Gorgeous Guatemala
Gorgeous Guatemala
Gorgeous Guatemala
5 Days Starting and ending in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Visiting: Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GUA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 18
Age range:
25-99
Special diets catered:
Meat, Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
With its cobbled streets, brightly painted buildings, and the perfect green cone of Agua volcano punching through the clouds behind it, the Guatemalan town of Antigua almost looks too good to be true. But it’s absolutely real, as you’ll find out for yourself on this adventurous trip. As well as exploring Antigua at ground level with the insight of a Local Insider, you’ll trek across the slopes of an active volcano, witness a Mayan ceremony at an archeological site, paddle across a volcanic crater lake and visit an art-filled mountain village – not bad for five days, eh? All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It's just part of how we see the world while being good to it.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Guatemala
Location: Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Meson de Maria
Meals Included: Dinner
After landing in the country’s capital, Guatemala City, you’ll be met at the airport (GUA) by one of our team and transferred to your hotel in Antigua. Once checked in, you’ll have the afternoon to check out your surroundings – the scenic central plaza is just around the corner. Come evening, it’s time to get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner and drink – before hitting the hay.
Activities Included:
Welcome dinner and drinks
Transfer from La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Day 2 : Experience Antigua On Foot – And From The Peak Of A Volcano
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: El Meson de Maria
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be met by one of our Local Insiders for an expert tour of Antigua. Wander its grid of cobblestone streets, lined with brightly painted barocco antiqueño buildings (an earthquake-resistant adaptation of baroque architecture, pioneered in Antigua), churches and monasteries. Stop in at craft shops selling vibrant ceramics, textiles and traditional costumes, and catch cooking wafts drifting from open windows. After lunch, you’ll be driven to Pacaya volcano, to trek along trails through humid forest to the summit – where sunset views of Antigua below, encircled by smouldering volcanic cones, are your reward. Oh, and pizza slices and singed marshmallows cooked over molten lava.
Activities Included:
Local Insider-led tour of Antigua
Guided sunset trek to the summit of Pacaya volcano
Day 3 : Good Vibes Only At A Traditional Mayan Ceremony
Location: Lake Atitlán
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Porta del Lago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll be swapping the city streets of Antigua for the shores of Lake Atitlan, a flooded volcanic crater. But first, breakfast, followed by a traditional Mayan ceremony among the ancient ruins of Iximche – a normal morning with Culture Trip, then. An hour or so from Antigua, Iximche was an important pre-Columbian Mayan city, evidenced by the still-visible remnants of its plazas, pyramids and ball courts – and it still is for the area’s contemporary Mayan population. After a tour of the site, you’ll witness a ceremony to set important dates, offer thanks and to ask for health, work and wisdom. After lunch, you’ll arrive at Lake Atitlan, where you’ll be free to spend the rest of the afternoon kicking back, or sign up for a heart-thumping zipline ride over the water.
Activities Included:
Local Insider-led tour of Iximche and Mayan ceremony
Optional Activities:
Zipline experience at Lake Atitlan
Day 4 : Take To The Lake By Kayak
Location: Lake Atitlán
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Porta del Lago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is all about exploring Lake Atitlan, which is best done from the water. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be zipped across the lake to Santa Cruz la Laguna, where you’ll gear up for a kayak tour of the lush gardens that fringe the lakeshore. Afterwards, it’s back onto dry land for lunch, and then up into the hills to San Juan la Laguna, an eccentric place populated with artists and craftspeople. Galleries and workshops line the town’s steep streets, and are the perfect place to pick up something to remember your trip by.
Activities Included:
Kayak experience on Lake Atitlan
Tour of San Juan la Laguna
Day 5 : Say So Long To Guatemala, For Now
Location: Lake Atitlán, Guatemala City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s the last day of the trip, so enjoy a slow breakfast at your hotel this morning. After you’ve finished, you’ll be transferred – along with your new travel buddies – to Guatemala City airport, where this particular trip concludes. Where you go next – home, or on to explore the rest of this fascinating country – is up to you.
