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Guatemala & Beyond

Guatemala & Beyond

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Description

Travel from the highlands of Guatemala to coastal El Salvador on a trip all things Central America. Start your adventure with a burst of Guatemalan Maya culture, visiting handicraft markets, shamanic Maya ceremonies and the impressive volcano-lined Lake Atitlan. Then, tuk-tuk through Antigua with the promise of a freshly made tortilla for lunch. Cross the border into Honduras for the UNESCO-listed Copan ruins before a guided tour of a coffee plantation on El Salvador’s Ruta de las Flores (Flower Route). Reach the lively Salvadoran capital and its eye-catching El Rosario rainbow church before wrapping up the adventure on the sunny Pacific coast.

Trip Name
Guatemala & Beyond
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, where 95% of the population is of Maya descent and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
  • Visit the equally colourful but very different markets of Chichicastenango and Almolonga for a slice of daily life in the highlands of Guatemala.
  • Explore the hidden cobbled streets of Antigua by tuk-tuk with an expert local guide, visiting sites like the ruins of Santa Clara.
  • Learn all about coffee at a local finca along the scenic Ruta de Las Flores, enjoying a tasting and picnic among the hills.
  • Kick back and relax on the famous beaches of the Costa del Sol region, ending your trip on the warm sands by the bright waters of the coast.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Antigua
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. With crumbling churches, vibrant markets and bohemian cafes set against a monumental volcano, Antigua is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Speaking of adventure, yours officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. If you decide to arrive in the city a little early (smart move!), there's plenty to do. Maybe satisfy your cravings and learn the art of old-world chocolate production at the ChocoMuseo or sit by the fountain and people watch in Central Park. After the meeting, the night is yours – maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers for a tamale (a classic staple of Mesoamerica that sees dough, meat and sauces steamed and served in a corn husk).
Day 2 - Quetzaltenango
After breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Mayan culture and Catholic religion coming together. Learn about this culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a god who isn’t clearly good or bad. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering, which you can buy at the on-site liquor store, you’ll stop for a group lunch. After, continue to Quetzaltenango. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela.
Day 3 - Quetzaltenango
Early this morning before breakfast, you’ll hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option is a local experience distinct to Guatemala and has little to do with actual chickens – they are old American school busses passed down to new owners who decked them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market, Almolonga, known for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. Whether you believe the vegetables are a gift from above or due to the high amounts of fertiliser used by locals, this colourful market is a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and maybe pick up a giant carrot. After, return to your hotel for breakfast.
Day 4 - Panajachel
As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Mayan dances or some leather goods. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 5 - Panajachel
This morning, you’ll set off on a lancha (boat) ride on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages. Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll visit the current shrine of Maximon (San Simon), where the local shamans keep watch. Your group will bring a gift of local spirits to share with the shamans, and while you drink, you’ll discuss the holy shrine, the perplexing deity and local life on the lake. Return to Panajachel in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening along the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Day 6 - Antigua
Spend a free morning in Panajachel – maybe sleep in or join a cooking class that teaches you more than just local flavours. Learn about the cultural significance of sharing food with the community, then enjoy the delicious creations you’ve made. Later, return to Antigua by private transfer in the afternoon. When you arrive, join your local leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a group dinner.
Day 7 - Antigua
Enjoy a free day to explore the city, with nothing scheduled until a meeting to welcome any new travellers joining you on your adventure. Maybe grab some roasted beans from a street vendor and munch them while you stroll around. If you’ve got a historical bent, perhaps check out the 18th-century ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara. Why not get a taste of local tradition with a chocolate-making workshop in the ChocoMuseo, or strut your stuff with a salsa dance lesson?
Day 8 - Antigua
Start your day with a tuk-tuk tour through the city, stopping by the Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint, the Santa Clara ruins, a view of the Union Tank before having a refreshing drink by Central Park. Continue to the Calle del Arco, Iglesia la Merced and the NimPot Crafts Market to see the work of local artisans, then see the largest colonial-era fountain in Central America and finish at the altar of the local saint Maximón. Along the way, your guide will teach you about the city’s history, religion, myths, legends, conflicts and native people. After all that exploring, it’s time for a true taste of Guatemala at a workshop on corn and comal (traditional flat griddle for cooking). Learn about the tortilla-making process and its cultural importance before you eat what you make, accompanied by fresh guacamole, roasted chirmol (fresh vegetable salsa), chiltepe peppers, beans and cheese.
