Central America Discovery | Guatemala and Mexico

Upon arrival at Guatemala City Airport, a Pangaea representative will be there to greet you and escort you to the hotel for check-in. After a long flight, you’ll have time to rest and refresh. Later, we will gather in the hotel lobby for a welcoming dinner, followed by a briefing and the opportunity to meet the rest of the group.

After a delicious breakfast, we will depart from Guatemala City for an unforgettable day of exploration. Our first stop will be the Iximché Archaeological Site, where you’ll uncover the rich history of the ancient Maya civilization. Next, we’ll visit the charming town of Sololá, offering a glimpse into local culture and traditions. Finally, we’ll head to the breathtaking Lake Atitlan, where you can relax, enjoy the stunning surroundings, rest, and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

Embark on a scenic boat trip across Lake Atitlan, starting with a visit to the vibrant town of Santiago Atitlan. Explore the town and its cultural treasures, including the renowned Maximon Shrine. Continue your journey by boat to San Juan La Laguna, where you’ll immerse yourself in local life by visiting indigenous cooperatives and learning about their traditional crafts. Afterward, return by boat to Santa Catarina Palopó, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in the welcoming homes of the villagers.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey to the historic town of Chichicastenango, renowned for its vibrant market. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the colorful stalls offering handmade textiles, crafts, and fresh produce. Visit the impressive Santo Tomas Church, where indigenous traditions blend with Catholic rituals, and take a walk through the nearby cemetery and Pascual Abaj, a sacred site for Maya spiritual practices. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the charming colonial city of Antigua, where you can unwind and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Start your day with a fascinating tour of Antigua, where history comes to life as you explore iconic landmarks like the Ruins of the Cathedral, La Merced Convent, and San Francisco Church. These architectural marvels offer a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. After a morning of discovery, indulge in a unique cultural experience with a traditional cooking workshop at 4 PM. Learn the art of preparing local Guatemalan dishes, and enjoy an early dinner as part of the hands-on workshop, savoring the flavors of the region in a cozy, authentic setting.

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as we set off for the Acatenango Volcano hike. After breakfast, we’ll transfer from the hotel to the meeting point in central Antigua. The journey to the village where the hike begins will take approximately 1 hour. The hike itself begins at an elevation of around 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) and ascends to 3,976 meters (13,044 feet) at the summit. This challenging trek will take approximately 5-7 hours to reach base camp, with stunning views of neighboring volcanoes and lush landscapes along the way. You’ll be provided with a packed lunch during the hike, and once we reach base camp, enjoy a hearty dinner while taking in the breathtaking surroundings. After this unforgettable adventure, you’ll have time to relax and rest under the stars before heading back to Antigua the next day.

After a well-deserved breakfast, we’ll begin our descent from the Acatenango base camp to the peaceful village of La Soledad. As we descend, you’ll enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, reflecting on the incredible experience of the previous day. Once we reach the village, we’ll transfer back to Antigua using shared services, where you can relax and refresh. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Guatemala City, where you’ll board your flight to Flores. Upon arrival at Mundo Maya Airport, a warm welcome awaits, and we’ll transfer you to your hotel to rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

After breakfast, we will embark on an exciting visit to the renowned Tikal National Park, home to some of the most impressive Maya ruins in the world. Explore the towering pyramids and ancient temples surrounded by lush jungle, where you’ll be captivated by the history and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Flores, where you can enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the town, soaking in the charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant local culture. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, giving you a chance to experience authentic Guatemalan cuisine.

We travel by road to Sayaxché and then to Cuevas de Candelaria National Park in Alta Verapaz to explore the Candelaria Caves, Central America’s largest cave system (30 km), located at the foot of the Chamá Mountain Range. Next, we head to Cobán to visit the Calvary Church, where the Maya-Kekchí perform ceremonies honoring their pre-Hispanic gods.

