Discovering Guatemala

Difficulty: 0

Embark on a unique journey through Guatemala, a destination where Mayan ancestral richness merges with dreamy landscapes and vibrant traditions. Read more

From the initial bustle of Guatemala City to the serenity of Lake Atitlán, passing through the majesty of the ruins of Tikal, the mystique of Semuc Champey and the warmth of its traditional markets, this private tour will allow you to get to know the culture, history and nature of this country in depth. An enriching experience that will connect you with the Guatemalan spirit in every corner.

Travel code: AC112

Group outings

  • 05 August 2025

Confirmed group departure

  • 05 August 2025

Route

Día 1 – Madrid – Ciudad de Guatemala
Día 2 – Ciudad de Guatemala – Santa Cruz Verapaz
Día 3 – Santa Cruz Verapaz – Parque Semuc Champey – Santa Cruz Verapaz
Día 4 – Santa Cruz Verapaz – Cuevas de Candelaria – Flores
Día 5 – Flores – Parque Nacional Tikal – Flores
Día 6 – Flores – Vuelo a Ciudad de Guatemala – Lago Atitlán
Día 7 – Lago Atitlán
Día 8 – Lago Atitlán – Recorrido por el Altiplano – Quetzaltenango
Día 9 – Quetzaltenango – San Andrés Xecul – Chichicastenango
Día 10 – Chichicastenango – Antigua Guatemala
Día 11 – Antigua Guatemala
Día 12 – Antigua Guatemala – Retorno a Ciudad de Guatemala y vuelo a Madrid
Día 13 – Llegada a Madrid

Guatemala City

Santa Cruz Verapaz

Flowers

Lake Atitlan

Quetzaltenango

Chichicastenango

Antigua

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11
  • Day 12
  • Day 13

Itinerary

Day 1 – Madrid – Guatemala City

The adventure begins with the flight from Madrid to Guatemala City.
Upon arrival, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to the Best Western Stofella 4* hotel (or similar).
The rest of the day is free to acclimatize, allowing you to take your first steps in the city, originally known as Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere before starting the route.

Day 2 – Guatemala City – Santa Cruz Verapaz

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart in the company of your driver and guide to Santa Cruz Verapaz.
During the departure, you will take a brief tour of the capital, where you will walk along the emblematic Avenida de las Americas, the Central Park and historic buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, which will give you a first encounter with the cultural essence of the city.
After check-out, you will continue your journey across the lowlands to Santa Cruz Verapaz, where the day ends with free time to enjoy its authentic atmosphere.

Day 3 – Santa Cruz Verapaz – Semuc Champey Park – Santa Cruz Verapaz

Breakfast and lunch.
The third day invites you to discover one of Guatemala’s natural treasures. Early in the morning, you will depart for Semuc Champey Park, crossing mountain roads that combine paved stretches with exciting 4×4 routes.
Upon arrival, you will be amazed by the succession of seven natural pools of turquoise waters, fed by streams that emerge from the rainforest. A walk to the viewpoint will allow you to appreciate the vast expanse of vegetation and the fall of a waterfall on the horizon.
After a picnic lunch in the middle of nature, the group will return to Santa Cruz Verapaz to enjoy a free night.

Day 4 – Santa Cruz Verapaz – Cuevas de Candelaria – Flores

After breakfast, you will leave Santa Cruz Verapaz for the picturesque island of Flores.
On the way, a stop will be made at the enigmatic Candelaria Caves, a subway complex formed over millions of years by the action of water, which in ancient times was a sacred site for the Mayas.
The visit, complemented by a meal at the Bistrot Candelaria Restaurant, will allow you to delve into the natural and spiritual history of the region.
Later, you will continue the trip to Flores, where the afternoon will be free to explore the island or simply relax in a tranquil environment.

Day 5 – Tikal National Park – Flores

At dawn, after breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Tikal National Park, an authentic immersion in the grandeur of the Mayan civilization.
The hike through the dense jungle will take you to the imposing ruins of Tikal, where ancient temples and structures stand as a testament to the organization and ingenuity of this ancient people.
During the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories about the history and significance of each building. A lunch at the visitor’s center will allow you to recharge your batteries before returning to Flores, where the afternoon will be spent resting.

Day 6 – Flores – Flight to Guatemala City – Lake Atitlán

This day begins with breakfast in Flores and transfer to the small airport for a domestic flight to Guatemala City.
Upon arrival, you will continue by vehicle to the majestic Lake Atitlan, nestled in the crater of a volcano and surrounded by impressive mountains.
En route, you will enjoy a meal that will allow you to savor the local gastronomy.
Once at the destination, you will have free time to admire the beauty of the lake and, if you wish, explore some of its picturesque villages.

Day 7 – Lake Atitlán

Dedicate the seventh day to immerse yourself in the charm of Lake Atitlán.
The morning will be spent aboard a boat that will take you to visit some of the twelve vibrant villages that border the lake, such as Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán.
Here, the syncretism between Mayan traditions and colonial customs is embodied in colorful markets and artisan workshops.
The calmness of the lake, along with the spectacular backdrop of volcanoes, creates the perfect environment to enjoy a day of discovery and relaxation.

Day 8 – Lake Atitlán – Tour of the Altiplano – Quetzaltenango

After breakfast overlooking the lake, you will embark on a tour of the Guatemalan highlands.
The journey will take you through charming villages such as Zunil and Almolonga, where you will stop to admire local markets and enjoy the experience of the Fuentes Georginas, natural pools of sulfurous water.
At the end of the road, you will arrive in Quetzaltenango (Xela), a vibrant city that will allow you to appreciate the fusion of traditions and modernity in the west of the country.

Day 9 – Quetzaltenango – San Andres Xecul – Chichicastenango

The ninth day takes you to the cultural heart of the altiplano.
From Quetzaltenango, you will travel to San Andres Xecul, where the unique colorful church – a reflection of the importance of corn and Mayan roots – will surprise you.
The day continues to Chichicastenango, famous for its traditional market, one of the most colorful and authentic in the region.
Here, the atmosphere is filled with aromas, sounds and colors, while the inhabitants gather to offer handicrafts, textiles and local products that tell the history and identity of the town.

Day 10 – Chichicastenango – Antigua Guatemala

Early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to experience the Chichicastenango market in all its splendor, before the crowds settle in.
The atmosphere, full of tradition and color, will allow you to observe closely the daily life of the local community.
Afterwards, you will depart for Antigua Guatemala, a colonial city full of history and charm.
Along the way, the transition between the vibrant culture of the markets and the serenity of Antigua’s cobblestone streets becomes palpable, preparing you for an afternoon of discovery in this heritage gem.

Day 11 – Antigua Guatemala

The eleventh day is reserved for a walking tour of Antigua, letting yourself be carried away by its unique atmosphere.
You will stroll through its cobblestone streets, admire the imposing architecture of churches and convents, and be amazed by historical details in every corner.
The iconic Santa Catalina Arch and the proximity to majestic volcanoes such as Fuego and Acatenango enrich the urban landscape, making this tour an unforgettable experience that combines history, art and tradition.

Day 12 – Antigua Guatemala – Return to Guatemala City and flight to Madrid

During the morning, you will have free time to enjoy Antigua at your own pace: shopping, tasting the local cuisine or simply strolling through its charming courtyards and squares.
At noon, you will be transferred to the Guatemala City airport to board your flight back to Madrid, bidding farewell to this country full of contrasts and memorable experiences.

Day 13 – Arrival in Madrid

The trip concludes with your arrival in Madrid, where you will treasure indelible memories of a journey through Guatemala that allowed you to delve into its ancient culture, its exuberant nature and the warmth of its people.
An experience that will remain in your memory and will invite you to return to discover new corners of this fascinating destination.

Prices

Price
from 2.990€ per person

What does it include?

Flights

International flight Madrid – Guatemala City – Madrid

Transfers according to itinerary

Transfers and private tours according to the itinerary

Meals

Breakfasts (daily), meals (10) detailed in the itinerary

Documentation

Electronic documentation

Insurance

Travel insurance with cancellation. Check here the conditions

24-hour telephone assistance

On-site assistance by our staff (24-hour assistance phone*).

Lodging

Lodging in indicated hotels or similar

What is NOT included?

Optional excursions

Tips and personal expenses

Drinks during transfers. Extra drinks at dinner, lunch or breakfast.

Entrance to museums, natural parks and sites that may charge entrance fees, prior notice will be given.

Meals not specified and extras not detailed

Security tax at Guatemalan airports: from $3.00 per person paid directly at destination

Practical information

Situation

Guatemala is located in Central America, between two seas: the Caribbean Sea to the northwest, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. To the north and west it is bordered by Mexico, to the southeast by El Salvador and Honduras, and to the northeast by Belize.

Recommended time of year

All year round, although the recommended season is the dry season, from the end of November to April.

Weather

It has a tropical and sub-tropical climate, but varies according to altitude. The coastal and northeastern areas (river valleys) have warm temperatures all year round (thermometers average around 20°C); in hot seasons they reach 37°C. The climate here is much more humid. In the center of the country, between 700 and 1,800 meters above sea level, the climate is temperate, with averages of 18º to 25ºC. Above 1,899 meters, are the so-called “cold lands”, with a drier climate, with temperatures between 15º and 25º C and significant diurnal and annual oscillation. In Guatemala there are two distinct seasons: the dry season, and the rainy season, which runs from May to November (in certain Atlantic areas last almost all year, as in Verapaces and El Pelén), with abundant rainfall followed by clear skies. It is advisable to visit the country in the dry season (November to May).

Documentation

Passport valid for at least 6 months from the start date of the trip.

Vaccines

None mandatory. Hepatitis A and Tetanus – Diphtheria recommended.
We recommend consulting with the Foreign Health Department of your province.

Languages

Spanish is the official language, and the most widely spoken language. However, it is sometimes used as a second language, due to the fact that there are more than twenty Mayan languages, which are the majority in rural areas. In addition, there are other non-Mayan Amerindian languages such as Xinca and Garifuna (Caribbean coast).

Currency

The national currency is the Quetzal. It is recommended to travel with dollars as they are accepted in most commercial establishments.

Time difference

GMT-08:00 / GMT-07:00 depending on time of year

Electricity

110 V and 60 Hz. The plugs are rectangular flat plugs (American type).

What to bring

Due to the diversity of climates and depending on the season, it is recommended to bring comfortable clothing (light for summer and spring) and appropriate for the cold (fall and winter), comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimsuit, sunscreen and camera or video camera, raincoat, mosquito repellent, a small backpack for hiking.

You might also be interested in…

Discovering Guatemala

13 days

From 2990

EUR
logo-color
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.
This site is registered on Toolset.com as a development site.