala
Day 1Arrive at the Guatemala City airport and transfer to hotel in AntiguaArrive at the Guatemala City airport and transfer to your hotel in Antigua. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and enjoy this charming city. It is a short 45km (28 mi) from Guatemala City on a lovely winding road. The natural scenery is some of the most beautiful anywhere with high mountain peaks surrounding deep valleys, and nearly every inch of land covered with lush growth.
Guatemala CityArrive at the Guatemala City airport and transfer to your hotel in Antigua. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and enjoy this charming city. It is a short 45km (28 mi) from Guatemala City on a lovely winding road. The natural scenery is some of the most beautiful anywhere with high mountain peaks surrounding deep valleys, and nearly every inch of land covered with lush growth.
Day 2Explore Antigua on a guided cultural walking tour…Walk through quiet cobblestone streets, past restored Spanish colonial stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances. Explore the museums and churches, then have an ice cream and people-watch in the central park. Antigua offers three specialties that make shopping here very worthwhile. Textiles sold here and in the nearby towns are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the traditional back strap loom. Jade, in carved statues and jewelry, is sold in several factories and shops in town and silver jewelry is also sold in the better shops and a nearby silver factory in San Felipe de Jesus. The city offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well.
Walk through quiet cobblestone streets, past restored Spanish colonial stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances. Explore the museums and churches, then have an ice cream and people-watch in the central park. Antigua offers three specialties that make shopping here very worthwhile. Textiles sold here and in the nearby towns are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the traditional back strap loom. Jade, in carved statues and jewelry, is sold in several factories and shops in town and silver jewelry is also sold in the better shops and a nearby silver factory in San Felipe de Jesus. The city offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well.
Day 3Travel today by van and boat…Our home at the lake will be in the tranquil town of Jaibalito. This tiny village sits on the north shores of breathtaking Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes. There are no paved roads leading into Jaibalito, but the paths weaving across the slopes offer rewarding views of the lake. Test your communication and bargaining skills in the colourful local markets, of which there are many. There are also a number of weaving cooperatives that you may wish to visit. The proceeds from the sales return directly to the community and are a significant contribution to the local economy.
Our home at the lake will be in the tranquil town of Jaibalito. This tiny village sits on the north shores of breathtaking Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes. There are no paved roads leading into Jaibalito, but the paths weaving across the slopes offer rewarding views of the lake. Test your communication and bargaining skills in the colourful local markets, of which there are many. There are also a number of weaving cooperatives that you may wish to visit. The proceeds from the sales return directly to the community and are a significant contribution to the local economy.
Day 4Free time for outdoor pursuits such as fishing
Free time for outdoor pursuits such as fishing, hiking, bird watching, and kayaking.
Day 5Return to Antigua and visit a chocolate museum…
Return to Antigua and visit a chocolate museum to take a hands-on workshop to learn about the ancient Mayan process from bean to bar. Opt to take a salsa dance class.
Your journey through
Belize
Day 6Catch our flight to Flores in the Petén…This charming town, with its pastel-coloured buildings, enjoys a scenic setting on Lake Petén Itzá. There will be time to stroll through the streets, buy local handicrafts, or take a swim in the lake. Despite the recent growth in Petén, Flores remains the same small island town, with narrow, cobblestoned streets, small, brightly painted houses, and friendly people.
FloresThis charming town, with its pastel-coloured buildings, enjoys a scenic setting on Lake Petén Itzá. There will be time to stroll through the streets, buy local handicrafts, or take a swim in the lake. Despite the recent growth in Petén, Flores remains the same small island town, with narrow, cobblestoned streets, small, brightly painted houses, and friendly people.
Day 7Take a guided tour of the famous Mayan…
Take a guided tour of the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site set in the heart of the jungle.
Day 8Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover Guatemala
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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