Indigenous Guatemala and Colonial Mexico | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Indigenous Guatemala and Colonial Mexico

PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5700

Private Tour Highlights

  • Private tour of Antigua, once the seat of the Spanish military in much of Central America
  • Cover the architectural and historical highlights of the colonial city of Antigua
  • Behind-the-scenes look at many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals
  • Scenic boat ride across Atitlan Lake, passing by three impressive volcanoes
  • Find the house where the Maya God Maximon is said to reside
  • See local shamans performing rituals for local people
  • Have a personal ceremony performed by a local Shaman
  • Visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal and listen to the sounds of the rainforest
  • Enjoy time at leisure to enjoy the area independently or add optional tours
  • Walk through the same paths as the great Mayan Lords
  • Tour the native highland villages, each with its own distinctive dress
  • The enormous Sumidero Canyon where travelers will enjoy a boat ride down the Grijalva River
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Yampu guides you to the Mayan ruins of both Guatemala and Mexico. We will explore Lake Atitlán (volcanic in origin, it is the deepest lake in Central America) and the Maya towns that surround it. We then fly to Flores to visit the impressive and mystical Tikal (largest of the ancient ruined cities of the Maya civilization—now a UNESCO World Heritage site,) staying a night in Flores near the ruins. Then on to Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas; this trip ends with a tour of Mexico City.

Inclusions
Price includes airfare from Guatemala City to Flores and Tuxtla Gutierrez to Mexico City, 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 the 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 £$ 5700

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, 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

Antigua

Morning, read more...

Morning, private tour of Antigua. For more than 200 years, Antigua was the seat of the Spanish military in much of Central America. Travelers will be met at the hotel at 9 a.m. by a private guide to begin a half-day walking tour of Antigua. The 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, and if there are any specific places that Yampu travelers wish to see, please let one of the Yampu Travel Consultants know. At the end of the tour, transfer to thehotel in Lake Atitlan. ...read less

Day
3

Santiago Atitlan

Half-day read more...

Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlan. Travelers will 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 said to reside. 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, it is possible to ask the guide to help hire the services of a shaman to have a personal ceremony performed. After visiting Maximon, head on over to the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town. One will also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and the area’s famous primitive art. Take a ride in the back of a “flete” (a pickup truck in which people stand in the bed and are taken around town, often at high rates of speed) to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, private transfer to Antigua for overnight. ...read less

Lake_Atitlan_Guatemala_boarwalk
Day
4

Guatemala City-Flores

Early morning, private transfer to the Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit to 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, listen to the sounds of the rainforest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans will be serenading. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.

Early morning, private transfer to the Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit to 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, listen to the sounds of the rainforest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans will be serenading. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.

Tikal-
Day
5

Day of Leisure in Flores

Optional guided canopy tour to Ixpanpajul and sunset tour to Yaxha.

Optional guided canopy tour to Ixpanpajul and sunset tour to Yaxha.

Hotel-Peten-Sunset
Day
6

Flores- Planque

Transfer to Palenque and overnight there. Ground transfer from Flores to Palenque takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Transfer to Palenque and overnight there. Ground transfer from Flores to Palenque takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Mexico_Palenque_Mayan_Ruin_Chiapas
Day
7

Archeological site of Palenque

Walk through the same paths as the great Mayan Lords, and feel the charm and mystery of this culture. Palenque is located northwest of the Maya lowlands in Chiapas, Mexico. Surrounded by the jungle, it is considered one of the most important archeological sites of Mesoamerica, a ceremonial center and home to a number of Mayan Lords. There are religious temples, plazas, open courts and a ball court, but most of the structures are palaces. Artifacts discovered at this site tell travelers about the Mayan Lords and in particular of Pacal, one of the best-known Lords of the Mayan civilization. Overnight in Palenque. ...read less

Palenque-temple-Mexico
Day
8

San Cristobal de las Casas

We will get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes to San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way visit the Agua Azul waterfalls.

We will get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes to San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way visit the Agua Azul waterfalls.

San-Cristobal-Church-Mexico
Day
9

Native Villages

Today, enjoy a half-day tour of the native villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Each village has its own distinctive highland dress as well as a weekly market and numerous festivals honoring patron saints and other special religious days. Afterwards, walk through the colonial streets of San Cristobal de las Casas, a jewel right in the heart of the Chiapas highlands. The indigenous soul of the town coexists harmoniously with its colonial charm, making it an enchanting place to visit.

Today, enjoy a half-day tour of the native villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Each village has its own distinctive highland dress as well as a weekly market and numerous festivals honoring patron saints and other special religious days. Afterwards, walk through the colonial streets of San Cristobal de las Casas, a jewel right in the heart of the Chiapas highlands. The indigenous soul of the town coexists harmoniously with its colonial charm, making it an enchanting place to visit.

