Welcome to Guatemala

Welcome to Guatemala!

Guatemala is the northernmost country in Central America. The country is most famous for its indigenous culture, which covers over 60% of the country’s population and the fascinating history of Mayan civilization. There is also a marvelous colonial city which is UNESCO patrimony, archeology sites, hidden boutique hotels, romantic restaurants, lakes, rivers, Sail Fishing, Golf and fantastic people.

As a country, Guatemala is strategically located with access to two oceans, the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya Riviera, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. Guatemala has a variety of biological and cultural attractions of its own, making it a magical place where you can have a close encounter with nature, the living Mayan Culture, fascinating archeological temples and colonial architecture.

You will be met upon your arrival into Guatemala City, at which time you will immediately transfer to your accommodations in Antigua, Guatemala. Driving time is approximately 1hr. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore this beautiful colonial city on your own.

Antigua

Antigua is among the world’s best conserved colonial cities in the Americas. It is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings; strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, you will experience the splendors of ancient times! A few things you will find are art galleries and exhibits, coffee shops, amazing cuisine, cute little bars and much more.

Bike to Coffee farm

In this bike tour, you will ride to a community on the flank of Agua volcano where local farmers work together as a co-op to grow, pick and process their own coffee for export. De La Gente works with the local farmers’ co-op to help them brand their coffee and reach markets in North America and Europe. You will take a private tour with one of the co-op farmers to their field and then go to their house to see how they toast the coffee on a small batch at a time level.

Antigua walking half day

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Antigua. You will visit breathtaking colonial monuments and find out why this city was the bustling center of the region for the Spaniards. Starting at central plaza the guide will give you a general idea about the colonization, Guatemala’s history & contemporary issues. View the outside main buildings (Palacio de Capitanes, City Hall, and El Portal), visit backstage of the Cathedral & Cathedral ruins & San Francisco church.

Community Cooking Class

Private transfer you to San Miguel Escobar Town. On arrival, you will go into the home of the "chef" (also known as a Guatemalan wife and mother) who doesn't use a recipe because after years of experience she knows how to make this dish by heart.
Learn how to prepare a traditional Guatemalan dish at a real Guatemalan home. Enjoy for lunch the fruits of your labor.

Today at the designated time, you will be met and transferred into the Mayan Highlands and the town of Chichicastenango. Surrounded by valleys with mountains serrating the horizons, Chichicastenango can seem a world away from the rest of Guatemala. When its narrow cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs are enveloped in mist, it's downright magical. The crowds of crafts vendors and tour groups who flock in for the huge Thursday and Sunday markets lend it a lively commercial atmosphere. Masheños (citizens of Chichicastenango) adhere strongly to Indigenous religions and ceremonies, and the town's various cofradías (religious brotherhoods) hold processions in observance of their saints around the church of Santo Tomás.

*Please note market days are Thursday and Sunday.

Chichicastenango Market Tour

Chichicastenango is home to what is surely the most colorful native market in the Americas. Market days are held every Sunday and Thursday and draw not only the K'iche' Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors from all over Guatemala, representing many of Guatemala's linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others. On arrival, you will meet your guide. He/she will show you the church which is important and iconic monument for the indigenous and Mayan history itself. If you’re lucky you will also witness special ceremonies and mix of religions.

Be witness and participate in a real Mayan Ceremony. These ceremonies are carried out with very specific goals, whether to launch and celebrate important dates, as an offering of thanks, to ask for health, work, and wisdom. It is also used to saturate with positive energy or to cleanse negative energies.

This morning following breakfast, you will continue to Lake Atitlan. Upon arrival, you will check in and relax until it is time for your afternoon adventure!

San Juan & Santiago Village Tour

San Juan la Laguna offers a quiet, less-traveled atmosphere, renowned for its vibrant textile cooperatives and art galleries. You’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the local weaving co-ops, where you can learn about the fascinating process of natural dyeing and the intricate backstrap weaving technique. During your visit, enjoy a demonstration that showcases the steps of backstrap weaving and discover the deep meaning behind the designs and colors used in the garments. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the rich cultural traditions of the region and the artisans who keep them alive.

