MAYAN WORLD TOUR

An Old World full of New Discoveries  

A 12 days tour of Guatemala’s highlights 

This package gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in everything this mystical land has to offer.

Itinerary

 Day 1: Arrival: Pick Up – Hotel – Welcome Dinner – 

You arrive at Guatemala’s La Aurora International Airport. A pre-arranged transfer collects you from the airport and takes you to a nearby hotel. Relax and wind down before you meet the rest of the group and your official Welcome Dinner. 

Day 2: Antigua Guatemala  

Our first full day in Guatemala will start with a bit of driving to get to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial charm and refined travel experiences coexist seamlessly. Framed by dramatic volcanoes and adorned with meticulously preserved architecture, Antigua offers an atmosphere of understated luxury and cultural depth. During the day, we will explore the city, walking the couple streets, enjoying delicious coffee places, learning about history at the ruins and looking at the city at the top of Cerro La Cruz, for a beautiful full view of Antigua Guatemala. 

Day 3: Iximché Archeological site – Lake Atitlán – 

On the way to Lake Atitlán, we will make a unique stop at Iximché that offers a powerful and accessible introduction to Guatemala’s pre-Columbian history, making it an ideal destination for a half-day cultural and archaeological experience. Located in the highlands near Tecpán, this former capital of the Kaqchikel Maya provides a rare opportunity to explore ancient ruins within a serene, forested setting.

What you will discover:

  • Ancient Plazas and Temples
     Walk through a series of ceremonial plazas surrounded by stepped pyramids and palatial structures, once used for political, religious, and social gatherings of the Kaqchikel civilization.
  • Ball Courts
     Observe the remains of the Mesoamerican ball game courts, where ritual and sport were deeply intertwined with spiritual beliefs.
  • Ceremonial Altars
     Iximché remains an active sacred site, where visitors may respectfully witness modern-day Mayan ceremonies conducted by spiritual guides—offering a meaningful glimpse into living traditions.
  • On-Site Museum
     A small but insightful museum displays artifacts such as ceramics, tools, and sculptures, providing context to the daily life and cosmology of the ancient inhabitants. 

We will finish our day at Panajachel, one of the biggest towns around lake Atitlán.

DAY 4: Lake Atitlán tour boat –

A wonderful day exploring 3 towns around Lake Atitlan: San Juan La Laguna, San Antonio Palopó and Santa Catarina Palopó, each one shows different part of life and culture at the lake. 

San Juan is widely regarded as the most artistic and community-driven village around the lake. The atmosphere is calm, intentional, and deeply rooted in sustainability and indigenous heritage.

Here, travelers can:

  • Walk through vibrant streets adorned with murals and textile installations
  • Visit women-led weaving cooperatives, where natural dyes and ancestral techniques are still practiced
  • Experience traditional medicine and herbal knowledge
  • Engage in ethical, community-based tourism

The experience in San Juan is intimate and meaningful—ideal for those seeking authentic cultural connection with a refined, conscious approach to travel.

 San Antonio Palopó

Perched along the lake’s edge, San Antonio offers a more tranquil and contemplative environment, with fewer crowds and a strong sense of preserved tradition.

Visitors will discover:

  • Renowned ceramic workshops, where artisans create distinctive hand-painted pieces
  • Women wearing traditional blue woven garments, unique to the village
  • Scenic lakeside views ideal for quiet reflection and photography
  • A slower rhythm of life that invites deep rest and cultural appreciation

San Antonio is perfect for travelers who value subtle luxury—space, authenticity, and the beauty of simplicity.

Santa Catarina Palopó offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modern design, making it one of the most visually striking villages around the lake. Its hillside homes, painted in bold geometric patterns, reflect both heritage and innovation.

Here, travellers can enjoy:

  • Staying in boutique lakeside hotels with panoramic views
  • Exploring a village that has become a model for design-led cultural preservation
  • Capturing iconic photography moments with vibrant architectural backdrops
  • Relaxing in natural thermal waters along the lake, where warm mineral-rich springs provide a soothing and restorative experience
  • Experiencing curated, higher-end services while remaining connected to local culture

Santa Catarina is ideal for those seeking a more elevated, design-forward experience that also incorporates wellness, relaxation, and natural healing elements.

Day 5 – Free day at Lake Atitlán

This day you will have the chance to relax by the shore of the lake, you can explore another town by yourself, through the guide’s recommendations you can explore other places of your own interest.

Day 6 – San Andrés Xecul –  Quetzaltenango – Highlands – 

Today, we will drive to Quetzaltenango, well known as Xela. This region blends dramatic landscapes with elevated cultural immersion for travelers seeking meaningful and exclusive experiences. On the way, we will make a stop on San Andrés Xecul to see the most colorful church in Guatemala. San Andrés Xecul offers one of the most visually striking and culturally profound experiences in the Guatemalan Highlands. This small town, often overlooked by conventional tourism, invites visitors into a world where spirituality, color, and indigenous identity converge in extraordinary ways.

Day 7 – Quetzaltenango – Chicabal Lagoon and volcano – Thermals

Volcán Chicabal and its crater lake, Laguna Chicabal, provide one of the most meaningful and visually captivating experiences in the region.

The journey begins with a scenic drive through the highlands, gradually ascending into misty cloud forests. Upon arrival, a guided hike leads through lush vegetation, where the air becomes cooler and quieter, setting a reflective tone.

As you descend the steps toward the lagoon, the landscape reveals itself: a perfectly circular, emerald-green lake, often wrapped in a mystical layer of fog. This is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred site for Mayan ceremonies, where visitors may respectfully observe altars adorned with flowers, candles, and offerings.

