Tour Guatemala: a Colorful Adventure in Central America (Small-Group / 9 Days)

Overview

One of the most colorful countries in Central America, the center of the Mayan civilization covered by tropical rain forests - all this is amazing Guatemala. In this 9-day "Guatemala: All Around Tour", you can enjoy the beauty of local nature and ancient monuments, see by yourself the villages in which the descendants of legendary Mayans still live nowadays, dive headlong into local customs and visit amazing architectural structures, the likes of which cannot be found on the entire planet.

Highlights

• Visit UNESCO-listed Quirigua, one of the most ancient Mayan cities that contain some outstanding 8th-century monuments and impressive series of carved stelae and sculpted calendars.
• Relax in unique natural hot waterfalls of Finca el Paraiso.
• Enjoy the quietness and beauty of Flores - a picturesque town on the island on Lago Petén Itzá.
• Explore UNESCO-listed Tikal - one of the major sites of the Mayan civilization situated in Guatemalan jungles.
• Swim in Semuc Champey - a magnificently beautiful stepped series of limestone pools with cool, flowing river water.
• Learn Mayan traditions and try home-cooked cuisine while staying at authentic Mayan home-stay near Atitilan Lake.

Itinerary

Day 1: Guatemala City

Welcome to Guatemala City! The largest city of Central America, it absorbed the trends of the new time, mixing them with traditional Latin American flavors. Arrive at any time and join your Tour Leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting followed by an optional dinner & get-together in one of the local restaurants/bars.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Guatemala City
• Activities Included: welcome meeting

Day 2: Guatemala City - Quirigua

After a morning walking tour in Guatemala City, leave towards Quirigua (UNESCO) - one of the most ancient Mayan cities in the world that contain some outstanding 8th-century monuments and impressive series of carved stelae and sculpted calendars. Accommodation in a nearby hotel, optional dinner & get-together in one of local restaurants/bars.

• Transportation: private vehicle/mini-couch
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house near Quirigua
• Meals & Drinks Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: walking tour in Guatemala City

Day 3: Quirigua - Castle of San Felipe de Lara - Finca el Paraiso

After a guided visit to Quirigua Ruins go to Castle of San Felipe de Lara (UNESCO) that was built in 1652 to keep pirates from looting the villages and commercial caravans of Izabal. Afterward, move to Finca el Paraiso and enjoy its natural hot waterfalls. Accommodation in a nearby hotel, optional dinner & get-together in one of local restaurants/bars.

• Transportation: private vehicle/mini-couch
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house near Finca el Paraiso
• Meals & Drinks Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visits to Quirigua Ruins and Castle of San Felipe de Lara; visit to Finca el Paraiso hot waterfalls

Day 4: Finca el Paraiso - Flores

After breakfast and morning bath in the waterfalls, continue to Flores - a picturesque town on the island on Lago Petén Itzá, a base for exploring El Petén area and a stunning spot to recharge your energy. Check-in, walking tour around the town, free time to explore the area.

• Transportation: private vehicle/mini-couch
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Flores
• Meals & Drinks Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: walking tour in Flores

Day 5: Flores - Tikal - Lanquin

In the morning, after breakfast, go to Tikal (UNESCO) - one of the major sites of the Mayan civilization that lies in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation. In the afternoon, after optional lunch, continue to Lanquin - a pretty village located in the deep valleys between the mountains, a perfect base to explore the wonderful cave system just out of town and as a jumping-off point for visiting the natural rock pools at Semuc Champey. Upon arrival: check-in, orientation walk, free time to explore the area.

• Transportation: private vehicle/mini-couch
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Lanquin
• Meals & Drinks Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visit to Tikal; orientation walk in Lanquin

Day 6: Lanquin - Semuc Champey - Uspantán

In the morning choose whether to sleep, explore nearby Lanquin Caves, swim in Salto del Cabro waterfalls or tube down the Lanquin River. In the afternoon join the group to Semuc Champey - a stepped series of limestone pools with cool, flowing river water. Afterward, take one of the most picturesque roads in Guatemala that will bring you to Uspantán - a quiet and charming town in a stunning setting of a fertile valley at the base of green forested mountains. Accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner & get-together.

• Accommodation: a conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Uspantán
• Meals & Drinks Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: orientation walk in Uspantán; visit to Semuc Champey

Day 7: Uspantan - San Jorge La Laguna

In the morning continue to San Jorge La Laguna - a peaceful Maya village in the hills next to Lake Atitlán. Optional lakeshore hike & local villages tour followed by accommodation and dinner in Mayan homestay.

• Transportation: private vehicle/mini-couch
• Accommodation: Mayan homestay in San Jorge La Laguna
• Meals & Drinks Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: lakeshore hike & local villages tour in Lake Atitlán area

Day 8: San Jorge La Laguna - Pacaya Volcano - Antigua Guatemala

Firstly, in the morning, go to Pacaya Volcano - an active complex volcano of 2,552 meters that has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish arrival to Guatemala. After an easy hike to the summit, continue to Antigua Guatemala (UNESCO) - a city in the central highlands famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque influenced architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. Take an orientation walk with the rest of the group or explore this beautiful city by yourself. In the evening join optional farewell dinner& get-together with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants/bars.

• Transportation: private vehicle/mini-couch
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Antigua Guatemala
• Meals & Drinks Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: Pacaya Volcano hike; walking tour in Antigua Guatemala

Day 9: Antigua Guatemala 

Last day of our trip - depart at any time by a private taxi/group shuttle directly to the airport (40 km) or extend your vacation and stay more.

• Meals & Drinks Included: breakfast

Why go with us

• Small groups of up to 13 travelers: closer communication, easier coordination, more adventures & fun!
• Off-the-beaten-track tours with maximum immersion in local nature, culture, and traditions.
• The easy-going atmosphere of our tours is perfect for informal travel & making new friends among co-travelers and locals.

Logistics

• ACCOMMODATIONS: We will send you an exact list of accommodations together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- & post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes. 
  
• ROOM TYPES:
  • Shared Twin Room: Single bed in a twin room shared with another co-traveler of the same gender. This option is specifically designed for solo travelers and applies just to group departures.
  • Double/Twin Room: Private room for 2 people. You can choose between 1 double bed or 2 single beds.
  • Triple Room: Private room for 3 people. It normally has 1 double bed for 2 people and 1 single bed for 1 person.
  • Quad Room: Private room for 4 people. It normally has 2 double beds for 2 people each.

  If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote.

• PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking. Therefore, travelers should have moderate physical fitness condition.
• ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional - just be sure to be in time for daily departures.
• WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes & shoes; a small backpack for daily tours; hat/cap, sunglasses & sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood & curiosity.
• PRICING: The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers & room option you choose. 
• GROUP VS. PRIVATE TOUR: Group Tour: take a trip with other travelers. Private Tour: take a trip on your own, with friends, couple, or family. While offering more privacy and exclusivity such tours may cost more than group ones. If you wanna take a private tour with a group that is bigger than 4, please contact us and we will send you a personalized offer. For private tours, the dates of departure (and in some cases the itinerary & activities) can be customized to your request.