Continue by private boat transfer (approximately 25-minutes) to Santiago Atitlán. Santiago Atitlán is home to Maximón, a venerated pagan saint known for his love of smoking tobacco and drinking moonshine. His residence moves annually, with a different house chosen each year—an honor bestowed upon a member of the Brotherhood of Santiago. During your visit, the guide will explain why Maximón is so revered by the locals and take you to his altar, where you can learn about the significance of the rituals.

San Antonio Ceramics Tour

San Antonio Palopo is famous for their traditional ceramic handicrafts. You will visit the ceramic workshop. Brought to Guatemala by well-known artist Ken Edwards, the ceramics and stoneware of San Antonio Palopó has gained recognition for its high quality and lead free properties. The community of San Antonio Palopó took Mr. Edwards teachings and mentorship to establish their own factories for their production and development. Inspired by the colors of San Antonio, the volcanoes and the lake. The detailing and effort that is put into the ceramics is unique and demonstrates the team work and empowerment it has given the community. Ceramics are now a trademark and very symbolic of San Antonio. Learning the process will allow you to become a part of the factory, learn and work with the artisans and finally create your own and personalized piece.

Lake Atitlan

With three stunning volcanoes rising out of its emerald surface, Lake Atitlán is for sure the best way to be introduced to the indigenous culture in the highlands of Guatemala. Located 144km west of Guatemala City this lake is characterized by its natural beauty and surrounded by gorgeous views and indigenous villages filled with culture. The famous writer Aldous Huxley considered it ¨the most beautiful lake in the world¨.

Kayak & Tzununa hike

After breakfast your guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel for your boat transfer to the kayak starting point. Paddle for approximate 45 minutes along delightful peninsulas admiring the shore's beautiful gardens. After kayaking you will start the hike to Tzununa. The north shore of Lake Atitlan Guatemala has no true road access, so you will be hiking along ancient paths that have been used by the Kaqchikel Maya for centuries. You will view villagers going about their daily life and see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world.

Please bring:
- Swim suite underneath clothes
- towel
- sunblock
- change of clothes
- sneakers for the hike

This morning you will be transferred approximately 3hrs back to Guatemala City for your flight to Flores, located up north bordering the Mayan Biosphere Reserve. Upon arrival, you will be drive for an hour around Lake Peten Itza until you reach Gringo Perdido, located in El Remate.

Yaxha sunset tour

At 2pm, enjoy a private transfer to Yaxha archeological site. Yaxha is an archaeological site and ancient ceremonial center of Mayan civilization situated in the northeast of Peten. This site is a mixture of archeology, beautiful landscapes and ecological tourism. With more than 500 structures in the site, including 40 steles, 13 altars and 9 pyramids this site is a must when visiting the area.
On arrival, your guide will show you the layout and main temples. End the day watching an amazing sunset on the top of the pyramid. Following your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Crater Azul

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and drive approximately 1hr to Sayaxche. On arrival, you will take a boat through the Pucte Stream. After sailing about 1hr30min, you will reach the Blue Crater. On arrival, jump into the water and snorkel in this crystal-clear water sanctuary! According to marine biologists who visited the "Crater Azul" , the intense blue color of the water is due to the number of snails that live in the crater. Picnic lunch is included. You’ll be back at your hotel at around 5pm.

Tikal full day Tour

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Tikal National Park. Your guide will show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, some theories of why the Mayans disappeared and if you are lucky a few monkeys, parrots, macaws, and toucans will be on site. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle.

Following an early breakfast, you will be transferred back to the local airport for your flight back to Guatemala City, where you will connect with your international flight back home.

We hope that you enjoyed your time connecting with the people, the culture, the history and the nature of Guatemala and we wish you safe and pleasant travels back home. Buen viaje!