Activities Included:
Transfer to La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
What's Included
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Local Insider
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Accommodation
Four nights hotel accommodation
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Meals described in the itinerary
Four breakfasts, One dinner
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Local Insider-led tour of Antigua
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Guided sunset Pacaya volcano trek with pizza
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Tour of Iximche with Mayan ceremony
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Kayak tour of Lake Atitlan
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Guided walking tour of San Juan la Laguna
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Return private transfers to Guatemala City airport
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Shared ground transport throughout
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Visas (if required)
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Optional activities
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Insurance
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Resort Taxes (Where applicable)
Accommodation
El Meson de Maria
In the heart of Antigua, this boutique hotel may only be doing an impression of a colonial building, but it’s delightfully convincing. Sepia-toned stucco walls, reclaimed terracotta floor tiles, and handcrafted furniture that has the feel of time-worn heirlooms – it’s a haven of beautiful little details. Sip cocktails in the plant-filled courtyard terrace, or kick back to volcano views on the solarium.
Porta del Lago
This glitzy hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlan makes the most of its location. A sun terrace with loungers overlooks the water, with the silhouettes of Atitlan, San Pedro and Tolimán volcanoes facing you on the other side. Below the terrace, a massive outdoor pool, fringed by lush foliage, is your very own oasis – while rooms, many with volcano and lake views, feel fresh and contemporary.
Please note that, while unlikely, the accommodation indicated may be subject to change (see T&C’s). On a rare occasion, alternative arrangements may be necessary – this may be due to a lack of availability at our preferred accommodation, or other reasons outside our control. We’ll do everything we can to prevent this from happening; however, in cases where it is unavoidable, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Mode of Transport
Please note: This itinerary has a group airport transfers included. To take advantage of that, you must book your arrival flight to arrive no later than 4pm on day 1 and your departure flight no earlier than 2:30 on day 5.
If you prefer to arrive at another time, you can still do so but you may require to pay a private transfer.
Check out our Q&As
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What is not included in the trip?
We don’t include the following in our trips: insurance (however you must have insurance to travel on one of our trips), flights, tips for local guides, optional activities and other meals and services not mentioned in your itinerary.
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Do I need any vaccinations?
As a tour operator we are unable to give medical advice, however we suggest you contact your doctor, a professional medical travel clinic or check out the World Health Organisation website for more details.
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What kind of luggage should I bring?
It depends on the type of trip you have booked, but we usually recommend a soft sided bag or case as they are easier to handle on a trip.
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Can I travel in my own private group?
Yes you can. Our team of Travel Experts can put together a bespoke trip to suit all group sizes in most destinations around the world. Please contact us for more details.
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Do I need to tip?
Tips are not included in the price of your trip but are entirely optional and at your discretion.
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Are flights / transport to the destination included?
No - our travellers come from all over the world so flights and / or transport to the start destination are not included.
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What visas do I need?
Depending on your passport and your destination, you may need a visa to travel on one of our trips. It is up to you to ensure you have any and all necessary visas before you travel. We recommend you check with a specialist visa agency at least 6 weeks before you travel.
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What happens if I need to amend or cancel my booking?
You can change the date of your tour up to 60 days prior to departure and cancel at any time, although cancellation conditions may apply.
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What kind of transport do you use on your trips?
We use a mix of public and private transport on our trips, but usually a small and comfortable minibus, so we can access more remote destinations that larger groups can’t get to.
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Why should I travel with Culture Trip?
We know the world's best bits – our award-winning content proves it. Now we’re using that expertise to bring you curated trips that combine thoughtful planning with authentic experiences and hand-picked accommodation. Led by Local Insiders, our trips bring together small groups of curious travellers who embrace the value of shared experiences, cultural immersion and travel that never feels rushed.
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Will there always be a guide on the trip?
Absolutely yes. We pride ourselves on our expert Local Insiders - they are an integral part of what makes our trips so special. Your Local Insider will accompany you throughout the trip and is there to help and assist in any way possible as well as ensure everything works to time.