Mexico-dance
Day
10

Sumidero Canyon

Depart San Cristobal de las Casas toward the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport. On the way, there is a visit to the enormous Sumidero Canyon where travelers will enjoy a boat ride. Have an unforgettable experience sailing down the Grijalva River, across a geological fault formed millions of years ago with dramatic cliffs up to one-kilometer-high and the river’s depth of 100 meters. Flight to Mexico City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Depart San Cristobal de las Casas toward the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport. On the way, there is a visit to the enormous Sumidero Canyon where travelers will enjoy a boat ride. Have an unforgettable experience sailing down the Grijalva River, across a geological fault formed millions of years ago with dramatic cliffs up to one-kilometer-high and the river’s depth of 100 meters. Flight to Mexico City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Sumidero-Canyon-Mexico
Day
11

Site of Teotihuacan

In the morning, depart the city, heading to the breathtaking archeological site of Teotihuacan. By the afternoon, after the tour of the ruins, return to Mexico City to visit the first quarter—el Zocalo. Mexico City is also known as the Ciudad de los Palacios (City of Palaces). The tour continues in the main square, where one will visit some colonial palaces like the Palacio Nacional, the Metropolitan Cathedral and other beautiful architectural jewels. Walk through the main streets, continuing to Paseo de la Reforma to admire its monuments and buildings. ...read less

teotihuacan-Mexico
Day
12

Flight Home

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or choose from optional add-ons in Mexico (Cancun or Riviera Maya)

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or choose from optional add-ons in Mexico (Cancun or Riviera Maya)

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Solola, Guatemala

Tikal, Peten, Guatemala

Palenque, Mexico

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico

Places You'll See

  • palace-fine-arts-mexico-city

    Mexico City

    From the bustling nightlife, to the massive collection of museums, Mexico City appeals to all. Bring the family to Six Flags Mexico, or the Chapultepec Park and Zoo. Sports fans can enjoy the Estadio Azteca, the biggest soccer stadium in the world, or the Arena Mexico to watch the famous Lucha Libre. Or simply stroll the streets and visit different restaurants and shops.

  • Palenque-pyramid-Mexico

    Palenque

    Containing some of the finest architecture, Palenque was once a Maya city state that had been abandoned to be swallowed by the Mexican jungle. Now partially excavated, eight temples and other structures stand today. It is believed that this is only ten percent of the entire Maya City that is still mostly consumed by nature. Enjoy a guided tour and learn what there is of this ancient city.

  • 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.

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

Palenque : Mision Palenque

San Cristobal de las Casas : Ciudad Real Centro Historico

San Cristobal de las Casas : Diego de Mazariegos

Mexico City : Hotel NH Centro Historico

Cancun : Presidente Intercontinental

4 Star Properties

Antigua : El Convento Boutique Hotel

Antigua : Casa Encantada

Lake Atitlan : Posada de Don Rodrigo (Panajachel)

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

Peten : Camino Real Tikal

Palenque : Chan-kah Resort Village

Palenque : Villa Mercedes Palenque

San Cristobal de las Casas : Villa Mercedes San Cristobal

Mexico City : Hampton Inn & Suites (deluxe)

5 Star Properties

Antigua : Camino Real Antigua

Antigua : Meson Panza Verde

Antigua : Palacio de Dona Leonor

Lake Atitlan : Hotel Atitlan (Panajachel)

Peten : La Lancha (Rainforest Casita)

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (standard)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Hotel Bo (deluxe room)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Casa del Alma Boutique Hotel

Mexico City : Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Luxury Properties

Antigua : Posada del Angel

Lake Atitlan Area : Laguna Lodge

Lake Atitlan : Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)

Peten : La Lancha (Lakeview Casitas)

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (deluxe Suite)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Hotel Bo (Ik suite)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Parador San Juan de Dios (Master suite)

Mexico City : St. Regis

Mexico City : Four Seasons

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.

Reinhard

Traveled March, 2010

Everything went very smoothly on our private tour

Everything went very smoothly on our private tour, many thanks. We were able to see many different regions and aspects of Mexico making it a simply fascinating experience. We had a great time in Mexico City and Taxko (sadly Puebla was flooded and had to be taken out of the itinerary), and were able to take in the Aztek culture and Spanish colonial architecture. Then in the north, Copper Canyon (bigger than the Grand Canyon in the US) and the amazing train journey. The trip at the end to Baja California we managed to see the grey whales and the Yucatan and beautiful Maya ruins. The exposure to these very different areas in a short time made this a truly memorable journey.

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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