Explore the diverse landscape and rich culture of Guatemala with Etnica, a travel company specializing in creating personalized, culturally immersive adventures. Your journey will take you to all the essential destinations in Guatemala, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Antigua, Tikal, and Lake Atitlan.
In Lake Atitlan, you'll have the opportunity to try your hand at making textiles and connect with indigenous cultures. You'll also explore the natural pools and caves of the Semuc Champey Natural Monument and much more. With Etnica, you'll be able to have authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you won't find with other travel companies.
Etnica works directly with local associations, cooperatives, independent artisans, fishermen, farmers, and families to provide travelers with unique experiences that also empower the local community. When you book with Etnica, you're not just having a vacation - you're also supporting the people and places you'll be visiting.
If you're looking to plan a trip to Guatemala, Etnica offers a variety of experiences to choose from, including hiking through the lush forests and volcanoes of the Guatemalan highlands, exploring the vibrant markets and colorful streets of local villages, and trying traditional Mayan cuisine. They are also happy to work with you to create a custom itinerary that meets your needs and interests. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have an unforgettable adventure in Guatemala. Click "Customize this trip" to start the conversation to modify this trip to your liking. Start planning your next adventure today.
Right for You?
One of our local experts in Guatemala will make this the perfect trip for you!
Base Price:
$2,100/person
Speaks: Spanish and English
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in local culture with a homestay in San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
- Stand on top of an incredible pyramid at Tikal, watch the sun rise and take a step back into the past.
- Explore the Candelaria Caves and meet local Quechua communities
- Explore Chichicastenango Market - one of the most vibrant, bustling markets in Central America - and try a variety of local cuisine and purchase hand crafted texiles and art!
Details
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Guatemala City Airport (GUA) you will transfer to the colonial city of Antigua (approx. 1.5 hours). After checking in at the hotel, one of our representatives will meet you with all tips and recommendations to make the most of your time in Guatemala and answer any questions you may have. Followed by a free evening to relax after your flight and explore the town.
Food is the best way to get to know a place when you travel, culinary heritage in Guatemala comes from two streams: Maya and Hispano-Arabe. Antigua is one of the main historical capitals where this fusion of ingredients, techniques and culinary customs that originated our current traditional food took place. You will begin exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site and cobblestone streets You will try tamales, atole, ingredients, fruits, stews, desserts and much more! You will live an experience full of flavors, sensations and 100% Guatemalan culture. Free evening.
Today you will be able to explore Antigua or surroundings as you please. You will have the option to enjoy your day at leisure or choose between one of the following activities:
Pacaya Volcano Trek:located 1 hr away from Antigua, you will find one of our most active volcanoes. This trek takes no more than 2.5 hours each way and will allow you to come up close to petrified lava, volcanic rocks and impressive views if skies are clear. Includes pic-nic lunch.
Volunteer-Volunteer for a day in one of Niños de Guatemala’s school and discover the everyday work of the NGO and its impact on the students and communities, while helping them make a difference! With a member of the Volunteer Team, you’ll catch a chicken bus, learn about daily life while traveling to the school, and be fully immersed in the NGO and its schools by volunteering in your own classroom. Includes lunch.
San Cristobal Trek: located in Antigua surroundings, San Cristobal is known for having the best views of volcanos and villages. This eco-cultural trek can take from 2.5 to 4.5 hours and will allow you to explore off the beaten path trails until you reach a natural water spring in the middle of the forest.
Artisan workshops: you will have the opportunity to engage and work with local artisans and weavers in the villages of Pastores and San Antonio Aguas Calientes. Begin with a leather and boot making workshop, learn how to make your own guatemalan bracelet and top it off with learning how world-famous worry dolls are made.
Salsa and merengue lesson:** enjoy a 1 hr lesson in central Antigua with local instructors.
In the afternoon, you will transfer to San Antonio Aguas Calientes to meet the women of Manos de Fe Artisan Association, you will be enjoying dinner and a homestay with a Kaqchikel family that will make you feel right at home and will give you an insight of local life.
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the Iximché Cultural Monument, capital of the Kaqchiqueles and one of the first cities to be conquered by the Spaniards in the highlands (approximately 1.5 hours). You will have the opportunity of taking a guided visit and explore the many structures of the sacred site. After finishing the tour, you will transfer to Lake Atitlán via the town of Panajachel (approx. 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will take the boat to the town of San Juan la Laguna (approx. 30 mins) to check into your hotel. This will be the first night of your stay in the Guatemalan highlands. Free evening.
