Land and Sea Maya Encounter

Upon arrival at the Guatemala City Airport (GUA) you will transfer to your hotel in Antigua Guatemala (aprox. 1 hour). 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.

Wake up to a delicious típico breakfast and fresh Guatemalan coffee before you prepare to explore this picturesque and colonial city. 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 enjoy a guided visit in our most important UNESCO World Heritage site and its colorful cobblestone streets while you taste incredible local food and learn about traditions, history and living Maya culture.  Enjoy a free afternoon to enjoy the town and visit squares and markets. 

Begin your morning with an early breakfast before transferring to GUA for your flight to the jungles of northern Guatemala (flight duration is 1 hour). You will arrive at the city of Flores, where you will enjoy a quick visit and lunch before venturing to Laguna del Tigre National Park, our largest protected area and RAMSAR site of great importance. You will drive for 2 hours before arriving at the village of Paso Caballos, where you will take a speedboat on the San Pedro River to your hotel. Once you are settled in and enjoy dinner, you will head out with your guide for a night jungle trekk and crocodile observation boat trip.

The ancient Maya chose the San Pedro River as one of the most important routes of commerce into and from the Maya lowlands, sites like El Perú became a hub for trade and development. Today you will travel the river deep into the jungle for a 14 km trekk to the city of El Perú. You will be able to do some birdwatching in the trails and if in season admire the magnificent Scarlet Macaw (Ara Macao) in its natural habitat. Enjoy your afternoon kayaking in the river or relaxing at the hotel. 

Today you will be admiring the wildlife and looking to identify a few of the 350 different species of birds that inhabit the Laguna del Tigre area. It will be a very relaxing day where you will be able to enjoy the sounds of the jungle. In the afternoon you will welcome the sunset overlooking the San Pedro River from the tallest lookout point in the station. Enjoy your evening relaxing at the pool or kayaking in the river. 

You will enjoy an early breakfast before you begin your transfer to the village of Uaxactún inside Tikal National Park, en route you will stop for lunch and a quick swim in Lake Petén Itzá. (2.5 hours approx.) before continuing your journey to your destination (1 hour approx.). Uaxactún is the perfect place to understand how the equinoxes, solstices and agriculture all came to be of most importance for the ancient Maya. You will be welcomed by the local and community development association. You will learn all about the community’s efforts for sustainable development through the collection of Xate, a world class foliage endemic to the region and biggest economic activity of the village. You will also come close to the story and background of the “Chicleros” (chewing gum collectors) of the area, their artisan techniques. To finish our day we will venture to explore the history and amazing architecture of this small pre-classic site that harbours an astronomic observatory unique to this region of Guatemala where a small ceremony will be performed to bless your visit and we will welcome the sunset from the highest point.

Wake up early and get ready for an excursion to explore the ancient Maya kingdom of Tikal, one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be recognized for both its cultural and natural significance, recent discoveries and use of Lidar Technology has changed everything we once thought we knew about Tikal. Enjoy the sunrise and fresh air in one the most emblematic pyramids in the heart of the lush Guatemalan jungle, where you will have the chance to appreciate the local fauna and be overwhelmed by the sounds of Howler Monkeys.  Free evening. 

Time has come to make your way into the Guatemalan Caribbean! Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the town of Río Dulce in the Izabal region (4.5 hours approx.). Once you arrive you will take the boat to your hotel in the Tatín River where you will be able to freshen up and relax. In the afternoon you will be hiking to "La Cueva del Tigre" (25 mins approx.) where you will learn about the local biodiversity and cultural significance and importance of Caves for the Maya Q’eqchí of the area. Upon arriving to the cave you will have the chance to jump into the natural pools of fresh water inside the cave and in the surroundings. You will then walk back to enjoy a rustic dinner of “Pescado Pachay” before heading to your lodge to rest for the evening. 

Do some early morning kayaking or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of birds in the area.  You will say goodbye to beautiful Río Tatín and move by boat to the colorful town of Livingston, home of the Garífuna, descendants of the African population brought during the colonization by the Spanish. Your local guide will show you around the town and teach you about Garífuna culture and history while admiring the murals and urban art in town. You will also visit La Casa del Casabe where we will learn the artisan process of preparing Casabe bread with Garífuna women.  At night you will enjoy a delicious local dinner while enjoying a show of Garífuna traditional dances, percussion and music.

Today you will take a 4x4 vehicle to the Q'eqchí village of Plan Grande Quehueche (45 mins approx). Upon arrival you will be welcomed with the sounds of Marimba music and a traditional Maya Ceremony to celebrate your arrival. You will hike a trail through the tropical humid forest to the 7 paradisiac pools of 7 Altares where you will be able to enjoy a nice swim. Return to the village to enjoy a rustic lunch and stay in the wooden cabins of the community run eco-lodge. 

We couldn't think of another way to finish your trip other than with a relaxing morning. Enjoy a tipico breakfast at Quehueche before transferring back to Livingston to catch the boat back to the mainland. En route you will stop at Cayo Quemado in Río Dulce, where you will enjoy a soothing massage using traditional oils and herbs, followed by a small class on how to make a fresh catch Coconut Ceviche, recipe unique to the area. After enjoying lunch you will arrive at the town of Río Dulce and will transfer to the Puerto Barrios Airport (1.5 hours approx.) for your flight back to Guatemala City (duration: 45 mins). Upon arrival at GUA airport you will transfer to your hotel in Guatemala City center to enjoy your last evening.

Time has come to say goodbye to Guatemala for now and head home. 3 hours ahead of your flight you will transfer from your hotel to GUA airport for your departure flight.