Private Tour Highlights
- Reveling in the tropical rainforest of Yaxha National Park, enjoying sunset views with sundowners as the day draws to a close
- Sleeping under canvas in the heart of the jungle at Yaxha, touring the ruins and meeting the local community
- Sensing the majesty of the Mayan ruins at Quirigua, and Copan in Honduras, home to the enigmatic hieroglyphic staircase
- Delighting in the thriving market scenes, where locals cover the stalls with beautifully crafted textiles and garments, and meeting local artisans to learn about their craft
- Visiting local, independent coffee farms supported by the AGAIG charity and trying your hand at making the coffee yourself
- Meeting local artists and textile artisans in the creative lakeside village of San Juan La Laguna, set in a beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Atitlan
Tour Overview
This itinerary is the ultimate Guatemala vacation and celebrates the Guatemalan culture and embraces the Maya history of Guatemala and Honduras. Your unique tour will include visits to interesting archeological sites in both countries and visits to the vibrant, local Maya communities of today.
Let Yampu guide you through Guatemala and Honduras exploring the ancient and current Maya cultures of Guatemala and Honduras. During this unique tour, you will explore the local culture and ancient artifacts of both countries. In Guatemala, visit local coffee farms, enjoy a textile tour demonstrating the ancient handicraft, and visit the infamous Chichicastenango Indian Market. In Honduras, enjoy a bird watching tour with an expert and a visit to the popular Maya site of Copan to tour the ancient ruins.
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 £$ 8202
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
Antigua
Founded read more...
Founded in the sixteenth century, Antigua is a cosmopolitan destination with a rich colonial past. Its cobblestone streets are lined with pretty, pastel‐hued homes, luxe boutique hotels, and an exceptional selection of smart restaurants and shops. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this city of 35,000 people sits in valley between coffee farms, indigenous villages, and three imposing volcanoes. At the heart of town is the parque central, a European‐style plaza busy with shoe‐shiners, ice cream vendors, families, and tourists. During its architectural peak, Antigua was home to dozens of colonial monuments, churches, and monasteries, but an earthquake in 1773 damaged or reduced most to rubble. In the centuries thereafter, efforts were made to rebuild and restore, and the city today is filled with melancholy but gorgeous relics and ruins. ...read less
Antigua and Guatemalan textiles
This morning, learn from a local textile expert about the unique handmade textiles of Guatemala. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Antigua that visits the Main Square, Palace, La Merced Church and the San Francisco Church.
This morning, learn from a local textile expert about the unique handmade textiles of Guatemala. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Antigua that visits the Main Square, Palace, La Merced Church and the San Francisco Church.
Sustainable Agriculture Farm Tours
Today, enjoy a tour to some of the families supported by the AGAIG charity that works to support small, independent coffee producers and promotes sustainable agriculture in Guatemala. This tour to the local farms will include a demonstration of the daily coffee processing and the opportunity to work with the local farmers. After the tour this morning, transfer privately to Lake Atitlan.
Today, enjoy a tour to some of the families supported by the AGAIG charity that works to support small, independent coffee producers and promotes sustainable agriculture in Guatemala. This tour to the local farms will include a demonstration of the daily coffee processing and the opportunity to work with the local farmers. After the tour this morning, transfer privately to Lake Atitlan.
Lake Atitlan- San Juan la Laguna- Santiago
This read more...
This morning, enjoy a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlan (30 minutes) to the village of San Juan la Laguna where you will visit the women’s textile cooperative to see the weaving and natural dye process. While in the village, take the opportunity to visit the studios/homes of the local and celebrated painters.
Leaving the village, travel to Santiago for lunch and a tour of the village including the Maya God Maximon, a textile demonstration and a discussion about the spiritualism and beliefs of the T’zutujil Maya. This evening, return to the hotel in Lake Atitlan.
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Chichicastenango Market
This morning, transfer privately an hour outside of Lake Atitlan to the infamous Indian market, Chicastenango. Here, explore the market and shop for the beautiful and locally made handicrafts. This afternoon, transfer privately to the hotel in Antigua for an evening at leisure.
This morning, transfer privately an hour outside of Lake Atitlan to the infamous Indian market, Chicastenango. Here, explore the market and shop for the beautiful and locally made handicrafts. This afternoon, transfer privately to the hotel in Antigua for an evening at leisure.
