Highlights of Guatemala Vacation | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Highlights of Guatemala Vacation

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PRIVATE TOUR - 9 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 3699

Private Tour Highlights

  • Strolling through the cobblestone colonial town of Antigua, with its many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals rubbing shoulders with brightly-colored facades
  • Meandering through the market in Chichicastenango, a vibrant highland town rich in indigenous cultural heritage
  • Crossing the shimmering Lake Atitlan by boat, gazing up at the imposing volcanoes of Toliman, San Pedro and Atitlan
  • Meeting a local shaman in Santiago at the home of the Mayan god, Maximon, and observing as they perform traditional rituals
  • Climbing to the summit of the Two-headed Serpent, a temple at Tikal which is 70m high and offers sublime views above the jungle canopy
  • Keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife at Tikal, which is home to over 300 species of bird, as well as Howler Monkeys, Ocelots and even Jaguars
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

This Highlights of Guatemala Vacation starts in Antigua Guatemala, as we tour the old city. We will then travel to Lake Atitlán, stay one night beside the lake and visit the Maya towns nearby. Yampu travelers will visit the famous Indian market at Chichicastenango before flying to Flores. There, we will to visit Tikal for 2 days. Tikal, one of the major cultural and population centers of the Maya civilization, reached its peak during the Classic Period (200 to 850 AD). Most services in this tour are private unless otherwise specified.

Inclusions
Price includes airfare from Guatemala to Flores return, hotel accommodation with daily continental breakfast, guided tours in English, meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 3699

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Guatemala City

Upon arrival in Guatemala City, private transfer to the hotel in Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as La Antigua or just Antigua).

Upon arrival in Guatemala City, private transfer to the hotel in Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as La Antigua or just Antigua).

Day
2

Private tour of Antigua

Morning read more...

Morning private tour of Antigua. For more than 200 years, Antigua was the seat of the Spanish military governor in much of Central America. Be met at the hotel at 9 a.m. by the private guide to begin a half-day walking tour of Antigua. This tour will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrance fees are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church. This tour is flexible, if there are specific places that one wishes to see, just let Yampu know. At the end of the tour, transfer privately to the hotel in Lake Atitlan. ...read less

Antigua
Day
3

Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlan

Be picked up from the hotel for a scenic boat ride across the lake, passing by the three impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Upon arrival in Santiago, walk with the guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God, so his location changes. Once with Maximon, one may see local shamans performing rituals for local people. If one so wishes, they can ask the guide to help hire the services of a shaman to have a personal ceremony performed. After visiting Maximon, visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town, and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and the area’s famous primitive art. After lunch, private transfer to the hotel in Lake Atitlan. ...read less

Day
4

Chichicastenango Market

(Market operates only on Thursday and Sunday)
Private transfer to Chichicastenango. One will have time to shop and visit the colorful, outdoor Maya market in Chichicastenango. Once there, mingle with people from several ethnic Maya groups of the highlands that gather every Thursday and Sunday to buy, sell and trade goods. In the afternoon, head back to the hotel in Antigua.

(Market operates only on Thursday and Sunday)
Private transfer to Chichicastenango. One will have time to shop and visit the colorful, outdoor Maya market in Chichicastenango. Once there, mingle with people from several ethnic Maya groups of the highlands that gather every Thursday and Sunday to buy, sell and trade goods. In the afternoon, head back to the hotel in Antigua.

Chichicastenango-Guatemala
Day
5

Leisure in Antigua

Day of leisure in Antigua. Optional hiking tour to Pacaya Volcano available.

Day of leisure in Antigua. Optional hiking tour to Pacaya Volcano available.

antigua-guatemala-fountain
Day
6

City of Tikal

Early morning transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which is 70 meters high. From its peak, one can hear the sounds of the rainforest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. One may also stay in the park and watch the sunset, enjoying some nocturnal wildlife viewing. Additional cost applies, please consult with a Yampu Travel Consultant. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included. ...read less

Tikal-
Day
7

Day at Leisure

Day of leisure. Optional guided canopy tour to Ixpanpajul and sunset tour to Yaxha.

