Guatemala Highlights Holiday

Itinerary Highlights

Explore the colonial Antigua, surrounded by three volcanoes - Agua, Fuego and Acatenango
Spot extraordinary wildlife while traversing the wonderful waterways of Rio Dulce
Learn about Garifuna culture in Livingston, a small and remote Caribbean fishing enclave
Venture to the mystical Mayan site of Tikal, where monkeys and tropical birds are abundant

What's Included

Flights
Accommodation Throughout
Travel Guide
Transfers

10 nights from £4,835 per person

Jack Brooker

Travel Specialist

0203 131 4707

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

For a stunningly beautiful and scenic introduction to the highlands and Mayan highlights of Guatemala, this ten-night tour is the perfect fit.

Visit the charming colonial city of Antigua and the spectacular lake and volcanic area of Lake Atitlan. The Guatemalan highlands offer a fascinating insight into the traditional beliefs and customs of the Mayan people; admire their intricate textiles and handicrafts in the colourful market towns.

Then travel overland to the Caribbean coastal town of Livingston, famous for its vibrant Garifuna culture, and enjoy a serene boat trip along the Rio Dulce - which is home to wildlife, riverside communities and historic Spanish fortresses.

Last stop is to the incredible ruins of Tikal. Shrouded by jungle and home to abundant wildlife, this archaeological site is one of the most impressive within the Mayan world.

If you want to extend your tour, why not cross over into Honduras to visit the Mayan ruins of Copan? Considered the Paris of the Mayan sites, these ruins are famed for their intricate stelae carvings. Alternatively, continue into Belize, perfect for further rainforest adventures and a relaxing end on one of its idyllic Caribbean Cayes.

Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors

Itinerary

Day 1 | Fly UK to Antigua, Guatemala

Arrive in Guatemala City (flight via USA or Madrid) and transfer to your hotel in the colonial town of Antigua for the next two nights. The former capital of Guatemala was founded in 1543 and is one of the finest cities in Central America. This pretty town oozes colonial charm in a delightful setting, in the shadow of three volcanoes and surrounded by coffee plantations.

Staying at

Day 2 | Antigua

Enjoy a walking tour of the beautiful colonial town of Antigua, surrounded by its three volcanoes - Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Explore the main square, the palace and cathedral, La Merced church, San Francisco Church and the famous Arco de Santa Catalina, all while strolling through Antigua’s charming cobbled streets.

Staying at

Day 3 | Antigua

Today, you'll visit the local woodcarvers in the village of Jocotenango and then continue to the fabulous Azotea coffee farm. The charity AGAIG (As Green as it Gets) works to support small local coffee producers and promotes responsible agriculture in the region. Visit the Maya Traditions Museum to learn about traditional music, costume and traditions. In the afternoon, transfer by road to Lake Atitlan, truly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Overlooked by volcanoes, its shores are dotted with Mayan villages.

Staying at

Day 4 | Lake Atitlan

Take a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlan to the village of San Juan la Laguna. Visit the women's textile co-operative to see hand-weaving and natural dye processes as well as the homes of the celebrated naif painters. From here, continue to the village of Santiago for lunch and a tour of the village, visiting the Maya God, Maximon, and learning about the spiritualism and beliefs of the local T'zutujil Maya.

Staying at

Day 5 | Lake Atitlan to Antigua

Transfer from the lake one hour by road to the famous market at Chichicastenango (open on Thursdays and Sundays). Here vendors from the nearby countryside and villages come to sell their wares. You have time to explore the colourful food market and the excellent craft market. Make sure not to miss the catholic church of Santo Tomas. The front of the church has 18 steps accounting for the 18 months in the Mayan calendar. In the late afternoon, transfer back to Antigua for the night.

Day 6 | Antigua to Quirigua to Livingston

Depart Antigua today to Livingston on the Caribbean coast. Only accessible by water or air, Livingston is a unique town and home to the "Garifuna" people, descendants of the indigenous Carib and African cultures. En route, stop at the archaeological park and ruins of Quirigua, famous for its impressive series of carved stelae and sculpted calendars. Part of your journey today will be by boat to reach your coastal destination.

Day 7 | Livingston to Rio Dulce to Tikal

This morning, take a cruise along the Rio Dulce River. Look out for bird island - a cluster of mangroves and trees in the river, creating the perfect living conditions for a variety of birds. Pass by riverside communities, looking out for the extensive water lilies and spotting the local people going about their daily life. Continue to the Ak Tenamit project. Ak Tenamit is an educational project for local children that allows them to go to school and become professionals, studying in Spanish and English while still maintaining their Mayan roots and heritage, practising local traditions, language and ceremonies. In the afternoon, continue by road to your jungle lodge in Tikal.

Day 8 | Tikal National Park

Visit Tikal National Park today, a spectacular UNESCO-protected Mayan temple site where huge pyramids rise above the jungle canopy with monkeys and tropical birds abundant in the surrounding rainforest. If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb several of the pyramids and be rewarded with beautiful views across the jungle.

Staying at

Day 9 | Tikal to Guatemala City

This afternoon, fly from the nearby town of Flores to Guatemala City for your last night. This morning, why not visit the nearby ruins of Yaxha for sunrise? Or, enjoy an early morning birdwatching tour within the surrounding rainforest.

Day 10 | Flight Home

Depart Guatemala City for your return flights to the UK. Alternatively, you could extend your tour and continue into Belize from Tikal.

Jack Brooker

Travel Specialist

0203 131 4707

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Pricing Information & Dates

10 nights from £4,835 per person

Jack Brooker

Travel Specialist

0203 131 4707

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Price Includes

Return International Flights as per the itinerary
All airport taxes and security charges
Accommodation and meals as specified
Transfers as specified
Activities and excursions as specified
All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified

Price Excludes

Travel Insurance
Any meals not specified in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Optional excursions

Pricing Notes

Price includes all accommodation, breakfast, meals, transfers and excursions as mentioned. International and internal flights are included in economy class.

Why Choose Us?

Passionate travel experts

We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences

Personal & tailor-made

You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love

Responsible by nature

We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours