13-Day Private Tour to the Ancestral Mayan Culture of Guatemala

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Your arrival to Guatemala and Tour of Antigua Guatemala
2 stops
1
La Aurora International Airport
We will welcome you at La Aurora International Airport to begin your visit to the vibrant and modern Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, the capital of the Republic of Guatemala. Known as the most thriving center in Central America, this city stands out for its modern buildings and business centers, reflecting its cosmopolitan and dynamic spirit.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Afterward, we will continue to Antigua Guatemala, a colonial city steeped in history and beauty, declared a "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. We will take a guided tour of its most emblematic sites, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Plaza, and the Palace of the Captains. Surrounded by three impressive volcanoes and located in a valley producing some of the world's best coffee, Antigua invites you to explore its cobblestone streets and discover the spectacular monuments that adorn every corner. Antigua's historical richness and magnificent beauty earned it the heritage designation in 1979, and it will undoubtedly capture your heart with its unique charm.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Visit the Magic Lands of Hobbitenango and Altamira
2 stops
3
Hobbitenango
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to Hobbitenango, a theme park inspired by the movies "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." This charming place offers a variety of activities that capture the essence of these famous stories. You can enjoy movie-inspired games, play mini golf, swing on a giant swing, and admire the landscape from various viewpoints. Don't miss the opportunity to take photos at the iconic giant hand, where you can capture spectacular views of the valley.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Altamira Oriole Antigua Guatemala
Additionally, Altamira is a natural park perfect for nature lovers and outdoor activities. Here, you'll find rustic games and giant wooden figures, ideal for a fun and memorable photo session. Both destinations offer a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation amidst stunning landscapes, making your visit an unforgettable experience.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Ancestral Market of Chichicastenango
1 stop
5
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head northwest from Antigua Guatemala to Chichicastenango, situated among valleys and mountains. This town is famous for hosting the largest indigenous market in Mesoamerica and being a true reflection of K'iche’ culture. Visiting Chichicastenango will make you feel as if time has stood still, allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in the essence of the Mayan World. In addition to the vibrant market, we will visit the Santo Tomás Parish Church, an iconic building founded in 1540 on an ancient pre-Hispanic archaeological site. The stories of its construction and cultural significance will fascinate you. You will have free time to explore the market, where you can purchase unique masks, crafts, and textiles from the entire region. It is a perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant local life and take a piece of Chichicastenango's rich tradition with you. The trip to Chichicastenango will take 2.5 to 3 hours.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Hot Springs & Xela City Tour
3 stops
6
Fuentes Georginas
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to the Fuentes Georginas hot springs, located in a natural setting of stunning beauty with a cool climate due to its altitude, which exceeds 2,500 meters above sea level. This place is famous not only for its beautiful location and relaxing thermal waters but also for the medicinal properties many people attribute to these springs, adding a touch of mysticism to this wonderful relaxation center.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
7
Additionally, we will explore the municipalities of Almolonga and Zunil in Quetzaltenango, internationally recognized for their enormous and impressive vegetable crops, earning them the nickname "The Garden of the Americas" due to their remarkable fertility and size. Visiting these areas will give you a unique perspective on local agriculture and its importance to the community.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
8
Quetzaltenango
Finally, we will arrive in Quetzaltenango, the second most important city in Guatemala, known for its elegant neoclassical architecture that adorns the city known as Xelajú. Each step through this city will showcase its rich history and vibrant cultural life, making this day an unforgettable experience filled with nature, culture, and architectural beauty.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Chicabal Volcano and Lagoon
1 stop
9
Laguna Chicabal
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to explore Chicabal Volcano, located in the municipality of San Martín Sacatepéquez in the department of Quetzaltenango, in the western region of Guatemala. This volcano rises approximately 2900 meters above sea level, featuring a well-formed cone, and is abundantly covered by a cold, humid forest, often shrouded in mist, giving it a mystical and enigmatic atmosphere. One of the most notable aspects of Chicabal Volcano is the sacred lagoon found at the bottom of its crater. This place is considered sacred by the local communities, who often perform Mayan rituals and ceremonies on its shores. The combination of its rich biodiversity, cool climate, and the spiritual significance of the lagoon makes Chicabal a fascinating and deeply meaningful destination for understanding the connection between nature and Mayan culture.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
La Igualdad Waterfall
1 stop
10
After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for an adventure to La Igualdad Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in Guatemala and Central America, with an impressive drop of 187 meters. To reach this natural wonder, we will embark on a hike along a trail surrounded by lush plantations, offering you a unique experience in close contact with nature. La Igualdad Waterfall will captivate you not only with its majesty but also with a variety of activities to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. You can explore different trails, admire the waterfall from various viewpoints, swim in the crystal-clear natural pools, and observe a great diversity of birds. Additionally, with a bit of luck, you might spot the Quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala, known for its beauty and splendor. This visit will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip, combining the thrill of adventure with the tranquility of nature in its purest form.
