Tour Guatemala: a Colorful Adventure in Central America (9 Days)
What your day looks like
The Tour Guatemala takes you to one of the most colorful countries in Central America, the center of the Mayan civilization covered by tropical rain forests Explore the incredible ancient wonders of Quirigua’s Mayan ruins and the formidable Castle of San Felipe de Lara. Immerse yourself in the lush paradise of Finca el Paraiso’s natural hot waterfalls. Traverse to Flores, a picturesque island town on Lago Petén Itzá, before venturing deep into the green jungle to unveil the mysteries of Tikal. Rest in Lanquin, surrounded by towering mountains and cave systems. Experience Semuc Champey’s limestone pools and reach the peaceful town of Uspantán. Discover Lake Atitlán’s tranquility in San Jorge La Laguna and hike Pacaya Volcano before concluding your adventure in the beautiful Antigua Guatemala. Come and discover what cannot be found on the entire planet!
Why travelers choose this experience
- Visit UNESCO listed Quirigua, one of the most ancient Mayan cities 8th century monuments
- Relax in unique natural hot waterfalls of Finca el Paraiso
- Enjoy the quietness and beauty of Flores a picturesque town on the island on Lago Petén Itzá
- Explore UNESCO listed Tikal one of the major sites of the Mayan civilization
- Swim in Semuc Champey a magnificently beautiful stepped series of limestone pools with cool
- Learn Mayan traditions and try home cooked cuisine while staying at authentic Mayan home stay
Your day, step by step
Guatemala City
Guatemala City. Welcome to Guatemala City! The largest city in Central America, it absorbed the trends of the new time, mixing them with traditional Latin American flavors. Arrive at any time and join your Trip Leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting followed by an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants.
Guatemala City
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B & B/guest house in Guatemala City.
Guatemala City
City/Town Tour. Guatemala City – Quirigua. Enjoy a morning walking tour in Guatemala City. • Driving Distances: Guatemala City – Quiriguá (
Guatemala City
Leave for Quirigua (UNESCO) - one of the most ancient Mayan cities in the world that contains some outstanding 8th-century monuments and an impressive series of carved stelae and sculpted calendars. Accommodation in a nearby hotel, optional dinner, and get-together in one of the local restaurants.
Guatemala City
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B & B/guest house near Quirigua.
Puerto Barrios
Archaeological Exploration at Quirigua. Quirigua Ruins - Castle of San Felipe de Lara - Finca el Paraiso Guided visits to Quirigua Ruins. • Driving Distances: Finca El Paraíso – Flores (
El Estor
Sightseeing at Castillo San Felipe. Go to the Castle of San Felipe de Lara (both - UNESCO) which was built in 1652 to keep pirates from looting the villages and commercial caravans of Izabal.
El Estor
Sightseeing at Finca El Paraiso. Then move to Finca el Paraiso and enjoy its natural hot waterfalls. Accommodation in a nearby hotel, optional dinner, and get-together in one of the local restaurants.
Guatemala City
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B near Finca el Paraiso.
Flores
Nature Walks. After breakfast and a morning bath in the waterfalls, continue to Flores - a picturesque town on the island of Lago Petén Itzá, a base for exploring El Petén area and a stunning spot to recharge your energy. Check-in, walking tour around the town, free time to explore the area.
Guatemala City
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Flores.
Flores
Archaeological Exploration at Tikal. Flores – Tikal – Lanquin. After breakfast, go to Tikal (UNESCO) - one of the major sites of the Mayan civilization that lies in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation. Optional lunch in the afternoon. • Driving Distances: Flores – Tikal (
Lanquin
Nature Walks. Continue to Lanquin - a pretty village located in the deep valleys between the mountains, a perfect base to explore the wonderful cave system just out of town and as a jumping-off point for visiting the natural rock pools at Semuc Champey. Upon arrival: check-in, orientation walk, and free time to explore the area.
Guatemala City
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B & B/guest house in Lanquin.
Lanquin
Cave Tubing. Lanquin – Semuc Champey – Uspantán. In the morning choose whether to sleep, explore nearby Lanquin Caves, swim in Salto del Cabro waterfalls or tube down the Lanquin River. • Driving Distances: Lanquin – Semuc Champey (
Lanquin
Sightseeing at Semuc Champey. In the afternoon join the group to Semuc Champey – a stepped series of limestone pools with cool, flowing river water.
Uspantan
Nature Walks. Afterward, take one of the most picturesque roads in Guatemala that will bring you to Uspantán - a quiet and charming town in a stunning setting of a fertile valley at the base of green forested mountains. Accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together.
Guatemala City
Accommodation: a conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B & B/guest house in Uspantán.
Antigua
Hiking at Lake Atitlán. Uspantan – San Jorge La Laguna. In the morning continue to San Jorge La Laguna - a peaceful Maya village in the hills next to Lake Atitlán. Optional lakeshore hike and local villages tour followed by accommodation and dinner in Mayan homestay. • Driving Distances: Uspantán – San Jorge La Laguna (
Guatemala City
Accommodation: Mayan homestay in San Jorge La Laguna.
Guatemala City
Hiking at Pacaya Volcano. San Jorge La Laguna – Pacaya Volcano – Antigua Guatemala. After breakfast, go to Pacaya Volcano - an active complex volcano of 2,552 meters that has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish arrival in Guatemala. Hike to the summit. • Driving Distances: San Jorge La Laguna – Pacaya Volcano (
Antigua
City/Town Tour. Continue to Antigua Guatemala (UNESCO) - a city in the central highlands famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture as well as several spectacular ruins of colonial churches. Take an orientation walk with the rest of the group or explore this beautiful city by yourself. In the evening join an optional farewell dinner and get-together with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants.
Guatemala City
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Antigua Guatemala.
Guatemala City
Antigua Guatemala. Last day of our trip - depart at any time by a private taxi/group shuttle directly to the airport (40 km).
Before you go
Included
- Transportation in a private vehicle* - Service of a bilingual Tour Leader** -Walking tours/orientation walks: Guatemala City, Flores, Lanquin, Uspantan, Antigua Guatemala -Activities/guided visits: Quirigua Ruins (UNESCO), Castle of San Felipe de Lara (UNESCO), Tikal (UNESCO), hot waterfalls in Finca el Paraiso, Semuc Champey, Pacaya Volcano * The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan. ** All our tour leaders are bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. Additionally, upon request and subject to availability, we can assign a tour leader proficient in other languages such as French, German, Italian, or Portuguese (this might involve an extra fee).
Not Included
-Flights -Airport pick-up and drop-off -Other activities and meals -Travel insurance -Personal expenses and tips
What to Bring
What to take with you: -Comfortable clothes and shoes -Swimming suit and slippers -A smaller backpack for daily tours -Hat/cap -Sunglasses and sunscreen -Travel insurance -Personal ID
Meeting & Pickup
Meet your tour leader at your accommodation in Guatemala City. The list of accommodations will be sent with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business