Private Tour Highlights
- Visiting a Copavic glass cooperative where expert artisans demonstrate ancient glassblowing techniques
- Soaking in the hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, famed for their medicinal properties
- 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
Let Yampu guide you on an unforgettable cultural trip to Guatemala. On this unique and diverse tour visit the popular local markets of Solola and Chichicastenango, the Maya archeology site of Iximche and enjoy time bird watching in Antigua. This tour also includes time in Lake Atitlan and an extension to Quetzaltenango (Xela).
Quetzaltenango (Xela) is known by the locals as “The City that is the Soul of Culture.” Here, the second largest city in Guatemala, there is a vibrant music scene that includes numerous local jazz and blues bands as well as musicians playing in the native style. This cultural epicenter also boasts a large art scene including artists focused on painting and sculpture.
Inclusions
Exclusions
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 £$ 3828
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.
Walking tour of Antigua
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This morning, be met at the hotel for a 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 specific sites that one wishes to see, please notify the guide. Visiting other monuments will require an entrance fee paid upon arrival.
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Textile Tour – Ruins of Iximche
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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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. ...read less
Hike the shores of Lake Atitlan
Enjoy a full day tour hiking along the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan. During the trek, 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, 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, be guided through the local, famous market that includes produce and an endless variety of handicrafts including textiles and ceramics. After lunch, transfer to Xela (Quetzaltenango). Upon arrival, enjoy the evening at the selected hotel in Xela.
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, be guided through the local, famous market that includes produce and an endless variety of handicrafts including textiles and ceramics. After lunch, transfer to Xela (Quetzaltenango). Upon arrival, enjoy the evening at the selected hotel in Xela.
San Francisco El Alto Copavic and Fuentes Georginas
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This morning, transfer to the highlands of Guatemala and the small town San Francisco El Alto, approximately 30 minutes outside Quetzaltenango. On Fridays, this small town hosts the largest, most authentic market in Guatemala with separate sections for animals, textiles, produce and other articles. The animal market here is particularly well known as it fills up an entire plaza with pigs, chickens, sheep, cows and mules, among other animals.
After the visit to the market, head back to Quetzaltenango, stopping first at the Copavic glass cooperative. Here, enjoy a guided tour watching the ancient artisan process of glass blowing including stages of melting recycled glass, working it from a liquid stage and finally the glass blowing that will create uniquely beautiful glass pieces.
After time for lunch, continue the transfer passing through small villages and farmlands reaching the Fuentes Georginas (Hot Springs). Take some time to explore the hot springs, long believed to have medicinal values. After visiting the Hot Springs, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
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Leisure in Xela
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Xela. This afternoon, transfer to Antigua for an evening at leisure at the selected hotel.
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Xela. This afternoon, transfer to Antigua for an evening at leisure at the selected hotel.
Flight Home
Today, transfer to the airport in Guatemala City for the international flight home.
Today, transfer to the airport in Guatemala City for the international flight home.
Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala
Lake Atitlán, Solola, Guatemala
Xela, Quetzaltenango, 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.
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 : 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
Greg B., United Kingdom
Traveled February, 2013
When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly
After working with Yampu to provide me with my second holiday to the America’s, I am delighted to say it has been another success. We have now travelled to Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras with routes dictated by my needs to see sites that may not be on other people standard routes. Yampu have twice worked with local providers to make my unique routes possible. When a problem was encountered, Yampu worked with local tour operators to sort out the issue very quickly. I am already thinking ahead to my next trip with Yampu.
Traveled To
Sonali
Traveled January, 2014
We had a wonderful time!
We had a wonderful time! The trip was organized very well and we experienced a little bit of everything the country had to offer. The guides were knowledgeable and took good care of us. Many thanks for everything and I look forward to working with you again!
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.
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