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 - 3
CAMP AMONG ANCIENT TEMPLES
It's one thing to visit Guatemala's stunning ruins, but wait until you spend the night at one!
After a day at leisure, you’ll head to Uaxactún, one of the longest-occupied Maya cities. Drop your belongings in your tent at the campsite near the jungle-shrouded temples. But don't even think about settling into your bed yet! Set out along jungle trails in search of nocturnal wildlife, such as owls and opossums. Uaxactún is home to the earliest and most famous ancient Maya astronomical observatory. Originally built to track the sun’s movement, tonight, you’ll use it to gaze up at the twinkling stars.
In the morning, embark on a guided tour of the Uaxactún ruins, stopping at partially restored temples that align perfectly with the sun on key dates of the calendar. In the village, learn about the natural gum, allspice, and xate (exported globally for floral arrangements) that locals collect. For lunch, savour a traditional dish prepared with locally sourced ingredients. You can rest or explore at your leisure in the afternoon. At dusk, climb a lookout tower for sunset drinks, followed by a delicious, locally made dinner before another overnight in the jungle camp. There’s no WiFi or cell service at camp, allowing for time to connect and truly immerse yourself in this unique setting.
Overnight Jungle Campsite
Day 4
TIKAL NATIONAL PARK
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. Follow in the footsteps of Maya royalty and commoners as your knowledgeable guide leads you through the park, which contains 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 transferring back to Las Lagunas Hotel.
Overnight Las Lagunas Hotel
Day 5
SCALE A TEMPLE & CRUISE TO ISLAND RUINS
After a morning at leisure, you’ll spend the afternoon visiting one of the largest Maya complexes in Guatemala: Yaxhá. The archaeological site contains more than 500 structures, including nine temples and one of the few twin pyramid complexes outside of Tikal. During this adventure, you’ll have the chance to climb up Temple 216, which stands at 121 feet and provides a 360-degree panorama of the rainforest canopy, nearby pyramids, and two shimmering lakes.
Then, hop aboard a boat and set sail for the small island ruins at Topoxte. As the sun sets behind this post-classic site, the densely shrouded temples and structures will transport you back to the height of the Maya civilization. Sip some cocktails and savor the sunset.
Overnight Las Lagunas Hotel
Day 6
LAKE ATITLÁN
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guatemala City. From there, transfer to Lake Atitlán. With its sparkling waters surrounded by three dormant volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is a true jewel of Guatemala’s highlands. Surrounded by Mayan villages, the lake's timeless beauty is only equaled by the exquisitely embroidered clothing worn by the local T'zutujil and Kaqchiquel Maya people.
Your hotel, Hotel Atitlán, is situated about 10-minutes from Panajachel. The hotel features panoramic views of the lakes and volcanoes, an infinity pool, and beautiful gardens filled with roses, orchids, bougainvillea, and azaleas. Spend the night settling into your uniquely decorated room, filled with artisan-crafted furniture, original artwork and hand-woven rugs from nearby villages, and a private balcony for sipping a cocktail while enjoying the view.
Overnight Hotel Atitlán
Day 7
CHICHICASTENANGO MARKET
This morning after breakfast, you’ll be met at the hotel by your private driver and guide for the 1.5 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. If you’d like, you can also 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 returning to Atilán.
Overnight Hotel Atitlán
Day 8
SAN JUAN VILLAGE & WEAVING WORKSHOP
Travel by boat to the village of San Juan La Laguna, a petite but picturesque Tz'utujil Maya town with panoramic lake views. From the docks, ascend the hill past galleries and artisan shops. Meander through this peaceful town to find impressive murals depicting the history of San Juan, and relax in a café with some of the most delicious coffee you've ever tasted.
Next, visit one of the women's cooperatives for a demonstration of how traditional backstrap looms and all-natural dyes are used to make some of Guatemala's richly colored textiles, including scarves, blankets, and even iPad covers. San Juan is also home to a plethora of naïf paintings created by self-taught artists. Many depict the customs, history, and legends of the town, or reflect the surrounding countryside. At the end of your tour, you'll stop by an artist's studio before enjoying a traditional Guatemalan lunch at one of the women's cooperatives.
After lunch, you can try your hand at weaving in a two-hour weaving workshop to learn about traditional techniques practiced in Guatemala. Test out your skills by weaving your own bracelet! Then, once you’re ready, head back down to the dock with your guide and transfer back to your hotel by boat.
Day 9
ANTIGUA
This morning, transfer to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial architecture.
Upon arrival, you'll have a private walking tour of the city with a knowledgable guide. As you wander through the streets, take in the painstakingly restored Spanish colonial architecture, manicured parks, and the horizon shaped by three spectacular volcanoes. Your guide will showcase the colonial city's cultural, architectural, and social history with a behind-the-scenes look at some of Antigua's ornately decorated churches, Spanish colonial-era ruins, and the tomb of the first Guatemalan saint. The tour is flexible, so be sure to share your interests with your guide.
After a thorough exploration of the city, head to Hotel San Rafael and spend the rest of your evening at leisure. The hotel is situated just two blocks away from Antigua’s central park, making it the perfect base for your last night in Guatemala.
Day 10
DEPARTURE DAY
After a final breakfast in Guatemala, you'll have a transfer to Guatemala City for your flight home.