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Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes - all travellers must have travel insurance before they join one of our trips. You are strongly advised to take out your policy at the time of booking to protect your holiday payments in the event of cancellation.
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What happens if I am travelling on my own?
Most accommodations on our trips are reserved on a twin share basis. Therefore, if you are travelling on your own you will be sharing a room with another Culture Trip traveller of the same sex. However, most of the time it is possible to pay a supplement for your own room. Please ask your Travel Expert for more information.
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What is the group size?
Our maximum group size is 18, although our average group size is 10-12 people. Group travel is a great way to meet other people, and you will have the safety of travelling with a group, but you can also decide how much time you want to spend by yourself.
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How much money should I bring?
This will depend on how long your trip is, your destination and how much you intend to spend on personal expenses and any meals that aren’t included. It is a good idea to check out the cost of a local lunch and dinner in your destination before you travel.
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Are airport transfers included?
Your arrival transfer from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to your hotel is included. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your Culture Trip Travel Expert at least 30 days prior to your trip departure date. Upon arrival in Guatemala, once you have collected your luggage and passed through customs into the arrivals hall, there will be a Culture Trip representative there to meet you. If you are unable to locate our representative, please either call our emergency number or contact your Local Insider via the WhatsApp group. Your departure airport transfer to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is also included. Please again ensure you provide your flight details to your Culture Trip Travel Expert at least 30 days prior to your trip departure date. Your Local Insider will be able to provide more information regarding your departure time from the hotel based on your flight schedule.
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Is there any age limit on the Trips?
You must be 25 or over to travel on our trips, however there is no upper age limit. You just need a sense of adventure.
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Can I book extra nights accommodation before or after my trip?
Yes, call or email one of our Travel Experts who will be able to add accommodation to your booking.
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How fit do I need to be to take one of your trips?
We offer a variety of different trips, most of which do not require a specific level of fitness. Some of our trips are more active, but we include details on each specific trip information page. If you are unsure please don’t hesitate to ask one of our Travel Experts.
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When will I know if my trip is guaranteed?
We usually wait until we have a few travellers booked on a trip before we guarantee it will run. The latest we will guarantee a trip is 60 days ahead of departure, often it will be long before.
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How many meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily and then depending on your itinerary, some lunches and dinners. This is clearly indicated in the trip details or ask your Travel Expert to confirm.
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I booked but cannot travel anymore. What are the amendments and cancellation options?
We understand plans can change and that’s why we offer flexible booking conditions. You can change or cancel your booking at any time up to 56 days prior to departure and receive a full refund of any funds you have already paid towards your trip.
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Do I have to make full payment at the time of booking?
You do not have to make full payment at the time of booking. We only require a small, fully refundable deposit of $100 to secure your spot on the trip. Full payment is due at the latest 56 days prior to departure.
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Do I have to take part in all the activities? Will there be free time on my trip?
The amount of free time varies per trip. Please enquire with our travel experts to get a proper understanding on the amount of free time on the trips you are interested in. You do not have to take part in all activities but we strongly encourage you to do so! We have carefully crafted each trip to show you the best of every destination, so you’d be missing out! Also taking part in activities is a great way to get to know your travel companions and make new friends. Nothing like a positive and supportive group environment to venture outside of your comfort zone and surprise yourself!
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What is a Local Insider?
We believe there’s no better way to discover a new place and a new culture than by experiencing it through the eyes and experience of a local. That’s why we only work with local guides - whom we name our Local Insiders. They know their region inside out and have a passion for sharing it with travellers. All our Local Insiders have years of experience guiding and speak English. Importantly, they like to travel the way we like it too: away from crowds, tourist traps and queues. Focussing on the true essence of a destination, teaching you all about the local culture and profusely sharing local hidden gems and insights.
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Free Date Changes
Culture Trip allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 55 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Culture Trip allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform culture trip, 55 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Culture Trip requires a minimum deposit of 300 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 55 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of culture trip charges.
Up to 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 54 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.