A family adventure encompassing the highlights of Guatemala
An unforgettable family journey through Guatemala, where ancient Mayan ruins, serene lakes, and thrilling adventures await.
Begin your expedition in the enchanting colonial town of Antigua, where cobbled streets lead to colourful markets and historic churches. Immerse yourselves in the local culture as you explore artisan chocolate workshops, sample traditional cuisine and toast marshmallows at Pacaya Volcano.
Continue to the breathtaking shores of Lake Atitlan, nestled amidst towering volcanoes and picturesque villages. Experience the thrill of ziplining at Atitlan Reserve. Delight in panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape as you zip from platform to platform, creating magical memories with your family.
After your zipline adventure, continue to Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of ancient Mayan civilisation. Explore the towering temples and intricate ruins that dot the dense jungle landscape, discovering the secrets of this ancient civilisation. Marvel at the grandeur of structures like Temple IV, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle canopy.
Throughout your family journey, immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture and rich history of Guatemala. From exploring the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the ancient ruins of Tikal, each destination offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty for the whole family to enjoy.
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The itinerary…
Day 1: Flight to Guatemala City, transfer to Antigua
Depart the UK on a daytime flight to Guatemala City where, on arrival, you will be met and transferred to the pretty colonial town of Antigua. Settle into the Casa Santo Domingo for the next 3 nights, a historic, charming hotel in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Day 2: Antigua city tour & Peanut Butter Workshop
With your local guide, enjoy a walking tour through Antigua, unravelling its colonial wonders and historical significance as the former Spanish hub. Explore iconic landmarks like Palacio de Capitanes, City Hall, and the Cathedral ruins while delving into Guatemala’s past and contemporary narratives. Following the tour, transfer to San Miguel Escobar, where local peanut farmers will explain the art of crafting peanut butter from raw ingredients and sample the product with a freshly made tortilla.
Day 3: Pacaya volcano hike
Pacaya Volcano, at 2,552m, is among three active peaks close to Guatemala City and has shown sporadic activity since 1965. A scenic hour's drive from Antigua leads to Pacaya National Park, with the trailhead in San Francisco de Sales. The 2-mile trail winds through farmland and pine forests to an exposed ridge, offering panoramic views of the smoking cone, ancient lava flows, and surrounding volcanoes. As a family, roast marshmallows over volcanic hotspots and enjoy a picnic with crater views.
Day 4: Chocolate workshop & transfer to Lake Atitlan
Enjoy a personalised cocoa workshop where you'll explore cocoa seeds hands-on. From kernel to chocolate, learn to brew, toast, and grind, crafting your own delectable treats. Within an hour, savour the result of your work as a self-made Master-Chocolatier, indulging in your freshly created chocolates. Transfer to Hotel Atitlan and spend 2 nights at this lakeside retreat.
Day 5: Kayak, Tzununa hike & San Juan Village tour
After breakfast, meet you guide for the transfer to the kayak launch point to enjoy a 45-minute paddle along picturesque peninsulas, admiring the lush shoreline gardens. After the kayak trip, embark on a hike to Tzununa, traversing ancient paths used by the Kaqchikel Maya for centuries. Witness daily village life and breathtaking scenery along Lake Atitlan's inaccessible north shore. In the afternoon, transfer by boat to San Juan village, renowned for its naïf art galleries, town murals, and traditional textile cooperatives, exemplifying highland organisation and tourism.
Day 6: Zipline adventure & afternoon flight to Peten
Transfer to the Atitlan Reserve, where thrilling zip lines traverse the San Buenaventura Valley, offering breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes. Each zip line presents a unique experience, soaring as high as 60m (196ft) with panoramic vistas of forests, waterfalls, and the lake. Conclude each circuit with an optional ropes course, adding an extra layer of adventure to your journey. Suitable for ages 4 years and older. After your morning adventure, transfer to Guatemala City airport for the short flight to Flores for 2 nights at the Las Lagunas Luxury Lodge which overlooks tranquil Quexil lagoon.
Day 7: Tikal Mayan Ruins & Wildlife Encounter
With your knowledgeable guide travel to the expansive Tikal National Park for a morning of exploration. Meander through the jungle to visit the temples, delve into Mayan history and architecture, and ponder theories surrounding their disappearance. With luck, encounter monkeys, parrots, macaws, and toucans amidst the ruins. Conclude the tour with a jungle lunch at a nearby restaurant, surrounded by nature.
Day 8: Tikal to Guatemala City
Transfer to Flores airport for the return flight for onward travel or continue over the border into Belize for more family adventures or relaxation on beautiful Caribbean beaches.
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Guatemala Holidays, South and Central America Holidays
Price: £2215pp
From £2,215 per adult and £1,295 per child under 12 years sharing a quad room.
Price for 2 adults and 2 children = from £7020 total, excluding international flights.
The trip includes all accommodations and activities specified above. Rooms and meals are as below:
- 3 nights at Casa Santo Domingo - standard deluxe, breakfast included
- 2 nights at Hotel Atitlan - standard lake view, breakfast included
- 2 nights at Las Lagunas Luxury Lodge - waterfront suite, breakfast included.
Also includes
- All transfers.
- Private guides and entrance fees for tours.
- Domestic flight, Guatemala City - Flores - Guatemala City
This trip excludes:
- Single Supplements.
- International flights to/from Guatemala City
- Meals not mentioned as included.
- Entrance fees and activities not mentioned as included.
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.
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When to go to Guatemala and Honduras
Month-by-month guide of when to visit Guatemala and Honduras
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
This month offers warm sunny days and cooler evenings, making it perfect for exploring the highland regions of Guatemala around Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
February
Similar to January, February offers excellent weather for volcano hiking and exploring Mayan ruins at Tikal and Copan.
March
The dry season continues with March an ideal month destinations throughout the region. Temperatures are comforable with low humidity in jungle regions.
April
Depending on the date of Easter, April can be a particularly busy month with the traditional 'Semana Santa' festivals in Antigua.
May
May marks the start of the rainy season, with higher humidity however it's still possible to enjoy the country's natural beauty with less tourists throughout the country.
June
The rainfall increases in June, so travellers can take advantage of lower prices and fewer tourists while exploring attractions like Antigua and Tikal.
July
Despite rain showers, July offers opportunities for exploration is the lush jungle environment. Showers tend to be of a short duration.
August
The rains become more intense in August, and while travel is possible, some roads may be prone to flooding so journeys are longer.
September
A rainy month which tends to offer dry mornings with rain in the afternoons, typically for a couple of hours. Accommodation rates are lower, reflecting the wet conditions.
October
Very similar to September, although the rains will be tapering off towards the end of the month. Patience for travelling around the country is needed if roads are affected.
November
As the dry season approaches, November is a good month for visiting the region with all the country's highlights accessible.
December
Weather wise the holiday month of December is very similar to November with the rains tapering off. Enjoy the Christmas festivities in cities like Antigua or Copan in Honduras.
Speak to a Guatemala and Honduras expert today.
A tailor-made Guatemala and Honduras holiday just for you.
-
Amanda
Latin America Specialist