Guatemala Discovery

Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala 

Your adventure begins as you depart from your home airport for your flight into Guatemala City. On arrival you will be welcomed by your representative and transfered to your hotel in Antigua with a travel time of approximately one hour.

Location: Antigua | Hotel: Porta Antigua | Room: Deluxe | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 2: City Visit and Leisure Time

Visit to the beautiful Colonial city of Antigua Guatemala for a morning walking tour, beginning at the Casa Santo Domingo hotel and Museum which was a convent of the Dominican Order, followed by a visit through the main streets and monuments of Antigua.

Antigua is one of the Central Americas’ most enchanting colonial cities. In its day this was
one of the great cities of the Spanish empire, serving as the administrative centre for all of
Central America and Mexican Chiapas. The beauty of the city itself is the main
attraction, particularly its remarkable wealth of colonial buildings – churches, monasteries,
and grand family homes – that provide an idea of the city’s former status. You’ll find the
ambience unhurried and enjoyable, with a sociable bar scene and superb choice of
restaurants.

 At the end of the tour, the return to Guatemala City begins.

Location: Antigua | Hotel: Porta Antigua | Room: Deluxe | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 3: Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlan

• Today you will discover the one of the largest and famous markets in central America,
  Chichicastenango Market. This lively maze of stalls bursts with handwoven textiles, intricate ceramics, fragrant fresh produce, and time-honoured natural remedies.
  For centuries – long before the Spanish arrived – Maya communities have journeyed from
  across the region to trade, celebrate, and connect in “Chichi.” Today, visitors can wander
  through this historic marketplace and witness traditions that have endured for generations,
  all while supporting local artisans whose craftsmanship is among the finest in Guatemala.
  Whether you’re searching for unforgettable souvenirs or hoping to immerse yourself in
  authentic Maya culture, Chichicastenango Market offers a truly one-of-a-kind travel
  experience. (Only on Thursday & Sunday)

• Afterwards you will travel to Lake Atitlan visiting Santo Tomás Church, a 16th-century
  Catholic church layered with centuries of Maya tradition. Rising at the top of its famous 18
  steps, each representing a month in the ancient Maya calendar, the church is a living
  example of how indigenous belief and Catholic ritual blend seamlessly in the highlands.
  Afterwards you will visit a Mayan Ceremonial site, tucked into the hills overlooking
  the town, Pascual Abaj is one of the few pre-Columbian Maya altars still in active use where you can watch contemporary Maya priests conduct fire ceremonies, honour ancestors,
  and practice rituals that have survived for centuries.

• This day of historic discovery will wrap up with visting the Chichicastenango Cemetery, of the most photogenic cemeteries in the world.  Often celebrated for its brightly painted tombs, each colour symbolizes the lineage, status, or spiritual beliefs of the families who rest there. Amid its rainbow of mausoleums, you may also witness traditional Maya ceremonies, offerings, or healers performing rituals that connect the living and the departed. The cemetery is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful, and an unforgettable insight into Mayan Culture.

• Location: Panajachel | Hotel: Hotel Atitlan | Room: Garden view | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 4: Lake Atitlan

In the morning you will board your ‘lancha’, or boat, and travel across the lake to Santiago de
Atitlán where you will disembark. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by majestic volcanic peaks and vibrant Maya villages, and is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Central America, encircled by steep hills and volcanoes, stretching 18 km long and 12 km wide, and plunging to depths of over 320 meters. There may be stops to pick up other passengers en route before you arrive at this colourful, lively lakeside village.

During the walking tour you will visit the church at Santiago de Atitlán, a fascinating
building famed for its mix of traditional Mayan influence and rich Catholic history.
You will stop at the local produce and craft market and also have the opportunity to meet
Maximon – a Mayan deity with a face carved from wood who lives with a local family in the
community and moves every year. He drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes and you may see the
local Shaman performing rituals with members of the village who have problems to solve.
Your guide will also talk about the history and suffering this community endured during the
massacres in the 1980s.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and you will return to your hotel when you are ready
to leave.