Day of leisure. Optional guided canopy tour to Ixpanpajul and sunset tour to Yaxha.

canopy-monkey-guatemala
Day
8

Flight to Guatemala City

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Guatemala-City
Day
9

Flight Home

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or choose from optional add-ons in Guatemala, extension to Belize or other Central American countries.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or choose from optional add-ons in Guatemala, extension to Belize or other Central American countries.

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Solola, Guatemala

Tikal, Peten, Guatemala

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Places You'll See

  • Guatemala_City

    Guatemala City

    Visit the capital and the largest city of its country with the same name, Guatemala. Take in the local life and explore the surrounding area learning about the city’s history and its culture through the many museums and markets. One stop that can be made is at the giant relief map of the city that must be viewed from a tower because of its massive size, all onstructed before aerial photography!

  • antigua-guatemala-volcano-through-arch

    Antigua

    Founded by the Spanish in the 17th century, Antigua city follows traditional layout and Spanish Baroque Style architecture. Enjoy chocolate making classes as you learn about the culture of the area or, For the more adventurous, there is the option to hike up several active volcanos in the region. With a walking coffee tour, one can learn about the process of picking and roasting one’s own coffee.

  • Tikal_Peten

    Peten

    Dotted with many Mayan Archaeological sites the area of Peten, once the hub of Mayan civilization, is full of history and ancient mysteries. Deep in the rainforests of Peten is the ancient city of Tikal, among other lost Mayan cities that have begun restoration.

  • Lake_Atitlan_Guatemala_boarwalk

    Lake Atitlan

    Surrounded by several volcanoes and with a once volcanic basin, Lake Atitlan is Central America’s largest and deepest lake. The villages around the edges of this gigantic body of water offer many places to enjoy eating as well as activities. From hiking the volcanoes and kayaking along the massive body of water to culture and coffee tours, there are many activities to take in.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Antigua : Posada de Don Rodrigo

Antigua : Hotel Meson de Maria

Antigua : D’Leyenda

Lake Atitlan : La Casa del Mundo (Jaibalito)

Lake Atitlan : Bambu Santiago Atitla

Peten : Hotel Peten

Guatemala City : Vista Real (Master Suite)

: Crowne Plaza Guatemala

4 Star Properties

Antigua : El Convento Boutique Hotel

Antigua : Casa Encantada

Lake Atitlan : Lomas de Tzununa (Santa Cruz La Laguna)

Lake Atitlan : Posada de Don Rodrigo (Panajachel)

Peten : Villa Maya

Peten : Camino Real Tikal

Guatemala City : Vista Real (Master Suite Business Class Floor)

Guatemala City : Real Intercontinental Guatemala (deluxe Room)

5 Star Properties

Antigua : Camino Real Antigua

Antigua : Meson Panza Verde

Antigua : Palacio de Dona Leonor

Lake Atitlan : Hotel Atitlan (Panajachel)

Peten : Camino Real Tikal (Club Room)

Peten : La Lancha (Rainforest Casita)

Guatemala City : Westin Camino Real

Guatemala City : Westin Camino Real (Executive Premier)

Guatemala City : Vista Real (Suite Gran Clase Business Class Floor)

Luxury Properties

Antigua : Posada del Angel

Lake Atitlan : Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)

Lake Atitlan Area : Laguna Lodge

Peten : La Lancha (Lakeview Casitas)

Guatemala City : Real Intercontinental Guatemala (Executive Floor Room)

Testimonials

Bryony and Peter C, from Australia

Traveled April, 2013

Everything went completely to plan and we cannot speak highly enough of all our guides

Just letting you know that we arrived safely back in Australia today. We would like to thank you for arranging such a great trip through central-america for us. Everything went completely to plan and we cannot speak highly enough of all our guides. We were picked up and dropped off at the advised times with the minimum of fuss, tours were excellent, well planned and our guides were extremely knowledgeable and easy to get on with. Our accommodation was very good and all included meals were of top quality and organized for our requests.

Andy

Traveled February, 2015

Great job, I always recommend you

They had a fantastic time- your choices were perfect. Great job, I always recommend you.

Traveled To


Mary and Dave

Traveled January, 2007

It was especially nice having our own private tour

We had a wonderful time in Guatemala. It was especially nice having our own private tour. The tour guides were all excellent, and we appreciated the promptness of the driver or guide each morning. The hotels were good too.

Traveled To

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Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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