Explore Guatemala’s nature and history on this 8-day tour. Visit Antigua with its colonial charm, the picturesque Lake Atitlan surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages, and the Petén region, home to jungles and archaeological sites like Tikal.
Guatemala offers diverse landscapes: rainforests, colonial cities, turquoise lakes, active volcanoes, Mayan villages, and Caribbean coasts. The rich Mayan heritage is evident in national monuments and pre-Columbian temples hidden in jungles. Half of the population is of Indian origin, preserving dialects and customs. Guatemalans are incredibly hospitable, welcoming you with open arms. Experience colourful markets, ancestral traditions, and explore the jungle of Petén to uncover Mayan civilization. Sail Lake Atitlan at sunset and discover the beauty of Guatemala.
*Enjoy guided travel with our Escorted Tours, fully led by a certified, English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the destination.
**For groups of eight or more, a Vibrant Women Travel Host will join the tour to provide additional support and ensure a seamless travel experience.
EXPAND ALL DETAILS ALL
Bienvenidos a Guatemala!
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, where you will be warmly greeted by your driver and escorted to your hotel. Enjoy a comfortable transfer and settle into your accommodations.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel Stofella or similar
Today, meet your driver and transfer to Guatemala City Airport.
Prepare for your domestic flight from Guatemala City to Flores.
Arrival at Flores airport and departure for Yaxha, “green water” in Mayan language. Lunch (not included) near the site. The city is located on the shores of Lake Yaxha, which served to supply fresh water to the Mayan population. Walk on the marked trails of this large and rarely visited site. Do not miss the sunset with a view of the lake from the Temple de las Manos Rojas.
Road to Tikal National Park. Transfer to your hotel for one night in the heart of the Peten jungle.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tikal Inn Hotel or similar
Depart at 4:30 am for Tikal, a notable Mayan city from the 4th century BC to its peak between the 3rd and 9th centuries AD. Arrive in darkness to climb the highest pyramid and experience the jungle waking up with howler monkeys and birds greeting the dawn. As light reveals the pyramids, explore the archaeological site, featuring 3,000 structures including the Great Jaguar Temple, Masks Temple, and the Snake Temple, which stood as the tallest New World building until the 19th century.
Enjoy sightings of wildlife such as spider monkeys, pheasants, coatis, toucans, and parrots. The atmosphere is rich with jungle scents and sounds.
After lunch, transfer to Flores airport for your flight to Guatemala City.
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, meet your driver and transfer to Antigua.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Panchoy or similar
Visit the Mayan site of Iximché, the Kaqchikel Mayas’ capital, who allied with Spanish settlers against the Maya Quiché. The conquistadors founded the first Spanish city here, but it was burned by the Kaqchikels in 1562. Nowadays, shamans and locals sometimes perform Mayan rituals at the site.
Next, we head to Lake Atitlan, a stunning symbol of Guatemala, surrounded by three volcanoes at 1600 meters above sea level. Numerous small villages on its shores are often accessible only by boat, celebrating local festivals and hosting traditional markets. We’ll arrive in Panajachel at the end of the day.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Toliman or similar
This morning, take a boat to explore the Tzutuhil villages of Lake Atitlan. The Tzutuhil people are one of the 21 Mayan groups in Guatemala and reside in a few villages southwest of the lake. In Santiago Atitlan, visit the syncretic cult of Maximón, the smoking God of Guatemala, revered and feared by locals who offer cigarettes, alcohol, or money.
Next, head to San Juan La Laguna, where the weavers’ cooperative will demonstrate natural colouring and traditional weaving techniques. Enjoy naive paintings depicting daily life.
Return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon in town. Guided Tour is included.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Toliman or similar
We just put today aside for you to relax and enjoy the lakeside vibe.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Toliman or similar
Today, travel 1h30 to Chichicastenango to visit its market. The Kaqchikel Indians come from nearby villages twice a week to sell their goods here. The city becomes a mix of colours and smells. The women wear traditional huipil representing the seasons of the Mayan calendar, and in the centre of the village, shamans purify the church stairs with incense and perform Mayan rituals.
Walk with an English-speaking guide to Mount Pascual Abaj (1h30 round trip), a place known for its stories and legends where many ancestral rites and sacrifices are practised.
Enjoy lunch of local specialities.
Then experience traditional ceremony performed by a Mayan shaman (spiritual purification, protection, and good omens).
In the afternoon, continue your journey towards the city of Antigua. Arrive in the late afternoon and spend the evening in this colonial city.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (no drinks)
Accommodation: Hotel Panchoy or similar
Antigua, surrounded by three volcanoes, has experienced many natural hazards throughout its history, including earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. Despite these challenges, Antigua is now recognised as one of the most picturesque cities in Guatemala.
In the morning, take a guided tour of the city, which features over thirty monasteries and convents and a grand cathedral located in the central square. The cobblestone streets connect to the colourful patios of colonial houses. Walk along the arcades of Parque Central, where you can see the volcanoes Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango.
Taste the Local Gastronomy
Lunch is included at a restaurant that serves local specialties. The afternoon is free for leisure activities in Antigua. Note: This is a walking tour of the city with no vehicle provided.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Panchoy or similar
Check out from the hotel.
Today, meet your driver and transfer to Guatemala City Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
This room rate is per person sharing in a room with two single beds. If you have chosen a twinshare room, and have not nominated someone to share with, we will do our best to find you a roommate. Please note however that if this is not possible, the single room rate will apply. We hope you understand.
This tour requires a $500 deposit, followed by two installment payments.
The first installment is due 6 months before the start of the trip.
The second installment is due 75 days prior to departure.
Welcome to the Guatemala: A Land of Vibrant Contrasts Tour, 13-21 November 2026
This tour requires a non-refundable non-transferrable $500 deposit, followed by two installment payments.
The first installment is due 6 months before the start of the trip.
The second installment (balance) is due 75 days prior to departure.
Please note % surcharge is merchant service fee for the payment processing service.
Read more about our Booking Process and why we have the cancellation policy we do HERE
This is why travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest taking out travel insurance within 2 weeks of booking your tour.
Vibrant Women Travel Team
This event is now closed, contact the planner with questions
Click Yes to select this item for everyone in your group.
(If you only want to add the item for yourself, click Cancel and then select the item from Invoice)
All the Traveler data collected on this platform belongs to you or the Planners who create the trips. We do not sell your customer data or use it for third party advertising. We use cookies to authenticate you and for analytics to improve our services. Read our Privacy Policy for details.
Have any privacy questions? Especially about how we help you comply with GPDR? Ask us about privacy.
US$60
US$150
Annual plans also available
