Best of Guatemala and Honduras: Beaches and Ancient Sites | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Best of Guatemala and Honduras: Beaches and Ancient Sites

PRIVATE TOUR - 11 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 4930

Private Tour Highlights

  • Kicking back and soaking in the sun on the lush beaches of Roatan!
  • Strolling through the cobblestone colonial town of Antigua, with its many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals rubbing shoulders with brightly-colored facades.
  • 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.
  • Touring the ancient Maya Ruins of Copan, taking in the towering Hieroglyphic Stairways, expert stone masonry, manicured lawns and much more!
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Experience the Best of Guatemala and Honduras: Beaches and Ancient Sites with Yampu! Visit the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala and Copán in Honduras, and end your vacation on the white sandy beaches of Roatan. Yampu travelers will also visit Antigua, Guatemala (famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture, with large volcanoes to the south and west) and Lake Atitlán. The island of Roatan is surrounded by the world’s second largest coral reef. This provides calm, clear beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and many varieties of sea life. The island’s friendly, “laid back” atmosphere is an ideal setting for relaxing and enjoying the beach.

Inclusions
Prices includes airfare from Guatemala to Flores return, San Pedro Sula to Roatan 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 in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote).
Best Time to Travel
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JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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Package Price: From £$ 4930

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

Guatemala City

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

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

Day
2

Private Tour of Antigua

Morning read more...

Morning private tour of Antigua, the Spaniards’ military capital of Central America for two centuries. Be met at the hotel at 9 a.m. by a private guide to begin the half-day walking tour of Antigua. It will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some 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, and if one has specific sites that they wish to see please let a Travel Consultant know. At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel in Lake Atitlan. ...read less

antigua-guatemela-church
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 wishes, they can ask their guide to help hire the services of a shaman to perform a personal ceremony. 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 primitive art for which the area is famous for. Take a ride in a local “flete”—a pickup truck in which the passengers ride in the bed—to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, private transfer to Antigua for overnight. ...read less

lake-atitlan-guatemala-sunset
Day
4

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 measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, one can perceive the sounds of the rain forest: 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. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.

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 measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, one can perceive the sounds of the rain forest: 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. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.

Guatemala_Tikal_National_Park
Day
5

Morning of Leisure

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

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

Guatemala-City
Day
6

Copan Ruins

Visit the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (the social center of the Mayan city); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars; and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copan.

Visit the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park, with its monumental Hieroglyphic Stairway; the Ball Court (the social center of the Mayan city); the Great Plaza, famous for its estelae and altars; and the tunnels. After the visit to the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, lunch will be served at Nia Lola’s Restaurant (included). Overnight in Copan.

Honduras_copan_ruins_pico_bonito_lodge
Day
7

Copan Museum

In the morning, visit the Copan Museum in town. In the afternoon, visit the Hacienda San Lucas, with a magnificent view of the valley. Travelers will then enjoy a delightful and unique dinner with typical Copan flavor (included). Overnight in Copan.

In the morning, visit the Copan Museum in town. In the afternoon, visit the Hacienda San Lucas, with a magnificent view of the valley. Travelers will then enjoy a delightful and unique dinner with typical Copan flavor (included). Overnight in Copan.

Copan-Ruinas-1-Honduras
Day
8

San Pedro Sula

Transfer to San Pedro Sula airport to take the flight to Roatan. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in West Bay or West End.

Transfer to San Pedro Sula airport to take the flight to Roatan. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in West Bay or West End.

Day
9

Dolphin Encounter

Day of leisure in Roatan.

Day of leisure in Roatan.

swimming-dolphins-honduras
Day
10

Roatan

Day of leisure in Roatan.

Day of leisure in Roatan.

Roatan-honduras
Day
11

Flight Home

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to San Pedro Sula and connect with the flight back home.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to San Pedro Sula and connect with the flight back home.

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Solola, Guatemala

Peten, Guatemala

Copan Ruinas, Copan, Honduras

Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras

Places You'll See

  • Copan-Ruinas-Honduras

    Copan Ruinas

    Over one thousand years ago, Copan Ruinas was once the center of Mayan civilization. Here, one can witness some of the greatest Pre-Colombian artwork that is offered including ancient hieroglyphics. Nearby are many options for wildlife lovers including a bird sanctuary, butterfly house, as well as horseback riding and zip lining.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Roatan-Port

    Roatan

    Located 30 miles off the coast of Honduras, Roatan is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands. The islands beautiful sandy beaches, reef diving, and deep sea fishing opportunities, and other aquatic activities make it a haven for those with a love of the water. Those who wish to stay dry can try out zip-lining, tour the Carambola botanical gardens, or explore the beaches by horseback. Indulge in Roatan’s traditional island food, and an endless supply of seafood. Roatan’s mild climate allows everyone to enjoy outdoor activities, whether it be swimming, exploring, or shopping, all year round.

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)

Peten : Hotel Peten

Copan Ruinas : La Casa Rosada

Copan Ruinas : Plaza Copan

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

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)

Copan Ruinas : Hacienda San Lucas

Luxury Properties

Antigua : Posada del Angel

Lake Atitlan : Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)

Lake Atitlan Area : Laguna Lodge

Testimonials

Greg B., United Kingdom

Traveled February, 2013

When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly

After working with Yampu to provide me with my second holiday to the America’s, I am delighted to say it has been another success. We have now travelled to Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras with routes dictated by my needs to see sites that may not be on other people standard routes. Yampu have twice worked with local providers to make my unique routes possible. When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly. I am already thinking ahead to my next trip with Yampu.

Liz K

Traveled February, 2012

Thank you again for everything

The trip went off without a hitch due to your excellent planning, awesome tour guides and drivers and wonderful accommodations. I had an incredible time, the Mayan sites were indeed magic and the scenery in Honduras, Guatemala and Belize is something not to be missed. I wanted to mention my driver, Gustavo Morales, who drove me from the Lake Atitlan hotel to the Guatemala Airport (for my flight to Flores). Gustavo should as far as I am concerned be nominated for the Tourist Driver of the Year Award. If such an award doesn’t exist, one should be created for him. On the day he was to drive me to the airport, there was a massive two-large truck collision in the middle of the main highway to the Airport. In addition, the teachers had gone on strike and were blocking the roads. Gustavo thought that we would not make it to the airport in time, but said he would try his best. He backtracked almost as far as Antigua and took all the back roads through Guatemala City to circle the city and come back to the airport from the other direction. Not only did he give me the Drive of a Lifetime, but he did get me to the airport in plenty of time for the flight. It was nothing short of a miracle and I would like to pass along my thanks and also, my admiration for his driving skills. He is a wonderful guy and I wish him all the best of luck for the future. Thank you again for everything I will definitely recommend Yampu to anyone who wishes a fantastic, personally tailored vacation.

Cheryl

Traveled April, 2011

I loved Honduras

I loved Honduras, the people, the places, the food, and the wildlife. I never once felt unsafe. In fact I have felt more unsafe in places in Europe I have been than in Latin America. Of course there is crime in every country, you just have to know where not to go. I have used Yampu for 8 trips now and love them. They have great guides in all the countries, and these guides always have good tips on where to go if you end up doing things by yourself. Most of the main tourist places, such as Copan, have a lot of tourists around. The other good thing about Yampu, is if you don’t like the itineraries they have up, they will customize anything!!! Honduras was actually my favorite place in Central America I have been (I have only not been to El Salvador), so definitely give it a chance and go!

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