9 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Rum Museum and Zaculeu Archaeological Site
2 stops
11
After breakfast at the hotel, we invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of rum with a tour of the history of Botrán. This unique experience will take you through the aging process of our rums, visiting our barrel workshop where the magic begins. You will continue with a sensory tasting that will awaken all your senses, exploring the deep flavors and aromas of our premium rums. The day will culminate spectacularly with a cocktail served in the only bar in the world located inside an aging barrel, a truly unique experience.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Ruinas de Zaculeu
Later, we will travel to the western highlands of Guatemala to explore Zaculeu, an impressive pre-Columbian archaeological site in the department of Huehuetenango. Zaculeu, inhabited during the Early Classic period, clearly shows the influence of Teotihuacán in its structures. There, you can admire the pyramidal temples with double staircases, wander through a series of plazas, and visit a ballgame court, all while soaking up the rich history and culture of the ancient inhabitants of this region. This combination of cultural history and historical heritage promises a day full of discoveries and learning.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Laguna Brava and Hoyo Cimarron
2 stops
13
We will provide you with a packed breakfast to enjoy a nutritious meal during the journey that will begin at 4:00 AM to the enigmatic Laguna Brava, known locally as Yolnabaj. This impressive lagoon is located in the municipality of Nentón and is nestled between high sierras covered in the rich vegetation typical of the Guatemalan highlands. One of the most distinctive features of the lagoon is the mist that often covers it, adding a mysterious and unique beauty to the landscape. During the excursion, our guide will take you to explore the most emblematic destinations of Laguna Brava. You will travel by pickup truck to the site and then continue the exploration in a rowboat, adhering to regulations that prohibit motor use to preserve the tranquility and purity of the environment. We will also visit impressive waterfalls and the vibrant colors of the cenotes that adorn this place.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
14
Additionally, we will explore El Hoyo Cimarron in Huehuetenango, an astounding natural hole of gigantic proportions, also located in Nentón. With a depth of approximately 200 meters and a diameter of 170 meters, El Hoyo Cimarron is a natural phenomenon that never fails to impress visitors, offering a unique spectacle in the Guatemalan geography. This day will be filled with adventure and landscapes that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Cenotes of Candelaria
1 stop
15
We will provide you with a packed breakfast to enjoy during our excursion to the Cenotes de Candelaria in Huehuetenango, a fascinating tourist destination that will captivate you with its natural beauty. This natural wonder consists of crystal-clear water pools interconnected through a network of underground rivers. Notably, there are two cylindrical formations known as cenotes, whose clear waters can change color, ranging from blue to turquoise and sometimes even to stunning greens, depending on the time of year. This place is not only a visual spectacle due to the changing colors of its waters but also an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility offered by the natural surroundings.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 10
Formations of Momostenango and San Francisco El Alto Market
3 stops
16
After breakfast at the hotel, we will organize a visit to the Formations of Momostenango, an impressive land formation known for its curious vertical shapes. These formations result from erosion processes that have shaped the land over time, creating a unique natural spectacle that deserves to be explored.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Mercado de San Francisco El Alto
Next, the tour will continue to San Francisco El Alto, known for hosting one of the largest and most diverse markets in Guatemala. This market is particularly notable because many of the vendors are also the producers of the textiles they offer, allowing access to more economical prices and high-quality products. It is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Guatemalan textile art, discover the richness of the fabrics, and find all kinds of items, from clothing to decorations, all created with traditional techniques.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
18
Panajachel
Then we will get back on our bus and start our trip to Panajachel to get to your hotel so you can rest.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
San Juan La Laguna Tour in Lake Atitlan
1 stop
19
San Juan la Laguna
After breakfast at the hotel, we will organize an excursion to one of the most magical places in Guatemala: Lake Atitlán. Imagine an immense, shimmering lake under the sun, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes adorned with wildflowers. This scenery will be the perfect backdrop for a boat ride and a guided tour that will explore the deep connection to the Mayan culture that this place holds. According to local Mayans, the lake possesses unique energy fields, and while not everyone may feel them, the uniqueness and beauty of Atitlán are undeniable. This place is known for its tranquility and rich artisanal tradition. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet local weavers, artists, and artisans who contribute to the village's vibrant cultural life and enjoy the stunning landscapes the area offers. This day will allow you to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of serenity and natural beauty while connecting with the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Lake Atitlán.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Santa Catarina Palopó and Iximché Archaeological Site
3 stops
20
Santa Catarina Palopo
After breakfast at the hotel, we invite you to explore the charming village of Santa Catarina Palopó, located on the shores of Lake Atitlán. This place is a true reflection of living Mayan culture. You will admire the vibrant houses, painted with colors and designs that emulate the traditional attire of the people, while its church and streets tell century-old stories.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
21
Iximche
We will continue the journey to Iximché, a fascinating archaeological site that was one of the main Mayan cities and the first capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala after the arrival of the Spanish in 1524. Here you can explore the ancient Mayan pyramids and see some of the most active ceremonial altars, places where contemporary Mayans still perform ancestral rituals and offer tributes to their ancestors. This visit is not only a journey through history but also an opportunity to better understand the traditions that have shaped this region.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
22
Antigua
Then we will get back on our bus and start our trip to Antigua Guatemala to get to your hotel so you can rest.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Departure to La Aurora International Airport
1 stop
23
La Aurora International Airport
Savor your final breakfast at the hotel before we whisk you off to La Aurora International Airport. It's been a pleasure sharing this adventure with you. Safe travels, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences!
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• To ensure that your hotel accommodations are arranged, please make your reservation at least 7 days in advance of the departure date.
• Due to hotel reservations, we will manually confirm your booking during busy season, which runs from March to June and the end of December.

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