Explore the lush cloud forest ecosystem of the Biotope “El Quetzal – Mario Dary Rivera,” the natural habitat of Guatemala’s iconic national bird, the Quetzal. Following our visit, we journey to Guatemala City, traversing diverse landscapes—from the misty cloud forests of Alta Verapaz to the arid tropical climate of the Motagua River Valley, once home to dinosaurs, and finally to the cooler highlands of the capital.

After savoring a delightful final breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mexico City. As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you’ve created during your time in Guatemala. Upon arrival in Mexico City, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Pangaea team, who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure, whether you choose to relax, discover local attractions, or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city.

Spend the day at your own leisure, allowing yourself the freedom to relax and unwind, explore the city at your own pace, or indulge in activities that capture your interest. Whether you choose to discover local landmarks, savor authentic cuisine, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city, this day is yours to make the most of.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, take the day to explore at your own pace or simply relax and unwind as you wish. Later in the evening, we’ll come together for a delightful dinner, sharing stories and reflections from the day while enjoying a memorable meal in great company.

After breakfast, embark on a captivating walking tour through the Historic Center of Mexico City, immersing yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and delightful flavors. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace, while soaking in the energy of the bustling city. Savor a stop at “La Ideal” to sample their renowned artisan bread, followed by the irresistible combination of crispy churros and hot chocolate from the legendary “El Moro.”

Today, we depart for Puebla, a stunning colonial city known as the “City of Angels.” During our tour, you’ll be mesmerized by the grandeur of its baroque architecture, including the magnificent Cathedral and the Chapel of the Rosary. Wander through historical streets, visit the iconic Callejón de los Sapos, and explore the vibrant El Parián craft market. The culinary experience shines with the flavors of mole poblano, chalupas, and traditional sweets. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to the charming Oaxaca City.

The day starts with a visit to a vibrant organic market, where you’ll discover unique fruits, vegetables, and spices used in our cooking class. Afterward, we’ll prepare four dishes, including a mole or main dish, soup, salsa, or dessert. Learn to char chiles, make tortillas and quesadillas by hand, and grind spices with a traditional mortar and pestle. Following the cooking session, enjoy a mezcal tasting before we sit down to enjoy our creations. The day concludes with a walking tour of the city’s main square, Governor’s Palace, Hidalgo Square, the cathedral, and the historic Sto. Domingo church.

After breakfast, we will depart to Oaxaca City Airport for our flight to Merida City. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. Later, we’ll enjoy a walking tour to discover the main attractions of this beautiful city. We’ll delve into the historical and cultural richness of the “White City” as we explore the historic center, with highlights such as the impressive San Ildefonso Cathedral, the Casa de Montejo, and the Government Palace. We’ll also stroll along the famous Paseo de Montejo, an avenue lined with 19th-century European-style mansions.

Today, we’ll embark on an early journey to Sisal for a memorable kayak tour. Departing at 7:00 am, we’ll catch the tranquil sunrise, free from the usual crowds, as we paddle through the serene mangroves. Along the way, we’ll reach a refreshing spot perfect for a swim. Next, we’ll visit Dzibilchaltún, an ancient archaeological site that seamlessly blends Mayan history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Here, we’ll marvel at the Temple of the Seven Dolls, renowned for its alignment with the sun during the equinoxes, when light perfectly passes through its windows, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

Today, we visit the iconic Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, located 120 km east of Merida. Explore its magnificent ruins, including the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote, used for ritual sacrifices. We will also discover other stunning temples before heading to Temozon, where we’ll explore a unique cenote with an island formed millions of years ago. This visit offers a deep connection to the history and sacred spaces of the ancient Maya civilization.

We’ll kick off the day with a relaxing catamaran trip from Cancun, taking in breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. During the tour, we’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters to discover the vibrant marine life, and enjoy refreshing drinks. Upon arriving at Isla Mujeres, you’ll have free time to wander its charming streets or shop for souvenirs. Later, we’ll head to a beach club for a delicious lunch, soaking in the beauty of the island before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of a memorable journey filled with unforgettable experiences.