Mayan Discovery
Guatemala Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
A tour of Guatemala offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and history. Start in Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant markets. Next, visit Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages, ideal for hiking, boat tours, and experiencing local Mayan culture. In Guatemala City, discover modern urban life, museums, and historical landmarks. Finally, head to Flores, a charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá, and explore the nearby Tikal National Park, home to impressive ancient Mayan ruins and lush jungle teeming with wildlife.
Tour Highlights
• Explore the beautifully-preserved colonial city of Antigua
• Experience local cooking and learn about the coffee making process
• Discover the stunning natural beauty of Lake Atitlán
• Meet the local Mayan tribes and explore their traditional villages
• Explore the rich biodiversity and Mayan ruins of Tikal National Park
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
4/5
History
3/5
Wildlife
3/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive into Guatemala - Antigua
Arrive into Guatemala (Guatemala City) and transfer to your hotel in Antigua (approx. 1 hour). No meals or activities included today. Overnight Meson de Maria or similar.
Antigua
Antigua is a charming colonial city nestled in the central highlands. Known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and vibrant culture, it's surrounded by stunning volcanoes. The city's cobblestone streets, historic churches, colourful markets, and lively festivals make it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 2: Antigua
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Antigua. Visit breathtaking colonial monuments and find out why this city was the bustling centre of the region for the Spaniards. Starting at central plaza, your guide will give you a general idea about the colonization, Guatemala’s history & contemporary issues. View the outside main buildings (Palacio de Capitanes, City Hall, and El Portal), visit backstage of the Cathedral and Cathedral ruins, and San Francisco church. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to a nearby coffee hacienda (approx. 15min). Enjoy the scenery and gain a unique insight to the whole coffee making process, experiencing the smells, the sights and the flavour of one of the Guatemala’s most famous export. Overnight Meson de Maria or similar (BL)
Day 3: Community cooking class & Antigua village tour
This morning head to San Miguel Escobar Town (approx. 15mins) to learn how to prepare a traditional Guatemalan meal at a real Guatemalan home. The chef does not use a recipe because after years of experience she knows how to make this dish by heart which you will enjoy for lunch. After lunch, visit the surrounding villages including the museum at the Convent/Archbishop's Palace in San Juan del Obispo, daily life in San Pedro las Huertas and the Maya town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes which specializes in the finest authentic Maya textiles. Overnight Meson de Maria or similar (BL)
Day 4: Chichicastenango Market - Lake Atitlan Overall driving time approx. 3 hours
Our first stop today is Chichicastenango. Start at the Santo Thomas church at the centre of Chichicastenango, and is an important monument for the indigenous and Mayan history. Built around 1545, Maya priests still use the church for their rituals. From here we have a brief visit to the textile market, and then explore the fruit and vegetable market, which is a feast for all the senses. We then leave the market and visit the local home and workshop of a 5th generation Mayan ceremonial mask maker. Learn about the traditions of Mayan ceremonies and how the costumes and masks are made and what they represent. After lunch at the home, take a short hike up Pascual Abaj, a sacred hill with a pre-Columbian Maya shrine on the top. Continue to Lake Atitlan. Overnight Villa Santa Catarina or similar (BL)
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán, nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Surrounded by three volcanoes and picturesque Mayan villages, its deep blue waters reflect stunning landscapes. Visitors enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the vibrant local culture, making it a captivating destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Day 5: Lake Atitlan - San Juan & Santiago Villages
Take a boat to visit San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, two very special and different villages around the lake. Santiago is home to Maximon, a venerated pagan saint who smokes tobacco and drinks moonshine, and resides in a different house each year. San Juan la Laguna is a bit quieter and home to several textile coops and art galleries. Overnight Villa Santa Catarina or similar (BL)
Day 6: San Antonio & Santa Catarina Palopo
Today explore the towns of Santa Catarina Palopó and San Antonio Palopó. Santa Catarina Palopo is a charming town of adobe houses with tin and thatched roofs. This town is excellent for buying textiles and handicrafts. San Antonio Palopo is famous for their traditional ceramic handicrafts. Overnight Villa Santa Catarina or similar (BL)
Day 7: Transfer to Guatemala City – Fly to Flores
Transfer to Guatemala City airport for a 1hr domestic flight to Flores. On arrival transfer to your hotel (approx. 15mins). Overnight Isla de Flores or similar (B)
Flores
Flores, a charming town in Guatemala, is located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá. Known for its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings, it serves as a gateway to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal. Flores offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, attracting many visitors.
Day 8: Ak’tun Kan Caves and Yaxha Sunset
Today we visit Ak'tun Kan Caves (approx. 15mins drive). Translated as "Cave of the Serpent". According to Mayan tradition, a large snake lived in this cave. However, the name refers to the structure which resembles a large snake. Take a walk through the cave and observe wonderful rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. In certain parts of the Cave, you will be able to observe hundreds of bats on the ceiling. After the walk head back to Flores for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we head to Yaxha, an archaeological site and ancient ceremonial centre of Mayan civilization with more than 500 structures in the site, including 40 steles, 13 altars and 9 pyramids. End the day watching an amazing sunset on the top of the pyramid. Overnight Isla de Flores or similar (BL)
Day 9: Tikal National Park
Today explore Tikal National Park (approx. 1hr drive), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its vast ancient Mayan ruins set amidst lush, dense rainforest teeming with diverse wildlife. Overnight Isla de Flores or similar (BL)
Tikal National Park
Tikal National Park in Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Mayan ruins, including towering pyramids and temples, set within a lush rainforest. It's renowned for its archaeological significance, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, making it a prime destination for history and nature enthusiasts.
Day 10: Flight to Guatemala City
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the domestic flight back to Guatemala City. On arrival you will be met by your guide and take a half day panoramic city tour. Visits include the downtown historic centre of the city, the Cathedral, National Palace and 6th Avenue. End the day with a visit to the handicraft market. Overnight Clarion Suites or similar (B)
Local flight from FRS - GUA (approx. 1hr)
Guatemala City
Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, is the nation's largest metropolis and cultural hub. Known for its vibrant urban life, it features historical landmarks, modern architecture, bustling markets, and rich museums. The city blends colonial charm with contemporary energy, serving as a gateway to the country's diverse attractions.
Day 11: Guatemala City – Departure
At a suitable time you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Return flight Guatemala City - Flores
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Guatemala that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a short term visit to Guatemala. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Latin America, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
