Explore Guatemala: An 11-Day Adventure

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.

Additional Activities:

• Dip in the swimming pool – free

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.

Additional Activities:

The Acatenango Volcano is an active marvel, and the only way to truly experience its beauty is by hiking to its summit. The trail is moderate to advanced in difficulty. If you prefer not to join the hike, you can opt to stay in Antigua, and we will extend your stay for a relaxed day of your own choosing. Please note that meals, including lunch and dinner, will not be provided. The price for this alternative is 500 SAR.

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 enjoying a final breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your return journey home. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made during your time in Guatemala as you board your flight. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!