Today you will explore Santiago Atitlán and visit major highlights. Most of the Guatemalan highlands were severely affected during the civil war that lasted 36 years. The case of Santiago Atitlán was no different and its tzutujil population carries the scars and wounds of the war. You will come up close and personal to the tales of the war. Additionally, you will visit the market, church and the cofradía of Maximón to learn about the religious syncretism between Maya cosmovision and Catholicism.
Surrounded by primitive art, beautiful textiles and majestic views, San Juan will give you a warm welcome and the opportunity to interact and learn the way of life and customs of its T’zutujil villagers. You will be taking a guided visit up the mountain with local farmers in the coffee plantations, you will visit local cooperatives and associations to learn the process of natural dyeing and textiles, the use of medicinal plants and healing and the background and evolution of naif art. You will also enjoy a local rustic lunch at a women’s cooperative - tasting authentic Guatemalan Pepián and tamales. After the tour feel free to explore the town on your own.
After an early breakfast, you will transfer by boat to Panajachel to take the shuttle to Chichicastenango (approx. 1 hour). You will visit the largest market in Central America! Market days are Thursdays and Sundays and are bustling with artisans, farmers and travelers. Chichi market is the heart of Guatemalan trade and offers all sorts of crafts, textiles, local produce and living tradition. You will also have the opportunity to visit the cemetery and Santo Tomás Church. When you finish your market day lunch, you will transfer back to Antigua Guatemala (approx. 2.5). Free evening.
Enjoy an early breakfast - afterwards you will transfer to Alta Verapaz (approx. 6 hours), stopping in the town of Lanquin to change to a 4X4 vehicle to get to your hotel in Semuc Champey (approx. 45 mins). After check-in enjoy a free afternoon and evening to rest after a long day of travel.
Today you will have a chance to enjoy the heavenly Semuc Champey pools – a protected national monument. These stunning turquoise pools make a great place to bathe, and explore the surrounding trails. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the surroundings of Semuc Champey.
Tonight, you will be staying at El Portal de Champey.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Candelaria Caves (approx. 3 hours), a large natural karst cave system. The caves have a particular importance in Maya culture, and are believed to be the entrance to the underworld for some of the Maya people. The caves were also used as part of a trading route during the classic Maya period. Prepare for a tubing experience on the Candelaria river, surrounded by lush jungle and unbelievable scenery. Free evening.
After breakfast, you will transfer to Flores Island (approx. 4 hours) in northern Guatemala. Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch and the colorful architecture of this small city within Lake Petén Itzá. Later, you will transfer to the shores of the lake in the picturesque town of El Remate in the middle of the lush jungle - overlooking Cerro Cahuí nature reserve. Spend the evening at leisure.
Begin your day with the sounds of howler monkeys as you get ready for an excursion to explore the ancient Maya kingdom of Tikal! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds an incredible amount of cultural and natural significance. As the sun begins to rise over the pyramids, it'll be a mesmorizing sight. After finishing the tour, you will transfer to the town of El Remate (approx. 20 mins) to enjoy the lakeside and views of Cerro Cahuí Nature Reserve. Free evening.
Enjoy a free morning on the shores of the beautiful Lake Peten Itzá in El Remate. After lunch, you will transfer to Yahxá Nakum Naranjo National Park (approx. 30 mins) to enjoy a guided visit through the vast jungle and structures of Yahxá. Located between two lagoons, it'll be a perfect spot to watch the sunset from the tallest pyramid. Return to your hotel to rest and enjoy your evening.
Enjoy a free morning at your hotel or explore the lovely village of El Remate. Before noon, you will transfer to FRS airport for your flight back to GUA airport (Flight departs at 13h00 and arrives at 14h30). Upon arrival at Guatemala City, you will transfer to your hotel so you can relax and enjoy your evening.
Enjoy breakfast and say goodbye to beautiful Guatemala before you transfer to GUA airport for your departure flight.
What's Included
Your Local Host
Etnica
Locally Owned Social Enterprise
Etnica is a travel company that specializes in creating personalized, culturally immersive adventures in Guatemala. They work directly with local associations, cooperatives, independent artisans, fishermen, farmers, and families to provide travelers with uniqu
Getting There
