STYLE: Personalised Itinerary
Trip Code: GUCVGSG
DIFFICULTY RATING: 1 (easy adventure)
Start: Antigua, Guatemala
Finish: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala
Tuesdays & FridaysOr Monday & Thursday with an extra night in Antigua
7 Breakfasts (B), 3 Lunches (L)
Return Economy Internal Flights from Guatemala City to Flores, Private Arrival/Departure Transfers Throughout
Hotel
Antigua – La Antigua city tour with visits to San Juan del Obispo and Santa Maria de Jesus villages, Street eats tour La Merced Antigua
Tecpan - Half day visit Iximche archaeological site
Chichicastenango - Visit Chichicastenago market & corn cooking class at Casa Diego Ignacio
Panajachel - Boat tour on Lake Atitlan to San Juan La Laguna Village and Santiago Atitlan
Flores - Sunset tour at Yaxhá archaeological site, Tikal archaeological site tour
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Travel to Maya heartland on this Chimu Adventure’s Signature Guatemala tour. You will start your journey in Antigua, Guatemala’s colourful former capital and enjoy a tour of the city’s outskirts as well as a taste of the local cuisine on a street eats’ tour. As you make your way to explore three of the countries great Maya Ruins (Ixmche, Yaxha and Tikal), you will visit a number of small towns such as Chichicastenago, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan. Each of the town’s visited will provide you with a unique perspective of the Chapines (Guatemalan people) way of life. Your tour will end in Guatemala City to allow you to explore this sprawling city that’s rich with history.
On this all-encompassing personalised itinerary, Chimu will provide travel logistics for your travel party for the duration of your journey, plus expert guides for all the major sightseeing as per itinerary. Each night you will stay in superior accommodation, handpicked by our experienced team for their creature comforts, convenient locations, and impeccable service.
You will arrive in the city of Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala. Three volcanos and coffee plantations provide a picturesque backdrop to this beautiful colonial city. Many of the buildings, including the famous Santa Catalina Arch and La Merced Church, are prime examples of Spanish Colonial and Baroque architecture and their pastel facades help to create a wash of colour across the city. Today is an arrival day and you are free to explore.
Today you will enjoy a private tour of Antigua, first exploring the city outskirts with a visit to San Juan del Obispo and Santa Maria de Jesus before returning to the city centre. San Juan del Obispo is a small village that’s home to the first catholic church in Guatemala while Santa Maria de Jesus sits under the slopes of Volcana Agua and has a central square with a 17th century temple at its centre. Back in Antigua City you will enjoy a street eats’ tour tasting local foods such as shucos (Guatemalan hotdogs) and chuchitos (corn dough pastries stuffed with chicken or pork).
Departing early, you will travel to the district of Tecpan, where you will find the pre-Columbian Maya ruins of Iximche. At the site, you can explore a number of pyramid-temples, palaces and two Mesoamerican ballcourts.
From Iximche, you will continue to Chichicastenango. The town is home to one of the largest open markets in the Americas and you can wander the stalls to buy souvenirs. Before departing Chichicastenango, you will visit Santo Thomas Church. Enroute to Panajachel you will stop at a local cornfield to discover how corn is harvested and take part in a tortilla making workshop. Your final stop, Panajachel is located in the Guatemalan Highlands on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Atitlan to San Juan La Laguna Village and Santiago Atitlan, two small villages located on the opposite shores of the lake. San Juan La Laguna is home to the Tzutujil people and the locals maintain their ancestral traditions. In the village you will visit a coffee plantation to learn more about the process involved in producing 100% organic coffee. In Santiago Atitlan you will take a guided walk through the colourful alleys to the home of Maximon, a Maya God who represents the light and dark. At the house, local shaman perform rituals such as pouring liquor and burning cigarettes as tourists and locals bring their offerings to Maximon for his blessings.
Departing early from Panajachel, you will head to Guatamala City airport and to fly to Flores. You will travel to Laguna Yaxha, the site of an archaeological site with over five hundred structures and forty carved monuments, two ball courts and nine temple pyramids. Yaxha means ‘emerald-green water,’ an apt title due to the two lakes it’s located between. The area is also abundant with local flora and fauna, providing a habitat to howler, spider monkeys and a number of tropical birds. Your day will end watching the sunset over Yaxha Lake.
Today you will visit Tikal National Park. The park is home to several Maya ruins including the Great Jaguar of Tikal, the North Acropolis, The Lost World, the Central Acropolis and Temples I, II and III. While exploring the ruins with your own private guide, be on the lookout for local wildlife and birdlife. Tikal is also home to hummingbirds, toucan, parrots, coatis, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, crocodile, snakes and even the occasional jaguar.
You will fly back to Guatamala City from Flores and the remainder of your day is free to explore the city. Perhaps take the time to visit Centro Historico at the heart of the city. Here you can see the National Palace of Culture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Congress, the Presidential House, the National Library and Constitution Plaza.
You will be transferred to the airport to fly to your next destination.
Taste local cuisine during a street eats’ tour of Antigua
Visit the Maya ruins of Ixmche, Yaxha and Tikal
Take part in a tortilla making workshop
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Atitlan and meet the Tzutujil people of San Juan La Laguna and Maximom, a Maya God in Santiago Atitlan
End your journey in Guatemala City and explore its historical centre
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service
8 Days FROM AUD 4,746 Enquire NowTried & tested upmarket properties with above average facilities and service
8 Days FROM AUD 5,400 Enquire NowLuxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
8 Days FROM AUD 6,207 Enquire NowDue to the Chichicastenango Markets only operating 2 days a week, this itinerary is designed to depart on Tuesdays & Fridays. Or Monday & Thursday with an extra night in Antigua.
Prices are based on per person, twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Inclusions
Private airport transfers
Accommodation with breakfast daily
Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide as detailed in itinerary
Other meals where stated
Return domestic flight from Guatemala City to Flores
Exclusions
International flights
Visa & reciprocity fees
Travel insurance
Beverages
Personal expenses
Gratuities for tour guides & drivers
Any items not mentioned as included
A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Seasonality and availability at time of booking.