- 26 September - 4 October 2027
- 8 Nights/ 9 days
- Weather 16 - 29 C
- Fitness - Med 5km per day
- Price Range - $$$
Guatemala: A Land of Vibrant Contrasts
Explore Guatemala’s nature and history on this 9-day tour. Visit Antigua with its colonial charm, the picturesque Lake Atitlan surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages, and the Petรฉn region, home to jungles and archaeological sites like Tikal.
Guatemala offers diverse landscapes: rainforests, colonial cities, turquoise lakes, active volcanoes, Mayan villages, and Caribbean coasts. The rich Mayan heritage is evident in national monuments and pre-Columbian temples hidden in jungles. Half of the population is of Indian origin, preserving dialects and customs. Guatemalans are incredibly hospitable, welcoming you with open arms. Experience colourful markets, ancestral traditions, and explore the jungle of Petรฉn to uncover Mayan civilization. Sail Lake Atitlan at sunset and discover the beauty of Guatemala.
Oh the places we'll go ......
Guatemala City, or “Guate” as the locals affectionately call it, is a dynamic blend of ancient history and modern urban energy. As the countryโs capital and largest city, it offers a fascinating contrast between its colonial past and contemporary growth. Wander through historic zones filled with Spanish architecture, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks like the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral. Dive into the cityโs vibrant art scene at museums such as the Museo Popol Vuh and the Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles.
Step back in time as you explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Tikal, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilisation. Nestled deep within the lush jungles of northern Guatemala, Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering temples, grand plazas, and intricate carvings that tell the story of a civilisation at its peak. Discover the secrets of the Maya as your guide leads you through this ancient city, bringing its rich history and culture to life.
San Lucas Tolimรกn is a picturesque town located on the southern shore of Lake Atitlรกn in the Sololรก department of Guatemala. Surrounded by lush mountains and overlooked by the majestic Atitlรกn Volcano, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich indigenous culture, primarily of the Kaqchikel Maya. The town thrives on agriculture, with coffee and corn being key crops, and it serves as a gateway for eco-tourism and cultural experiences in the region. Its tranquil atmosphere, traditional markets, and vibrant community life make it a unique destination for those seeking an authentic Guatemalan experience.
Discover the charm of Antigua, Guatemalaโs most enchanting city, known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture, vibrant culture, and dramatic volcanic backdrop. Once the colonial capital, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that invites you to stroll through cobblestone streets lined with colorful facades, historic churches, and bustling markets.Whether exploring its fascinating history or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Antigua offers a captivating blend of the past and present, making it a highlight of your journey.
Trip Highlights
- Guatemala City Tour
- Take a boat ride on Lake Peten Itza
- Visit Tikal National Park
- Explore the archaeological site including the Great Jaguar Temple, Masks Temple, and the Snake Temple
- Visit the Mayan site of Iximchรฉ
- Enjoy the view of Lake Atitlan
- Boat Trip to Mayan Villages on Lake Atitlan
- Visit the syncretic cult of Maximรณn
- Visit San Juan La Laguna for traditional weaving techniques
- Experience Mayan spiritual ceremony at Mount Pascual Abaj
- Explore famous markets in Chichicastenango
- Antigua Half Day Guided Tour
- Visit a coffee farm and have lunch with a local family
- Taste local specialties in Antigua
Book your Guatemala Tour 2027
- Twinshare โ $4175 AUD
- Single Room โ $4745 AUD
*FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED
This tour requires a $500 deposit, followed by two installment payments.
The first installment is due 6 months before the start of the trip.
The second installment is due 75 days prior to departure.
If you are combining Guatemala and Mexico, book here.ย
Experience the finest in guided travel with our Escorted Tours, fully led by a certified, English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the destination.
Inclusions
- 7 nights Accommodation
- Domestic Flights to and from Guatemala City to Flores
- Meals as stated on itinerary
- Airport transfer to and from the hotel
- Private vehicle transport all throughout activities
- Professional Guide as provided throughout itinerary
- Entrance Fees as per itinerary
- Local Tours
- Boat trip to Tzutuhil villages of Lake Atitlan
Exclusions
- International airfares to and from Guatemala
- Travel Insurance (which is compulsory)
- Some Lunches and Dinners
- Personal purchases
- Tipping is for tour guides, drivers and hotel staff - $25AUD per day. To be collected on arrival or beforehand added to your invoice.
