Create unforgettable memories on an 8-day adventure to discover the best of Guatemala! This itinerary is perfect for travelers who love to stay active, explore nature, and immerse themselves in local culture. From strolling the picturesque streets of Antigua to exploring ancient Maya trails and temples in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, you'll live experiences that will last a lifetime in one of the most diverse and tourist friendly countries in Central America. Spot exotic wildlife and stay in beautiful eco-lodges surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Hike one of the three active volcanoes in Guate and experience the vibrant culture of Guatemala as you visit traditional Mayan villages around mystical Lake Atitlan. Discover the country's rich history and colonial-era architecture in Antigua, climb iconic Maya temples & soak up the peaceful landscapes of the Guatemalan jungles. Prepare for a unique and memorable vacation!

 ***This itinerary is 100% customizable. Please let us know of any adjustments or changes to any activity, lodging option, length of trip, or region visited before booking. We are here to help you plan your perfect trip! 

Get ready for a little bit of everything! This itinerary has culture, history, archaeology, nature, wildlife and free time to relax. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Discover the history of Antigua Guatemala's colorful streets and main monuments. 
2. Visit the picturesque lake villages of Atitlan and relax by the shimmering waters surrounded by volcanoes. 
3. Hike the active Pacaya Volcano.
4. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, the most iconic sites in Guatemala.
5. Enjoy free time to relax, explore on your own, or take part in optional activities.

Get ready to taste some of the best food in Guatemala and experience the country's rich cultural and natural offerings on this exciting 8-day adventure!

Experience comfort and convenience at its finest as you settle into carefully selected during your trip. Our team has scoured the area to find hotels with prime locations, cozy accommodations, competitive pricing, exceptional service, and modern amenities, ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. However, if you're looking for a more luxurious experience, we've got you covered too. Just let us know in advance, and we'll tailor your trip to include the most exquisite and high-end boutique hotels, providing you with an even more indulgent and pampered experience.

Transfers will be in a registered and authorized vehicle by the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism and transportation authorities. Our drivers are highly experienced and speak Spanish. If you travel by shuttle, transfers will include other travelers and will have a fixed schedule and stops. If you travel by private transfers, there will be more flexibility. 

Embark on your adventure with confidence, knowing that our team of specialized local guides will be there to take care of you throughout your activities. Our guides have extensive knowledge of the local culture, history, and geography, ensuring that you have an authentic and immersive experience. Please note that while some of our guides are English-speakers, others may speak primarily in Spanish or local indigenous languages. However, we will arrange for an English-speaking translator to ensure that language barriers do not hinder your experience. Each guide is passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for their country, providing you with a unique perspective and insider insights that you won't find in any guidebook. So, sit back, relax, and let our expert guides lead the way as you explore the beauty and wonder of Guatemala.

Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of traditional Guatemalan cuisine and freshly prepared meals throughout your journey. Our team will provide you with a curated list of our favorite food and drink spots in each destination you visit, ensuring that you don't miss out on any culinary delights. Moreover, during tours that include meals, you'll have the chance to taste home-cooked food prepared by community projects, local operators, or associations. You'll get to experience the authentic taste of Guatemalan culture and support the local community at the same time. We understand that dietary restrictions can be a challenge, but don't worry - we've got you covered! Simply notify us in advance, and our team will accommodate your needs, ensuring that you can savor every bite without any worries. 

We recommend you travel light and bring only what’s necessary. If you’re doing a volcano or

jungle trek make sure to consider all the recommended items to bring. Some of the essentials

you shouldn’t miss are:

-Warm fleece or wool sweater

-Windproof and rain jacket

-Swimwear

-Comfortable shoes for hiking with grip

-Sandals

-Comfortable and fresh clothes

-UV filter sunglasses

-Sun hat & sunscreen

-Insect repellent

-Daypack

-Reusable shopping bag

-Refillable water bottle

-Any medication needed

-Personal toiletries

-Hand sanitizer

-Hand fan

BOOKING AGREEMENT FOR MULTI-DAY TOURS AND PACKAGES

A booking is only effective and confirmed once a deposit has been paid by the customer/traveler. Once we collect your deposit or initial payment, we will proceed to confirm all offered services with our local partners and suppliers. 

