Epic Guatemala Adventure: 15 days of a little bit of everything

E
Etnica
  • Email address verified
23 reviews
Duration: 15 days
Group size: 1 - 8
Epic Guatemala Adventure: 15 days of a little bit of everything
Guatemala

Etnica
  • Email address verified
23 reviews

Duration: 15 days
Group size: 1 - 8

About this trip

Create unforgettable memories on a 15-day adventure to discover the best of Guatemala! This itinerary is perfect for families who love to be active, explore nature, and immerse themselves in local culture. From hiking the slopes of an active volcano 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. Experience the vibrant culture of Guatemala as you visit traditional Mayan villages around mystical Lake Atitlan and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Chichicastenango's market. Discover the country's rich history and colonial-era architecture in Antigua and soak up the peaceful landscapes of the Caribbean coast. Prepare for a unique and memorable vacation!

*This tour has to start Thursdays or Sundays due to market days.

 ***Customize your itinerary however you like! Just give us a heads up about any changes you want to make before you book. We're here to help you plan the perfect trip!

Main Highlights of this Adventure

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. Hike Pacaya volcano and witness its incredible natural power and beauty.
  2. Take a cooking class with a local family and learn about the country's rich culinary heritage through Guatemalan hospitality.
  3. Visit the picturesque lake villages of Atitlan and kayak on the shimmering waters surrounded by volcanoes. 
  4. Experience the hustle and bustle of Chichicastenango's vivid market day.
  5. Venture through lush jungle by boat to the stunning Crater Azul, known for its sparkling blue and refreshing waters.
  6. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Yaxha and Tikal, two of the most iconic sites in Guatemala.
  7. Visit the laid-back Caribbean town of Livingston and soak up its nature surroundings.  
  8. Enjoy two free days 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 15-day adventure!

Accomodation

Experience comfort and convenience at its finest as you settle into carefully selected standard hotels (2&3 stars) 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.

Transportation

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. 

Expert Guides

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 can arrange for an English-speaking translator at an additional cost 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.

Meals

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. 

Packing List

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 & Cancellation Policy

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY FOR ONE DAY TOURS AND EXPERIENCES

If you need to cancel your day trip package, please email us at hola@etnicatravel.com with “Cancellation” in the email title. Cancellations will only be effective when we receive a written confirmation of your decision to cancel the package.

If you cancel your package at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure time, you may be eligible for a refund. However, if you cancel less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, no refunds will be available. We reserve the right to assess other refund possibilities based on the circumstances of the cancellation. Please note that an email stating your desire to cancel your package is an irrevocable notice, and you will not be able to change your mind once you have sent this notice, even if we have not yet acknowledged the cancellation in writing. We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs within our cancellation policy guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns about our cancellation policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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 or Mexico. 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 or Mexican 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 hola@etnicatravel.com 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. 

Company

What’s included

  • Accommodation
    Single / double room depending on package booked. Some hotels may include breakfast in the room rate.
  • Tours and activities
    Unique experiences available daily. See the day-by-day itinerary for recommended tours and additional options available.
  • Local guides
    Local specialized guides will accompany you during activities. Please note that some guides may not speak English, and an additional cost will apply if an English-speaking translator is required.
  • Airport transfers
    Shuttles and taxis arranged to get you to/from the airport.
  • Ground transportation
    Private/shared shuttles will take you between destinations.
  • Entrance fees
    Entrance fee for the Antigua Cathedral.
  • Specified Meals
    Included meals are noted in the itinerary: B= Breakfast, BB=Box Breakfast, L= Lunch, BL= Boxed Lunch, D= Dinner
  • Interactive itinerary
    Real time itinerary available on an app. Includes recommendations for every destination, maps and direct chat with our team.
  • 24/7 Assistance
    In country assistance in English during the whole trip.
  • Domestic flight
    One way GUA-FRS.

What’s not included

  • International flights
    Book your flights to/from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.
  • Travel Insurance
    Prepare in case of any medical emergency, international flight issues or situation where you may require coverage and assistance.
  • Optional activities
    Tell us if you wish to include any of the suggested optional activities.
  • Drinks
    Drinks are not included during meals on day trips and tours.
  • Boat transfers
    We'll give you the pointers for moving like a local in the Lake Atitlan public boats. If you want a private boat let us know in advance.
  • Tips and gratuities
    Ask about our tipping guidelines so you can consider this in your travel budget.
  • Not specified meals
  • Personal expenses

Available Packages

Solo traveler

Includes: 

-14 nights of single room accommodation in hostels where applicable and 2 or 3 star hotels

-Mentioned activities and tours (included activities are detailed in the itinerary, some tours will be shared and some will be private)

-Entrance fees to national parks

-Airport transfers

-One way flight GUA-FRS

-Private / shuttle transfers between destinations

-Specified meals during tours and activities (Included meals are noted in the itinerary: B= Breakfast, BB=Box Breakfast, L= Lunch, BL= Boxed Lunch, D= Dinner)

-Contribution to social projects visited

-Local taxes

-Interactive day-to-day travel program in specialized app with support from our team

-24/7 Assistance in English

$4,600
Deposit: $1,150
Price per person (couples and adults)

Includes: 

-14 nights of double room accommodation in 2 or 3 star hotels

-Mentioned activities and tours (included activities are detailed in the itinerary)

-Entrance fees where applicable

-Airport transfers

-One way flight GUA-FRS.

-Private / shuttle transfers between destination.