Transfer to Honduras
This morning, leave Guatemala and transfer to Honduras and the colonial village of Copan Ruinas, this is a five-hour transfer. Upon arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the pretty, colonial town.
This morning, leave Guatemala and transfer to Honduras and the colonial village of Copan Ruinas, this is a five-hour transfer. Upon arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the pretty, colonial town.
Copan Ruins
This morning, transfer to the Maya Site of Copan for a privately guided tour of the Copan ruins and its famous hieroglyphic staircase and ball court. While visiting the Copan Ruins, tour the museum on site and then enjoy lunch in the village. This afternoon, visit the lush and tropical bird park nearby to see the rescued and rehabilitated birds.
This morning, transfer to the Maya Site of Copan for a privately guided tour of the Copan ruins and its famous hieroglyphic staircase and ball court. While visiting the Copan Ruins, tour the museum on site and then enjoy lunch in the village. This afternoon, visit the lush and tropical bird park nearby to see the rescued and rehabilitated birds.
Return to Guatemala- Maya Temple
After breakfast this morning, return to Guatemala via the central desert region to the tropical coastal area at Puerto Barrios. On route, stop to visit the small UNESCO protected Maya Temple site at Quirigua.
Upon arrival in Puerto Barrios, board a boat and transfer along the coastline to the small town of Garifuna in Livingston for dinner and an evening at leisure.
After breakfast this morning, return to Guatemala via the central desert region to the tropical coastal area at Puerto Barrios. On route, stop to visit the small UNESCO protected Maya Temple site at Quirigua.
Upon arrival in Puerto Barrios, board a boat and transfer along the coastline to the small town of Garifuna in Livingston for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Yaxha National Park
This morning, transfer into the northern rainforest and across the Yaxha National Park; this is a five-hour transfer. Once in the lakeside Park, enjoy refreshments as the sun sets over the rainforest canopy.
Spend the night in a Mayan archaeological site. Yaxha will give travelers the time to escape the business of the modern world and enjoy history of this ancient civilization. Spend the night in the middle of the jungle wilderness, at a private tent accommodation. Wake up to the sounds of toucans and howler monkeys.
This morning, transfer into the northern rainforest and across the Yaxha National Park; this is a five-hour transfer. Once in the lakeside Park, enjoy refreshments as the sun sets over the rainforest canopy.
Spend the night in a Mayan archaeological site. Yaxha will give travelers the time to escape the business of the modern world and enjoy history of this ancient civilization. Spend the night in the middle of the jungle wilderness, at a private tent accommodation. Wake up to the sounds of toucans and howler monkeys.
Tikal National Park
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 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Lunch Included. After transfer to hotel in Peten.
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 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Lunch Included. After transfer to hotel in Peten.
Flores-Guatemala City
This morning at leisure. This afternoon, transfer to Flores for the flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
This morning at leisure. This afternoon, transfer to Flores for the flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Flight Home
After breakfast, transfer privately to the airport and board the international flight home.
After breakfast, transfer privately to the airport and board the international flight home.
Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala
Lake Atitlán, Solola, Guatemala
Copán Ruins, Copan, Honduras
Rio Dulce, Izabal, Guatemala
Places You'll See
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Rio Dulce Area
Rio Dulce, plainly the “Sweet River”, is known for its smooth sailing through the Caribbean and its exceptional views. Visit the celebrated fort that was built to guard the town from the once ongoing threat of pirates, Castillo De San Felipe. The Mayan ruins of Quirigua are not far from the area as well as the hot springs waterfall, Finca Paraiso.
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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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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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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!
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
3 Star Properties
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.
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.
4 Star Properties
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.
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.
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
Ed and Charlotte
Traveled May, 2007
We very much enjoyed our trip to Guatemala
We very much enjoyed our trip to Guatemala. Yampu was very helpful, especially when we needed to contact the airline. Hugo, our guide in the Antigua area, was brilliant. He made every effort to teach us about the history, politics and culture of the area, take us off the typical tourist trail and introduce us to locals, and even to teach us Spanish. The choice of hotels was first class, and the service was faultless. All in all, we had a very pleasant time and came away with some fantastic memories.
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