Ultimate Guatemala Vacation | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Ultimate Guatemala Vacation

PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 7132

Private Tour Highlights

  • Reveling in the tropical rainforest of Yaxha National Park, enjoying sunset views with sundowners as the day draws to a close
  • Sleeping under canvas in the heart of the jungle at Yaxha, touring the ruins and meeting the local community
  • Sensing the majesty of the Mayan ruins at Quirigua, and Copan in Honduras, home to the enigmatic hieroglyphic staircase
  • Delighting in the thriving market scenes, where locals cover the stalls with beautifully crafted textiles and garments, and meeting local artisans to learn about their craft
  • Visiting local, independent coffee farms supported by the AGAIG charity and trying your hand at making the coffee yourself
  • Meeting local artists and textile artisans in the creative lakeside village of San Juan La Laguna, set in a beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Atitlan
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

This itinerary is the ultimate Guatemala vacation and celebrates the Guatemalan culture and embraces the Maya history of Guatemala and Honduras. Your unique tour will include visits to interesting archeological sites in both countries and visits to the vibrant, local Maya communities of today.

Let Yampu guide you through Guatemala and Honduras exploring the ancient and current Maya cultures of Guatemala and Honduras. During this unique tour, you will explore the local culture and ancient artifacts of both countries. In Guatemala, visit local coffee farms, enjoy a textile tour demonstrating the ancient handicraft, and visit the infamous Chichicastenango Indian Market. In Honduras, enjoy a bird watching tour with an expert and a visit to the popular Maya site of Copan to tour the ancient ruins.

Inclusions
Pricing includes 11 nights hotel accommodations including all breakfasts; meals where indicated; private transfers; tours with local, professional guides and entrance fees when applicable.



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 £$ 7132

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

Antigua

Founded read more...

Founded in the sixteenth century, Antigua is a cosmopolitan destination with a rich colonial past. Its cobblestone streets are lined with pretty, pastel‐hued homes, luxe boutique hotels, and an exceptional selection of smart restaurants and shops. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this city of 35,000 people sits in valley between coffee farms, indigenous villages, and three imposing volcanoes. At the heart of town is the parque central, a European‐style plaza busy with shoe‐shiners, ice cream vendors, families, and tourists. During its architectural peak, Antigua was home to dozens of colonial monuments, churches, and monasteries, but an earthquake in 1773 damaged or reduced most to rubble. In the centuries thereafter, efforts were made to rebuild and restore, and the city today is filled with melancholy but gorgeous relics and ruins. ...read less

Day
2

Antigua and Guatemalan textiles

This morning, learn from a local textile expert about the unique handmade textiles of Guatemala. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Antigua that visits the Main Square, Palace, La Merced Church and the San Francisco Church.

This morning, learn from a local textile expert about the unique handmade textiles of Guatemala. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Antigua that visits the Main Square, Palace, La Merced Church and the San Francisco Church.

Guatemala-Tuxtiles
Day
3

Sustainable Agriculture Farm Tours

Today, enjoy a tour to some of the families supported by the AGAIG charity that works to support small, independent coffee producers and promotes sustainable agriculture in Guatemala. This tour to the local farms will include a demonstration of the daily coffee processing and the opportunity to work with the local farmers. After the tour this morning, transfer privately to Lake Atitlan.

Today, enjoy a tour to some of the families supported by the AGAIG charity that works to support small, independent coffee producers and promotes sustainable agriculture in Guatemala. This tour to the local farms will include a demonstration of the daily coffee processing and the opportunity to work with the local farmers. After the tour this morning, transfer privately to Lake Atitlan.

coffee-plant-guatemala
Day
4

Lake Atitlan- San Juan la Laguna- Santiago

This morning, enjoy a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlan (30 minutes) to the village of San Juan la Laguna where you will visit the women’s textile cooperative to see the weaving and natural dye process. While in the village, take the opportunity to visit the studios/homes of the local and celebrated painters.
Leaving the village, travel to Santiago for lunch and a tour of the village including the Maya God Maximon, a textile demonstration and a discussion about the spiritualism and beliefs of the T’zutujil Maya. This evening, return to the hotel in Lake Atitlan.
...read less

Day
5

Chichicastenango Market

This morning, transfer privately an hour outside of Lake Atitlan to the infamous Indian market, Chicastenango. Here, explore the market and shop for the beautiful and locally made handicrafts. This afternoon, transfer privately to the hotel in Antigua for an evening at leisure.

This morning, transfer privately an hour outside of Lake Atitlan to the infamous Indian market, Chicastenango. Here, explore the market and shop for the beautiful and locally made handicrafts. This afternoon, transfer privately to the hotel in Antigua for an evening at leisure.

Chichicastenango-Guatemala
Day
6

Transfer to Honduras

This morning, leave Guatemala and transfer to Honduras and the colonial village of Copan Ruinas, this is a five-hour transfer. Upon arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the pretty, colonial town.

This morning, leave Guatemala and transfer to Honduras and the colonial village of Copan Ruinas, this is a five-hour transfer. Upon arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the pretty, colonial town.