Travel Itinerary
Bienvenidos a Guatemala!
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, where you will be warmly greeted by your driver and escorted to your hotel. Enjoy a comfortable transfer and settle into your accommodations.
Then meet your local tour guide in the afternoon for aย City Tour Guatemala City –ย Experience a panoramic exploration of the historic centre of Guatemala City. The itinerary includes a visit to the giant relief map, an early twentieth-century technical achievement spanning 1800mยฒ that provides a comprehensive overview of the country and its volcanoes. Additional highlights include guided tours of the Anthropology Museum and the Ixchel Museum, which features indigenous costumes
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel Stofella or similar
Today, meet your driver and transfer to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City for your flight to Flores. Departure: 13:00 | Arrival: 14:00
Grab a snack for lunch at the airport before your flight.
Upon arrival, meet a local lanchero for a scenic boat trip on Lake Petรฉn Itzรก (approx. 2 hours). Cruise towards Iguana Island to observe the local wildlife, then continue to the Mirador del Rey Canek for a panoramic view of Flores. The walk can be customized to your pace, allowing flexibility for your groupโs needs.
Enjoy lunch at your leisure in Flores before departing for Tikal National Park. Arrive at your hotel in the heart of the Petรฉn jungle for an unforgettable overnight stay surrounded by nature.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge Tikal or similar
Depart at 4:30 am for Tikal, the impressive Mayan city built in the 4th century BC and flourishing between the 3rd and 9th centuries AD. Arrive in darkness and climb the highest pyramid to witness the jungle awakening โ first the powerful calls of howler monkeys echoing across the forest, followed by birds crossing the twilight sky. As daylight slowly rises, the surrounding pyramids are revealed above the tropical rainforest.
Explore the vast archaeological site, where more than 3,000 structures emerge from the jungle in a mystical setting. Visit the Great Jaguar Temple and the Temple of the Masks in the Great Square, once the heart of the ancient city. At 65 metres high, the Snake Temple stood as the tallest building in the New World until the 19th century.
Keep watch for incredible wildlife including spider monkeys, pheasants, coatis, toucans, and colourful parrots. The experience is enriched by the sights, sounds, and scents of the rainforest, from distant monkey calls to the earthy fragrance of vines and roots.
After lunch, transfer to Flores Airport for your domestic flight to Guatemala City (departure 5:30 pm, arrival 6:30 pm). Upon arrival at La Aurora International Airport, meet your driver and transfer to Antigua.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Panchoy or similar
After breakfast, visit a local coffee cooperative supporting small-scale producers and farming communities. Coffee has been a vital part of Guatemalaโs economy since the late 1800s, with around 100,000 smallholders depending on this crop for their livelihood. The De la Gente cooperative works to empower these communities and preserve traditional coffee-growing practices.
Enjoy an immersive โbean to cupโ coffee experience, following a local farmer through their plantation to learn the full process of coffee production โ from cultivation and harvesting to roasting and grinding. The experience concludes with a tasting of freshly prepared local coffee at your hostโs home.
Return to Antigua in the early afternoon for a guided city tour, where youโll discover the charm of this historic colonial town, known for its cobblestone streets, colourful architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Panchoy or similar
Travel to Chichicastenango to experience its vibrant and famous market, held every Thursday and Sunday. Local Kaqchikel villagers descend from surrounding highland communities to sell traditional crafts, textiles, and produce, transforming the town into a lively display of colours, scents, and cultural traditions. Women wear beautifully woven huipils representing the Mayan calendar, while in front of the church, shamans perform ancient purification rituals with incense.
Take part in a meaningful Mayan spiritual experience as you walk with your English-speaking guide to Mount Pascual Abaj (approximately 1.5 hours round trip), a sacred site rich in history, legends, and ancestral practices. Here, witness a traditional ceremony led by a Mayan shaman focused on spiritual purification, protection, and blessings for good fortune. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties before continuing your journey.
Later, depart for Lake Atitlรกn, one of Guatemalaโs most breathtaking natural treasures. Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes and set at 1,600 metres above sea level, the lake offers spectacular panoramic views. Its peaceful shores are dotted with traditional villages, many accessible only by boat, where local markets and festivals preserve centuries-old customs.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Toliman or similar
Boat Trip to Mayan Villages on Lake Atitlan
This morning, hop on a boat and discover the Tzutuhil villages of Lake Atitlan. The Tzutuhil natives are one of the 21 Mayan peoples of Guatemala. They are present in only a handful of villages located southwest of Lake Atitlan. Visit San Juan La Laguna. Here the weavers’ cooperative will open its doors to teach you about the techniques of natural coloring and traditional weaving. Appreciate the naive paintings that represent scenes of daily life in the region.