Location: Panajachel | Hotel: Hotel Atitlan | Room: Garden view | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 5: Lake Atitlan → Guatemala City

Today you will travel to Guatemala City. Along the way, you will visit Iximché
Archaeological site, which is nestled in the highlands of Chimaltenango. Built in the late 1400s, Iximché is a fascinating archaeological site that once stood as the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya Kingdom, and later became the first Spanish capital of Guatemala in 1524. Today, Iximché is a peaceful national park where visitors can stroll among ancient plazas, temples, and ball courts surrounded by pine forests. The site offers a unique glimpse into Maya history and culture, with ceremonial areas still used for traditional rituals.

Location: Guatemala City | Hotel: La Maculada |  Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 6: Guatemala City → Copan 

Today you will travel to Copan in Honduras at a travel time of approximately four hours, and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Location: Copan | Hotel: Marina Copan | Room: Café Bourbon | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 7: Copan

Today you will explore the  picturesque town of Copán Ruinas and one of the world’s most spectacular Mayan archaeological sites. This fascinating site includes more than 4,500 structures with most of the focus placed on the “Principal Group”, consisting of several plazas and temples built on various levels and adorned with intricate hieroglyphic patterns and stelaes. The site rests in a remarkably lush valley, which is home to an impressive array of wildlife including monkeys, guacamayas (large parrots), macaws, sloths, and peccaries.

Location: Copan | Hotel: Marina Copan | Room: Café Bourbon | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 8: Copan → Livingston

Today you will return to Guatemala, and on your journey visit Quirigua in the lush Motagua Valley
at Quiriguá Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the tallest carved stelae in the Maya world. The artistry here is spectacular, housing legendary zoomorphs; intricately carved boulders resembling jaguars, crocodiles, and other sacred beings.

The, you will continue by boat towards Livingston, Caribbean-influenced  coastal town accessible only by water, arriving at the laid-back river town of Río Dulce. Known for its lively Garifuna
culture, reggae-infused rhythms, and Afro-Caribbean flavours, Livingston feels like a world
apart from the highlands.

Location: Livingston | Hotel: Villa Caribe | Room: Bungalow | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 9: Livingston & The White Sands of Playa Blanca 

Today you will explore emerald jungle pools of Siete Altares, a serene collection of seven
cascading freshwater pools tucked deep in the tropical forest. Follow a short nature trail as
birdsong fills the air and sunlight filters through the canopy. At the end, cool off with a
refreshing swim in the crystal-clear, emerald waters, a true hidden gem known for its
peaceful atmosphere and untouched beauty.

Continue on to Playa Blanca, Guatemala’s dreamiest white-sand beach. This secluded beach is one of the few true white-sand beaches in Guatemala and feels wonderfully remote. Spend your time
here relaxing in a hammock, enjoying a fresh coconut, or taking a dip in the warm sea. It’s the
perfect place to unwind and soak up the Caribbean sunshine.

Afterwards you will travel back to your hotel.

Location: Livingston | Hotel: Villa Caribe | Room: Bungalow | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 10: Livingston → Flores

In the morning enjoy a boat ride to Río Dulce Canyon. You will embark on one of Guatemala’s most
breath taking river journeys as you cruise through the majestic Río Dulce Canyon. Towering
limestone cliffs rise dramatically on both sides, draped in emerald-green jungle and alive
with the sounds of tropical birds. Herons and egrets glide just above the water while vines,
orchids, and bromeliads cling to the rock faces, creating a paradise of pure natural beauty.
As your boat sails along the calm, jade-coloured river, hidden hot springs, quiet coves, and
jungle-shaded inlets reveal themselves along the way.

On arrival in Rio Dulce you will be visiting Ak’ Tenamit is a meaningful way to practice
responsible travel in Guatemala’s Caribbean region. By supporting this Q’eqchi’ Maya–led
cooperative, travellers directly contribute to local education, healthcare, sustainable farming,
and community-driven economic opportunities. Every purchase and every visit help
empower Indigenous families while preserving traditional knowledge and strengthening
cultural resilience. Travelling responsibly here means engaging with respect, learning from
the community, and ensuring your presence leaves a positive, lasting impact on the people
who call the Río Dulce home.

