Stefanie Lerner
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE INTO GUATEMALA – FLIGHT TO FLORES
Your trip begins in the Guatemalan jungle. Arrive in Guatemala City to connect with your domestic flight to Flores. Once you land in Flores, you’ll be transferred to the beautiful Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, conveniently located close to the Tikal, Uaxactún, and Yaxhá ruins. The hotel overlooks Quexil Lagoon and is surrounded by 200 acres of private reserve, created to help conserve the native species of Guatemala.
Overnight Las Lagunas Hotel
Day 2 - 7
VOLUNTEER AT A WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTER IN THE JUNGLE
For the next five days, volunteer with a reputable wildlife rescue center and assist with feeding, cleaning, and creating enrichment activities for the animals. The center cares for a wide range of wildlife from parrots and scarlet macaws to turtles and crocodiles.
The majority of these animals were rescued from the illegal pet trade before undergoing this required rehabilitation process. It’s essential for the animals’ successful release not to become accustomed to humans, so they can return to the wild!
Each morning you’ll depart your hotel at 6:00 AM and enjoy breakfast at the rescue center. Return to your hotel by 4:00 PM to use the remainder of the evening to relax and enjoy the pool, private hot tub, and sounds of the jungle!
Overnight Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel
Day 8
TIKAL NATIONAL PARK – FLORES – GUATEMALA CITY
Today you have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal National Park.
After breakfast at your hotel, your private guide will bring you to explore this beautiful national treasure. Enjoy your private tour of the park, containing over 3,000 ancient structures once home to an estimated 50,000 people. While wandering along the centuries-old pathways, take in the ambiance created by the animals living in the jungle canopy, such as tropical birds and monkeys. On this tour, you’ll see the famous Great Plaza and its Temple of the Jaguar, Temple of the Masks, and the Acropolis, among others.
Have lunch at a local restaurant before your transfer to the airport where you’ll catch your flight from Flores to Guatemala City. A driver will be waiting to take you to The Westin Camino Real, located in downtown Guatemala, minutes from the airport and close to shops and entertainment.
Overnight Westin Camino Real in Guatemala City
Day 9
GUATEMALA CITY – CHICHICASTENANGO – LAKE ATITLAN
This morning after breakfast, you’ll be met at the hotel by your private driver and guide for the 3-hour drive to Chichicastenango.
Along the way, you’ll drive through the central highland region. Here, you’ll pass through Maya villages where the traditionally dressed locals carry about their daily lives working in the fields, collecting firewood, and traveling between markets to sell their wares.
In Chichicastenango, your guide will take you to the famous Chichicastenango Market to see fruit and vegetable sellers, as well as local artisans. Get inspired by the colors of their ceramic creations, handmade textiles, and carved wooden pieces.
While in the area, you’ll have the opportunity to see St Tomas Church, where both Maya and Catholic ceremonies are done. Alternatively, hike to the top of the hill to find the Pascual Abaj where local shamans often perform rituals. You may prefer to visit the cemetery on the outskirts of town to see the vividly painted mausoleums.
Have some time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Lake Atitlan.
Overnight Hotel Atitlan
Day 10
LAKE ATITLAN AND SAN JUAN WEAVING COOPERATIVE
This morning, travel by boat to the village of San Juan La Laguna for panoramic lake views and a day full of culture. Take a stroll from the docks up the hill to pass art galleries and artisan shops until you reach the impressive murals showing the history of San Juan.
Relax in a café with a delicious cup of Guatemalan coffee before visiting a women’s cooperative for a demonstration. You’ll witness first hand how these women traditionally weave on back-strap looms and use all-natural dyes. At this cooperative, women create Guatemala’s famous colorful fabrics which become scarves, blankets, and even iPad covers.
You’ll then have the chance to stop by an artist’s studio before eating a traditional Guatemalan lunch at one of the women’s cooperatives.
This afternoon, you can apply the traditional weaving techniques you saw this morning in a two-hour workshop by creating your very own bracelet.
Following a creative day, take the boat back to your hotel and use the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight Hotel Atitlan
Day 11
DEPART LAKE ATITLAN FOR ANTIGUA
This morning you’ll be met by your guide to begin your behind-the-scenes peek of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua. On this half-day customizable walking tour, explore centuries-old churches, cathedrals, convents, and anywhere else you’d like to see.
End the tour in a 17th-century mansion for a three-course meal bursting with authentic local flavors. The mansion, which doubles as a museum, was once owned by foreign botanists who restored this building to its former glory.
Return to your hotel to unwind or continue to explore Antigua on your own. This city, surrounded by coffee plantations and majestic volcanoes, is also famous for its well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings, historical significance, and unique beauty.
Overnight San Rafael Boutique Hotel
Day 12
Departure Day
Today, depending on the time of your flight, transfer to Guatemala City to connect with your international flight home.
