Over the course of ten days, we’ll explore the rich history of indigenous and colonial cultures in this special Guatemala tour.

In Antigua, we’ll explore Guatemala’s rich cuisine with a sunset dinner tour encompassing three different restaurants, street food (safely!), and the vibrant food market. We’ll also have time to explore a complex of museums and the city’s colonial architecture.

In the north, we’ll explore world-famous Maya sites Tikal and Yaxha.  Then we’ll go to Panajachel where we’ll take a private boat to our hotel on the lake.

During our time on Lake Atitlan we’ll observe the vibrant live along the shoreline during several boat rides, learn about Maya weaving techniques, the impact of women’s weaving cooperatives on the standard of living of the indigenous Maya people,  and go shopping in Panajachel. There will also be free time to relax by the lake, go ziplining, birding or volcano hiking, or take a day trip to one of the other indigenous communities in the nearby mountains.

Day 3

Antigua

On our second full day in Antigua, you can relax on the roof terrace, wander around Antigua, book a volcano hike, or visit the ruined Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo. The convent’s archaeological zone includes six museums, with rich collections. Admission includes:  the Museo de la Platería, with silverwork masterpieces including incense burners, candelabras and crowns; the Museo Colonial, with canvases and wooden sculpture on religious themes from the 16th to 18th centuries; the Museo Arqueológico, with ceramic and stone objects from the Maya Classic period; the cleverly curated Museo de Arte Precolombino y Vidrio Moderno, with Maya sculpture and ceramics shown as art pieces alongside glass works by modern artists; the Museo de Artes y Artesanías Populares de Sacatepéquez, with exhibits on traditional handicrafts from the Antigua region; and the Museo de la Farmacia, a restored version of a 19th-century apothecary’s shop from Guatemala City.   Meals included: breakfast.

Day 6

Lake Peten

Experience an extended stay in the ancient Maya city of Tikal on this double tour that combines exceptional early morning exploration into the jungle and a spectacular view of the landscape from Temple IV. This visit allows you to appreciate the singing of birds, howler monkeys and other animals in their natural habitat. The schedule is the coolest for walking in the jungle and the least crowded of the day, and if the weather allows it, you can enjoy a spectacular sunrise over temples I, II and III. Then enjoy the Archaeological Tour that includes the visit of several of the main points of the Tikal National Park. A unique and exclusive experience for passionate explorers.  Meals included:  breakfast & dinner.

Day 9

Lake Atitlán

We’ll take the public boat into Panajachel to shop for local goods.  As noted on Atitlan Living, “Like everywhere in Guatemala, you can and should haggle. A good rule of thumb is to half whatever the asking price is and judge the reaction. The angrier the shop keeper, the better the deal.”  Meals included:  none.

Activity Level

Moderate

Activities are generally not very strenuous; however, we expect guests to enjoy two hours or more of walking, be sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, and walk up and down stairs without assistance. In rural and small-town settings, unpaved roads and pathways will be common with some short sections of rough trail, which we expect that guests can traverse with no more than a companion’s hand to steady them. Historic city centers are frequently more accessible by foot than a vehicle, and sometimes your motorcoach can’t drop you off at the hotel and site entrances. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited.  Please note that at Casa del Mundo, it’s approximately 85 steps from the dock up to reception and the dining room.  Hotel staff will carry your bags for you, but they won’t carry you!