For group bookings we will make an initial temporary hold on hotels if necessary, this reservation will have a deadline to confirm room blocks with an initial down payment, respecting the dates defined by the hotels. In the case of FIT bookings will only make room blocks and proceed to reserving hotels once we collect a deposit or full installment payment as guarantee. All hotels mentioned in trip proposals are subject to dates and availability. If by any chance we are in the need to change hotels, we will notify you in advance and will choose an accommodation option that is the same category and pricing. 

Be advised we do not operate overnight transfers or do long transfers during nighttime. 

High risk activities such as active volcano hikes, paragliding, and other active adventures may require you to sign a liability waiver. If this is not signed we cannot be responsible for your participation in such activities and it will be your responsibility to book them.

The hotels and accommodation services used during your trip, manage their own internal rules regarding the use of their facilities and amenities. Damage to the room, linens, furniture and equipment may incur an extra charge by the lodging establishments. Covering any damage costs is the sole responsibility of the traveler.

Once we confirm your booking with the deposit or installment payment, we proceed to securing all offered services. In the case of FIT travelers (Foreign Independent Travel), all payment installments must be completed 15 days prior to the arrival date in Guatemala or Mexico. In the case of groups, all payment installments must be completed 30 days prior to the arrival date in Guatemala or Mexico.10 days prior to  arrival we will share the detailed travel program and pre-departure recommendations. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Each traveler / customer is responsible for acquiring a valid travel insurance that will provide coverage during their time traveling. We are not responsible for international travel delays, missing luggage or cancellations. 

ENTRY TO GUATEMALA AND MEXICO

Check the validity of your personal travel documents and if you require a visa for visiting Guatemala. If this is the case, each traveler/customer is responsible for acquiring a valid travel visa before booking a trip and payment. We do not provide invitation letters or any documentation for such procedures. 

Guatemalan authorities may require upon entry:

-a copy of your itinerary (printed or digital)

-the trip payment receipt (itinerary or digital). 

CANCELLATIONS

In order to cancel a package for which you have made a booking, please email us at stating your order reference and “Cancellation” in the title of the email. You may telephone us to discuss your desire to cancel the package but cancellation will only be effective when we have received from the person who purchased the package a written confirmation of his or her decision to cancel the package. An email to us stating that you desire to cancel a package is an irrevocable notice and you cannot subsequently change your mind even if we have not yet acknowledged the cancellation in writing.

If you cancel your tour:

We will apply the airline’s cancellation policy to any flights in your package and reimburse your ground arrangements in accordance with the penalty timeline

For cancellation of ground-only arrangements:

(a) 90 days or more prior to the stated departure date, we will retain an administrative fee of $100 per traveler and reimburse the remaining amount;

(b) Between 30 and 89 days prior to the stated departure date, we will retain 50% of the total booking cost and reimburse the remaining amount;

(c) Less than 30 days prior to departure, we will retain 100% of the price paid by you for the package.

We may cancel a package at any time prior to departure by giving you notice by email, letter or (if very close to departure) by telephoning you, if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable or safe for our local partner to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel a package prior to departure, in your sole and absolute discretion you may choose between (i) us applying the amounts paid towards an alternative trip, or (ii) receiving a full refund. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKED PACKAGES

If you wish to change the date, route, services or itinerary there is a fee of

(a) $100 per traveler if done at least 90 days prior to the scheduled date of departure, subject to availability; and

(b) $300 per traveler if done between 30 and 89 days prior to the scheduled date of departure, subject to availability.

If you wish to change the name of one or several travelers of the trip, there is a fee of $100 per passenger if done at least 90 days prior to the scheduled date of departure. No name changes. are permitted within 89 days prior to the scheduled date of departure. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 29 days of departure. 

If changes are necessary while you are traveling they will be assessed by us and our suppliers beforehand and communicated to the customer. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has started, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.  Changes requested while the trip is in progress that incur in additional expenses are the responsibility of the client exclusively.

ALL CUSTOMERS ARE REQUIRED TO AGREE WITH THESE POLICIES UPON BOOKING. 

Updated January 2023. 

Welcome to Guatemala! Your private transfer from Guatemala City Airport will take you to the charming colonial city of Antigua Guatemala (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the town and trying some local cuisine. Exciting adventures await you tomorrow!

