Maya, Markets and Lakes: Historical Guatemala Vacation | Yampu Tours

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Maya, Markets and Lakes: Historical Guatemala Vacation

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PRIVATE TOUR - 8 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 3423

Private Tour Highlights

  • 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
  • Discovering the jaw-dropping beauty of Lake Atitlan on foot, observing everyday life in the local villages peppered on the shores of the sapphire lake
  • Strolling through the cobblestone colonial town of Antigua, with its many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals rubbing shoulders with brightly-colored facades
  • Spying all sorts of fascinating species on a birdwatching tour in the surroundings of Antigua, such as the Rufous-collared Robin and Black-capped Swallow
  • Delighting in the thriving market scenes in Sololá and Chichicastenango, where locals cover the stalls with beautifully crafted textiles and garments
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Enjoy a mix Maya, markets and lakes: historical Guatemala vacation awaits! Let Yampu guide you to two famous Maya archeological sites in Guatemala: Iximche and Tikal. This tour also includes a visit to the beautiful village and pristine waters of Lake Atitlan and the nearby Chichicastenango market.

Tikal is one of the archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The ruins, part of Guatemala’s Tikal National Park, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Inclusions
Pricing includes domestic flight from Guatemala City to Flores and return, 7 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

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Package Price: From £$ 3423

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

Day flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to Antigua for an evening at leisure at the selected hotel.

Day flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to Antigua for an evening at leisure at the selected hotel.

Day
2

Tour of Antigua

This morning, be met at the hotel for the half day, private walking tour of Antigua. The tour today will cover the architectural & historical highlights of this beautiful, colonial city. The tour includes visits to some of the many old churches, convents, and cathedrals including the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park, and La Merced Church. Note: Because this tour is private, there is flexibility available. If there are any specific sites that one wishes to see, please notify the guide. Visiting other monuments will require an entrance fee paid upon arrival. ...read less

Antigua
Day
3

Textile Tour – Iximche Ruins

This morning, learn from a local textile expert about the unique handmade textiles of Guatemala.

This afternoon, transfer one hour outside of Antigua to the famous Maya archaeology site of Iximche, declared a Guatemalan National Monument in the 1960s.


After the tour of the ruins, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Lake Atitlan, about one hour and 30 minutes away. Tonight enjoy an evening at leisure at the hotel in Lake Atitlan.

This morning, learn from a local textile expert about the unique handmade textiles of Guatemala.

This afternoon, transfer one hour outside of Antigua to the famous Maya archaeology site of Iximche, declared a Guatemalan National Monument in the 1960s.


After the tour of the ruins, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Lake Atitlan, about one hour and 30 minutes away. Tonight enjoy an evening at leisure at the hotel in Lake Atitlan.

Guatemala-Tuxtiles
Day
4

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, see local shamans performing rituals for local people. If one wishes, 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. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. ...read less

Lake_Atitlan_Guatemala_boarwalk
Day
5

Lake Atitlan Hike

Enjoy a full day tour hiking along the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan. During the trek one will walk through local villages passing by people working in the fields, washing clothes and fishing from wooden boats. After lunch, enjoy a visit to the village San Juan or Santiago before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Enjoy a full day tour hiking along the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan. During the trek one will walk through local villages passing by people working in the fields, washing clothes and fishing from wooden boats. After lunch, enjoy a visit to the village San Juan or Santiago before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day
6

Chichicastenango Market

This morning, be greeted at the hotel and transferred privately to the highland town of Chichicastenango one hour outside of Lake Atitlan. Once in Chichicastenango one will be guided through the local, famous market that includes produce and an endless variety of handicrafts including textiles and ceramics. After lunch, transfer to Antigua for an evening at leisure.

This morning, be greeted at the hotel and transferred privately to the highland town of Chichicastenango one hour outside of Lake Atitlan. Once in Chichicastenango one will be guided through the local, famous market that includes produce and an endless variety of handicrafts including textiles and ceramics. After lunch, transfer to Antigua for an evening at leisure.

Chichicastenango-Guatemala
Day
7

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, 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
8

Flight Home

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Flores. This afternoon, transfer to the local airport for a flight to Guatemala City and connect with the international flight home.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Flores. This afternoon, transfer to the local airport for a flight to Guatemala City and connect with the international flight home.

Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Solola, Guatemala

Tikal, Peten, 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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 : 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)

Luxury Properties

Antigua : Posada del Angel

Lake Atitlan Area : Laguna Lodge

Lake Atitlan : Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)

Peten : La Lancha (Lakeview Casitas)

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.

Dan

Traveled May, 2007

We had a great time in Guatemala!

We had a great time in Guatemala! The only problem is that it was too short! Thanks again for all your help; you can use as a reference any time!

Traveled To

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