8-day tour Visiting Essential Places of Guatemala

8 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover the magic of Guatemala on this immersive multi-day tour, where ancient traditions, natural wonders, and vibrant culture await you. Begin in the charming city of Antigua Guatemala, with its colonial architecture and rich history, before escaping to the whimsical realms of Hobbitenango and the breathtaking views of Altamira. Experience the lively Chichicastenango market, a treasure trove of Mayan culture, and unwind in the soothing hot springs of Fuentes Georginas.

Journey to Xela, where you'll explore its historic streets before hiking the mystical Chicabal Volcano, home to a sacred lagoon. Be captivated by the natural beauty of La Igualdad Waterfalls, and conclude your adventure with visits to the colorful village of Santa Catarina Palopó and the historic Iximché Archaeological Site. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery, making it an unforgettable exploration of Guatemala’s hidden gems.

What's Included

8 breakfasts
Private transportation
7 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels
Entrance fee to all places we visit in the itinerary
Certified tour guide
Other meals and drinks not mentioned
Personal expenses

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We will pick you up at one of the 2 exits of the airport. We'll monitor your flight arrival and contact you so your transfer-in is as smooth as possible. Our bus driver will hold a sign with your name on it so you can identify him.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Your Arrival to Guatemala and Tour of Antigua

    2 stops
  • 1
    Guatemala City

    Upon your arrival at La Aurora International Airport, you will be welcomed to Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, the vibrant and modern capital of the Republic of Guatemala. This city is the epicenter of activity in Central America, known for its modern buildings and business centers, and is considered the most cosmopolitan in the region.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Afterward, we will transfer you to Antigua Guatemala, a colonial city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will enjoy a guided tour that includes visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Plaza, and the Palace of the Captains, among other key historical sites. Surrounded by three impressive volcanoes, Antigua is nestled in a valley known for producing some of the best coffee in the world. Its charming cobblestone streets will invite you to explore on foot, discovering spectacular monuments at almost every corner. The rich history and magnificent beauty of Antigua, which earned it the heritage designation in 1979, will offer you an unforgettable experience in this cultural and architectural icon of Guatemala.

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Viewpoints of Antigua Guatemala: Hobbitenango & Antigua

    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 Mayan Market of Chichicastenango

    2 stops
  • 5
    Antigua

    After breakfast at the hotel, we will head northwest from Antigua Guatemala to Chichicastenango, situated among valleys and mountains.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 6

    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 Mayan 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. You can also enjoy the wide variety of vegetables, legumes, and fruits offered in this colorful open-air market, especially on Thursdays and Sundays when the Indigenous community gathers for their commercial exchanges. It is a perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant local life and take a piece of Chichicastenango's rich tradition with you.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Hot Springs Fuentes Georginas & Xela City Tour

    3 stops
  • 7
    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
  • 8

    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
  • 9
    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 & Lagoon

    1 stop
  • 10
    Laguna Chicabal

    After breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to explore Chicabal Volcano, in the western region of Guatemala. This volcano rises approximately 2900 meters above sea level, featuring a well-formed cone 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 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 abundant nature, 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. Prepare for an experience that is not only a journey through stunning landscapes but also a profound encounter with the ancestral traditions of the area.

    5 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 6

    La Igualdad Waterfall

    2 stops
  • 11

    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. This visit will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip, combining the thrill of adventure with the tranquility of nature in its purest form. Getting to La Igualdad Waterfall will take us 3 hours.

    6 hours Admission ticket included
  • 12
    Panajachel

    Finally, we will go to our bus and start our journey to Panajachel so you can rest at your hotel.

    5 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 7

    Santa Catarina Palopó and Iximché Archaeological Site

    3 stops
  • 13
    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. In Santa Catarina Palopó, you will find a variety of local crafts, where each color and texture stands out in the landscape, offering a unique visual experience. It is the perfect place to absorb the rich culture and acquire unique souvenirs created by local artisans.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Iximche

    The journey will continue 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, 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
  • 15
    Antigua

    Finally, we will go to our bus and start our journey to Antigua Guatemala so you can rest at your hotel.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 8

    Departure to La Aurora International Airport

    1 stop
  • 16
    La Aurora International Airport

    Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer to La Aurora International Airport.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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.
  • Bring swimsuit, water shoes, sun protection, repellen & suitable shoes for each activity
Supplied by Guat2do Travel Experiences

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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