After, discover the small Mayan village of Santiago Atitlan and discover a curious syncretic cult. Somewhere between good and bad, Maximรณn, the smoking God of Guatemala is feared as much as he is idolized. The villagers offer him gifts in the form of cigarettes, alcohol or money.
Return to your hotel and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure in the small town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Toliman or similar
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure by the breathtaking shores of Lake Atitlรกn, surrounded by majestic volcanoes and serene natural beauty. Take this time to unwind, explore the lakeside at your own pace, enjoy optional activities, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this iconic destination.
You may choose to relax at your hotel, wander through nearby villages, enjoy the stunning views, or experience the vibrant local culture and markets.
Please note: This is a free day with no scheduled transport services.
Meals: Breakfastย
Accommodation: Hotel Toliman or similar
This morning, depart San Lucas Tolimรกn and travel to the ancient Mayan site of Iximchรฉ, once the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya who allied with Spanish settlers against the Maya Quichรฉ. The Spanish conquistadors established the countryโs first colonial capital here, though the Kaqchikel later revolted and burned the city in 1562. Today, the archaeological site remains a place of cultural significance, where traditional Mayan rituals are sometimes performed by shamans and local communities.
Continue your journey to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua Guatemala. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfastย
Accommodation: Hotel Panchoy or similar
Check out from the hotel.
Today, meet your driver and transfer to Guatemala City Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
*NOTE: WHEN PLANNING TOURS SO FAR IN ADVANCE YOU CAN EXPECT SOME CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY PLEASE ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS.ย
Accommodation
Guatemala City
Stofella
With an excellent location in the Zona Viva of the City, in the commercial area and only 10 minutes from the airport. Offering a restaurant, Best Western Stofella is located in Guatemala. Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV and air conditioning. Private bathroom also comes with a shower.
Tikal
Jungle Lodge
Nestled in the heart of Tikalโs lush jungle, Jungle Lodge offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Our Standard Rooms are thoughtfully designed with Mayan-inspired dรฉcor, private porches, and modern amenities to ensure a relaxing stay surrounded by nature. Guests can breathe in the fresh jungle air, enjoy the convenience of hot showers and ceiling fans, and unwind after a day of exploration.
Antigua
Hotel Panchoy
The hotel is part of the colonial ruins of the convent built for the order of the cloistered nuns of Santa Catalina, which was founded in 1609 in La Antigua. Located in Antigua Guatemala, 300 meters from the central park, Hotel Panchoy has a garden. Hotel Panchoy has a large rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view of Antigua.
San Lucas Toliman
Hotel Toliman
We are a family-run social enterprise hotel located in Lake Atitlรกn, in the town of San Lucas Tolimรกn, also called “The Hidden Gem of Lake Atitlรกn”, as it is one of the few towns around the lake that has not been spoiled by overtourism. This also means the night life is pretty quiet and you won’t find many choices of bars & restaurants. However, if you’re looking to delve into a slower rhythm of life and get to know life in a traditional Maya Kakchiquel community, you’ve found the right place!
What our Guests have to say about our Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrival and Departure Information
Arrival: All arrivals will be to and from Guatemala International Airport (GUA).
Joining from the Mexico Tour: If you are continuing from the Mexico tour, please book a flight from Cancรบn to Guatemala City for September 26th. Please check the Mexico Webpage under the FAQ “Arrival and Departures” section for our flight suggestion in February 2027. The flight schedule is not available until then.ย
Departure: ย On your departure day, you will be collected from the hotel in Antigua at 10:00 AM for a group transfer to Guatemala International Airport (GUA).
If you are flying back to Mexico City, we recommend booking a flight departing around 2:00 PM with either Volaris or Aeromexico.
Domestic flights mentioned in your included package have a baggage limit of 22 kilos for checked luggageย 4.5 kg for the hand luggage.