You will then continue your journey into Flores.

Location: Flores | Hotel: Villa Maya | Room: Standard | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 11: Maya city of Yaxhá

Today explore the enchanting Maya city of Yaxhá, a peaceful archaeological site surrounded
by pristine rainforest and overlooking a stunning lagoon. Walk through ancient plazas,
temples, and causeways while spotting wildlife like howler monkeys and tropical birds.
Climb Temple 216 for panoramic views, especially unforgettable at sunset, and enjoy one
of Guatemala’s most serene and atmospheric Maya experiences.

Then, enjoy your afternoon at leisure or explore Flores by foot.

Location: Flores | Hotel: Villa Maya | Room: Standard room | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 12: Tikal National Park 

Today, visit Tikal National Park (includes entrance fees to the site + Morley museum).  Parque Nacional Tikal, a protected area of some 576 square kilometres that is on the edge of
the much larger Reserve de la Biósfera Maya. Whether you can spare as little as a morning or as long as a week, it’s always worth the trip.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 13: Flores → Coban

Today you will travel to Coban. Along the way, you will visit the fantastic limestone caves of
Candelaria, one of Central America’s largest cave systems, composed of seven separate caves interconnected by the Río Candelaria. The caves are spread across 14 miles (22 km) and have ceilings that reach as high as 200 feet (60 m)! Rich in Maya mythology, the caves were once part of the Xibalba passage, the sacred route to the underworld, and today offer a rare chance to step inside a landscape steeped in both history and adventure. You will be able to walk along illuminated pathways, hear the echoes of the underground river, and marvel at the sheer scale and beauty of this hidden world.

Location: Coban | Hotel: Paniste | Room: Standard | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 14: Champney National Park

Today you will visit Champey National Park, one of Guatemala’s most beautiful natural
wonders, and home to a spectacular collection of turquoise limestone pools, surrounded by lush,
mountainous jungle. These are formed by a natural limestone bridge – beneath which
the Cahabón River flows underground – while above, a chain of calm, crystal-clear pools
invites visitors to swim, relax, and take in the stunning scenery. Follow jungle trails alive
with birdsong to reach the El Mirador viewpoint, where sweeping panoramic views reveal
the cascading pools and stunning views.

Location: Coban | Hotel: Paniste | Room: Standard | Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 15: Coban & Biotopo del Quetzal Nature Reserve → Guatemala City

• Early in the morning you will visit the misty cloud forests of Biotopo del Quetzal Nature
  Reserve, one of Guatemala’s most enchanting protected areas and known for the
  Resplendent Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird.

• Situated in the lush mountains of Alta Verapaz, this reserve offers cool mountain air, dense
  moss-covered trees, and an atmosphere filled with birdsong and drifting fog. Well
  maintained trails wind through the forest, revealing orchids, bromeliads, giant ferns, and
  cascading streams around every corner.

• The highlight of any visit is the chance to spot the Resplendent Quetzal in its natural
  habitat. Known for its emerald feathers and flowing tail, the quetzal is often seen feeding on
  wild avocado trees in the early morning or late afternoon. Even without a sighting, the
  reserve’s biodiversity creates an unforgettable experience. Beyond it’s beauty, Biotopo del Quetzal is a living example of Guatemala’s commitment to conservation. Visitors play a vital role in protecting fragile cloud-forest ecosystems while enjoying one of the most serene natural environments in the country.

Location: Guatemala City Hotel: La Maculada Room: Café Bourbon Board: Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 16: Negombo → Airport → Departure

Enjoy a slow morning and a late breakfast at your hotel before your final transfer.

• Departure: Your private chauffeur-guide will transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home, ensuring a seamless end to your Sri Lankan adventure.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast