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
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
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.
Package Price: From £$ 3936
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
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.
Tour of Antigua
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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
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.
Santiago Atitlan
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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 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.
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.
City of Tikal
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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
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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
3 Star Properties
Lake Atitlan : La Casa del Mundo (Jaibalito)
La Casa del Mundo (Jaibalito)
Lake Atitlan , GUATEMALA
La Casa del Mundo, or the World’s Home is a place where diverse cultures come together to relax, share experiences and enjoy the gems of Lake Atitlan. The 17 rooms, each with unique architecture, were built one by one into the lake’s cliff sides. They’re equipped with top quality beds, hot water, restrooms, traditional Mayan decorations, and spectacular lake views from their 100-250 feet high perches. Guests can make their way down the steps to find the pleasant swimming balconies overlooking the serene waters of the lake. When in need of delicious indulgence, climb the steps to the café to enjoy a fruit smoothie or a famous breakfast burrito, fruit salad, nacho chips or avocado sandwich.
Lake Atitlan : Bambu Santiago Atitla
Bambu Santiago Atitla
Lake Atitlan , GUATEMALA
The Hotel Bambu Santiago Atitlan is the perfect place to enjoy an excellent stay in Santiago Atitlan, Solola Guatemala. The hotel is fused with the landscape, preserving and beautifying with a gorgeous garden in which are the comfortable rooms and the swimming pool. The rooms have a rustic feel, and are equipped with private bathrooms with hot water, and have views of the beautiful lake and volcanoes. The hotel’s restaurant offers an extensive international menu with a traditional wood burning oven and a comfortable environment and friendly atmosphere.
4 Star Properties
Lake Atitlan : Posada de Don Rodrigo (Panajachel)
Posada de Don Rodrigo (Panajachel)
Lake Atitlan , GUATEMALA
Gazing across Lake Atitlán in the majestic Guatemalan Highlands, Hotel La Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel Atitlán is an intimate retreat surrounded by lush gardens and lawns. The hotel is situated at the end of Calle Santander, Panajachel’s main shopping and dining thoroughfare. In addition to 39 individually decorated guest rooms with spectacular lake views, special touches include a beautifully landscaped pool with slides, an intimate restaurant serving local and international cuisine, live folkloric Marimba music and dance performances, and the “Museo Lacustre” featuring displays on the history of Lake Atitlán and the volcanic activity that created its breathtaking landscapes.
Lake Atitlan : Lomas de Tzununa (Santa Cruz La Laguna)
Lomas de Tzununa (Santa Cruz La Laguna)
Lake Atitlan , GUATEMALA
Lomas de Tzununa is located in Tzununa, Lake Atitlan. The Hotel has 10 traditionally decorated rooms all with wonderful views on the Lake Atitlan and its villages, private bathrooms and a private balcony. Lomas de Tzununa has a restaurant serving delicious national and international food, Wi-Fi internet connection in public areas, a swimming pool and access to the Lake Atitlan. Guests can also enjoy a wonderful continental breakfast served daily. The hotel is also eco-friendly, and uses a network of solar panels to heat the water, composts organic waste to use as fertilizer, collects rainwater during the rainy season, and more.
5 Star Properties
Lake Atitlan : Hotel Atitlan (Panajachel)
Hotel Atitlan (Panajachel)
Lake Atitlan , GUATEMALA
Hotel Atitlan is one of Guatemala’s finest and most charming boutique hotels surrounded by Botanical Gardens. The hotel is situated 10 minutes from the main town of Panajachel. It is wonderfully decorated with wood hand-carved furnishing combined with ornate ceramic tiles. Outside, amidst meticulously cultivated Botanical Gardens abundant with roses, orchids, bougainvillea and azaleas. An infinity pool gazes onto Lake Atitlán and the majestic Atitlán, Toliman and San Pedro volcanoes in the distance. Rooms and suites appointed with lake-view balconies and fireplaces (in select rooms) overlook the hotel’s lush grounds.
Luxury Properties
Lake Atitlan : Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)
Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)
Lake Atitlan , GUATEMALA
Casa Palopó, perched above spectacular Lake Atitlan with a view of three volcanoes and located in the Guatemalan Highlands, offers two distinct brands of romantic relaxation for the sophisticated traveler. Choose from the charming and colorful accommodations in the main building, which features seven spacious rooms decorated with contemporary and indigenous artwork. A large living room with fireplace, gourmet restaurant, elegantly set tables are set in intimate clusters inside the relaxed dining room and on the glassed terrace, additional tables spread along the wide veranda, Casa Palopó is the place to catch an uninterrupted view of spectacular sunsets.
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.
Traveled To
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.
Traveled To
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!
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