*Any additional luggage will be paid at the airport at the guests expense.ย
- Passport:ย A passport that is valid for at least six months and has at least one blank pageย
- Electronic travel declaration:ย A completed electronic travel declaration form before arrivalย
- Proof of onward travel:ย A round-trip plane ticket or other proof of onward travelย
- Proof of sufficient funds:ย Proof that you have enough funds for your tripย
- Proof of purpose of trip:ย Proof of the purpose of your tripย
- Documents for next destination:ย All documents required for your next destinationย
- Airline confirmation:ย Confirmation from your airline that you will be permitted to board without a visa
On arrival, you will receive a stamp in your passport that acts as a visa for 90 days. This stamp allows you to travel to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua during this time.ย
- You’ll need to pay an airport and security tax in cash on departure at the airport.
- You’ll also need to pay an exit tax if your plane ticket price doesn’t include it.
Travel via the United Statesย
If you’reย travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you’re transiting through Hawaii.
This tour requires a $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit. Once you have secured your booking, you will receive a welcome email with all the details for the trip.ย
The first installment is due 6 months before the start of the trip.
The second installment is due 75 days prior to departure.
ย
Our rates do not include any kind of travel insurance and each guest must make sure to arrange their own necessary insurance prior arrival. We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, all travel involves some degree of risk we strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance for your adventure.ย
Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical, in particular Coronavirus and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive please check this before travelling. Or contact our preferred Travel Insurance provider CoverMore.
Cancellation Policyย
Read more about our Booking Process and why we have the cancellation policy we doย HERE
- Up to 180 Days Before Tour Start: A $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will be retained.
- From 180 โ 75 Days Before Tour Start: 25% of the tour cost, plus the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, will be forfeited.
- Fromย 75 โ 45 Days Before Tour Start: 50% of the tour cost, plus the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, will be forfeited.
- Less Than 45 Days Before Tour Start or No Shows: The entire amount 100% of the tour cost will be retained, as we would have already incurred costs for accommodation, transport, flights, and activities, which cannot be refunded to us.
- After Tour Commencement: No refunds will be issued.
This is whyย travel insuranceย is compulsory. We suggest taking out travel insruance within 2 weeks of booking your tour.ย
CIRCUMSTANCES THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR A REFUND
Failure to Read Terms and Conditions
โ Refunds will not be issued if you have not read and understood our Terms and Conditions, Website General Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, or the specific Fine Print for your tour.
Change of Mind
โ Refunds will not be issued if you change your mind after paying your deposit, regardless of the reason.
Cancellation Within 45 Days of Travel Date
โ Refunds will not be issued if you cancel within 45 days of your travel date.
Unmet General Expectations
โ Refunds will not be issued if the tour experience did not meet your general expectations, regardless of the reason.
Inability to Travel Due to Personal Reasons
โ Refunds will not be issued if you are unable to travel due to a medical condition or any other personal reason. Cancellations on medical grounds should be covered by your travel insurer.
No-Show
โ Refunds will not be issued if you fail to show up or the suppliers (airline) decide to cancel your booking.
Please note:ย Dietary requirements must be disclosed at the time of booking the tour. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate dietary restrictions that are shared after booking or during the tour.
If you are unable to consume items such as wheat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, dairy, nuts, or other ingredients, it is crucial to inform us upfront. Late disclosures make it impossible for us to make necessary arrangements, and in many countries, meeting complex dietary needs can be particularly challenging. This could affect your well-being and place undue stress on our guides and hosts as they try to meet these needs.
Thank you for your understanding.
Our tours are designed to provide a rich and immersive experience, which includes walking tours on some days. Participants will encounter uneven footpaths, stairs, and other elements that require good mobility. Therefore, we recommend that women joining our tours have a medium level of fitness. You should be able to walk up to 7km a day to fully enjoy all the activities and explore the beautiful destinations with ease.
To ensure a safe and healthy journey, it’s important to be up-to-date with your vaccinations. We recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or visiting a travel health clinic for personalised advice based on your travel itinerary. For comprehensive information on required and recommended vaccinations, please visit Travel Doctor. They provide expert guidance to help you stay protected while exploring the world.
**Preparation notes for your trip are available in your trip dashboard and can be accessed once you register.
Extend your stay in Central America
Join us on a vibrant journey through Mexico, a land of ancient civilisations, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. Our Mexico Odyssey invites you to discover why this diverse country belongs on your 2027 travel list. From the bustling heart of Mexico City to the tranquil shores of Playa del Carmen, this 9-day adventure offers an unforgettable mix of cultural exploration, historical immersion, and delicious culinary experiences.