Day
7

Copan Ruins

This morning, transfer to the Maya Site of Copan for a privately guided tour of the Copan ruins and its famous hieroglyphic staircase and ball court. While visiting the Copan Ruins, tour the museum on site and then enjoy lunch in the village. This afternoon, visit the lush and tropical bird park nearby to see the rescued and rehabilitated birds.

This morning, transfer to the Maya Site of Copan for a privately guided tour of the Copan ruins and its famous hieroglyphic staircase and ball court. While visiting the Copan Ruins, tour the museum on site and then enjoy lunch in the village. This afternoon, visit the lush and tropical bird park nearby to see the rescued and rehabilitated birds.

Copan-Ruinas-1-Honduras
Day
8

Return to Guatemala- Maya Temple

After breakfast this morning, return to Guatemala via the central desert region to the tropical coastal area at Puerto Barrios. On route, stop to visit the small UNESCO protected Maya Temple site at Quirigua.


Upon arrival in Puerto Barrios, board a boat and transfer along the coastline to the small town of Garifuna in Livingston for dinner and an evening at leisure.

After breakfast this morning, return to Guatemala via the central desert region to the tropical coastal area at Puerto Barrios. On route, stop to visit the small UNESCO protected Maya Temple site at Quirigua.


Upon arrival in Puerto Barrios, board a boat and transfer along the coastline to the small town of Garifuna in Livingston for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Quirigua-Guatemala
Day
9

Yaxha National Park

This morning, transfer into the northern rainforest and across the Yaxha National Park; this is a five-hour transfer. Once in the lakeside Park, enjoy refreshments as the sun sets over the rainforest canopy.

Spend the night in a Mayan archaeological site. Yaxha will give travelers the time to escape the business of the modern world and enjoy history of this ancient civilization. Spend the night in the middle of the jungle wilderness, at a private tent accommodation. Wake up to the sounds of toucans and howler monkeys.

This morning, transfer into the northern rainforest and across the Yaxha National Park; this is a five-hour transfer. Once in the lakeside Park, enjoy refreshments as the sun sets over the rainforest canopy.

Spend the night in a Mayan archaeological site. Yaxha will give travelers the time to escape the business of the modern world and enjoy history of this ancient civilization. Spend the night in the middle of the jungle wilderness, at a private tent accommodation. Wake up to the sounds of toucans and howler monkeys.

Day
10

Tikal National Park

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, 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 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Lunch Included. After transfer to hotel in Peten.

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, 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 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Lunch Included. After transfer to hotel in Peten.

Museum-Guatemala
Day
11

Flores-Guatemala City

This morning at leisure. This afternoon, transfer to Flores for the flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

This morning at leisure. This afternoon, transfer to Flores for the flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Guatemala-City
Day
12

Flight Home

After breakfast, transfer privately to the airport and board the international flight home.

After breakfast, transfer privately to the airport and board the international flight home.

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Solola, Guatemala

Copán Ruins, Copan, Honduras

Rio Dulce, Izabal, Guatemala

Places You'll See

  • Howler-Monkey-Rio-Dulce-Guatemala

    Rio Dulce Area

    Rio Dulce, plainly the “Sweet River”, is known for its smooth sailing through the Caribbean and its exceptional views. Visit the celebrated fort that was built to guard the town from the once ongoing threat of pirates, Castillo De San Felipe. The Mayan ruins of Quirigua are not far from the area as well as the hot springs waterfall, Finca Paraiso.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Antigua : Posada de Don Rodrigo

Antigua : Hotel Meson de Maria

Antigua : D’Leyenda

Lake Atitlan : Bambu Santiago Atitla

Lake Atitlan : La Casa del Mundo (Jaibalito)

Rio Dulce Area : Hotel Villa Caribe (standard Room)

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)

5 Star Properties

Antigua : Camino Real Antigua

Antigua : Meson Panza Verde

Antigua : Palacio de Dona Leonor

Lake Atitlan : Hotel Atitlan (Panajachel)

Luxury Properties

Antigua : Posada del Angel

Lake Atitlan : Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)

Lake Atitlan Area : Laguna Lodge

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.

Frank

Traveled February, 2010

Thank you very much for organizing a most successful overland trip through central-america.

I returned home safe and sound on Sunday. Thank you very much for organizing a most successful overland trip through central-america. I am thinking seriously about a third overland trip through south-america in the next year or so. Thank you again for arranging a very successful and most enjoyable itinerary. I will contact you again in the next couple of months about similar trips through south-america and the Caribbean.

Ed and Charlotte

Traveled May, 2007

We very much enjoyed our trip to Guatemala

We very much enjoyed our trip to Guatemala. Yampu was very helpful, especially when we needed to contact the airline. Hugo, our guide in the Antigua area, was brilliant. He made every effort to teach us about the history, politics and culture of the area, take us off the typical tourist trail and introduce us to locals, and even to teach us Spanish. The choice of hotels was first class, and the service was faultless. All in all, we had a very pleasant time and came away with some fantastic memories.

Traveled To

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