Accommodation:  San Jorge (3 star hotel)

Start your day off with a delicious Guatemalan breakfast. You'll enjoy a guided visit of Antigua's charming streets, markets, ruins and main highlights. You'll discover the charming architecture and history of Antigua, all while basking in the warm hospitality of the locals. After a day of exploring, you'll have a free evening to unwind. Free evening.

Included morning activity: 3 hour guided walk of Antigua's main highlights with an English-speaking guide, includes entrance fee to the Cathedral ruins. 

Accommodation: San Jorge (3 star hotel)

Live the ultimate adventure when you hike Pacaya volcano, located only 1 hour 30 minutes away from Antigua and one of the three active volcanoes in Guatemala. This hands-on  tour is suitable for hikers of different ages and expertise. It will bring you up close to petrified lava trails, volcanic rock formations and incredible panoramic views of the surroundings. As you hike, you'll witness the effects of constant volcanic activity, and if the conditions are favorable get clear skies for overlooking the other volcanoes in the area. Visit the Lava store for a memorable souvenir and enjoy roasting marshmallows in one of the rock ovens. Once the excursion is over, you'll return to Antigua, feeling exhilarated and accomplished after conquering an active volcano. 

Included activity: Pacaya volcano hike, includes transportation, mandatory national park guide, specialized English-speaking guide, entrance fees and boxed lunch. 
Accommodation: San Jorge (3 star hotel)

Today you will say goodbye to Antigua and will journey through the highlands until reaching Lake Atitlan. The drive will be approximately 3 hours. Start exploring this wonderful place upon arrival. 

Accommodation: Hotel Uxlabil (frontlake eco-hotel), or Maya Chic (eco-hotel)

Embark on a boat ride across the waters of Lake Atitlan to the captivating town of San Juan la Laguna (30 minutes approx.) Surrounded by primitive art, beautiful textiles and majestic views, San Juan will give you a warm welcome and the opportunity to interact and learn the way of life and customs of its T’zutujil villagers. You will take a guided visit to local associations where you'll learn the process of natural dyeing and textiles, the use of medicinal plants, cacao production, stingless beekeeping, and the background and evolution of naif art.  You'll also have the option of visiting the Kaqasiiwaan lookout that has amazing lake views and was hand painted by the community's artists. After the tour feel free to explore the town on your own before heading back to your hotel. Free evening. 

Included activity: Guided boat trip and visit of San Juan la Laguna, includes English-speaking guide,  & boat transfer.

Optional activity: Visit to San Juan's colorful viewpoint, this can be arranged with your guide that day. 

Accommodation: Hotel Regis (2 stars)

Enjoy waking up late and a free morning in the majestic Lake Atitlan at your own pace and rhythm. At noon you will travel to Guatemala City airport (3.5 hours approx.). Upon arrival, you'll take a short flight to the Maya Biosphere Reserve (45 minutes approx.) Once you land, you'll transfer to your hotel in the colorful Flores island (15 minutes approx.)
Accommodation: Posada del Cerro (eco-hotel)

Start your day with the sounds of howler monkeys as you prepare for an excursion to the ancient Mayan kingdom of Tikal. Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for both its cultural and natural significance, and you'll have the opportunity to explore its massive ancient city, climb its emblematic temples, and appreciate the local fauna.  Keep an eye out for jaguars and colorful birds as you follow the impressive Maya trails. You'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the tallest temple in the site, Temple 4. After a freshly made lunch inside the park, it's time to head back to Mundo Maya Airport and unwind from this incredible adventure before taking your flight back to Guatemala City (45 minutes approx.) Upon arrival a private transfer will drive you to your hotel to relax after the flight. Free evening. 

Included activity: Guided visit of Tikal National Park, includes general entrance fee, lunch (drinks not included) and specialized English-speaking guide.

 Accommodation: La Inmaculada (boutique hotel), or Uxlabil (eco-suites)

Savor one last cup of exceptional Guatemalan coffee and bid farewell to this beautiful country as you take a shuttle transfer to the airport for your departure flight. We're so happy you chose to explore Guatemala with us and we hope you had an unforgettable trip! Don't be a stranger and come back to visit us again soon!

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