The experience here is deeply atmospheric—less about activity and more about presence, stillness, and connection with nature and culture. After the hike, the experience transitions seamlessly from exploration to restoration, as travelers are guided toward a more private and rejuvenating setting in the surrounding highlands.

This carefully curated experience combines nature, spirituality, and deep relaxation, offering travelers a uniquely Guatemalan journey through the highlands—where volcanic landscapes and ancestral traditions create a powerful sense of connection.

Day 8 – Airport – Fly to Flores Tikal 

A long day of traveling but with exceptional value at the end of the trip. After a relaxing day, we will drive back to Guatemala City to take  a flight  to Flores, Petén. 

Day 9 – Tikal – Sunrise tour

A full day at Tikal Mayan site: Deep within the tropical forests of Petén lies one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the Americas: Tikal. Visiting Tikal is not simply a tour—it is an immersion into the scale, power, and mystery of an ancient civilization, set within a living jungle ecosystem. The experience begins before dawn, as travelers enter the reserve in near silence, guided only by soft light and the sounds of the forest awakening. The early start is intentional—this is the most exclusive and atmospheric way to encounter Tikal.

Ascending one of the towering temples—often Temple IV, the highest accessible structure—visitors take their place above the dense jungle canopy. As the sky slowly shifts from deep blue to soft gold, a remarkable phenomenon unfolds:

  • The first light of day reveals the tops of ancient temples emerging through the mist
  • The jungle comes alive with the calls of howler monkeys and exotic birds
  • A profound stillness is replaced by a layered, natural symphony

This moment is widely regarded as one of the most iconic sunrise experiences in the world—both visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful.

Day 10 – Uaxactún – Archaeological site 

Hidden deep within the vast jungle of Petén, Uaxactún offers a rare and profoundly authentic encounter with the ancient Mayan world. Far less visited than nearby Tikal, Uaxactún invites travelers into a space where history feels untouched, and the jungle remains the dominant presence. Reaching Uaxactún is part of the journey itself. The route takes you through dense tropical forest, where the transition from civilization to wilderness becomes palpable. Upon arrival, the atmosphere is strikingly different—quiet, expansive, and deeply immersive.

What You Will Discover

  • Ancient Astronomical Complexes
     Uaxactún is internationally recognized for its astronomical significance. Its architectural alignment allowed the Maya to track solar movements, particularly during solstices and equinoxes—an early and sophisticated form of calendar science.
  • Ceremonial Plazas and Temples
     Walk through open plazas surrounded by pyramidal structures that date back to some of the earliest phases of Mayan urban development.
  • Jungle Integration
     The site remains partially enveloped by the forest, creating a powerful contrast between human construction and natural reclamation.
  • Wildlife Encounters
     The surrounding biosphere is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to observe monkeys, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 11 – Free day in Flores Island – Back to Guatemala city

Set on the tranquil waters of Lake Petén Itzá, Flores offers a charming and relaxed setting for a free day of exploration, leisure, and lakeside enjoyment. Small, walkable, and full of character, Flores provides the ideal balance between gentle activity and unhurried relaxation. A day in Flores unfolds at your own pace. The island’s colorful colonial houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and panoramic lake views create an inviting atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Everything is within walking distance, allowing visitors to simply wander—discovering hidden cafés, boutique shops, and scenic viewpoints without the need for a structured itinerary.

At afternoon you will take a flight to go back to Guatemala city. 

Day 12 – Flight back home 

 End of the trip

We warmly invite you to join one of our scheduled group departures, available in June – July  and October – November—carefully selected to offer the best seasonal conditions and an enriching travel experience in Guatemala. 

What’s included

This journey has been thoughtfully designed to offer a seamless, comfortable, and enriching travel experienceacross Guatemala, ensuring that every detail is carefully taken care of.

Your experience includes:

  • 11 nights of accommodation in a private double room, selected for comfort and quality.
  • Daily breakfast, allowing you to begin each day with ease and energy
  • All private transfers.
  • Domestic flight, Guatemala city – Flores, double way. 
  • Entrance fees to the reserves, 
  • The accompaniment of a professional guide, complemented by local expert guides at each destination, offering in-depth knowledge and authentic insight
  • 24/7 assistance via telephone, WhatsApp, and email, providing continuous support and peace of mind throughout your trip.

What’s not included

To allow flexibility and personal choice throughout your journey, the following items are not included:

  • International flights
  • Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Access to activities not included in the itinerary
  • Meals and beverages not specified (Lunch and dinner)
  • Personal expenses, including souvenirs and incidental costs.
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Payment & Cancellation Policy

To ensure a smooth and well-organised travel experience in Guatemala, the following payment and cancellation terms apply:

Payments

  • Upon confirmation of the agreed itinerary, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required to secure your booking and initiate all necessary arrangements.
  • The remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than 2 months prior to your arrival date in Guatemala.
  • All bookings must be fully paid at least 60 days before the travel date.

Payment Methods

Payment details will be provided within your invoice. Payments may be made via:

  • Bank transfer to our Guatemalan account (in USD)
  • International wire transfer to our account in Ireland.

Cancellations

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. The following refund policy applies:

  • 60 days or more prior to arrival: 75% of the total trip cost will be refunded
  • Between 30 and 59 days prior to arrival: 50% of the total trip cost will be refunded
  • Less than 30 days prior to arrival: No refund will be issued

Early Departure

In the event that a traveller chooses to leave the programme early, or must do so due to circumstances beyond the control of THGuatemala (including force majeure not related to the services provided), no refunds or reimbursementswill be granted.

Final Considerations

These policies are designed to ensure clarity, fairness, and the smooth coordination of all travel services, many of which require advance reservations and commitments.

We strongly recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.