
- Adventure
- 18-day trip
- From €3,895 p.p.
Guatemala trip | Adventure & cultural roundtrip Guatemala
Guatemala is a country full of magic. Pure nature is combined with rich culture here. You will start this trip in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, where you will take a bicycle tour and climb the impressive Acatenango volcano . Next on the programme is a visit to the beautiful Lake Atitlan. This lake is surrounded by volcanoes and on its shores there are several villages, each with its own handicrafts. You will visit these villages by boat to learn about Guatemala's colourful culture. You will then travel on to Huehuetenango, also known as Huehue, located in the west of the country. Here you are in authentic Guatemala; many tourists skip this part of the country. The following days you will discover the hidden places of Semuc Champey and the Rio Dulce. You finish the trip in the north of the country, in the Peten region, known for the city of Flores and its many Mayan ruins. Here, you will visit the famous Tikal Maya city and take a multi-day hike to Yaxha and Nakum. Hear the howler monkeys and enjoy the pure nature of the jungle. A special and unforgettable trip.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 – 2 Flight to Guatemala and stay in Antigua
- Day 3 Challenging Acatenango volcano hike
- Day 4 Descent from the Acatenango volcano & on to Lake Atitlán
- Day 5 Boat trip on Lake Atitlán
- Day 6 Cooking workshop
- Day 7 Travel to Huehuetenango and visit the Chichicastenango market
- Day 8 Exploring the area around Huehuetenango
- Day 9 – 10 Stay near Semuc Champey
- Day 11 – 12 Journey to Rio Dulce
- Day 13 Journey to Flores
- Day 14 Jungle trek to Yaxha and Nakum
- Day 15 Waking up in the jungle and reflecting on the experience in Flores
- Day 16 – 17 Visit to the Mayan city of Tikal
- Day 18 Departure from Guatemala
- Day 19 Arrival
Accommodations
Experiences
Destinations
Chichicastenango
Lying amid green valleys, sharp mountain peaks and vast forests, northwest of Guatemala City, the vibrant town of Chichicastenango is famous for its rich indigenous Mayan heritage and its lively, colourful market. The atmospheric cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs lead to the huge market that offers handmade textiles, jade jewellery and traditional wooden crafts, among others.


Yaxha National Park
Located in the northeastern department of Petén in Guatemala, bordering Tikal National Park to the west, Yaxha National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The park is home to several ancient Maya cities, several wetlands and beautiful lagoons. Its vast size, incredible surroundings and unique flora and fauna make Yaxha the most exciting city. Once home to some 20,000 people, it is still one of the most impressive cities, with skyscraper 216 on the eastern Acropolis. Other cities to visit include Topoxte, Nakum and Naranjo. Yaxha lagoon is home to one of the largest populations of the endemic Moreletti crocodile, as well as the Central American river turtle. More than 40 mammal species live in the jungle, including proboscis monkeys, jaguars, pumas, Azara foxes and American tapirs. A huge variety of colourful birds can be seen, including toucans, kingfishers and many more.


Tikal National Park
The ancient city of Tikal lies in the middle of the lush rainforest of northern Guatemala. These ancient ruins are the remains of the largest urban centre in the Southern Maya territories. Here you can discover the famous archaeological sites of the Maya. The ruins are in the Tikal National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity and archaeological importance. Here you will hike along ancient paths under a canopy of dense rainforest and spot monkeys, wild turkeys and foxes roaming the stone squares.


Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
Antigua was one of the New World's most important cities during the Spanish Colony. Antigua is an open-air museum of cobbled streets, colonial buildings, churches and monasteries. The pastel colours, spring-like climate, abundant flowers and some volcanoes as a backdrop make Antigua a place where many would like to stay. Boutique shops and quaint restaurants add to Antigua's magic. Antigua was voted the city with the best value for money accommodation in the world in 2010!


Flores
The oldest part of the city is situated on an island in Lake Petén, Itzá, which is connected to the mainland and the sister towns of Santa Elena and San Benito by a causeway. All three are usually referred to as Flores. Flores was formerly the Mayan city of Tayasal. The island formed the last Mayan state to remain independent during the Spanish conquest. In 1697, the city was conquered and completely destroyed in the process.
The town has both an old and a modern section and is often used by tourists as a stopover before travelling on to the Mayan city of Tikal. However, the town itself has plenty to offer. The charming, often cobbled streets of Flores are lined with colonial buildings with red-tiled roofs, a historic church, a Spanish-style plaza, and a number of wonderful restaurants, cafés, hotels, guesthouses and craft shops. Those who take the time to explore the town are likely to discover that Flores is full of hidden treasures and is more than just a stopover destination; it is an unforgettable attraction in its own right.


Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán was described by Alexander von Humboldt, the famous German scientist, as the most beautiful lake in the world. The intensity of its colours, the indigenous villages lining its shores and the volcanoes rising spectacularly from the water were his main reasons for this.
A large proportion of the population around Lake Atitlán are direct descendants of the Maya, and many traditions and customs have been preserved over the centuries.
The stunning sunsets create a magical atmosphere. The view of the volcanoes and their reflections in the water provide an impressive spectacle of Mother Nature.


Coban
The bustling city of Coban, located in the heart of Guatemala, is best known as an area for coffee production. In addition, the destination is fast developing as a popular ecotourism destination. Coban is surrounded by an impressive landscape characterised by beautiful waterfalls, caves and forested mountains. Visitors can look forward to a range of fantastic activities in the city, including visiting the picturesque Parque Central and exploring the hilltop temple of El Calvario with spectacular views over the city.
Rio Dulce
Rio Dulce, also known as Fronteras is located on the spectacular Rio Dulce River, which is lined with lush, dense tropical jungle and interrupted by a few branches of the river. The town acts as a popular stopover for tourists taking a boat trip to Livingstone as well as 'yachties' seeking shelter from the open seas. Visitors can explore the Caribbean lowlands, discover the dramatic cliffs of La Cueva de la Vaca, soak in the warm waters near Río Lampara and visit the ancient Castillo de San Felipe.


Peten Department
Peten province, located in the north of the country, occupies about a third of Guatemala and is a paradise made up of dense jungle, Mayan mystery and beautiful lakes. Awesome, lush green forests are inhabited by macaws, beautiful butterflies, monkeys, nose bears and foxes. A large number of ancient Maya ruins are the main attractions of this area, culminating in the very remote metropolis of El Mirador; once a sprawling city with more than tens of thousands of inhabitants and where today the tallest, still standing, pyramid can be found. Although visiting El Mirador involves quite a bit of planning and walking, there are a number of sites that are more accessible, such as the impressive Tikal temple complex and Yaxha Maya city. Places that are further worth visiting are the wonderful Petexbatun Lake and Azul Crater, a spring-fed tributary with crystal clear water.
San Agustin Lanquin
The village of San Agustin Lanquin is located on the southern edge of the Grutas De Lanquin National Park, about a two-hour drive from Coban. The surroundings of San Agustin Lanquin offer many natural attractions. Visitors can explore the interesting linestone caves in the national park, where Mayan rituals have been held over the centuries. At dusk, bats leave the caves; an impressive sight. The amazing turquoise water pools at Semuc Champey are deep in the jungle and give the unique opportunity to swim in pristine natural beauty. A fantastic viewpoint can also be found here which gives a panoramic view of the wonderful pools. Don't miss the opportunity to take a tour to one of the local cacao farms or cacao workshop.


Huehuetenango Department
The department of Huehuetenango is located in the western highlands of Guatemala and borders Mexico to the north and west. It is known for its cultural diversity and is famous for its coffee. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of wonderful activities and attractions. Visit the bridge over the San Juan River, one of the department's main tourist attractions; explore the lively streets of the city of Huehuetenango, which serves as the departmental capital; and explore the beautiful landscapes, ranging from mountain peaks to tropical lowland rainforest. The department of Huehuetenango covers almost the entire length of the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountain range, a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to take home a selection of local handicrafts, such as traditionally woven Maya textiles.

San Marcos La Laguna
Located on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, the dreamy village of San Marcos La Laguna lures holistic and spiritually minded people to its meditation centres, yoga retreats, holistic healing facilities and health-food restaurants amid outstanding natural beauty. Take Spanish lessons from locals or shop at various boutiques for locally made arts and crafts. Kayak across the calm morning waters of Lake Atitlan - the glittering crown jewel of the region - or test your nerves by jumping off a 20-metre-high jumping platform at the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in Lake Atitlán. Hike to the top of the majestic San Pedro volcano, a challenging but rewarding adventure, and soothe aching muscles, reduce stress and promote healing with reiki healing and relaxing massages.


Guatemala trip | Adventure & cultural roundtrip Guatemala
We offer the described trip from €3,895 per person.
The tour price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flight as mentioned in the itinerary, including hold luggage
• Overnight stays in good-quality, atmospheric accommodation
• All meals as specified in the programme
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘programme’, including a hike to the Acatenango volcano, Semuc Champey, the Tikal ruins and a boat trip on the Rio Dulce with suspension bridges
• Entrance fees to national parks during the land programme
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Meet & greet on arrival
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Cycling tour in Antigua
• Visit to local villages around Lake Atitlán
• Local cookery workshop
• Chichicastenango market
• Jungle trek to Yaxha and Nakum
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations on flights
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Personal expenses/tips
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)





