Day 9 - Copan
Eat a quick breakfast before leaving your accommodation around 7 am to beat the traffic. Sit back and relax as you drive towards the Guatemalan Honduran border. As you drive, your local leader may share a bit about daily life and teach you some handy Spanish to help you interact with locals on your trip. Depending on traffic and time spent at the border crossing, you’ll arrive in Copan sometime in the early afternoon. With plans to visit Copan’s famous ruins tomorrow, perhaps spend some time this afternoon taking in the palm-tree-lined Central Plaza from a café, sipping on top-tier Honduran coffee (if you don’t like it sweet, ask for sugar on the side).
Day 10 - Copan
Gear up for a morning exploring Copan’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins. Meet your local guide, who’ll share the history of the excavated ruins of this ancient Maya citadel and public square. Aside from being one of the most important areas of Maya society, the site is known for the intricately carved pillars inscribed with faces and glyphs. After your tour, enjoy free time in Copan. If you’re looking to kick back, visit the nearby natural hot springs for a mud soak, dip in the refreshing pools and included dinner. But if you’re up for more exploring, perhaps spend a colourful afternoon at the Macaw Mountain Park to learn about bird rescue and rehabilitation, or another archaeological site at the Temple of Rosalila.
Day 11 - Santa Ana
Today, depart Honduras and head towards El Salvador. Enjoy the drive through Central America’s lush greenery, passing national parks, mountain peaks and even a volcano or two. Along the way, stop for lunch and refreshments. The journey will take you back into Guatemala before arriving in Santa Ana, El Salvador, so expect some layover time at the border crossings. Santa Ana is El Salvador's second-largest city and has some of the most well-preserved colonial architecture in the country. Tonight, why not head out for an evening stroll through the historic center and grab a bite.
Day 12 - Santa Ana
Start the day with a hit of caffeine with a morning visit to El Molino El Carmen, a coffee plantation founded in 1930 that has been using a traditional method of processing coffee for four generations. Enjoy a tour of La Casona (the estate house) and the coffee mill, but don’t worry, you’ll be able to sample the coffee yourself along with a selection of pastries. Finish your visit with a picnic lunch and a bag of Ataco Gourmet coffee to take home. Your afternoon will be spent taking in the view of the scenic Ruta de las Flores. Known as the ‘flower route,’ enjoy the sights of green hillsides as you drive between the colourful villages of Ataco, Salcoatitan, Juayua and Nahuizalco, where you’ll wander through street art, coffee crops and plant nurseries. Tonight, perhaps enjoy an al fresco dinner in Santa Ana’s Old Town.
Day 13 - La Libertad
This morning, set off from Santa Ana to Costa del Sol, stopping along the way at Joya de Ceren. Nicknamed the ‘Pompeii of the Americas,’ this UNESCO World Heritage site is a significant archaeological area. It contains the ruins of a 7th-century Maya farming town that appears frozen in time after being covered in ash from a volcanic eruption. Spend time exploring the site, then head towards San Salvador, where you’ll sit down to an included lunch with your group. After lunch, with your local leader as today’s guide, hear about how El Salvador’s religion, culture, cuisine and more are combined in its capital as you walk through the city centre. Along the way, stop by the UNESCO-listed El Rosario Church. Known for its unique brutalist architecture, it definitely stands out within San Salvador’s Historic District, but hold your breath because its interior is just as surprising.
Day 14 - La Libertad
Today is a free day in the quaint Costa Del Sol area. This spot is the perfect place to end your adventure, with six nearby beaches that boast gorgeous Pacific scenery. Grab a bite to eat at a local spot (your leader will have some great recommendations) or, if you feel like exploring, you can take a boat tour of the Estero Jaltepeque. This 28-kilometre-long mangrove forest is home to many species of birds, mammals and aquatic wildlife, notably the yellow-naped amazon and great black hawk. Tonight, relax with your group and maybe find another local spot to cheers to a trip well-travelled.
Day 15 - La Libertad
There are no activities planned for your last day and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 3,995-
01-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 3,960-
15-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 3,960-
22-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 3,960-
02-11-202616-11-2026AUD $ 3,995-
09-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 4,120-
19-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 4,230-
26-11-202610-12-2026AUD $ 4,120-
10-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 4,120-
21-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 4,120-
04-02-202718-02-2027AUD $ 4,090-
11-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 4,090-
25-02-202711-03-2027AUD $ 4,090-
11-03-202725-03-2027AUD $ 4,090-
01-04-202715-04-2027AUD $ 4,090-
15-04-202729-04-2027AUD $ 4,090-
06-05-202720-05-2027AUD $ 4,090-
06-01-202820-01-2028AUD $ 4,090-
03-02-202817-02-2028AUD $ 4,090-
10-02-202824-02-2028AUD $ 4,090-
24-02-202809-03-2028AUD $ 4,090-
09-03-202823-03-2028AUD $ 4,090-
30-03-202813-04-2028AUD $ 4,090-
13-04-202827-04-2028AUD $ 4,090-
04-05-202818-05-2028AUD $ 4,090-

Accommodation

Hotels (14 nights)

Transport

Private transport, tuk tuk, Shared boat, Chicken bus

Map

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