The Verapaces: Highlands of Guatemala to Lake Atitlan

Upon arrival at the Guatemala City Airport you will be taken to your hotel in the city center. 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. You'll have a free evening to relax and explore the city. If your flight arrives early you will have enough time to take a tour of the city center. 

Early in the morning you will begin your private transfer to the Verapaces region in northern Guatemala (aprox. 4 hours). First we will visit Orquigonia, a nature reserve and orchid sanctuary where you'll have the opportunity to hike the different trails and indulge in the green and lush surroundings. After the visit, we will head to the town of Cobán, a region that was severely affected during the civil war; however now it is known for the abundance of coffee and cardamom and also for Mayan traditions. You will have a chance to explore the town and enjoy lunch with a group of Q'eqchí women, and relax for the evening at your hotel. 

After an early breakfast, you will transfer from Cobán to the town of Lanquín (aprox. 2 hours).  Upon arrival you will check into your hotel and then take local transportation to the the entrance of Semuc Champey Natural Monument (aprox. 30 mins). Prepare for a day of exploring and relaxing in the turquoise pools and natural surroundings. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the K'amba caves. This cave system is 90% water and connects to the Cahabón River, you will be able to explore under candlelight and go tubing through the limestone formations. Enjoy your evening relaxing at your hotel in Lanquín. 

Prepare for a long day of travel to Antigua Guatemala (aprox. 5 hours). You will enjoy  an early breakfast and en route we will visit Biotopín Nature Reserve; a sanctuary for Guatemalan Quetzals in the cloud forest. Hopefully during our expedition we will be able to observe one or two. We will have lunch en route and continue our drive to Antigua. Upon arrival you will be able to indulge in rich Antigua coffee, traditional sweets and amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes. Free evening. 

Today you will visit the community of San Cristobal el Alto (15 mins approx.) A beautiful community on top of a mountain that is aiming to become the first 'garden town' in all of Central America. We will walk around town and visit the different cooperatives that give life to this wonderful community. We will also enjoy a short trek to the water spring to later enjoy a rustic lunch with talented cooks of the community. After enjoying this unique experience, we will make our way to mystical Lake Atitlán (aprox. 2.5 hours). 

After an early breakfast we will take a short  boat transfer to the town of San Juan la Laguna (approx. 30 mins). 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 walking tour and 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 to try authentic Guatemalan Pepián and tamales. After lunch we will get back in our boat and take a short ride to Santiago, Atitlán ( approx. 15 mins). 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, you will also visit the market,  the church and the cofradía of Maximón to learn about the religious syncretism between Maya cosmovision and Catholicism. Once done exploring we will head back to our hotel to enjoy the rest of our evening.

Wake up to a day exploring the picturesque and colorful alleys of Santa Catarina Palopó. This village is the first to be included in an initiative  of transforming communities through textile inspired art around the Lake. We will also visit the ceramic factories of San Antonio Palopó, a village that has stopped in time and still embodies local life and living traditions. After we finish exploring, we will get back to our hotel to relax and enjoy the rest of our evening.

Time has come to say goodbye to Guatemala for now and head home.  2 hours ahead of your flight you will transfer from your hotel in Antigua to GUA airport for your departure flight.