-Specified meals during tours and activities (Included meals are noted in the itinerary: B= Breakfast, BB=Box Breakfast, L= Lunch, BL= Boxed Lunch, D= Dinner)

-Contribution to social projects visited

-Local taxes

-Interactive day-to-day travel program in specialized app with support from our team

-24/7 Assistance in English

$2,650
Deposit: $675
Price per child (up to 12 years old)

Includes: 

-14 nights of double room accommodation with parents or other adults in the family in 2 or 3 star hotels

-Mentioned activities and tours (included activities are detailed in the itinerary)

-Entrance fees where applicable

-Airport transfers

-One way flight GUA-FRS.

-Private / shuttle transfers between destination.

-Specified meals during tours and activities (Included meals are noted in the itinerary: B= Breakfast, BB=Box Breakfast, L= Lunch, BL= Boxed Lunch, D= Dinner)

-Contribution to social projects visited

-Local taxes

-Interactive day-to-day travel program in specialized app with support from our team

-24/7 Assistance in English

$1,015
Deposit: $300


Itinerary

Day 1
Bienvenidos! Welcome to the land of eternal spring (-/-/-)

Welcome to Guatemala! Your private transfer from Guatemala City Airport will take you to the charming colonial city of Antigua Guatemala (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours). Enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the town and trying some local cuisine. Exciting adventures await you tomorrow!

Your Organizer


E
Etnica
23 reviews
At Etnica we invite you to discover culture by experiencing it and encourage you to interact with local communities and learn about the traditions and cultural heritage that make them unique while you discover Guatemala and southern Mexico. We design tailor-made experiences, tours and workshops with local operators and families in their beautiful surroundings. If you are a hands-on travel enthusiast; we welcome you to learn from the best and participate in real and authentic cultural encounters.

Reviews

This was an unforgettable holiday, and your hard work made it seem effortless. Huge thanks to all the drivers and guides who took us around your beautiful country. We loved all the marvellous hotels that were charming, well-run and safe. We managed to get a glimpse of how wonderful Guatemala was, and it was just stunning. I loved every moment and every place we went to. And your drivers and guides were timely, thoughtful, helpful and knowledgeable. Due to travel sickness, I often had to sit near the front, and all the drivers were kindly and helpful. The guides were intuitive, easy to talk to and full of great facts. All the hotels were terrific, although I think we would have preferred staying at Hotel Atitlan when we were at the lake. Thank you so much for helping us all discover some of the great charms of Guatemala in only 8 days!
By Rachel E for Essential Guatemala: 8 Days of Must-See Highlights on Mar 26, 2024
The trip was a truly awesome opportunity to witness the culture and natural beauty of Guatemala. The arrangements and guides provided experiences we would not have had if we ventured alone.
By Katherine S for Essential Guatemala: 8 Days of Must-See Highlights on Mar 18, 2024
Dear Katherine, we appreciate you sharing your experience exploring Guatemala with us! ¡Muchas gracias!
By Etnica on Mar 19, 2024
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ME
We had a wonderful trip. Merida and its surroundings is a wonderful place, but the highlight of the trip was Pablo and Etnica travel. He did not leave a single detail out and the places he chose for us were incredible.
By MARIA EUGENIA DE S for Explorando Yucatán - Viaje de amigas en Mérida! on Feb 07, 2024
Dear Cuqui, we appreciate your wonderful comments and that you're taking the time to share details about your experience in Merida. We loved showing you around and Pablo's really enjoying the wonderful gift you brought from Guate! Muchas gracias! Come back and visit whenever you can!
By Etnica on Feb 07, 2024
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We had a great time!
By Claudia H for Aventura en las Verapaces - Claudia Hernandez on Dec 22, 2023
Thank you for your preference! Always welcome to keep exploring with us!
By Etnica on Dec 22, 2023
E
AT
Well organized and very responsive planners. They put together a trip last minute and gave lots of great suggestions for downtime.
By Ashley T for Essential Guatemala: Must-See Highlights on Sep 07, 2023
Thank you for sharing your experience Ashley and Shraddha! We hope to see you back in Guatemala in the future!
By Etnica on Sep 07, 2023
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References

I had a truly incredible experience in Guatemala - and I have Pablo and the Etnica team to thank for it! Pablo worked closely with me to design a custom trip for my friend and me, taking into consideration our logistical preferences, interests, time window, and budget. As the primary planner for my friend's and my trip, I was in frequent communication with Pablo, and I was impressed by his expertise, professionalism, warmth, and dedication. It is clear that he is passionate about what he does, and wants his travelers to experience the best of what Guatemala has to offer! During our trip itself, everything was smooth, efficient, and executed perfectly, from airport transfers / transportation, food and cultural recommendations, and comfortable, conveniently-located accommodations. All of our guides were incredibly friendly, treating us like friends rather than "tourists"; in fact, I felt that my interactions with the locals were perhaps the best part of this whole experience. At the end of the trip, I remained in Guatemala solo, while my friend returned to the states. During this time, I continued to take tours and explore Guatemala per Pablo's recommendations, and I felt safe, met incredible people, and gained a huge appreciation for the culture and people. I will recommend Etnica to my friends and family with great enthusiasm, and I can't wait to return! Thank you for everything, Pablo! -Kim from NYC
By Kim T on 21 Apr, 2023
I traveled as a teacher with students and can say with full sincerity that our tour guide, Pablo, exceeded every expectation I had for the trip! Not only did my students see beautiful tourist attractions and learn about the history of those places, but the best was them having multiple opportunities to meet and spend time getting to know people and their different ways of life all across the country. Having chaperoned educational tours with various companies, I can easily say that this one facilitated the best cultural learning and human connections for myself and my students. Many thanks, Etnica, for the experience and the memories!
By Emily H on 31 Aug, 2022