One of our local guides and drivers will wait for you at the International Airport and take you to your hotel in Zona Viva. A meet & greet and orientation meeting is scheduled for tonight.

Overnight at the 5-star Hotel Real Intercontinental, Guatemala City

After breakfast, we will visit one of the most colorful artisan markets of the country. All type of textiles, wood masks, flowers and incense odors will enhance our experience. The captivating history of the Popol Vuh (a sacred book written by the Maya of the region) and the syncretism lived inside the main church add a mystical vibe to this magical market.

After visiting the market and the church, we get away from the buzz and make our way to Pascual Abaj: a short walk brings us to a sacred Mayan ritual spot in the surrounding mountains of Chichi. A local Spiritual Guide will narrate her/his knowledge about the believes of the Maya, the importance of nature and the meaning of their offerings. Anyone who is interested can be part of a ‘limpia’ which is an energy cleanse practiced and based on Mayan believes.

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Lake Atitlan where we will spend the night in one of the most beautiful hotels of Guatemala… A perfect time to relax and unwind!

Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Atitlan, Panajachel

Today we will take a boat ride across Lake Atitlan until we reach the southern shores. Our first destination is San Juan La Laguna, known as the artist’s village. Textiles, mural-paintings and the enthusiasm of the locals make this a special place. We will learn about the cacao fruit and the importance it represented for the Maya including many different craft products made out of this valuable pre-hispanic ingredient. Small tasting is included!

After seeing the touristy setting, we will visit Santiago Atitlan to experience the local scene. Hosted by different local families, Maximon is a respected Mayan deity that constantly drinks and smokes, sometimes considered as a link between heaven and hell; a local market with all types of fresh products and a huge church with a great historical value are the main attractions of this little town.

Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Atitlan, Panajachel

Leaving the Lake behind us, we head to the best-preserved colonial city of the Americas: Antigua Guatemala. Partially destroyed by several earthquakes, Antigua is a charming combination of old and new. Ruins, modern stores, churches and flowers offer the perfect scenery! Upon arrival, we will discover Antigua’s history through a walking tour. Later in the afternoon we will enjoy a cooking workshop and prepare our own traditional dish: dry chilis, local veggies and pre-hispanic kitchenware will fulfill, not only our appetite, but all our senses.

Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo, Antigua Guatemala

Before we drive to Guatemala City we will visit a little village in the surroundings of Antigua. San Antonio Aguas Calientes is well known for its two-sided textile designs. The locals are very proud of their art and will show us their sewing technics. A great chance to buy a unique Guatemalan textile piece and support the community! We continue to the Capital of Guatemala for a City Tour in the small Historical Center. In the afternoon, we take a 45-minute flight to the tropical jungle of Peten.  Upon arriving we drive for another 15 minutes until we reach our hotel in the middle of a vast natural reserve.

Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Villa Maya, Santa Elena

Today we explore the mystical history of the Mayan World and the lowland jungle. Archeology and nature merge in this magic place where the Maya reached the highest point of their existence. Tikal was the most powerful city during the Classic Period of the Maya (250AC – 950AC) and today it carries a mystic atmosphere. After a long walk within trees and temples (around 8 km/5 mi) we will have lunch at Jungle Lodge – a small hotel located where the archeologists established their first camp for research back in the 19th century.

Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Villa Maya, Santa Elena

A second glance of the Maya civilization! Yaxha belongs to one of the largest archaeological sites of the Lowland region with a prestigious location between two lagoons. The importance of this site was due to the water bodies that surround it. Because of its low tourist’s influx, Yaxha is the perfect place to observe the flora and fauna of the region.  After this short visit, we head back to the Airport in Flores and take our flight back to Guatemala City.

To top your last day in Guatemala, we will share a ‘hasta pronto’ farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the 5-star Hotel Real Intercontinental, Guatemala City

Today is your last day in Guatemala. We will take you back to the Airport individually depending on your departure time to fly home. Or you can choose to continue your journey in Guatemala at leisure (talk to us about extensions in Guatemala and/or Belize).